India’s vast geographical expanse, stretching from the tropical South to the Himalayan North, means the question of how many seasons the country experiences does not have a single, straightforward answer. The climate is deeply influenced by its position within the tropical and subtropical zones, dominated by the powerful monsoon system. Defining the seasonal cycle depends on the framework used, whether it is the modern scientific classification or the ancient cultural calendar. The diversity of landscapes, including deserts, coastlines, and high mountains, prevents any uniform seasonal experience across the entire subcontinent. This complexity results in two primary, yet distinct, ways to classify the annual pattern of weather.
The Four Primary Meteorological Seasons
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially recognizes four distinct seasons, a classification utilized for scientific forecasting and agricultural planning across the nation. The first is the Winter season (December through February), bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures, especially across the northern plains. This is followed by the Summer or Pre-Monsoon season (March to May), characterized by a significant rise in temperatures, often exceeding 40°C in the central and northwest regions.
The most defining period is the Southwest Monsoon or Rainy Season, which typically lasts from June to September. This season is triggered by the reversal of wind patterns, drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, delivering over 80% of India’s total annual rainfall. The arrival of the monsoon reduces the searing summer heat and is crucial for agriculture. Finally, the Post-Monsoon or Autumn season occurs in October and November, representing a transition as the monsoon retreats before the onset of winter.
The Traditional Six-Season Cycle
Beyond the scientific classification, Indian culture and the ancient lunisolar calendar follow the Ritu system, which divides the year into six distinct, two-month-long seasons. This traditional framework is integrated into classical music, literature, and the practice of Ayurveda. The cycle begins with Vasant Ritu, or Spring (mid-March to mid-May), a period of renewal that precedes the intense heat.
Vasant is followed by Grishma Ritu, the Summer season (mid-May to mid-July), which brings the hottest and driest conditions. The arrival of Varsha Ritu, the Monsoon season (mid-July to mid-September), provides relief with heavy rains. As the rains conclude, the year transitions into Sharad Ritu, the Autumn season (mid-September to mid-November), marked by clear skies and moderate temperatures, often associated with major festivals.
The final two seasons are Hemant Ritu, or Pre-Winter (mid-November to mid-January), which introduces a gentle cooling of the weather. The cycle concludes with Shishir Ritu, or Winter (mid-January to mid-March), which brings the coldest weather of the year. This six-season system reflects a nuanced, centuries-old observation of the subtle shifts in nature.
Regional Climatic Variations
While the four and six-season models provide a national framework, the actual experience of these seasons varies across India. In the northern plains and the Himalayan regions, the four seasons are distinctly felt, with a pronounced and often severe winter lasting from December into March. These northern areas experience significant temperature fluctuations and are subject to snowfall and intense cold during Shishir and Hemant Ritus.
In contrast, the peninsular South, particularly the coastal and equatorial regions, does not experience a true winter. For a large part of South India, the year essentially consists of two primary climatic phases: a long, hot season and the rainy season. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, meaning the seasonal shift is often just a mild variation between the dry, hot period and the high humidity and heavy rainfall brought by the monsoon. This means the six-season cycle is most recognizable in the northern half of the country, while the South largely bypasses the experience of a significant autumn, pre-winter, or cold winter period.