Honestly, if you're planning a trip to India's capital, you've probably looked at a weather app and thought, "Oh, 25 degrees sounds lovely."
Big mistake.
The temperature in Delhi in degree celsius is a bit of a trickster. It doesn't just change; it morphs. One week you’re shivering in a puffer jacket because the mercury hit 3.2°C at Safdarjung, and a few months later, you’re basically melting into the pavement at 48°C.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the city is reeling under a cold wave that’s genuinely brutal. Just yesterday, January 15, the minimum temperature plummeted to 2.9°C. That’s the coldest night Delhi has seen in three years. If you think that sounds "mild" compared to European winters, you haven't felt the "bone-chilling" dampness of a Delhi fog. It's different.
Why the January Chill is No Joke
When people talk about the temperature in Delhi in degree celsius during winter, they often miss the "feel-like" factor. On paper, 4°C or 5°C sounds manageable. But in reality? It’s a damp, heavy cold that gets into your clothes.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently issued an orange alert because the maximums aren't even crossing 18°C on some days. That’s what we call a "Cold Day" condition. Basically, the sun doesn't peek through the smog and fog, so the ground never warms up.
- Record Lows: The all-time record for January is -2.2°C (back in 1935), but even hitting 1°C or 2°C is enough to shut down schools and delay hundreds of flights at IGI Airport.
- The Fog Factor: Dense fog often keeps visibility under 50 meters. This isn't just a driving hazard; it traps the cold air right at the surface.
The Scorching Flip Side: Surviving May and June
Fast forward a few months, and the conversation about temperature in Delhi in degree celsius takes a violent turn toward the extreme. By late May, the "Loo"—a hot, dust-laden wind—starts blowing in from the Thar Desert.
You'll see headlines about the city hitting 45°C or 47°C. In May 2022, parts of the city actually clocked 49.2°C. At that point, the air feels like a hairdryer blowing directly into your face.
The urban heat island effect makes it worse. All that concrete and glass in places like Cyber City or Noida absorbs heat all day and spits it back out at night. So, even at midnight, you might find the temperature stubbornly sitting at 32°C. It’s exhausting.
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Delhi Temperature Averages (Real Talk)
| Month | What the data says (Avg Max/Min) | What it actually feels like |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 7°C | Freezing mornings; you’ll need three layers. |
| April | 36°C / 21°C | Dry heat starts to sting; pleasant evenings. |
| June | 39°C / 27°C | Brutal. Don't go outside between 12 PM and 4 PM. |
| August | 32°C / 25°C | "Sticky" is an understatement. High humidity. |
| November | 28°C / 14°C | The "Goldilocks" zone—perfect for a walk. |
The Humidity Trap in August
Once the monsoon hits in July, the temperature in Delhi in degree celsius might drop to 33°C, but the humidity jumps to 80% or 90%. This is arguably worse than the 45°C dry heat of June.
Your sweat doesn't evaporate. You walk ten steps and your shirt is soaked. This is the time of year when "RealFeel" metrics on weather sites might show 42°C even if the thermometer only says 34°C.
How to Handle the Extremes
If you're living through these shifts or just visiting, you need a strategy. The temperature in Delhi in degree celsius dictates everything from what you eat to when you sleep.
- Winter (Dec-Jan): Layers are your best friend. Thermal wear isn't overkill. If the minimum is below 5°C, those marble floors in Delhi houses turn into blocks of ice. Get some thick woollen socks.
- Summer (May-June): Drink Sattu or Aam Panna. These are local cooling drinks that actually work better than iced soda. Also, cotton only. Synthetic fabrics are a death sentence in 45-degree heat.
- Monsoon (July-Sept): Carry a spare change of clothes. Between the sudden downpours and the humidity, you'll never stay dry.
The Climate Change Reality
We have to acknowledge that the temperature in Delhi in degree celsius is getting weirder. We’re seeing more "extreme weather events." Just this week in 2026, we had a sudden dip that caught the city off guard after a relatively mild December.
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The gap between the hottest and coldest days of the year is widening. Urbanisation has stripped away the green cover that used to act as a buffer. Now, the city just bakes or freezes.
What to Do Next
Keep a close eye on the IMD's daily bulletins rather than just relying on generic global weather apps. The local stations like Palam and Safdarjung often show a 2-3 degree difference because of local factors like greenery or proximity to the airport.
If you’re planning a trip, aim for the "sweet spot" between October and mid-November or late February to March. That's when the temperature in Delhi in degree celsius finally behaves itself, hovering in that glorious 20-25°C range that makes the city's gardens look like something out of a movie.
Download the "Mausam" app—it's the official IMD tool. It’s a bit clunky, but it’s the most accurate data you’ll get for the capital’s volatile mood swings.