Best Time to Visit Kolkata, India

The best months to visit Kolkata are Oct – Feb. 18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon.

Quick facts

💰 Currency INR (₹) 1 USD ≈ ₹83. Cards work in restaurants and hotels; carry cash for street food

🗣 Language Bengali / Hindi English widely spoken — Kolkata has the highest English literacy in India

🕐 Timezone IST (UTC+5:30) No daylight saving time

☀️ Best Months Oct – Feb 18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon

🎒 Daily Budget ~$18–35 USD ₹1,500–2,900/day — Kolkata is one of India's most affordable major cities

🛂 Visa e-Visa online Tourist e-Visa $25 for 30 days; apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in

When to go

The ideal travel window for Kolkata is Oct – Feb, when you can expect 18–28°c and dry; mar–may is brutal heat; jun–sep is monsoon. This period offers the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Timezone: IST (UTC+5:30) (No daylight saving time)

Visa: e-Visa online — Tourist e-Visa $25 for 30 days; apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best months to visit Kolkata are Oct – Feb. 18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon.

What is the weather like in Kolkata?

During the best travel months (Oct – Feb), Kolkata typically has 18–28°c and dry; mar–may is brutal heat; jun–sep is monsoon. Check our full Kolkata guide for seasonal packing tips.

Is Kolkata expensive to visit?

See our detailed Kolkata budget breakdown for daily costs covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

Best time to visit Kolkata