Indian Seasons (Shad Ritu)

Mid-March – Mid-May · Chaitra – Vaishakha

Considered the king of seasons (Ritu Raja). Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and festivals like Holi and Ugadi mark this transition out of winter.

Mid-May – Mid-July · Jyeshtha – Ashadha

The hottest stretch of the year across most of India, with peak daytime temperatures and long daylight hours leading up to the monsoon.

Mid-July – Mid-September · Shravana – Bhadrapada

The south-west monsoon brings the year's main rainfall. Many vrats and the Chaturmas period of reduced activity for sannyasis begin in this season.

Mid-September – Mid-November · Ashwin – Kartik

Clear post-monsoon skies and cooling nights. The festival-heavy season of Navratri, Durga Puja and Diwali falls here.

Mid-November – Mid-January · Margashirsha – Pausha

Early winter with crisp mornings and the shortest days of the year, culminating around the winter solstice (Makar Sankranti follows soon after).

Mid-January – Mid-March · Magha – Phalguna

The coldest season in most of North India, gradually warming toward spring; ends with Holika Dahan and the arrival of Vasant Ritu.