Climatic Regions in India

Climatic regions are broad geographic areas characterized by distinct weather patterns and environmental conditions. India, with its vast landmass and diverse topography, experiences a wide range of climatic regions, each influenced by factors such as monsoon winds, altitude, proximity to water bodies, and latitude.

Let us learn more about the climatic regions of India!

6 Climatic Zones of India

Climatic Zone	Description	States/Regions
Tropical Wet	Characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, with dense vegetation and lush forests.	Kerala, parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Tropical Wet and Dry	Features distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season followed by a drier period.	Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam
Subtropical Humid	Moderate to high temperatures with humid conditions, particularly during the summer months, and moderate rainfall throughout the year.	Northern plains, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam
Subtropical Dry	Hot summers with dry conditions, followed by cooler winters. Rainfall is scarce, and vegetation is adapted to arid or semi-arid conditions.	Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh
Arid	Extremely dry conditions with very low precipitation levels throughout the year. Characterized by desert landscapes and sparse vegetation.	Thar Desert region (Rajasthan), parts of Gujarat
Alpine	High-altitude regions with cold temperatures, snowfall, and alpine vegetation. Temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in winter.	Himalayan states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh

Koeppen’s Scheme Of Climatic Zones of India

According to Köppen’s scheme of climatic classification, India can be divided into the following major climatic zones:

• Tropical Wet (Af) Climate: This climate is found in parts of the Western Ghats, northeastern India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with heavy rainfall and high humidity.
• Tropical Monsoon (Am) Climate: This is the predominant climate in most parts of mainland India, including the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, and the eastern coastal regions. It features high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season dominated by the southwest monsoon.
• Tropical Dry (Aw) Climate: This climate is prevalent in the northwestern and central regions of India, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. It is characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and low rainfall, with a distinct dry season.
• Semi-Arid (BS) Climate: This climate is found in the western parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, as well as parts of the Deccan Plateau. It features hot and dry conditions with low and erratic rainfall.
• Subtropical Humid (Cfa) Climate: This climate is observed in the Western Ghats and parts of northeastern India, with hot summers, mild winters, and significant rainfall throughout the year.
• Mountain (H) Climate: The Himalayan region, including states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, experiences a mountain climate characterized by low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and varying precipitation patterns based on altitude.

What are Climatic Regions?

The following describes the climatic regions:

1. Tropical: A large portion of the Indian Ocean, especially around the equatorial belt, experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Areas like the Maldives, Seychelles, and coastal regions of East Africa and Southeast Asia have this climate.
2. Monsoon/Subtropical: The monsoon climate is prevalent in regions like South Asia, parts of East Africa, and northern Australia, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons driven by the seasonal monsoon winds. Heavy rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon months.
3. Arid/Desert: The Arabian Peninsula, parts of East Africa, and western Australia experience an arid or desert climate with extremely low rainfall, high temperatures, and dry conditions throughout the year due to their proximity to the hot deserts.
4. Mediterranean: Some areas around the northern Indian Ocean, such as southwestern Australia and parts of South Africa, have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
5. Temperate: The southernmost regions of the Indian Ocean, including parts of South Africa and southern Australia, have a temperate climate with moderate temperatures and more evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.
6. Equatorial: The equatorial region around the Indian Ocean, including parts of Indonesia and East Africa, has a hot and humid climate with consistent high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round.

Types of Climatic Regions in India

• Tropical Wet (Humid): This climate is experienced in the coastal regions of the country, including the Western Ghats, the island territories, and parts of the eastern coast. It is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall, influenced by the monsoon winds.
• Tropical Dry: This arid or semi-arid climate is prevalent in the northwestern parts of India, including regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Punjab and Haryana. These areas have very high temperatures, low humidity, and scanty rainfall.
• Subtropical Humid: The northeastern states of India, including Assam, Meghalaya, and parts of West Bengal, experience a subtropical humid climate. This region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season and has high humidity levels.
• Mountain/Highland Climate: The Himalayan region, including states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, has a mountain climate characterized by cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and varying precipitation patterns based on altitude.
• Continental Climate: The northern plains of India, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, experience a continental climate with extreme temperatures (hot summers and cold winters) and moderate rainfall.
• Mediterranean Climate: Some parts of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills in southern India have a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Factors Causing Climatic Regions In India

1. Monsoon Winds: The monsoon winds play a crucial role in determining the climate of India. The southwest monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most parts of the country, while the northeast monsoon (October-December) causes rainfall in the southern regions.
2. Topography: India’s diverse topography, including the Himalayas in the north, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats along the coasts, and the Deccan Plateau in the center, significantly influences the climate. These physical features affect wind patterns, rainfall distribution, and temperature variations.
3. Altitude: Altitude is a key factor in determining the climate in different regions of India. Higher altitudes, such as the Himalayas, experience colder temperatures and more precipitation, while lower altitudes, like the plains, have warmer and drier conditions.
4. Distance from the Sea: The proximity to the sea or ocean affects the climate. Coastal regions tend to have a more moderate climate due to the influence of sea breezes, while inland areas experience greater temperature extremes and less humidity.
5. Pressure and Wind Systems: The movement of different air pressure systems and wind patterns, such as the Western Disturbances and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can influence the climate of various regions in India.
6. Ocean Currents: The warm ocean currents in the Indian Ocean, such as the Arabian Sea Current and the Bay of Bengal Current, can impact the climate of coastal areas by influencing temperature and precipitation patterns.
7. Latitude: The latitudinal position of different regions in India also plays a role in determining the climate. Areas closer to the equator experience a tropical climate, while regions further away have more temperate or continental climates.

Conclusion

India’s climatic diversity is proof to its unique geographic features and position. From the tropical wet regions of the Western Ghats to the arid deserts of Rajasthan, and from the subtropical humid areas of the northeast to the alpine climate of the Himalayas, India’s climatic regions offer a rich tapestry of environmental conditions. Recognizing and adapting to these climatic variations is essential for sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts across the nation.

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FAQs on India’s Climatic Regions

What are the major climatic regions in India?

The major climatic regions in India include tropical wet, tropical dry, subtropical humid, mountain/highland, and continental climates.

How are the climatic regions in India classified according to different schemes?

The article discusses climatic classifications of India according to Köppen’s scheme (tropical wet, tropical monsoon, tropical dry, etc.), Trewartha’s classification (tropical humid, tropical dry, subtropical humid, etc.), and Stamp’s classification (hot deserts, semi-arid regions, monsoon regions, etc.).

What are the key factors influencing climatic regions in India?

Monsoon winds, topography, altitude, distance from the sea, pressure and wind systems, ocean currents, and latitude are the major factors that determine the climatic regions in India.

How do the monsoon winds affect the climate of India?

The southwest monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most parts of India, while the northeast monsoon (October-December) causes rainfall in the southern regions.

What is the climate like in the Himalayan region?

The Himalayan region experiences a mountain climate characterized by cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and varying precipitation patterns based on altitude.

Can you provide examples of subdivisions within climatic regions in India?

Yes, the article mentions subdivisions like tropical wet and dry climate, tropical monsoon climate, semi-arid climate, humid subtropical climate, alpine climate, and temperate mountain climate.