Weather of Orissa

Orissa enjoys a tropical climate. Its climate is influenced by the South-West and the retreating North-East monsoon. The climate is characterized by high temperature from March to May and high rainfall from June to September.

The major source of rainfall is the South-West monsoon. The state also receives a small quantity of rain from the retreating monsoon in the months of October-November when occasional cyclonic storms are experienced.

Although rainfall is widespread during the monsoons, some local variations are experienced due to topography. The annual average rainfall is 1482 mm. Out of which 76 per cent is received from June to September. July is the rainiest while January is the driest month. The mean annual temperature of Orissa is influenced by its latitude, elevation and proximity to the sea.

Orissa Weather Facts - The western districts in Orissa experience higher temperature. The temperature in May for Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Baragarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj vary between 40°C-46°C which continues for about two weeks. Koraput, Kondhamal and Keonjhar are generally cooler due to higher elevation. Parts of Mayurbhanj (Similipal Hills), Koraput, Kondhamal and Keonjhar districts experience 3°C to 4°C or lower temperatures in the morning for many days during winter.

Below freezing temperatures are also experienced in isolated hill locations such as Tinadiha in Similipal Hills, Daringibadi in Kondhamal district and Niamgiri in Koraput district. The low temperatures in coastal district are usually between 12°C and 14°C. Minimum temperature is 9°C in Sundergarh during November. Maximum Humidity is 86 percent during July-August. However, thebest period to visit Orissa is from October to March.