🌤️ Dhaka Weather: What to Expect from the Climate in Bangladesh’s Bustling Capital
Whether you’re planning a trip or just moved to Dhaka, understanding its weather is key to making the most of your time in the city.
📍 Where is Dhaka Located?
Dhaka lies in central Bangladesh, near the Ganges Delta. Surrounded by rivers and wetlands, the city has a humid subtropical to tropical wet and dry climate, according to the Köppen classification.
☀️ Dhaka’s Climate at a Glance
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Weather Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec – Feb | 10–25°C | Cool, dry, pleasant |
| Summer | Mar – May | 28–40°C | Hot, humid, pre-monsoon storms |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | 26–35°C | Heavy rain, flooding, high humidity |
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | 25–32°C | Transition to dry season, occasional showers |
❄️ Winter (December–February): The Best Time to Visit
Winter is the most comfortable time in Dhaka. The weather is dry, the skies are clear, and temperatures drop just enough to give locals and visitors a break from the usual humidity.
☑️ What to Expect:
- Mild mornings (10–15°C) and pleasant afternoons (22–25°C)
- Low humidity, which makes the city feel fresher
- Festivals and outdoor events are common during this time
🧥 What to Pack:
- Light jackets or sweaters for evenings
- Full-sleeve shirts and breathable pants during the day
- Sunglasses and sun protection (UV is still high)
✅ Local Tip: This is peak wedding season in Dhaka. The weather is perfect for outdoor events, and you’ll see the city dressed in lights.
☀️ Summer (March–May): Hot Days, Stormy Nights
Summer in Dhaka can feel intense. Temperatures often rise above 38°C (100°F), and the humidity builds up quickly. But with the heat comes pre-monsoon nor’westers—sudden thunderstorms that cool things down.
☑️ What to Expect:
- Daytime highs around 35–40°C
- Frequent thunderstorms in the evening
- Dust storms and brief but heavy rainfall in April–May
👕 What to Pack:
- Light, loose cotton clothing
- Umbrella and water bottle
- Flip-flops or sandals that dry quickly
⚠️ Note: Power cuts can happen more often due to high electricity demand. Plan accordingly if you’re working remotely or relying on AC.
🌧️ Monsoon (June–September): Wet, Wild, and Lush
Monsoon season defines Dhaka’s rhythm. The rain brings relief from the summer heat but also causes flooding and traffic jams in some areas. Rain can last for days, turning the city greener—but muddier too.
☑️ What to Expect:
- Heavy rainfall, especially in July and August
- Humidity often above 90%
- Frequent waterlogging in low-lying neighborhoods
☔ What to Pack:
- A strong, wind-resistant umbrella
- Waterproof shoes or sandals
- Fast-drying clothes and a raincoat
🌿 Fun Fact: Monsoon is also hilsa fish season and the perfect time to try spicy comfort foods like khichuri.
🍂 Autumn (October–November): A Gentle Transition
Autumn in Dhaka is short and sweet. The rains start to fade, and the air becomes cooler. Festivals like Durga Puja and Eid-e-Milad light up the city, and outdoor life picks up again.
☑️ What to Expect:
- Comfortable temperatures (25–32°C)
- Occasional short showers
- Cleaner air and clearer skies
👚 What to Pack:
- Light cotton clothes for the day
- A light scarf or shawl for the evenings
- Mosquito repellent (increased activity post-monsoon)
💡 How Weather Affects Daily Life in Dhaka
- Commuting: Rain impacts traffic. Monsoon can double your travel time.
- Fashion: People switch from synthetic to cotton in summer, and from sandals to boots in monsoon.
- Food: Seasonal weather influences what people eat. (See our post: How Dhaka’s Weather Influences Local Food)
- Energy Use: AC usage spikes in summer, while heaters are rarely used in winter.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19 | 10 | Winter |
| February | 22 | 25 | Winter |
| March | 27 | 40 | Summer |
| April | 30 | 100 | Summer |
| May | 32 | 180 | Summer |
| June | 30 | 340 | Monsoon |
| July | 29 | 370 | Monsoon |
| August | 30 | 360 | Monsoon |
| September | 30 | 280 | Monsoon |
| October | 28 | 120 | Autumn |
| November | 25 | 40 | Autumn |
| December | 21 | 15 | Winter |
💡 How Weather Affects Daily Life in Dhaka
- Commuting: Rain impacts traffic. Monsoon can double your travel time.
- Fashion: People switch from synthetic to cotton in summer, and from sandals to boots in monsoon.
- Food: Seasonal weather influences what people eat. (See our post: How Dhaka’s Weather Influences Local Food)
- Energy Use: AC usage spikes in summer, while heaters are rarely used in winter.
⚠️ Extreme Weather Events in Dhaka
Dhaka occasionally faces extreme weather:
- Nor’wester storms (Kalboishakhi): Sudden summer storms with high winds and lightning.
- Urban flooding: Common in the monsoon, especially in older or low-lying areas.
- Heatwaves: More frequent due to climate change, especially in April and May.
🧠 Tip: Always check the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) before traveling or attending an event during monsoon season.
✅ Final Thoughts
Dhaka’s weather is dynamic, vibrant, and deeply connected to the city’s daily life. Whether you’re planning a visit or just trying to survive your first summer here, knowing what to expect from the climate helps you stay comfortable and prepared.
From winter’s charm to monsoon’s drama, the weather in Dhaka adds color, challenge, and beauty to life in this ever-bustling city.