India’s vast geography and diverse topography give rise to a wide range of climatic regions, each shaped by factors like latitude, altitude, proximity to oceans, and the monsoon winds. India is a vast country with diverse topography, ranging from the Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south, and from the Thar Desert in the west to the humid forests of the northeast. This geographical diversity results in a wide range of climatic conditions across the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and scholars like Koppen have classified the climate of India into various climatic regions based on temperature, rainfall, humidity, and vegetation.
Table of Contents
Classification by Koppen
Koppen’s classification system is widely used for climate classification. Based on his criteria, India is divided into the following major climatic types:
a. Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate (Am)
- Region: Western coastal plains, southern parts of Kerala, parts of northeastern states.
- Characteristics:
- High temperature throughout the year.
- Heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon (above 200 cm annually).
- Dense evergreen forests.
b. Tropical Savanna Climate (Aw)
- Region: Most of the peninsular plateau (central India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu interiors).
- Characteristics:
- Distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Moderate rainfall (100–200 cm).
- Tropical deciduous vegetation.
c. Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate (BSh)
- Region: Rain-shadow regions of the Western Ghats, central Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Characteristics:
- Low and erratic rainfall (50–100 cm).
- Long dry seasons.
- Scrub vegetation and grasses.
d. Tropical Arid (Desert) Climate (BWh)
- Region: Western Rajasthan (Thar Desert).
- Characteristics:
- Extremely low rainfall (below 50 cm).
- High diurnal temperature range.
- Sparse vegetation (thorny bushes and xerophytes).
e. Subtropical Humid Climate (Cwa)
- Region: Northern plains including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Characteristics:
- Hot summers and cool winters.
- Moderate to high rainfall (75–150 cm).
- Supports agriculture and dense population.
f. Mountain or Alpine Climate (ET and H)
- Region: Himalayan region.
- Characteristics:
- Varies with altitude.
- Cold winters and mild summers.
- Heavy snowfall in higher altitudes.
Climatic Divisions by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
The IMD divides India into four major climatic regions:
- Hot and Dry (Arid): Thar Desert region.
- Hot and Wet (Humid): Coastal regions and northeastern states.
- Cold and Dry: Leh and Ladakh.
- Cold and Wet: Himalayan foothills and parts of northeast.
Factors Influencing Climatic Diversity in India
- Latitude: India spans from near the equator to the subtropical belt.
- Altitude: The Himalayas and Western Ghats influence temperature and rainfall.
- Monsoon Winds: Southwest and northeast monsoons determine seasonal rainfall.
- Distance from Sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates while interiors have extreme temperatures.
- Relief Features: Mountains, valleys, and plateaus affect local climates.
Conclusion
India’s climate is a complex mosaic shaped by geographical and atmospheric conditions. Understanding the climatic regions helps in planning agriculture, managing water resources, and adapting to climate change. The regional climate also influences the cultural and economic life of the people across the country.
Read: Geography Notes