Climate
The climate in Bangladesh is theatrical,
to say the least. It is subtropical and steamy with temperatures ranging from
as low as 3ºC overnight in the cold season to a daytime top of above 40ºC in
the hot season. Annual rainfall varies from 1000mm in the west to 2500mm in the
southeast, and up to 5000mm in the north, near the hills of Assam.
Three-quarters of the annual
rainfall occurs between June and September. The 90% to 95% humidity in this
season is almost unbearable.
In the cold season the weather is
drier and fresh, with average daytime temperatures of 24ºC. rainwater is
negligible, although even in winter a brief shower may come along.
While early March can still be
pleasant, by April, as the monsoon approaches, humidity increases and lethal
hailstorms aren’t uncommon. The monsoon season usually starts between late May
and mid-June. It doesn’t rain solidly all day – there tends to be an initial heavy
shower, followed by clear skies. You should avoid visiting at this time of
year!
See also When to Go.
What
time to go
Bangladesh has three main seasons:
the monsoonal season (wet season) from late May to early October; the cool
season from mid-October to the end of February; and the hot season from March
to mid-May.
Between October and February is the
best time to go: skies are blue, days are sunny and the weather is dry, with
daytime temperatures averaging 24ºC. By April the temperature rises to around
40ºC, the humidity can be intolerable and hailstorms aren’t uncommon. On
average, Bangladesh is hit by one major cyclone every three years. The worst
times for these are May and June, and October and November.
The only festival that may really
inconvenience you is Ramadan. During this month-long period of fasting, getting
food (especially in small towns) can be difficult. Some budget hotels stop
operating altogether.
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