It’s the first thing you notice when you step out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. That heavy, warm blanket of air. If you're checking your phone to see what is the temperature of mumbai, the number you see—maybe 31°C—is almost certainly a lie. Well, not a lie, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Because in this city, the thermometer and your skin are constantly in a heated argument.
Mumbai is a coastal paradox. It sits on the edge of the Arabian Sea, which means the water regulates the heat, preventing the bone-dry 45°C scorchers you get in Delhi or Rajasthan. But that same water pumps so much moisture into the air that a "mild" 30-degree day can feel like you're walking through warm soup.
The Three Real Seasons of Mumbai
Forget the standard four-season calendar. Mumbai doesn't do autumn. It doesn't really do "spring" either.
The Long Summer (March to early June)
This is when the city starts to bake. From March onwards, the mercury climbs, usually hovering between 32°C and 35°C. That sounds manageable until you factor in the humidity which often stays above 70%. It’s a sticky, relentless heat. You’ll see locals carrying umbrellas not for rain, but for shade. By May, the heat is at its peak. The "RealFeel" or heat index often hits 40°C or higher. It's the kind of weather where you take a shower and feel like you need another one five minutes after drying off.
The Monsoon Reset (June to September)
Then come the rains. When the Southwest Monsoon hits, usually in the second week of June, the temperature of mumbai actually drops. It’s a relief. The air cools down to about 27°C or 28°C. However, the humidity spikes to nearly 90%. It is spectacular and chaotic. The city transforms into a lush, grey, dripping landscape. While the air is cooler, the dampness is everywhere. Your clothes won't dry, your salt shakers get clumpy, and the breeze off the Marine Drive becomes a salty, misty spray.
The "Winter" (December to February)
I use quotes because if you’re from London or New York, you’ll laugh at what Mumbaikars call winter. This is the goldilocks zone. The daytime highs stay around 28°C, but the nights can drop to a crisp 16°C or 18°C. In Jan 2022, Mumbai hit a rare low of 13.2°C, and people were breaking out heavy wool coats like they were in the Arctic. It’s honestly the best time to visit. The air is dry, the sky is clear (mostly), and you can actually walk from Colaba to Kala Ghoda without needing a change of shirt.
Why the Island City Traps Heat
Mumbai isn't just one landmass; it’s a series of reclaimed islands. Because it’s so densely packed with concrete and skyscrapers, it suffers from the Urban Heat Island effect. Basically, the buildings soak up the sun all day and radiate that heat back out at night.
If you go to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali, the temperature of mumbai will feel about 2 to 3 degrees cooler than in the cramped lanes of Dadar or Lower Parel. The trees make a massive difference.
There’s also the sea breeze. It’s the city’s natural air conditioning. Around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM every day, the wind shifts. The cool air from the Arabian Sea blows inland, pushing back the rising heat. If you live in a sea-facing apartment in Bandra or Juhu, you’re paying a premium largely for that breeze.
Looking at the Data: What the Records Say
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) keeps two main stations: Santacruz (inland) and Colaba (coastal).
- Santacruz usually records higher highs and lower lows. It’s more sensitive to land-based weather patterns.
- Colaba is steadier because the sea is right there.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Mumbai was 42.2°C back in April 1952. It’s rare to cross 40°C, but it happens during "heatwave" conditions when the winds blow from the desert regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan instead of the ocean. When that happens, the city feels like a furnace because the humidity is still lurking in the background.
The Humidity Factor: Why 32°C is Not 32°C
We have to talk about the Dew Point. In Mumbai, the dew point is often incredibly high—around 24°C or 25°C. When the dew point is that high, your sweat can’t evaporate. Evaporation is how the human body cools down. If the sweat just sits on your skin, you overheat.
This is why "Dry Heat" (like in Vegas or Phoenix) is often more tolerable than "Mumbai Heat." You can be in 40°C in a desert and feel okay in the shade. In Mumbai, 33°C in the shade will still have you drenched in minutes.
Surviving the Mumbai Climate
If you’re moving here or just visiting, you have to adapt. Locals don't wear polyester. It’s all about cotton and linen. Dark colors are a mistake. You also learn the "AC hop"—moving from an air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned office to an air-conditioned mall, spending as little time as possible in the "in-between" air.
Hydration isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival tactic. You’ll see Nimbu Pani (lemonade) stalls on every corner for a reason. The salt and sugar help replace what you’re losing to the humidity.
What to Expect If You Visit Today
If you're checking what is the temperature of mumbai right now, look at the "Feels Like" index. If the app says 30°C but "Feels Like" 36°C, believe the 36.
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Check the wind direction. If the wind is coming from the West or Southwest, you’re getting that moist, oceanic air. If it’s coming from the North, it might be a slightly drier, cooler day in the winter months.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Mumbai's Weather
To make the most of your time in the city without melting into the pavement, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Check the Dew Point, Not Just the Temp: Use a weather app like Windy or AccuWeather. If the dew point is over 21°C, expect to feel sticky. Over 24°C? It’s going to be oppressive.
- Time Your Outings: Avoid the 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM window for outdoor sightseeing. The "Golden Hour" near the coast (around 5:30 PM) is when the temperature drops and the sea breeze is at its peak.
- Fabric Choice Matters: Stick to 100% cotton or mulmul. Synthetic "wicking" fabrics often fail in Mumbai's extreme humidity because the air is too saturated for the moisture to wick away effectively.
- Stay South for Breezes: If you’re sensitive to heat, stay in South Mumbai (SoBo) or near the Western suburbs' coastline. The inland areas like Kurla, Ghatkopar, or Mulund are significantly hotter and more stagnant.
- Monitor the AQI: In winter (Nov-Feb), the lower temperatures often trap pollutants, leading to poor air quality. Check the Air Quality Index along with the temperature before planning a morning run.
The temperature of mumbai is a living thing. It changes with the tide, the wind, and the sheer density of the people living in it. Respect the sun, embrace the sweat, and always carry a spare shirt.