By Hemant SharmaIndia is a land of contrasts even when it comes to local weather conditions. From the icy heights of Himalayas where the temperatures fall to below freezing point to the hot plains of Rajasthan and the Gangetic valley, India has extremely contrasting regions. However, most regions of India experience high temperatures throughout the year due to consistently high sunshine. Summer months are particularly hot especially during the month of May, with heatwaves driving the mercury to extremely high levels. Cooler months are from November to February especially in North India. Climate in South India is much warmer as compared to other parts of India even though hill stations like Ooty experience cooler climate. India is essentially a tropical country. Let’s have a look at the top 10 hottest cities in India for the year 2025.
1 Sri Ganganagar
Sri Ganganagar is the northernmost city in the state of Rajasthan and lies near the international border with Pakistan. The city experiences extremely hot summers with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Average high temperature of the city is around 41 degrees Celsius. Summer season starts in the month of June and continues till September. Hottest month is June.
Sri Ganganagar has a desert climate and receives a scanty annual rainfall of just 367mm. However, despite low rainfall, this region is a major farming district due to the Indira Canal which brings water from the Himalayas for irrigation.
2. Agra
Agra is a historically important city located on the banks of Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures crossing 46 degrees Celsius and even reaching 50 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius. Summer season lasts from May to July with the mercury soaring past 40 degrees Celsius.
Agra has a semi-arid climate bordering on sub-tropical humid climate. Low rainfall and lack of forest cover also contribute to the high temperatures.
3. Churu
Churu is a city located in the desert region of Rajasthan and is known as the gateway to Thar Desert. The summer temperatures in this city reach 50 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 34 degrees Celsius. Hot season lasts from April to July and the hottest month is June.
High temperatures are due to the semi arid climate of this region. Other reasons are hot and dry winds which blow in this region, low rainfall, relatively lower altitude and absence of water bodies.
4. Delhi
National Capital of Delhi experiences extreme weather conditions. The maximum temperature of the city reaches 45 degrees Celsius during the summer months with various areas in the city recording even higher temperatures. Average high temperature of the city is around 38 degrees Celsius. Summer season starts in the month of April and is at its peak during May and early June.
Delhi is well known for its heat waves during the summer months which drive the temperatures up. Reasons for high temperatures are hot and dry winds blowing from the Thar Desert, urban heat island effect and high population.
5. Jhansi
Jhansi is located in the hot and dry plains of Bundelkhand in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Summer temperatures in this city reach 48 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 35 degrees Celsius. The city experiences summer season from April till around third week of June with temperatures peaking in May.
Jhansi experiences high temperatures due to its geography and proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. Agricultural practices and urbanisation also play an important role in driving up the local temperature.
6. Phalodi
Phalodi is located in the buffer zone of Thar Desert in the state of Rajasthan. The highest recorded temperature in the city is 51 degrees Celsius with temperatures consistently remaining above 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months. Average high temperature of the city is around 33 degrees Celsius. Hot summer season lasts from April to June.
Phalodi experiences extreme temperatures due to its generally hot and arid climate, and close proximity to the Thar Desert.
7. Vijayawada
Vijayawada, located along the banks of the Krishna River, is the commercial and cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The summer temperatures reach as much as 48 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 33 degrees Celsius. May is the hottest month in the year with the mercury crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark.
Vijayawada has a tropical wet dry climate and is known for its high humidity which becomes worse during the summer months.
8. Nagpur
Nagpur is a major city in the state of Maharashtra. Maximum summer temperature in the city reaches 48 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius. The city experiences dry weather conditions for most part of the year. Summer season lasts from March to June with temperatures peaking during the month of May.
Nagpur is famous for orange cultivation which thrives in the hot and dry climate of the region. Apart from a generally dry climate, urbanisation is also a contributory factor to the high temperatures in Nagpur city due to heat island effect.
9. Titlagarh
Titlagarh is located in the Balangir district of Odisha. The city experiences hot summers with heatwaves driving the temperatures to 45-46 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 34 degrees Celsius. Hot summer season lasts from March to mid-June.
Titlagarh’s location in the rain shadow region of Odisha leads to dry weather conditions especially during the summer season.
10. Bilaspur
Bilaspur, located on the banks of Arpa River, is the commercial and business hub of Northeast Chhattisgarh. Summer temperatures in the city reach as much as 46 degrees Celsius while the average high temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. The city experiences summer season from March to June with temperatures peaking in the month of May.
Bilaspur’s location near the Tropic of Cancer plays a major role in its hot and dry climate. Furthermore, urban expansion and deforestation also contribute to the high temperatures.
Conclusion
2024 was the hottest year, surpassing the previously record set in the year 2016. Major reasons for the high temperatures are El Nino effect and global warming. The top hottest cities in India are the hotspots of extreme temperatures.