Delhi Records Coolest and Wettest October in Three Years — IMD Reports 491% Rainfall Surplus
Delhi recorded its coolest October in three years, thanks to ample rainfall, cloudy skies, and reduced sunshine. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the average monthly maximum temperature was 31.5°C, which is 1.5°C below the long-period average (LPA). This marks the lowest October temperature since 2022, when the average stood at 31.4°C.
Record-Breaking Rainfall: 491% Above Normal
Delhi also experienced exceptionally high rainfall, registering 89.3mm of rain, nearly six times the October average of 15.1mm, amounting to a 491% surplus.
This made October 2025 the wettest in three years, with the city recording 128.6mm of total rainfall. By comparison, no rainfall was recorded last year (2024), and just 5.4mm in 2023. According to IMD, this is the third wettest October in the last decade.
Most of the rainfall occurred between October 1 and 8, with the heaviest single-day downpour of 38mm on October 1.
Cool Days, Mild Nights
The average monthly minimum temperature was 20.1°C, slightly above the normal LPA of 19.5°C.
Typically, cloudy conditions keep daytime temperatures low and nighttime temperatures mild, as clouds trap heat near the surface.
This year’s minimum was lower than October 2024 (21.4°C) but higher than 2023 (18.4°C).
Western Disturbances Influenced the Weather
Despite an early withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, western disturbances and other regional weather systems significantly influenced Delhi’s October climate.
An IMD official noted, “The first half of the month saw active western disturbances. Later, clear skies prevailed before another reversal occurred with the latest system.”
The highest maximum temperature this October was 35.7°C on October 2, while the lowest daytime temperature was 26.4°C on October 26.
Air Quality Worsened as Winds Weakened
After mid-October, with the monsoon withdrawal and reduced wind speeds, Delhi’s air quality began to deteriorate.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows the average monthly AQI was 224, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
This was slightly better than last year’s 234, but worse than 2023 (218) and 2022 (210).
By the end of October, the AQI touched 373, marking the highest pollution level for any October in the past three years.
Now in Brief
- Average Maximum Temperature: 31.5°C (Lowest in 3 years)
- Average Minimum Temperature: 20.1°C
- Total Rainfall: 128.6mm (491% above normal)
- Wettest Spell: 38mm on October 1
- Average AQI: 224 (‘Poor’)
- Highest AQI: 373 (end of October)
Delhi’s October 2025 stood out as a rare mix of heavy rainfall and cool weather, offering temporary relief from the heat but leading to rising air pollution once the rains stopped.
Meteorologists attribute this unique weather pattern to active western disturbances and monsoon withdrawal timing, which together shaped Delhi’s coolest and wettest October in recent years.