Bangladesh is located in a tropical monsoon climate, and the changes in temperature and precipitation are prominent throughout the four seasons. Below is an overview of the climatic characteristics of each season and its associated main events and culture.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Around 20°C in early March, rising above 30°C by May
- Precipitation: March is the end of the dry season with little rain, while sporadic pre-monsoon showers increase after April
- Characteristics: Thunderstorms become more common with rising humidity
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Holi (Festival of Colors) |
A Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and abundance. The warm and dry weather highlights the outdoor coloring activities. |
| April |
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) |
The traditional New Year. The rise in temperature coincides with expectations for a new harvest season. |
| May |
Rabindra Jayanti (Tagore's Birth Anniversary) |
Cultural events and recitals are held, aiming for relatively stable sunny weather before the heavy rains arrive. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Often above 30°C with high humidity making it uncomfortable
- Precipitation: The monsoon season from mid-June to early September accounts for about 80% of total rainfall
- Characteristics: Floods and water damage are common, with agricultural work primarily focused on rice paddy management
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) |
A Hindu procession occurs amid heavy rains. The coolness of the rainy season enhances the parade. |
| July |
Victory Day (26th) |
Commemorates the victory of independence in 1971. Despite being in the middle of the rainy season, ceremonies are held outdoors. |
| August |
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) |
A movable holiday based on the Islamic calendar. The sacrifice ceremony is conducted on cooler days at the end of the rainy season. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Gradually decreases from around 30°C to about 25°C
- Precipitation: Residual monsoon until September, with reduced rainfall and transition to the dry season after October
- Characteristics: Lower humidity makes it more comfortable, increasing outdoor events
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| October |
Durga Puja (Goddess Puja Festival) |
Large altars and street parades take place in a cool and dry climate. |
| November |
Nabanna (New Rice Festival) |
Celebrates the new rice harvest after the monsoon. Outdoor banquets thrive in moderate temperatures and dry air. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 15-25°C, the most comfortable season of the year
- Precipitation: Dry season with almost no rainfall and low humidity
- Characteristics: Nights can get cold, necessitating warmth measures
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| February |
International Mother Language Day (21st) |
Many language movement commemoration ceremonies and cultural events are held around Dhaka University in the cool climate. |
| February |
Pohela Falgun (Spring Arrival Festival) |
Celebrates the beginning of spring according to the traditional calendar, with flower decorations and poetry readings held in dry, sunny weather. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
| Spring |
Pre-monsoon showers, high humidity |
Holi, Pohela Boishakh, Rabindra Jayanti |
| Summer |
Heavy monsoon, high temperature and humidity |
Ratha Yatra, Victory Day, Eid al-Adha |
| Autumn |
Late monsoon transitioning to dry season, low humidity |
Durga Puja, Nabanna |
| Winter |
Dry season, temperatures 15-25°C, low humidity |
International Mother Language Day, Pohela Falgun |
Additional Notes
- The risk of flooding each season and the agricultural cycle influence the timing of cultural events.
- Major festivals blend lunar and solar calendars, making the connection between seasons and schedules complex.
- The dry winter is the tourist season, concentrating outdoor events.
- The monsoon summer emphasizes indoor religious and family gatherings.
The above is an overview of the relationship between seasonal events and climate in Bangladesh.
Patchy rain possible