Dehradun AQI and Weather
Dehradun experiences Moderate to Poor air quality during winter and spring, but enjoys Good to Satisfactory air quality during the summer monsoon months. The valley structure traps pollutants in the colder months, while heavy rains clear the air in the summer.
Conflicts with existing research: indian-tier2-3-exurban-analysis and it-hub-relocation-comparison cite Dehradun's winter AQI at 150–300+ ("severely polluted," a disqualifying factor for relocation). The figures below (110–155 winter range, sourced from an AI chat citing AQI.in) are notably milder. Don't treat either as settled — cross-check against a live source (e.g. CPCB, aqi.in) before relying on either for a decision.
Seasonal AQI Breakdown
- Winter (November–February): Most polluted period. Temperature inversion traps cold air, smoke, and dust near the ground. AQI typically 110–155 (Moderate to Poor).
- Spring / Pre-Monsoon (March–May): Dust storms and dry weather keep AQI at 90–125 (mostly Moderate, occasionally unhealthy for sensitive groups).
- Monsoon (June–September): Cleanest season — heavy rain washes dust and pollution out of the air. AQI drops to 35–80 (Good to Satisfactory).
- Post-Monsoon (October): Pollution slowly rebuilds as rains stop and temperatures drop; AQI rises back into the Moderate range.
Monthly AQI
| Month | Typical AQI Range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| January | 130 – 140 | Moderate |
| February | 110 – 155 | Moderate to Poor |
| March | 100 – 125 | Moderate |
| April | 85 – 110 | Satisfactory to Moderate |
| May | 90 – 100 | Satisfactory to Moderate |
| June | 70 – 90 | Satisfactory |
| July | 40 – 60 | Good to Satisfactory |
| August | 35 – 75 | Good to Satisfactory |
| September | 50 – 80 | Satisfactory |
| October | 80 – 110 | Satisfactory to Moderate |
| November | 110 – 130 | Moderate |
| December | 120 – 140 | Moderate |
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Dehradun features a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: hot summers, heavy monsoon rains, mild autumns, and chilly winters. The weather remains pleasant for most of the year compared to the plains of North India, though July and August see heavy downpours.
- Winter (November–February): Crisp, sunny days; cold nights. Daytime highs 21–26°C, nights drop to 6–11°C. January is typically the coldest month.
- Spring / Summer (March–June): Temperatures warm rapidly. May and June are hottest, with highs of 35–36°C.
- Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rainfall; July and August are wettest (21–23mm+ avg daily rainfall). Humidity is high, but temperatures cool to around 31°C.
- Autumn (October): Considered the best time to visit — rains clear completely, air is clean, days reach 30°C, nights cool to 16°C.
Monthly Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg Low | Avg High | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.5°C | 20.9°C | Very Light |
| February | 9.2°C | 23.7°C | Light showers |
| March | 13.1°C | 28.5°C | Mostly dry |
| April | 17.7°C | 33.6°C | Dry and sunny |
| May | 21.0°C | 35.8°C | Hot and dry |
| June | 23.2°C | 34.9°C | Early monsoon showers begin |
| July | 23.6°C | 31.5°C | Heavy monsoon rains |
| August | 23.2°C | 31.1°C | Wettest month of the year |
| September | 21.5°C | 31.1°C | Moderate rain |
| October | 16.5°C | 29.9°C | Clear and dry |
| November | 11.4°C | 26.4°C | Clear and cool |
| December | 7.5°C | 22.9°C | Chilly and dry |
Links
- Source: AQI.in (Dehradun AQI dashboard and historical analysis) and Global Historical Climatology Network (temperature/rainfall)
- indian-tier2-3-exurban-analysis — disqualifies Dehradun on air quality/legal grounds
- it-hub-relocation-comparison — Dehradun listed as a "failed escape route" on winter AQI
- Dehradun Property for sale #dehardun #propertyindehradun #realestate #house - YouTube