Weather
Monsoon in West Bengal 2026: Rain Forecast, Flood Alerts and Travel Guide
Monsoon arrival in West Bengal, district-wise rainfall, flood and erosion alerts, dengue prevention, and monsoon travel precautions — a complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the monsoon arrive in West Bengal?
The monsoon usually reaches Kolkata and southern Bengal between 8-15 June, slightly earlier in the north. IMD announces the arrival date at the end of May each year.
Should you visit Darjeeling during the monsoon?
There are landslide and road-subsidence risks in July-August, so check storm and rain updates frequently. From late September the weather clears — that is the best time.
Where can I get flood news?
Check IMD's district-wise alerts, the Irrigation & Waterways Department's river level reports, and the district administration's social media handles together. Live updates also appear on our weather page.
In detail
West Bengal’s monsoon is not just about soaked streets — the state’s tea gardens, paddy fields and Sundarbans fish farming all depend on these four months of rain. But the monsoon also brings certain risks: waterlogging, floods, landslides and dengue.
The Monsoon Timeline
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 8-15 June | Arrival of the south-west monsoon (usually) |
| July-August | Peak rainfall; landslide risk in the hills |
| September | Rain eases, the monsoon prepares to withdraw |
The District-wise Rainfall Picture
- North Bengal hills (Darjeeling, Kalimpong): the heaviest rain; the peak landslide season is July
- Dooars and Terai (Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar): heavy rain, rivers rise
- Southern Bengal plains (Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, Medinipur): moderate to heavy, with Kalbaishakhi companions
- Kolkata and suburbs: one hour of intense rain is enough for waterlogging — check drainage updates before heading out
Monsoon Travel Rules
- Check the 7-day forecast before travelling — every travel guide of ours has a live forecast built in
- Change plans if red/orange alerts are in force on hill routes
- On boat trips (Sundarbans), no boats when storm signals are up
- Raincoats, waterproof bag covers and footwear are mandatory
Health: Dengue and Waterborne Diseases
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, fridge trays and tyres around the house once a week
- The Aedes mosquito bites most at dawn and dusk indoors — be alert if you see black-striped leaves in the house plants
- If fever strikes, get a platelet test within the first 24-48 hours; if it’s dengue, plenty of fluids and rest
Read more: the Kalbaishakhi guide and District Info.
Related topics
- West Bengal monsoon 2026
- when will the monsoon arrive
- rain forecast
- flood warnings
- monsoon bengal
- Darjeeling travel in monsoon