Karnataka experiences a dynamic tropical climate, with three main seasons: summer (March to May), the monsoon season (June to September), and winter (October to February).
Due to its varied topography, the climate differs significantly across the state. The coastal regions exhibit a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen: Am) with hot, humid summers and torrential rainfall during the southwest monsoon. The Malnad (Western Ghats) region remains cooler year-round and receives some of the heaviest rainfall in India, notably in towns like Agumbe.
The Deccan Plateau experiences a semi-arid (Köppen: BSh) to tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw). Summers here can be intensely hot, particularly in northern districts like Raichur and Kalaburagi, where temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F). Conversely, Bengaluru enjoys a famously mild and pleasant climate year-round due to its high elevation (~900 meters). The best time to visit Karnataka is generally between October and April, when the weather is relatively dry and cool.