Peak Season
Kolkata in January
West Bengal, India
January Kolkata is perfection. The International Book Fair draws millions, Park Street still hums from New Year, and the weather lets you walk for hours through the greatest walking city in India.
The January story
Book Fair + perfect weather
Why January scores 5/5
Weather
Peak winter — city at its best
Roads & Access
from nearest city: NH-16, NH-19 — excellent
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: Multiple stations. ambulance: 108 + private ambulances. police station: Multiple stations, Kolkata Police very active, tourist helpline. nearest hospital: SSKM Hospital, AMRI, Apollo Gleneagles, Fortis — world-class options
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes
Kids
Kid-friendly (5/5) — Tram rides — kids love the vintage trams, Victoria Memorial gardens are huge play areas, Science City is world-class interactive science, Food paradise — every kid finds something they love, Metro is easy and air-conditioned
Elevation
9m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓everyone
Who should think twice
- ✗None
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 5/5 | Peak winter — city at its best |
| February | 5/5 | February keeps the cultural momentum. The city's theatre season peaks, College Street bookshops spill onto pavements, and Victoria Memorial gardens are picnic-perfect. |
| March | 4/5 | March warms the city but mornings are still gentle. |
| April | 2/5 | Hot |
| May | 1/5 | Extreme heat |
| June | 1/5 | Pre-monsoon + early monsoon |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| September | 3/5 | Monsoon retreating, Durga Puja prep |
| October | 5/5 | Durga Puja — the greatest show |
| November | 5/5 | Peak season — post-Puja calm |
| December | 5/5 | Winter peak — Christmas on Park Street |
Practical Details
How to reach
NH-16, NH-19 — excellent
Elevation
9m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mid-range
Nearby in West Bengal scoring high in January
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