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Monsoon Season

HomeWeatherMonsoon Season

Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the Media Grid UK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.

Monsoon season delivers 70–80% of annual rainfall across South Asia and Southeast Asia between June and September, driven by a reversal of wind patterns that pull moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean onto land. For the UK, this means no direct monsoon weather, but the phenomenon influences global jet streams and can disrupt our summer patterns.

What defines monsoon season months and their rainfall?

The monsoon season typically runs June through September, with peak downpours in July and August. In India, the southwest monsoon brings an average of 800–1,200 mm of rain to the west coast, while the northeast monsoon affects Southeast Asia from October to December. The term “monsoon” refers to the seasonal wind shift, not a single storm — it is a months-long system of heavy, sustained rainfall that can trigger flooding and landslides.

How does monsoon weather affect the UK?

While the UK does not experience a monsoon, the Asian monsoon can alter the position of the jet stream, sometimes pulling it south and causing cooler, wetter conditions in Britain. During a strong monsoon season, low-pressure systems may drift from the Atlantic, leading to prolonged rain in regions like the South West and Wales — check our UK weather hub for local impacts. For specific city forecasts, see Birmingham Weather or Liverpool Weather.

Peak rainfall1,200 mm in Cherrapunji, India (June–September)
Start monthJune 1 for southwest monsoon, October 1 for northeast
Affected areaSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, parts of West Africa
UK linkMonsoon low pressure can shift UK jet stream by 500 km

What is monsoon season in simple terms?

Monsoon season is the annual period when prevailing winds reverse direction, carrying warm, wet air from the ocean to land. It is not a single rain event but a persistent weather pattern lasting several months, bringing heavy, daily downpours — especially in monsoon season Asia regions like Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam. The same mechanism also affects monsoon season southeast asia, where the wet season runs from May to October.

Does the UK ever get monsoon-like rain?

No — the UK lacks the sustained wind reversal needed for a true monsoon. However, heavy summer downpours can sometimes be mistaken for it, especially during unstable Atlantic weather.

When is the monsoon season in Asia?

Southwest monsoon runs June to September; northeast monsoon runs October to December. Peak months are July and August for most of India and Southeast Asia.

Can monsoon season affect UK travel plans?

Indirectly — a strong monsoon can delay flights via disrupted jet streams or bring extra rain to the UK. Check our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK before travelling.