Which City Receives the Monsoon First in India?

Every year, as the hot summer months pass, people across India wait for one thing: the monsoon. The monsoon brings rain, cool weather, and relief from the heat. But have you ever thought which city receives the monsoon first in India? This is very important to know for farmers, travellers, and everyone who depends on rain.

In this article, we will explore which city receives the monsoon first in India, and why it happens.

Which City Receives the Monsoon First in India?

Kerala is the first mainland state to receive the monsoon in India. Among all the cities on the Indian mainland, Thiruvananthapuram (the capital of Kerala) is the first city to receive the Monsoon First in India

However, if we talk about India as a whole, including all territories, then the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive the monsoon even before Kerala. These islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, get the monsoon around May 22 every year, which is about 8 to 10 days before Kerala.

So, 

• First in India (overall): Andaman and Nicobar Islands (around May 22)

• First on the Indian mainland: Kerala, starting from cities like Thiruvananthapuram (around June 1)

What Does IMD Say About Monsoon 2026?

According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD), the southwest monsoon arrived in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 18, 2026. For Kerala, IMD confirmed that the monsoon was expected to arrive between May 22 and May 26, 2026, which is earlier than the normal date of June 1.

This makes 2026 an early monsoon year for Kerala. IMD also said that the total rainfall for the June to September 2026 season is forecast at 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which means it will be slightly below normal but not a drought situation.

Why Does Kerala Receive the Monsoon First?

Kerala receives the monsoon first because of its location. Kerala is in the southwestern tip of India, and it is the first mainland region that the Southwest Monsoon reaches when it travels from the Indian Ocean towards the land.

The Southwest Monsoon forms over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It then moves northward and hits the Kerala coast first. The Western Ghats mountain range, running along Kerala's eastern border, helps trap the moisture and bring heavy rain to the region.

After Kerala, the monsoon slowly moves to other states like Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and then travels north towards Delhi and other parts of India.

When Does the Monsoon Reach Other Major Cities?

Once the monsoon starts in Kerala, it travels across the country over the next few weeks. Here is the general timeline based on IMD's normal dates:

The full country is usually covered by the monsoon by July 15 each year.

Quick Facts About the Monsoon in India

• The Southwest Monsoon contributes to nearly 70% of India's total annual rainfall.

• It is critical for India's agriculture, as crores of farmers depend on monsoon rain for their crops.

• IMD officially declares the monsoon onset over Kerala only when specific conditions are met: at least 60% of designated weather stations must record 2.5 mm or more of rainfall for two consecutive days.

• The normal date for monsoon onset in Kerala is June 1, but it can arrive earlier or later by about a week.

• In 2026, the monsoon arrived in Kerala ahead of schedule, around May 24 to May 26.

So, Kerala is the first state on the Indian mainland to receive the monsoon, and Thiruvananthapuram is among the first cities to get the rains. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive the monsoon even earlier, around May 22. After Kerala, the monsoon travels north and covers the entire country by mid-July.

The monsoon is not just rain. It is life-line for India. It fills rivers, helps farmers grow food, refills water sources, and brings cool relief after months of heat. Knowing when and where the monsoon arrives first helps us understand how important this season is for our country.