Which City Receives the Monsoon First in India?

The monsoon is the one thing people wait for every year as the hot summer months go by in India. During the monsoon, one can enjoy rain, cool climate and a break from the heat. However, did you ever wonder which is the first city to get the monsoon in India? It is something that farmers, travellers and all those depending on rain should know very well.

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 landfall state of the monsoon in India. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) is the first city in all the Indian mainland cities to get the Monsoon First in India certificate.

However, if we talk about India as a whole, including all territories, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receives the monsoon even before Kerala. The islands that lie in the Bay of Bengal receive monsoon around May 22 each year, 8-10 days before Kerala.

So, 

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

• First on the Indian mainland: Kerala is the first state on the Indian mainland to experience this (from around June 1 in cities such as Thiruvananthapuram).

What Does IMD Say About Monsoon 2026?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the southwest monsoon made its debut in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 18th May 2026. IMD has established that the monsoon would be expected to arrive between May 22 and May 26, 2026, which is earlier than the normal date of June 1 for Kerala.

This will make 2026 an early monsoon year for Kerala. IMD also forecast that the accumulative rainfall for the June-September 2026 season will be 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which is slightly lower than normal, but not a drought.

Why Does Kerala Receive the Monsoon First?

Kerala is the first state to receive the monsoon due to its location. Kerala is in the southwest extremity of the Indian land mass, and the first region to experience the Southwest Monsoon crossing from the Indian Ocean towards the land.

The Southwest Monsoon is generated over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It then progresses towards the north and makes landfall over Kerala coast first. Kerala is blessed with heavy rainfall as the Western Ghats mountain range along the eastern boundary of the state helps to retain moisture and thereby bring rain to the region.

The monsoon gradually moves to other states like Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and then northwards to Delhi and other parts of India after Kerala.

When Does the Monsoon Reach Other Major Cities?

Once the monsoon starts in Kerala, it moves over the country in the following weeks. The following is the general timeline according to IMD's normal dates:

By 15th July, the monsoon is normally spread throughout the entire country.

Quick Facts About the Monsoon in India

• The Southwest Monsoon accounts for almost 70% of the annual rainfall in India.
• The official monsoon onset day over Kerala is declared by IMD only when certain criteria are fulfilled, which includes at least 60% of the weather stations in the region receiving 2.5 mm or more rainfall for 2 days.
• Monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on June 1, but can come a week earlier or later.
• The monsoon reached Kerala in 2026 earlier than the usual time, between 24th and 26th May.
• It is very important for India's agriculture, since crores of farmers are reliant on monsoon rains.

Thus, Kerala is the first state in the Indian mainland to receive the monsoon and Thiruvananthapuram is one of the first cities to receive the rainfall. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands even get monsoon earlier, around May 22. The monsoon moves northwards and touches the entire country by mid-July after Kerala.

In  India, monsoon is not just rain, it is life-line for India. It refill the rivers, helps the farmers in their production, becomes the water sources, and provides cool relief following months of hot weather. Understanding the first arrival of monsoon helps us to understand the significance of the monsoon season in our country.