Weather is what we experience from day to day—it might be raining, sunny, windy, hot, or dry, and it keeps changing frequently. Climate, on the other hand, is the pattern of weather that a region experiences over a long period of time, typically several decades. While weather is short-term and changes hourly or daily, climate represents the long-term average conditions of a place.

Places near the ocean have milder temperatures because the sea acts as a moderator for temperature. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land does. As a result, coastal areas experience cooler summers and milder winters compared to inland regions at the same latitude. For example, Mumbai, being near the sea, has cooler summers (around 32°C) and milder winters (around 18°C), while Nagpur, away from the coast, experiences up to 44°C in summer and about 10°C in winter.

Monsoon winds play a crucial role in India's climate by bringing seasonal rainfall. During summer, the Asian landmass heats up and creates a low-pressure system, drawing moisture-laden winds from the ocean towards the land. These winds bring heavy monsoon rains that fill rivers, soak the soil, and support agriculture. In winter, the pattern reverses—winds blow from the cooler land towards the ocean, bringing dry conditions to much of India. The monsoons are central to life in India, affecting crops, water availability, and livelihoods.

Chennai is warm or hot throughout the year because it is located near the Equator in southern India and is close to the sea. Places near the Equator receive nearly perpendicular sun rays, resulting in concentrated heat. Being coastal, Chennai also benefits from the moderating effect of the sea. Leh, on the other hand, is cold because it is located at a very high altitude in the Himalayas. Temperature decreases as altitude increases because atmospheric pressure and air density decrease, making the air cooler. The high altitude of Leh keeps it cold throughout the year.