Do You Need a Dehumidifier in Kolkata's Humidity?

Yes, many homes in Kolkata need a dehumidifier, as the relative humidity of the city stays high for most of the year and goes above 75 percent from June to October as per IMD climate normals. When the indoor humidity stays above 60 percent, damp walls, mould and musty smell start in the house. Ground floor flats, old buildings, closed rooms and wardrobes need a dehumidifier the most.

TL;DR

• As per IMD climate normals for Kolkata (Alipore), the average evening relative humidity is 77 percent in June, 82 percent in July, 83 percent in August, 82 percent in September and 76 percent in October.
• The US EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent, for controlling mould.
• Ground floor flats, old houses, rooms with damp walls, wardrobes and store rooms in Kolkata benefit the most from a dehumidifier.

How Humid Is Kolkata Month by Month?

The list below shows the average relative humidity of Kolkata for every month, as per the India Meteorological Department climate normals for the Alipore station from 1991 to 2020, measured at 17:30 IST.

• January: 62 percent
• February: 55 percent
• March: 51 percent
• April: 61 percent
• May: 68 percent
• June: 77 percent
• July: 82 percent
• August: 83 percent
• September: 82 percent
• October: 76 percent
• November: 68 percent
• December: 65 percent

From this list you can see that the humidity of Kolkata stays above 60 percent in ten months out of twelve, and only February and March are a little drier. The highest humidity comes in July, August and September, when the monsoon rain falls on most of the days. The same IMD data shows that Kolkata gets around 17 rainy days in July and around 17 rainy days in August on average, so the air hardly gets any chance for drying out in these months.

What Indoor Humidity Level Is Healthy?

As per the US Environmental Protection Agency, the indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 to 50 percent if possible. When the humidity inside a room stay above 60 percent for long time, mould, mildew and dust mites grows easily. That gives the room a musty smell.

So, if the outdoor humidity of Kolkata is 80 percent or more for three to four months. Then the indoor humidity of a closed room also stays high in those months, unless you do something for bringing it down. Even in the winter months of December and January, the evening humidity of Kolkata stays above 60 percent as per the IMD data. Thus, the damp in the walls do not go away fully even after the monsoon.

Which Kolkata Homes Need a Dehumidifier Most?

Ground floor flats and houses needs a dehumidifier the most. As the moisture from the ground rises into the floor and lower part of the walls, and these rooms gets less sunlight and air also. Old buildings with thick walls and old plaster, also hold lot of moisture and shows damp patches and peeling paint every monsoon.

Closed rooms that stays locked for many days, like guest room, store room or puja room, need a dehumidifier as the air in these rooms do not move. Wardrobes and almirahs are also at risk. As leather bags, shoes, silk sarees and woollen clothes gets mould and smell in humid months. Homes with library, musical instruments, paintings, cameras or electronics also need a dehumidifier for protecting these costly things from damp.

And, homes where clothes are dried inside the room in monsoon need a dehumidifier. As one load of wet clothes adds lot of moisture to the room air while drying.

Is AC Enough in Kolkata's Monsoon?

An AC removes some moisture from the air while it cools the room, and many ACs also have a dry mode for removing moisture with less cooling. But, an AC always cools the room, so on rainy monsoon days and in winter, when the temperature is not high, you will not like to run the AC for many hours. That is the time when the damp grows the most, and that is why an AC alone is not enough for most Kolkata homes in the monsoon. You can read our full guide on whether AC dry mode is the same as a dehumidifier for more details.

Which Dehumidifier Size for a Kolkata Flat?

For a small bedroom or a closet of up to around 120 sq ft, the Aavta 12 Litre Dehumidifier is enough, and it is priced at Rs 24,000 on our website today. For a medium bedroom or a living room of up to around 200 sq ft, the Aavta 20 Litre Dehumidifier at Rs 35,000 is the right choice. For a big room or hall of up to around 300 sq ft, the Aavta 30 Litre Dehumidifier at Rs 49,000 is suitable, and for a very large room, a ground floor shop or a basement of up to around 500 sq ft, the Aavta 50 Litre Dehumidifier at Rs 59,000 is suitable.

These room sizes are worked out from the coverage of each model in cubic feet for a room with a 10 ft ceiling. For a ground floor room or a room with damp walls, you should choose one size bigger.

Where to Buy a Dehumidifier in Kolkata?

You can buy a dehumidifier in Kolkata from Kridovia Appliances LLP, a Kolkata based home and kitchen appliances brand that has been selling and supporting imported appliances since 2016. We sell White Westinghouse and Aavta London dehumidifiers, from 12 litre home models to large commercial and industrial models. We are also the authorised distributor of White Westinghouse home appliances in Eastern India.

Kridovia Appliances LLP

98, Satin Sen Sarani, Premises No./Hut No. A/47, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal

Phone and WhatsApp: +91 8981224400

Email: [email protected]

We give same day delivery within Kolkata and free delivery across India. All our products come with a 12 month warranty, and our Kridovia Care team gives service and support within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average humidity in Kolkata?

As per IMD climate normals for Kolkata (Alipore) from 1991 to 2020, the average evening relative humidity is between 51 percent in March and 83 percent in August, and it stays above 60 percent in ten months of the year.

Which month is most humid in Kolkata?

August is the most humid month in Kolkata with an average evening relative humidity of 83 percent, followed by July and September at 82 percent, as per IMD climate normals.

Is a dehumidifier useful in Kolkata winter?

Yes, a dehumidifier is useful in Kolkata winter, as the evening humidity stays around 62 to 65 percent in December and January, and the damp in the walls and wardrobes does not go away fully.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a Kolkata flat with AC?

Yes, you can use a dehumidifier in a flat with an AC. The dehumidifier will be most useful on rainy days and in winter, when you do not run the AC.

Where can I buy a dehumidifier in Kolkata with service support?

You can buy a dehumidifier from Kridovia Appliances LLP at 98, Satin Sen Sarani, Kolkata 700054, with same day delivery within the city and service support from our Kridovia Care team.

Want to keep your Kolkata home free from damp? Then, call or WhatsApp us at +91 8981224400 and tell us your room size, and we will suggest the right dehumidifier for you.