Republic Day Weather And Festivities In Delhi: Dazzling Show On Display
Key Takeaways
- Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 are likely to remain rain-free in Delhi.
- Morning hours may witness shallow to moderate fog with cool and windy conditions.
- Minimum temperatures could dip to 8–10°C, increasing the winter chill.
- Fly Past is expected to proceed smoothly with timely improvement in visibility.
India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on Monday, 26th January 2026. The nationwide festivities will come alive with the chief function being held on the flanks of Kartavya Path near India Gate. Every year, the day is commemorated with a spectacular Republic Day parade showcasing impressive military might and vibrant cultural tableaux.
Republic Day is a tribute to the day the Constitution came into force, shaping India into the world’s largest democracy. The country will solemnize the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, marking it with pride, patriotism, and nationwide celebrations. Rehearsals are underway at Kartavya Path ahead of the final day salute. The country’s military prowess will make a glorious march past along with the display of advanced weaponry. The nearly two-hour-long show will culminate with the splendid Fly Past by the Indian Air Force.
This year, the European Council President, Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
The tempo and morale of the festivities depend significantly on weather conditions. Public participation and enthusiasm are often dictated by the degree of cold and can be dampened by rain, if any. Fog, reduced visibility, and rainfall have occasionally impacted the ceremonious programme in the past, but never with a drop in the josh of the participants.
The present weather conditions over Delhi/NCR may be raising some concerns for Republic Day, as the event is just three days away and the peak winter period always remains susceptible to rough weather. Pleasingly, the ongoing wet spell will clear by tomorrow. Remnant clouds may linger in the sky during the day, but no rain is expected on Republic Day. However, a nip in the air and a noticeable drop in mercury levels are likely over the next three days.
Today, the minimum temperature was around 15°C, well above the normal mark. The maximum temperature yesterday soared to 27.1°C, the highest in the last seven years. Earlier, a day maximum of 28.7°C was recorded on 21st January 2019. Last year, the highest for the month was capped at 27°C, registered on 31st January 2025.
On 26th January 2026, the early morning is expected to be cool and windy as spectators take their positions along Kartavya Path. Shallow to moderate fog is likely during morning hours, restricting visibility. The minimum temperature may settle between 8°C and 10°C. Weather conditions are expected to clear suitably in time for the Fly Past, offering a splendid view of formations and aerobatics such as the iconic ‘Vertical Charlie’.
This just-in-time clearance on Republic Day will be short-lived, as weather conditions are likely to deteriorate again from 27th January afternoon, with another spell of wintery showers extending into the following day. Conditions will improve once more in time for the Beating the Retreat ceremony on 29th January 2026.
