Mumbai's Geography and Sunrise Variation
Mumbai (19.1°N, 72.9°E) sits much closer to the equator than Delhi, which significantly reduces seasonal sunrise/sunset variation. In December, Mumbai sunrise is around 7:00 AM and sunset around 6:00 PM. In June, sunrise is around 6:00 AM and sunset around 7:15 PM. The day length stretches from about 11 hours in winter to about 13.25 hours in summer.
Because the variation is smaller than in Delhi, Mumbai's Rahu Kaal windows shift less dramatically across the year — making generic charts more reliable here than in northern cities.
Mumbai Rahu Kaal — Summer Approximation (April-September)
With Mumbai summer sunrise around 6:00 AM and sunset around 7:15 PM (13.25-hour day, slots ~1 hour 39 minutes each):
<strong>Monday:</strong> approximately 7:39 AM – 9:19 AM <strong>Tuesday:</strong> approximately 3:57 PM – 5:36 PM <strong>Wednesday:</strong> approximately 12:38 PM – 2:17 PM <strong>Thursday:</strong> approximately 2:17 PM – 3:57 PM <strong>Friday:</strong> approximately 10:58 AM – 12:38 PM <strong>Saturday:</strong> approximately 9:19 AM – 10:58 AM <strong>Sunday:</strong> approximately 5:36 PM – 7:15 PM
Mumbai's coastal humidity does not affect Rahu Kaal calculation — only sunrise and sunset matter, and the Indian Standard Time clock provides consistent reference across the city.
Mumbai Rahu Kaal — Winter Approximation (October-March)
With Mumbai winter sunrise around 7:00 AM and sunset around 6:00 PM (11-hour day, slots ~1 hour 23 minutes each):
<strong>Monday:</strong> approximately 8:23 AM – 9:45 AM <strong>Tuesday:</strong> approximately 3:08 PM – 4:30 PM <strong>Wednesday:</strong> approximately 12:30 PM – 1:52 PM <strong>Thursday:</strong> approximately 1:52 PM – 3:08 PM <strong>Friday:</strong> approximately 11:08 AM – 12:30 PM <strong>Saturday:</strong> approximately 9:45 AM – 11:08 AM <strong>Sunday:</strong> approximately 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Notice that Mumbai's winter-to-summer shift is gentler than Delhi's — only about 30-45 minutes of difference at peak season swing.
Mumbai Suburbs and Neighbouring Cities
<strong>Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, Vasai-Virar:</strong> All share Mumbai's Rahu Kaal within a 1-minute precision. Same calculation applies.
<strong>Pune:</strong> Slightly different — Pune is 150 km east, so sunrise is about 5-6 minutes earlier. For most practical purposes, Pune residents can use Mumbai's Rahu Kaal with a 5-minute earlier offset.
<strong>Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur:</strong> Use Mumbai's slot system but consult a localised Panchang for these cities, as sunrise can vary by 10-30 minutes.
For weddings, business inaugurations, or property purchases in Mumbai — particularly Hindu marriage ceremonies which traditionally avoid Rahu Kaal — using the precise Mumbai-localised Panchang for the specific date is essential. The 5-15 minute precision required for muhurta timing makes generic charts unreliable for such purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mumbai Rahu Kaal different from Pune Rahu Kaal?
Slightly — Pune is 150 km east of Mumbai, making Pune sunrise about 5-6 minutes earlier. For routine reference, Mumbai's Rahu Kaal works for Pune; for muhurta-precision, use Pune-specific calculation.
Does Mumbai Rahu Kaal change during monsoon season?
Sunrise and sunset still occur on the same astronomical schedule even when the sky is cloudy. Monsoon affects visibility, not the actual sunrise/sunset times — so Rahu Kaal is calculated identically year-round.
Should I avoid Mumbai local trains during Rahu Kaal?
No — routine commuting is not affected by Rahu Kaal. Only new beginnings (a new journey for a special purpose, signing a contract, starting a venture) need to avoid the window.
What about Navi Mumbai and Thane — same Rahu Kaal?
Yes — the longitude difference is too small to shift sunrise by more than a minute. All of Greater Mumbai (Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan) shares the same Rahu Kaal.