Ayurvedic Ritu Classification and Climatic Variability: A Critical Review of Regional and Global Seasonal Patterns

Seasonal changes have a strong influence on human health and day-to-day functioning. In Ayurveda, these changes are understood through the concept of Ritu, and guidelines for adapting diet and lifestyle are given under Ritucharya. However, in real-world conditions, climate does not behave uniformly across regions. Temperature, rainfall, and seasonal patterns vary widely, both within India and globally. This review looks at how Ayurvedic seasonal classification compares with actual climatic conditions. It also considers how different cultures across the world understand and divide seasons based on local environmental changes. These observations suggest that the classical six-season model does not always align perfectly with regional realities. Because of this mismatch, applying the same seasonal regimen everywhere may not be practical. A more flexible and region-specific approach, based on the actual characteristics of seasons in a given area, may be more effective in maintaining health.