This work presents the results of a study made to identify the probable causes of the higher frequency of monsoon depressions over the northern and adjoining central Bay of Bengal during July-August of ENSO years. For this purpose, 0.5 o grid point satellite-derived NOAA-AVHRR sea surface temperature (SST) data and Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) data for the period 1985-1998 have been used. SST distributions over various parts of Bay of Bengal have been obtained for MEI >1 (Warm ENSO phase) and MEI <-1 (Cold phase). The analysis has been carried out for the entire summer monsoon season with special emphasis on July-August, during which the majority of monsoon depressions occur.