Things to Do in Chennai in December

December Weather in Chennai

29°C (84°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with 29°C (84°F) highs and minimal rainfall - ideal for Marina Beach walks and outdoor activities without monsoon interruptions
December is peak season for classical music and dance - the famous December Season brings 1,500+ performances across the city with tickets starting ₹200-500
Cooler evenings at 22°C (71°F) make street food exploration comfortable - perfect timing for browsing Pondy Bazaar and T. Nagar markets from 7-10pm
Northeast monsoon has ended but humidity remains manageable at 70% - significantly better than the 85-90% humidity of monsoon months

Considerations

December Season crowds mean accommodation prices increase 40-60% and booking 4-6 weeks ahead is essential for decent hotels
Tourist peak season brings heavy traffic congestion - expect 45-60 minutes for trips that normally take 25 minutes during off-season
Despite being 'winter', afternoon temperatures still reach 29°C (84°F) with high humidity making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable

Best Activities in December

Classical Music and Dance Performances

December Season transforms Chennai into India's cultural capital with over 1,500 performances across venues like Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, and Krishna Gana Sabha. The cool evenings at 22°C (71°F) make outdoor sabhas comfortable. This month-long festival happens only in December-January, featuring both legendary artists and emerging talent.

Booking Tip: Season passes cost ₹15,000-25,000 but individual concert tickets range ₹200-2,000. Book popular artists 2-3 weeks ahead through venue websites. Many performances are free - check sabha schedules online. Peak performance time is 6-9pm when temperatures drop.

Marina Beach and Coastline Exploration

December's minimal rainfall (0mm average) and pleasant evenings make this the ideal time for India's longest beach. Morning temperatures of 22°C (71°F) are perfect for sunrise walks, while evening sea breezes provide relief from 29°C (84°F) day temperatures. The northeast monsoon has cleared, leaving clean beaches.

Booking Tip: Beach activities like horseback riding cost ₹200-400 for 15 minutes. Early morning (6-8am) and evening (5-7pm) are optimal timing. Avoid midday when sand temperatures become uncomfortable. Street food vendors peak during evening hours.

Temple Architecture Tours

December's relatively dry weather with only 10 rainy days makes temple hopping comfortable. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and Parthasarathy Temple are best visited early morning when temperatures are 22°C (71°F). The clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for Dravidian architecture.

Booking Tip: Guided temple tours range ₹1,500-3,000 for half-day experiences. Start at 6am to avoid crowds and heat. Most temples close 12-4pm, so plan morning and evening visits. Auto-rickshaw temple circuits cost ₹800-1,200 for 4-5 temples.

Mahabalipuram Day Trips

December's clear weather and minimal rainfall make the 58 km (36 miles) coastal drive to these UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples ideal. Morning departure at 7am avoids Chennai traffic and allows exploration during cooler hours. The coastal location provides sea breezes during peak afternoon temperatures.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ₹2,500-4,000 including transport and guide. Train option costs ₹30-50 but takes 2.5 hours vs 1.5 hours by car. Entry fee is ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners. Combine with Crocodile Bank (additional ₹50-150) for full-day experience.

Street Food Walking Tours

December evenings at 22°C (71°F) with 70% humidity create perfect conditions for exploring Chennai's street food scene. Sowcarpet, George Town, and Mylapore food streets come alive after sunset. The dry weather means fewer hygiene concerns compared to monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Guided food walks cost ₹1,200-2,500 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Independent exploration budget ₹300-500 for full meal street sampling. Best timing is 6-9pm when vendors set up and temperatures cool. Stick to busy stalls with high turnover.

Backwater Day Trips to Pulicat Lake

December marks peak migratory bird season at Pulicat Lake, 60 km (37 miles) north of Chennai. The dry season concentrates birds around remaining water bodies, and comfortable temperatures make boat rides enjoyable. Flamingos and other migratory species arrive in large numbers during December-February.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ₹2,000-3,500 including transport and boat rides. Early morning departure (6am) recommended for bird watching and to avoid afternoon heat. Boat rides cost ₹500-800 per hour. Combine with fishing village visits for cultural experience.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December through Early January

Margazhi Music Season

The world's largest classical music festival with over 1,500 concerts across 100+ venues. Features Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam dance, and cultural lectures. Peak performances happen at Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, and dozens of smaller sabhas throughout the city.

Mid December

Chennai International Film Festival

Annual film festival showcasing international cinema alongside Indian films. Screenings happen across multiplexes and art theaters with special focus on regional cinema and documentaries.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in December, requiring reapplication every 2 hours

Light scarf or shawl for air-conditioned venues during December Season performances - temperature differences of 10-12°C (18-22°F) between outdoor and indoor spaces

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable fabric - expect 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) of daily walking on hot pavement and uneven surfaces

Compact umbrella for afternoon showers - December still sees 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours

Electrolyte powder or tablets - 29°C (84°F) temperatures with 70% humidity cause rapid dehydration during outdoor activities

Modest clothing for temple visits - long pants and covered shoulders required at most religious sites

Portable fan or cooling towel - useful during midday temple visits and outdoor market exploration

Anti-humidity hair products - 70% humidity affects hair styling, bring appropriate products for your hair type

Light jacket for evening events - temperatures drop to 22°C (71°F) and air-conditioned sabhas can feel cool after outdoor heat

Insider Knowledge

December Season performance schedules are released only 2-3 weeks before events, so flexibility in planning is essential - locals book accommodations first, then plan around available shows

Avoid booking hotels in T. Nagar during December Season unless you want to be in the thick of cultural action - traffic becomes impossible with 50,000+ daily visitors to venues

Chennai's December brings migratory birds to urban parks like Guindy National Park and Theosophical Society grounds - early morning visits (6-8am) offer unexpected wildlife viewing

Local families host December Season guests, creating a parallel accommodation economy - ask cultural organizations about homestay options that don't appear on booking sites

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December Season crowds and not booking accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead - decent hotels fill up and prices increase 40-60% during peak cultural season

Planning outdoor sightseeing between 11am-4pm when temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) with high humidity - locals avoid midday activities even in 'cool' December

Expecting Western-style winter weather because it's called 'winter season' - December is still hot and humid by international standards, requiring tropical clothing and sun protection