Things to Do in Chennai in February

February Weather in Chennai

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - February is Chennai's sweet spot with 30°C (87°F) highs, minimal rainfall of just 18mm (0.7 inches), and comfortable 22°C (71°F) evenings ideal for street food exploration
Marina Beach becomes magical - morning walks at 6-8am in 24°C (75°F) temperatures with gentle sea breezes, plus evening cultural programs start at 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels
Festival season peaks with Thai Pusam and Vasant Panchami - witness spectacular processions at Kapaleeshwarar Temple with perfect weather for outdoor celebrations and photography
Temple hopping paradise - visit ancient Dravidian temples like Parthasarathy and Vadapalani in ideal 28°C (82°F) mid-morning conditions without the scorching heat of March-May

Considerations

Peak tourism season means Marina Beach and Fort St. George see 40-60% more crowds, especially weekends - temple queues can stretch 2-3 hours during festival days
Accommodation prices spike 25-35% compared to monsoon months - luxury hotels in T. Nagar and Nungambakkam command premium rates during this weather window
Strong northeast winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) can make boat trips to Pulicat Lake choppy - morning departures before 9am are more comfortable than afternoon excursions

Best Activities in February

Heritage Temple Circuit Tours

February's dry weather and 28°C (82°F) morning temperatures make exploring Chennai's ancient Dravidian temples incredibly comfortable. Kapaleeshwarar Temple's intricate gopurams and Parthasarathy Temple's Pallava architecture are best appreciated without the intense heat. Thai Pusam celebrations in early February add spectacular cultural depth with processions and traditional music.

Booking Tip: Book guided heritage walks 7-10 days ahead through certified Tamil Nadu Tourism operators. Tours typically cost ₹800-1,500 per person and run 6am-11am to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides certified by Archaeological Survey of India for authentic historical context.

Marina Beach Cultural Evenings

February evenings at 22°C (71°F) transform Marina Beach into Chennai's cultural heartland. Local classical music and dance performances happen naturally along the 13 km (8.1 miles) stretch, while traditional food vendors set up from 5pm onwards. The comfortable humidity of 70% makes evening strolls perfect for experiencing authentic Chennai life.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for beach access, but cultural performances may require tickets ₹200-500. Visit between 5:30-8:30pm for optimal weather and activity levels. Local food costs ₹50-150 per dish from established vendors near Lighthouse area.

Traditional South Indian Cooking Classes

February's pleasant indoor temperatures make learning authentic Tamil cuisine comfortable in traditional kitchens. Mylapore neighborhood cooking experiences teach dosa, sambar, and rasam preparation using local ingredients from Pondy Bazaar. The dry weather means spice shopping and market visits are enjoyable without monsoon disruptions.

Booking Tip: Book home-based cooking classes 5-7 days ahead, typically costing ₹1,200-2,500 per person including ingredients and meals. Morning sessions 9am-1pm are most comfortable. Look for classes in traditional homes in Mylapore or T. Nagar neighborhoods.

Mahabalipuram Day Excursions

February's clear skies and 29°C (84°F) temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring UNESCO World Heritage shore temples 58 km (36 miles) south. The Pallava-era rock carvings and beach temples are magnificent without intense heat or monsoon crowds. Ocean breezes provide natural cooling for the 2-3 hour site exploration.

Booking Tip: Book day trips through licensed operators 3-5 days ahead, costing ₹1,800-3,200 including transport and guide. Depart Chennai by 8am to maximize comfortable sightseeing time. Look for air-conditioned transport and certified archaeological guides.

Pulicat Lake Flamingo Watching

February marks peak flamingo migration season at Pulicat Lake, 60 km (37 miles) north of Chennai. The dry conditions and clear skies provide excellent visibility for spotting thousands of greater flamingos, along with pelicans and painted storks. Early morning departures in 24°C (75°F) temperatures offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book eco-tourism boat trips 10-14 days ahead through Andhra Pradesh Tourism or Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, typically ₹800-1,500 per person. Morning trips 6:30am-11am are essential for wildlife activity. Includes basic boat transportation and local guide services.

Traditional Silk Weaving Village Tours

February's comfortable weather makes visiting Kanchipuram's silk weaving cooperatives 72 km (45 miles) southwest incredibly pleasant. The dry conditions preserve the delicate silk threads, and you'll witness master weavers creating intricate Kanjeevaram saris. Temple visits to Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar combine perfectly with shopping for authentic textiles.

Booking Tip: Arrange day tours through Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation 5-7 days ahead, typically ₹2,000-3,500 including transport, weaving demonstrations, and temple access. Full-day excursions 8am-6pm work best with February's extended daylight and pleasant temperatures.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Thai Pusam Festival

Chennai's most spectacular religious celebration featuring elaborate kavadi processions from Kapaleeshwarar Temple to various neighborhood shrines. Devotees carry ornate structures weighing 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs) accompanied by traditional drums and music. The festival showcases authentic Tamil devotional culture with thousands participating in colorful ceremonies.

Early February

Chennai Music Season Finale

The tail end of Chennai's famous Carnatic music season continues into early February with prestigious concerts at Music Academy and other sabhas. Features renowned classical musicians and emerging artists performing traditional ragas in intimate venues. This cultural tradition offers deep insight into South Indian classical arts.

Mid February

Vasant Panchami Celebrations

Spring festival celebrated at temples and educational institutions across Chennai with yellow decorations, cultural programs, and traditional sweets. Particularly vibrant at university campuses in Guindy and Adyar where students organize classical dance and music performances. Local temples offer special pujas and prasadam.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton kurtas and breathable linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, stick to natural fibers for temple visits and city exploration

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during midday, essential for Marina Beach walks and outdoor temple touring

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - marble temple floors can be slippery, and you'll remove shoes frequently for religious site visits

Light cotton scarf or dupatta - required for covering shoulders/head at traditional temples like Kapaleeshwarar and Parthasarathy

Compact umbrella for brief showers - though February sees only 18mm (0.7 inches) rainfall, occasional light drizzles occur

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - evening beach walks and early morning temple visits can have mosquitos

Portable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in 87°F (30°C) temperatures, especially during heritage walking tours

Small daypack for temple visits - need hands-free storage for shoes, electronics, and water during extended site exploration

Light evening jacket - temperatures drop to pleasant 71°F (22°C) after sunset, comfortable for outdoor dining

Power bank and international adapter - frequent photo opportunities at temples and beaches, plus India uses Type C/D/M plugs

Insider Knowledge

Visit temples between 6:30-8:30am when local priests perform special morning rituals and temperatures are coolest at 24°C (75°F) - you'll avoid crowds and experience authentic worship practices

Marina Beach vendors offer the best traditional snacks after 6pm when evening sea breeze picks up - try sundal (chickpea snacks) and fresh coconut water for ₹30-50 per serving

Book heritage hotel rooms in Mylapore or Egmore facing east or north - these catch morning breezes and stay naturally cooler during February's peak sunshine hours

Chennai's suburban train system runs most efficiently during February's dry weather - use local trains for authentic experiences reaching Mahabalipuram or St. Thomas Mount for ₹15-25 tickets

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing dark colors or heavy fabrics - February's 30°C (87°F) temperatures and 70% humidity make light-colored cotton essential, not just fashionable

Visiting popular temples after 10am on weekends - crowds multiply by 200-300% and comfortable morning temperatures give way to intense midday sun

Not carrying cash for temple donations and local transport - many heritage sites and traditional vendors don't accept cards, keep ₹500-1000 in small denominations