When to Visit Chennai
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Spring (Mar-May)
Monsoon (Jun-Sep)
Autumn (Oct-Nov)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is peak tourist season for good reason—temperatures hover around 29°C (84°F) during the day and drop to a comfortable 21°C (70°F) at night. The northeast monsoon has typically wrapped up by now, so you're looking at mostly dry, pleasant weather. The humidity is still there (it's always there in Chennai), but it's about as manageable as it gets.
February
February continues January's pleasant conditions with just a slight uptick in temperature to 31°C (87°F). You might notice the heat building as the month progresses, but mornings and evenings remain quite comfortable. This is still considered prime visiting weather, and the city's cultural calendar tends to be active during this period.
March
The heat starts ramping up noticeably in March, with highs reaching 33°C (91°F). The humidity combined with rising temperatures means you'll definitely feel the warmth, though it's still manageable if you plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day. This marks the transition into Chennai's hot season.
April
April is genuinely hot, with temperatures climbing to 34°C (94°F), and that persistent humidity makes it feel even warmer. Locals tend to adjust their schedules around the heat, and you'd be wise to do the same—early mornings and late evenings are your friends. Air conditioning becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
May
This is typically Chennai's hottest month, with temperatures peaking around 37°C (98°F). The combination of heat and humidity can be quite intense—the kind of weather where you're sweating just standing still. The southwest monsoon usually arrives toward the end of May or early June, which brings some relief, though the anticipation of rain can make the humidity feel even heavier.
June
June sees temperatures remain high at 37°C (98°F), but the southwest monsoon typically brings occasional showers that provide some respite from the heat. The rain, when it comes, can be quite heavy but usually doesn't last all day. The weather becomes somewhat unpredictable during this transition period.
July
Temperatures begin to moderate slightly to 35°C (95°F) as the monsoon season continues. You'll likely see cloudy skies and intermittent rain, which helps cool things down a bit. The humidity remains high, but the cloud cover and rain make it feel less oppressive than the pre-monsoon heat of May and June.
August
August continues the monsoon pattern with temperatures around 34°C (94°F). The weather tends to be cloudy and humid, with rain showers providing periodic cooling. It's not the most comfortable time to visit, but the city is less crowded and there's something atmospheric about Chennai during the monsoon.
September
September sees temperatures at 33°C (93°F) as the southwest monsoon begins to retreat. The weather remains humid and you might still get occasional showers, but there's a gradual shift happening. The city starts preparing for the northeast monsoon that typically arrives in October.
October
October marks the beginning of Chennai's primary rainy season with the northeast monsoon. Temperatures drop to a more comfortable 32°C (89°F), though the rainfall can be quite heavy when it arrives. This is when Chennai gets most of its annual precipitation, and flooding can occasionally be an issue in low-lying areas.
November
November continues the northeast monsoon with temperatures at a pleasant 29°C (85°F). The rain can be unpredictable—you might get several dry days followed by heavy downpours. Despite the rain, the cooler temperatures make this more comfortable than the summer months, and the city's parks and beaches look particularly lush.
December
December sees the northeast monsoon tapering off and temperatures settling at a very comfortable 29°C (84°F). The weather becomes increasingly pleasant as the month progresses, with cooler evenings and less rain. This marks the beginning of Chennai's peak tourist season, and you can see why—it's genuinely lovely weather.