Chennai Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)

Chennai's tropical climate includes plenty of rainy weather, so it's best to bring along an umbrella and some rain gear if you are visiting during one of the two monsoon seasons. Average temperatures and humidity levels are high, so the rains often turn out to be a source of relief. In any event, tourists enjoy more than enough hours of sunshine and dry weather to get out and enjoy the local sites and amusement parks.

The hottest time of the year is May and June (locals call this period 'Fire Star'), when temperatures climb higher than 40°C / 104°F. This is not the most comfortable time to visit, and most of the visitors who come to Chennai in the summer are here on business and spend practically all of their time in the air-conditioned indoors.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The coolest climate of the year arrives during the months of December and January, when daytime temperatures typically hover around 20°C / 68°F. This is the busiest tourist season, especially among Western travellers who are drawn to the cultural and historical sites, rather than to the water parks south of Chennai. Of note, hotels charge some of their highest rates during this season.

The south-west monsoon delivers rainy weather to Chennai from June to September, but the amount isn't that high during this period. Much higher levels register during the north-east monsoon, which lasts from October to December and delivers more than 127 cm / 50 inches of rain. January to April is by far the driest period.

Chennai Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	27°C / 81°F	21°C / 70°F
February	30°C / 86°F	22°C / 72°F
March	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
April	34°C / 93°F	26°C / 79°F
May	36°C / 97°F	28°C / 82°F
June	36°C / 97°F	27°C / 81°F
July	33°C / 91°F	26°C / 79°F
August	33°C / 91°F	26°C / 79°F
September	32°C / 90°F	26°C / 79°F
October	31°C / 88°F	25°C / 77°F
November	28°C / 82°F	23°C / 73°F
December	27°C / 81°F	22°C / 72°F