Chennai, located on India’s southeast coast, has a tropical climate marked by hot, humid summers, a pronounced monsoon season, and warm, mild winters. The city experiences abundant sunshine year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Seasonal rainfall and coastal breezes shape Chennai’s weather, making winter the most pleasant time for travel and outdoor activities.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Chennai’s climate is classified as tropical, with three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers (March to June) are intensely hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching 36–40°C and occasional peaks above 42°C. The sea breeze offers some relief in the evenings, but humidity remains high. The hottest period, locally called 'Agni Nakshatram,' occurs in late May and early June. Nights are typically warm, with minimums around 26–28°C.
The monsoon season arrives in July and lasts until November, bringing heavy rainfall – especially from October to December due to the northeast monsoon. November is the wettest month, averaging over 300 mm of rain. Flooding and cyclones are possible during this time, particularly in low-lying areas. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, ranging from 25–34°C. Winters (December to February) are much milder, with temperatures between 20–31°C, lower humidity, and pleasant breezes. Rainfall during winter is light and sporadic, making it the best season for outdoor activities and festivals. Chennai enjoys around 2,850 hours of sunshine annually, with 7–10 hours of daily sunlight in most months. Winds are moderate, with prevailing southwesterlies during summer and northeasterlies during the monsoon and winter.
| Average climate data for Chennai, India | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 27 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 35 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 23 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 11 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 23 | 45 | 66 | 98 | 99 | 144 | 213 | 102 | 824 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 157 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 72 | 72 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 63 | 64 | 69 | 72 | 73 | 76 | 75 | 70 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 14 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 16 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 8 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 21 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 35 | 39 | 40 | 36 | 33 | 36 | 38 | 27 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
The best time to visit Chennai is from November to February, when the weather is warm but comfortable (20–31°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This period is ideal for sightseeing, enjoying the beaches, and experiencing Chennai’s vibrant festivals and cultural events.
The least favourable time to visit is from late May to early October, especially during the peak of the monsoon (October–November) when heavy rains, flooding, and occasional cyclones can disrupt travel and outdoor plans. Summers are also uncomfortably hot and humid, making outdoor activities challenging.
Chennai has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers, a rainy monsoon season from July to November, and warm, mild winters. Temperatures rarely fall below 20°C, and the city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round.
The best time to visit Chennai is from November to February, when temperatures are pleasant, humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal—perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Yes, Chennai receives most of its rainfall from October to December during the northeast monsoon. November is typically the wettest month, and flooding can occur, especially in low-lying areas.
Summers in Chennai are very hot, with daytime highs often reaching 36–40°C and sometimes exceeding 42°C during late May and early June. Humidity is also high, making it feel even warmer.
Chennai is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones, especially from October to December. While not frequent, they can cause heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding in the city.
Yes, Chennai’s beaches are popular year-round, but the best time for beach activities is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and the sea is warm.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a hat for most of the year. If visiting during the monsoon, bring an umbrella and raincoat. For winter evenings, a light jacket or shawl may be useful.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (34.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (27.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 31 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is May (29.7 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (23.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 26.7 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is September (29.4 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is January (26.8 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 28.5 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (212.7 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (6 mm). Over the whole year there are 824.1 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is September (23.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (2.8 days). Over the whole year there are 157.4 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is November (75.9 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is June (62.6 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 70.4 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is May (19 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is February (12.9 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 15.9 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is August (39.8 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is March (11 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 27.4 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are June and July (Average daylight: 12.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 11 h). Over the whole year there are 11.6 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 11.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 6 h). Over the whole year there are 9.1 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are April, May, June and July (UV index: 8). The month with the lowest average UV index is October (UV index: 6). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.2.
