Home › Destinations › Chennai › Weather › By Month

Weather by Month

Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate, with a hot and humid summer from March to June, a monsoon season from October to December bringing heavy rains, and a relatively mild winter from January to February. The best time to visit is from January to March when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is low.

January

🌧️
Temperature
27°C°Cto23°C°C
Humidity

60%

Rainfall

101 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

January is mild and relatively dry with average highs around 27°C and lows of 23°C. Rainfall is moderate at about 101 mm, so expect some showers but generally pleasant conditions.

Moderate

February

🌤️
Temperature
30°C°Cto23°C°C
Humidity

50%

Rainfall

6 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

February is warm and dry, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Rainfall drops significantly to only 6 mm, making it an excellent month for outdoor activities.

Excellent

March

🌤️
Temperature
32°C°Cto25°C°C
Humidity

50%

Rainfall

5 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

March heats up with average highs reaching 32°C and lows at 25°C. Rainfall is minimal at 5 mm, so expect hot and sunny days with little relief from the heat.

Excellent

April

🌡️
Temperature
35°C°Cto27°C°C
Humidity

50%

Rainfall

7 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

April is hot with average highs of 35°C and lows of 27°C. Rainfall remains low at 7 mm, but the humidity begins to rise, making it feel quite oppressive.

Moderate

May

🌦️
Temperature
36°C°Cto29°C°C
Humidity

50%

Rainfall

42 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

May is sweltering with average highs of 36°C and lows of 29°C. Rainfall increases to 42 mm, offering occasional thunderstorms but little relief from the intense heat.

Moderate

June

🌧️
Temperature
37°C°Cto28°C°C
Humidity

60%

Rainfall

91 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

June is the hottest month with average highs of 37°C and lows of 28°C. Rainfall increases to 91 mm as the southwest monsoon approaches, bringing some humidity and showers.

Moderate

July

🌦️
Temperature
36°C°Cto28°C°C
Humidity

60%

Rainfall

73 mm

Wind

Light to moderate

July remains hot with average highs of 36°C and lows of 28°C. Rainfall is moderate at 73 mm, but the high humidity and cloud cover can make it feel muggy.

Moderate

August

🌧️
Temperature
35°C°Cto27°C°C
Humidity

60%

Rainfall

109 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

August sees average highs of 35°C and lows of 27°C, with rainfall increasing to 109 mm. The weather is a mix of hot spells and frequent rain showers.

Moderate

September

🌧️
Temperature
34°C°Cto26°C°C
Humidity

60%

Rainfall

181 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

September is warm and wet with average highs of 34°C and lows of 26°C. Rainfall rises to 181 mm as the northeast monsoon begins, leading to frequent downpours.

Moderate

October

⛈️
Temperature
30°C°Cto25°C°C
Humidity

70%

Rainfall

397 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

October is the wettest month with average highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C, and a heavy 397 mm of rain. Expect frequent and intense rainstorms, with high humidity.

Poor

November

🌧️
Temperature
30°C°Cto25°C°C
Humidity

70%

Rainfall

218 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

November remains very rainy with 218 mm of precipitation, but temperatures are cooler with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. The weather is humid with frequent showers.

Moderate

December

⛈️
Temperature
28°C°Cto23°C°C
Humidity

70%

Rainfall

326 mm

Wind

Moderate, gusty during storms

December is cool and wet with average highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Rainfall is substantial at 326 mm, so be prepared for overcast skies and rain.

Poor

Best Months to Visit

FebruaryMarch

Weather Travel Tips

  • Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothing to stay comfortable in Chennai's heat and humidity.
  • Carry an umbrella or raincoat at all times, especially from October to December when rains are heavy.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking bottled or filtered water, and avoid street food that may be contaminated.
  • Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the strong sun, particularly from March to June.
  • Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening to avoid the peak heat of the day.
  • Use reliable transportation like app-based cabs or the metro, as auto-rickshaws may overcharge tourists.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites, and remove footwear before entering.
  • Check the weather forecast daily during monsoon months, as sudden downpours can disrupt travel plans.

Explore More of Chennai

Destination Hub

Chennai Overview

Places to Explore

Marina Beach

Discover attraction

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Discover attraction

Fort St. George

Discover attraction

San Thome Basilica

Discover attraction

Government Museum, Egmore

Discover attraction

DakshinaChitra

Discover attraction

Elliot's Beach

Discover attraction

Guindy National Park

Discover attraction

Poondi Reservoir

Discover attraction

Parthasarathy Temple

Discover attraction

Vadapalani Andavar Temple

Discover attraction

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Discover attraction

Marundeeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Queenship Mary Church

Discover attraction

St. Andrew's Church

Discover attraction

Zion Church

Discover attraction

Sir Thomas Munro

Discover attraction

The Island

Discover attraction

Periyar Bridge

Discover attraction

Aysha Masjid

Discover attraction

Hynmers Obelisk

Discover attraction

Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary

Discover attraction

Victory War Memorial

Discover attraction

Triplicane Big Wallajah Mosque

Discover attraction

Kachaleeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Napier Bridge

Discover attraction

Sri Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Chepauk Palace

Discover attraction

Triumph of Labour

Discover attraction

Perarignar Anna Memorial

Discover attraction

MGR Memorial

Discover attraction

Triplican Lebbai Mosque

Discover attraction

Kannagi

Discover attraction

Mahakavi Subramania Bharati Memorial

Discover attraction

Sri Parthasarathy Koil

Discover attraction

Thousand Lights Mosque

Discover attraction

Vivekanandar Illam

Discover attraction

St George's Cathedral

Discover attraction

St Peters Church

Discover attraction

Semmozhi Poonga

Discover attraction

Anna Flyover

Discover attraction

Valluvar Kottam

Discover attraction

Thiruvalluvar Koil

Discover attraction

Chennai Lighthouse

Discover attraction

Church of Our Lady of Light (Luz Church)

Discover attraction

Thiru Vi Ka Park

Discover attraction

Nageswara Rao Park

Discover attraction

St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica

Discover attraction

Ramakrishna Math Universal Temple

Discover attraction

Kesava Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Anna Nagar Arch

Discover attraction

Panagal Park

Discover attraction

Anna Nagar Tower Park

Discover attraction

Natesan Park

Discover attraction

Tholkappiar Ecological Park

Discover attraction

Chennai Railway Museum

Discover attraction

Quibble Island

Discover attraction

Ambedkar Memorial

Discover attraction

Brodie Castle

Discover attraction

Sivaji Ganesan Memorial

Discover attraction

Madhavaram Botanical Garden

Discover attraction

Sri Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Birla Planetarium

Discover attraction

Madhya Kailash

Discover attraction

Tiruvalidhayam Tiruvalleswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Kaj Schmidt Memorial

Discover attraction

Snake Park

Discover attraction

Chennai Snake Park

Discover attraction

MGR Film City

Discover attraction

Arulmigu Santana Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Marudeeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Trinity Church

Discover attraction

St Patricks Church

Discover attraction

Chennai Trade Center

Discover attraction

St. Thomas Mount

Discover attraction

Viswaroopa Anjaneya Temple

Discover attraction

Kodi Baba Sai Baba Temple

Discover attraction

Secretariat Colony Govt Park

Discover attraction

Thrisulanathar Temple

Discover attraction

Full Gospel Telugu Baptist Church

Discover attraction

Cholamandal Artists' Village

Discover attraction

ISKCON Temple, Chennai

Discover attraction

Thirumalai Nagar Park

Discover attraction

Ranganatha Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Tambaram Sanatorium Manavalakalai Mandram (Temple of consciousness)

Discover attraction

Annai Anjugam Ammaiyar Park

Discover attraction

Sri Skandashramam Temple

Discover attraction

Valli Devasena Subramaniyam Kovil Park

Discover attraction

Lord Shiva Temple - Navaleswarar and Akilandeswari Temple

Discover attraction

White Tiger

Discover attraction

Arignar Anna Zoo Park

Discover attraction

MGR Statue

Discover attraction

Vandalur Zoo

Discover attraction

Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Tiruvidanthai

Discover attraction

Rajiv Gandhi Memorial

Discover attraction

Fort Geldria

Discover attraction

Crocodile Bank

Discover attraction

Veeraraghava Swamy temple

Discover attraction

Padaladhri Narasimhar Temple

Discover attraction

Tiger Cave

Discover attraction

Retro Surf Club

Discover attraction

Krishna's Butterball

Discover attraction

Ganesh Ratha

Discover attraction

Mamallapuram Shore Temple

Discover attraction

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Arjuna's Penance

Discover attraction

Varaha Mandapam / Cave

Discover attraction

Shore Temple Complex, Mahabalipuram

Discover attraction

Krishna Mandapam

Discover attraction

Mahishamadhini Cave

Discover attraction

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Discover attraction

Five Rathas

Discover attraction

Thiruvalangaadu Vadaranyeshwarar Temple

Discover attraction

Vedhagirishwarar Temple

Discover attraction