TrypDeals
Home › Destinations › Chennai › Weather

Weather in Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Its tropical climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and a pronounced northeast monsoon, bringing the majority of rainfall from October to December. The city's coastal location moderates temperatures somewhat, but the humidity can be intense year-round.

Current Weather Overview

Annual climate patterns and seasonal variations

Temperature

27-37°C

Average

Humidity

60-80%

Average

Wind Speed

15-25 km/h

Average

Rainfall

1556 mm annual

Annual

Seasonal Overview

☀️

Summer (March to May)

March to May

Hot and humid, with temperatures rising from March, peaking in May. The sea breeze offers some relief along the coast, but afternoons can be sweltering. Occasional pre-monsoon showers may occur in late May.

🌧️

Southwest Monsoon (June to September)

June to September

The southwest monsoon brings moderate rainfall, but Chennai lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, so showers are often sporadic. Humidity is high, and temperatures remain warm, with occasional thunderstorms.

🌊

Northeast Monsoon (October to December)

October to December

The primary rainy season, with the northeast monsoon delivering heavy, often intense, rainfall. October is the wettest month. The weather becomes cooler and more pleasant after rains, but flooding can occur.

🌤️

Winter (January to February)

January to February

The most comfortable season, with lower humidity and mild temperatures. Days are warm and sunny, while nights are cooler. This is the peak tourist season.

Climate Details

Chennai's climate is classified as tropical wet and dry (Köppen: Aw), with a distinct monsoon pattern. The city receives the majority of its annual rainfall (about 1,556 mm) during the northeast monsoon (October–December), when moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal bring heavy downpours. In contrast, the southwest monsoon (June–September) contributes less due to the rain shadow effect of the Western Ghats. Temperatures are consistently warm throughout the year, with the hottest months being May and June, when average maximums can reach 37°C. Humidity remains high, especially along the coast, making the heat feel more intense. The coolest months are January and February, with average maximums around 27–30°C.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chennai is from January to February, when the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. This period follows the heavy northeast monsoon rains, leaving the city fresh and green. It's also the time of the Margazhi music and dance season, which runs from mid-December to mid-January, offering a rich cultural experience.

Weather Tips for Travelers

  • Carry an umbrella or raincoat during October–December; sudden heavy showers are common.
  • Stay hydrated and wear light, breathable cotton clothing, especially in summer.
  • Apply sunscreen and wear a hat when exploring outdoor attractions like Marina Beach.
  • Check weather forecasts and avoid low-lying areas during cyclone alerts in the monsoon season.
  • Keep a light jacket for air-conditioned venues and early mornings in winter.
View Weather by Month

Tour Packages for Chennai

Explore More of Chennai

Destination Hub

Chennai Overview

Spiritual & Temple Guides

History

Explore guide

Temple Guide

Explore guide

Colonial Heritage Guide

Explore guide

Carnatic Music & Dance Guide

Explore guide

Religious Significance

Explore guide

Festivals

Explore guide

Beaches Guide

Explore guide

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