Chennai Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Chennai formally known as madras has a tropical wet and dry climate. The hottest part of the year is from May to early June and we would avoid travelling to the city in this period. Chennai gets most of its seasonal rainfall from the north–east monsoon winds, from mid–October to mid–December. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal sometimes hit the city. The best time of year to visit Chennai is from January until March.
Monthly Temperature in Chennai
In Chennai temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very hot 36°C (97°F) in May to a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 29°C (84°F) in May to 23°C (73°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Chennai
Chennai experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1021 mm (40 in) of precipitation annually. The seasons in Chennai bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 231 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 10 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 9.4 mm (0.4 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Chennai Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Chennai
In Chennai, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 10.0 hours in May. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. July sees a soft sun for only 4.8 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Humidity in Chennai by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Chennai.
The city experiences its highest humidity in October, reaching 76%. In June, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 63%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Chennai 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Chennai
The warm weather in Chennai maintains temperatures between 29°C (84°F) and 36°C (97°F) year-round. Plan your visit during January, February, March, April and May for drier days and the best conditions to enjoy being outside.To make the most of your visit, consider exploring early in the morning or during the pleasant late afternoon hours when the temperature is most comfortable.
Be aware that October and November constitute the rainy season, with significant precipitation. Seeking the perfect travel destination for this year? We've created a tool that suggests locations matching your desired weather. Let our weather planner guide your travel decisions.
