Best Time to Visit Chennai
India · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
The best time to visit Chennai is January, when the weather is at its most comfortable for sightseeing and time outdoors. May is the hottest month, with average highs of 36°C (97°F), while January is the coldest, with lows around 21°C (70°F). The rainy season runs over August to December; November is the wettest month with about 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain. July is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the rain.
Chennai weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C 83°F | 21°C 70°F | 22 mm | 3 | 77% | 8.3 | Excellent 9.1 |
| February | 31°C 87°F | 22°C 71°F | 6 mm | 1 | 72% | 9.4 | Excellent 8.1 |
| March | 34°C 94°F | 24°C 75°F | 17 mm | 2 | 67% | 9.4 | Fair 6.2 |
| April | 36°C 97°F | 26°C 80°F | 23 mm | 3 | 66% | 8.8 | Fair 5.1 |
| May | 36°C 97°F | 28°C 82°F | 50 mm | 8 | 65% | 6.5 | Fair 5 |
| June | 35°C 95°F | 27°C 80°F | 86 mm | 14 | 65% | 3.4 | Poor 3.4 |
| July | 34°C 93°F | 26°C 79°F | 117 mm | 19 | 69% | 2.2 | Poor 1.8 |
| August | 33°C 91°F | 26°C 78°F | 149 mm | 21 | 74% | 2.7 | Poor 1.8 |
| September | 32°C 89°F | 25°C 78°F | 142 mm | 20 | 78% | 3.6 | Poor 2.3 |
| October | 31°C 87°F | 25°C 77°F | 235 mm | 20 | 80% | 5 | Poor 3.2 |
| November | 29°C 83°F | 24°C 75°F | 343 mm | 19 | 83% | 4.8 | Poor 4 |
| December | 28°C 82°F | 22°C 72°F | 154 mm | 11 | 82% | 6 | Fair 5.6 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chennai?
The best time to visit Chennai is January, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Chennai?
May is the hottest month in Chennai, with an average high of 36°C (97°F).
What is the coldest month in Chennai?
January is the coldest month in Chennai, with an average low of 21°C (70°F).
What is the rainiest month in Chennai?
November is the wettest month, with about 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain. February is the driest, with 6 mm (0.2 in).
When is the rainy season in Chennai?
The rainy season in Chennai is August to December.
Nearby destinations
- Kallakurichi208 km · best December and January
- Bengaluru291 km · best December and January
- Tiruchirappalli306 km · best December and January
- Vijayawada382 km · best December and January
- Madurai424 km · best January
- Coimbatore428 km · best December and January
- Teni458 km · best January
- Hyderabad516 km · best November and December
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