Year-round weather and climate in Chennai, India
Average temperatures in Chennai run from an average low of 22°C72°F in February up to an average high of 35°C95°F in June. February is the driest month at 2 rainy days; November the wettest at 24. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 4.7M
- Currency
- INR
- Language
- English / Hindi
- Time zone
- Kolkata
Best time to visit
To avoid the most intense heat, the best time to visit is during the milder season around February, March, and April.
Rain character
Tropical Downpours: Expect intense bursts of rain during wetter months. Pack quick-drying footwear and a compact umbrella.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 8°C14°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Tropical Monsoon: Consistent heat year-round. Defined entirely by its dramatic shift between extreme dry and torrential wet seasons.
Evening vibe
Seasonal Terraces: During the more temperate months, the city opens up with lively outdoor terraces. For the rest of the year, expect to dine indoors.
Sightseeing stamina
High Heat Fatigue: During the hotter half of the year, midday sun can cause heat exhaustion. Adopt a local rhythm: sightsee early, and rest indoors at 2 PM.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Chennai, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Feb is typically driest at 2 days (8mm); Nov the wettest at 24 days (443mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C / 83°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10h | 8 | 43mm |
| Feb | 30°C / 85°F | 22°C / 72°F | 11h | 2 | 8mm |
| Mar | 32°C / 89°F | 24°C / 75°F | 12h | 2 | 11mm |
| Apr | 33°C / 92°F | 26°C / 80°F | 12h | 3 | 12mm |
| May | 35°C / 95°F | 28°C / 82°F | 10h | 8 | 89mm |
| Jun | 35°C / 96°F | 28°C / 82°F | 10h | 12 | 72mm |
| Jul | 33°C / 92°F | 26°C / 80°F | 8h | 20 | 140mm |
| Aug | 33°C / 92°F | 26°C / 79°F | 9h | 21 | 142mm |
| Sep | 33°C / 91°F | 26°C / 79°F | 9h | 20 | 144mm |
| Oct | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 10h | 22 | 215mm |
| Nov | 28°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 8h | 24 | 443mm |
| Dec | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 74°F | 9h | 15 | 230mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Chennai?
The most sunshine in Chennai comes around March, averaging 12 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Chennai?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Chennai swing from an average low of 22°C72°F in February up to 35°C95°F in June. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Chennai?
Chennai gets rain on about 157 days out of the year. The wettest month is November. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Chennai with Packola.
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