The climate of Chennai
Strategically located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal,
Chennai,
India, boasts a "Tropical wet and dry or savanna" climate, tagged as 'Aw' under the Köppen climate classification. This specific climate infers to a variation of a Tropical wet climate but also experiences a pronounced dry season.
Understanding the climate of Chennai entails looking at several key parameters throughout the year. To start with, temperatures present a relatively stable yet warm pattern all year round, varying from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F). However, the region's notable characteristic lies in its drastic shifts in rainfall. Towards the end of the year, the city receives rainfall up to 213mm (8.39") in
November, a stark contrast from the minimal 6mm (0.24") rainfall recorded in
February.
Another notable characteristic is the humidity level, which tends to fluctuate between 63% to 76% on the annual basis. The sea temperatures also fluctuate, with values ranging from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), indicating a warm and inviting sea all year round. In general, the region experiences about 11.4 hours to 12.9 hours of daylight with considerable sunshine for most parts of the year, except for the brief dip during the monsoon months.
The best time to visit Chennai
The most inviting period to visit
Chennai would be during the cooler and less humid months, from
November to
February. During these months, the average low temperature ranges from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F), significantly milder than the hotter months. Additionally, the daylight duration is relatively high, varying from 11.4 hours to 11.5 hours. Sea temperatures remain warm, conducive for seaside activities - from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F).
The worst time to visit Chennai
The monsoon months tend to be the least desirable time to visit the city.
October, with an average of 144mm (5.67") rainfall and
November, peaking at 213mm (8.39"), see the city dealing with heavy rainfall. Intense rainfall coupled with high humidity levels, reaching 76% in November, may not provide the most comfortable travel conditions.
Spring weather in Chennai
The spring months in
Chennai, from
March to
May, are characterized by a significant increase in temperature. Values can escalate up to 34.8°C (94.6°F) in May, creating a rather hot environment. This period also sees increased daylight hours, expanding from 12.1 hours to 12.7 hours. On the contrary, the city deals with a slight surge in rainfall with May witnessing a rise up to 23mm (0.91").
Summer weather in Chennai
In
Chennai, the Summer months extend from
June to
August. This period witnesses a slight decline in temperature from 34.2°C (93.6°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F). Rainfall, however, witnesses a considerable increase. In June, the city records a rainfall of 45mm (1.77") which accelerates to 97mm (3.82") by August. The rise in rainfall also coincides with a subtle increase in humidity, creating a moist atmosphere overall.
Autumn weather in Chennai
Chennai observes Autumn from
September to
November. Beginning with an average temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F) in September, the city gradually cools down to 28.8°C (83.8°F) by November. Rainfall, on the other hand, peaks during this season with November experiencing an average of 213mm (8.39") of rain. These months are marked by shorter daylight hours and increased cloud coverage reflecting higher humidity.
Winter weather in Chennai
Winter in
Chennai,
India, falls in the months of
December and
January. The city experiences relatively cooler temperatures during this time, with averages falling to 24.3°C (75.7°F) in January. The rainfall also drops significantly to 102mm (4.02") in December and continues to decrease into the new year. Despite the drop in rainfall, humidity persists at higher levels, hovering around 75%, complemented by prolonged hours of sunshine and balmy sea temperatures.
Weather in January
January in
Chennai,
India, is characterized by a relative reduction in rainfall compared to the previous month, as indicated by 11mm (0.43") of recorded rainfall. Temperate weather, moderate humidity, and consistent wind speed set an agreeable climate for residents or visitors.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In stark contrast to the preceding month,
February in
Chennai blooms with elevated sunshine hours. A mere 6mm (0.24") of rainfall signifies a somewhat drier month, a typical weather feature in Chennai, where rain seldom marks February days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings with it a noticeable transition in
Chennai's weather, with a higher temperature of 30.9°C (87.6°F) compared to that of
February. From the mellow coolness of winter, this month sees the city opening its doors to the warmth of approaching summer.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Chennai showcases higher temperature trends with a peak of 32.9°C (91.2°F), ushering in the Indian summer season. As the sun climbs its apogee, daylight hours stretch further, illuminating the city beautifully from dawn to dusk.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May in
Chennai represents the heart of the hot season, where temperatures spike to 34.8°C (94.6°F), heroic in its intense heat. Along with the arrival of fiercer sun comes a dramatic surge in rain, lending an interesting juxtaposition of hot and wet weather.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Chennai doesn't stray far from
May's heat, as temperatures narrowly dip to 34.2°C (93.6°F) while embracing more humidity. With the escalation of rain, the city gradually prepares for the monsoon setting in. Despite having the longest daylight span, the sunlight isn’t unpleasantly harsh, courtesy of increased cloud coverage.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Journeying with full force into monsoon,
July in
Chennai is saturated with 67mm (2.64") rain, making way for a more refreshing climate. As the sun dips from its zenith, the temperature starts to ease, indirectly amplifying the effects of each rain shower.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Chennai continues the monsoon tradition, featuring a generous 97mm (3.82") rainfall and humidity peaking to its high point of the year. While temperatures recede in comparison to
July, cloudy skies do little in offsetting the resulting humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Signifying the gradual withdrawal of monsoon,
September weather in
Chennai is characterized by plummeting rainfall, yet the soggy condition from
August stays, as reflected in a substantial 98mm (3.86") rainfall. The decline in temperature starts to soften, offering respite to the residents from the intense humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Chennai signifies significant climatic transition, hosting a lavish 144mm (5.67") rainfall, the highest in a year. The rain may be relentless, yet it brings a charm to the cityscape that resonates uniquely with this season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November comes with an intense immersion in the rainy season in
Chennai, symbolized with an impressive 213mm (8.39") rain. The dip in daylight hours is marginally offset by the just adequate sunshine, assuring well-lit days. The evident chill in the air hints at the approaching winter, though without any significant deviation in temperature or wind movement from the previous month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year,
December in
Chennai brings noticeable cooling, with temperatures easing to 27.4°C (81.3°F). The rain showers subdue, marking the lowest rainfall level since
February and opening up possibilities for outdoor activities.
Weather in December »