Chennai, India Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Chennai
Chennai has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in January to around 95°F (35°C) in May, and the city records roughly 138 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: May - highs near 95°F (35°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 82°F (28°C)
- Record high: 108°F (42°C) · Record low: 62°F (17°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: November (21 rainy days) · Sunniest: March (11.6 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on May. Highs average 95°F (35°C) and overnight lows stay near 82°F (28°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 108°F (42°C) and dropped as low as 62°F (17°C).
Rain, sun and snow
November is usually the wettest month. It brings about 14.0 inches (356 mm) of rain over 21 days, while February is the driest. March brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82° | 72° | 6 | 1.1 in | 10.4 h/day | 75% |
| February | 85° | 72° | 1 | 0.2 in | 11.3 h/day | 74% |
| March | 89° | 75° | 2 | 0.4 in | 11.6 h/day | 75% |
| April | 93° | 80° | 3 | 0.5 in | 11.6 h/day | 76% |
| May | 95° | 82° | 6 | 3.2 in | 10.8 h/day | 72% |
| June | 95° | 82° | 12 | 2.7 in | 9.6 h/day | 67% |
| July | 93° | 80° | 17 | 4.4 in | 8.6 h/day | 69% |
| August | 92° | 79° | 19 | 5.3 in | 9.0 h/day | 73% |
| September | 90° | 79° | 20 | 5.6 in | 9.1 h/day | 77% |
| October | 88° | 77° | 20 | 7.4 in | 9.5 h/day | 80% |
| November | 83° | 75° | 21 | 14.0 in | 8.1 h/day | 83% |
| December | 82° | 74° | 12 | 6.9 in | 9.5 h/day | 79% |
Chennai month by month
Chennai weather in January
January brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 6 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Chennai.
Chennai weather in February
February brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 1 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Chennai.
Chennai weather in March
March brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 2 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Chennai.
Chennai weather in April
April brings highs around 93°F (34°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 3 wet days.
Chennai weather in May
May brings highs around 95°F (35°C), lows near 82°F (28°C), about 6 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Chennai.
Chennai weather in June
June brings highs around 95°F (35°C), lows near 82°F (28°C), about 12 wet days.
Chennai weather in July
July brings highs around 93°F (34°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 17 wet days.
Chennai weather in August
August brings highs around 92°F (33°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 19 wet days.
Chennai weather in September
September brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 20 wet days.
Chennai weather in October
October brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 20 wet days.
Chennai weather in November
November brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 21 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Chennai.
Chennai weather in December
December brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 12 wet days.
Seasons in Chennai
March through May
March through May in Chennai brings serious heat, with daytime highs averaging 92°F (34°C) and nights around 79°F (26°C); rain falls on about 10 days over the three months. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Chennai is intensely hot, with daytime highs averaging 93°F (34°C) and nights around 81°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 48 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Chennai brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (31°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 61 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Chennai runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (29°C) and nights around 72°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 20 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Chennai?
Is Chennai hot in summer?
Is Chennai cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Chennai get in a year?
Best time to visit Chennai
The best time to visit Chennai is generally December to March, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 85°F (29°C).
Pack for Chennai with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - May nights average 82°F (28°C).
Chennai temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.