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Best Time to Visit Chennai

Chennai is best to visit during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

 

High Season in Chennai

Chennai experiences a high season from December to February when the weather is cool and ideal for exploring the city.

brown concrete building under blue sky
SIBY @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Chennai

The shoulder season in Chennai is from October to November and March to April. During these months, the weather is relatively less crowded, and the prices are lower.

Low Season in Chennai

The low season in Chennai is from May to September due to the monsoon season. The weather is hot and humid, but you can find good deals on accommodation.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Chennai over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Chennai in Spring

Spring in Chennai, from March to May, is hot and humid with occasional rainfall. It is advisable to carry light clothing and stay hydrated.

white concrete building under white sky during daytime
SYED ARIFF @ Unsplash

Chennai in Summer

Summer in Chennai, from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. It is recommended to avoid outdoor activities during this season.

Chennai in Monsoon

Monsoon in Chennai, from September to November, brings heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Be prepared for wet conditions and plan indoor activities.

Chennai in Winter

Winter in Chennai, from December to February, is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Carry light sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Chennai for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Chennai in January

→ 24 to 31 °C (75 to 87 °F)

January is a great time to visit Chennai, with pleasant weather and a festive atmosphere due to Pongal celebrations.

Chennai in February

→ 24 to 32 °C (76 to 90 °F)

February offers pleasant weather and is a good time to explore Chennai's beaches and historical sites.

body of water under white sky during daytime
i m r α α n 'k @ Unsplash

Chennai in March

→ 27 to 36 °C (81 to 98 °F)

March marks the beginning of summer with hot and humid weather. It is advisable to carry light clothing and stay hydrated.

Chennai in April

→ 31 to 39 °C (88 to 103 °F)

April is the hottest month in Chennai, with high temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. Indoor activities are recommended.

Chennai in May

→ 32 to 41 °C (90 to 106 °F)

May is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching their peak. It is a low season, and you can find good deals on accommodation.

Chennai in June

→ 31 to 40 °C (88 to 105 °F)

June is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. It is advisable to avoid outdoor activities during this season.

Chennai in July

→ 30 to 38 °C (86 to 100 °F)

July is the wettest month in Chennai, with heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Plan indoor activities.

low angle photo of concrete buildings
Karl Janisse @ Unsplash

Chennai in August

→ 29 to 37 °C (85 to 99 °F)

August continues to experience heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. It is recommended to stay indoors and explore indoor attractions.

Chennai in September

→ 30 to 37 °C (85 to 99 °F)

September marks the end of the monsoon season, but occasional rainfall can still occur. Plan indoor activities and carry an umbrella.

Chennai in October

→ 29 to 36 °C (84 to 96 °F)

October offers relatively less rainfall compared to the previous months. The weather is pleasant, and it is a good time for outdoor activities.

Chennai in November

→ 27 to 32 °C (81 to 90 °F)

November is a transition month with pleasant weather. It is a good time to explore Chennai's cultural and historical attractions.

Chennai in December

→ 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F)

December marks the beginning of winter with pleasant weather. It is the best time to visit Chennai and enjoy outdoor activities.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Chennai for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Chennai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. The city has several beach resorts and business hotels centrally located for easy access to tourist attractions.

red and white concrete building under white sky during daytime
rhoda alex @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Chennai has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and auto-rickshaws. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation operates buses throughout the city, providing an affordable and convenient way to get around.

Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport is the main airport serving the city. It is well-connected with domestic and international flights. Taxis and prepaid taxi services are available for transportation to and from the airport.

Airport to City Center

From the airport, you can take a taxi or a prepaid taxi service to reach your destination in Chennai. It is recommended to book a taxi in advance or use the designated taxi services at the airport.

Is Chennai Safe?

Chennai is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping belongings secure, and being aware of your surroundings.

According to the Global Peace Index, India ranks 126th among all countries in the world in 2023. India achieved a score of 2.31 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Chennai

The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter season from December to February when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

Best Chennai Visit Length

A 3-4 day trip is ideal to explore the major attractions of Chennai, including historical sites, beaches, and temples. However, the duration can be adjusted based on personal preferences.

Must-See Attractions in Chennai

Some of the must-see attractions in Chennai include Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, and San Thome Basilica.

Chennai Nightlife: What to Do

Chennai offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of options, including beachside cafes, rooftop bars, and live music venues. Marina Beach and Egmore Museum are also open at night.

Getting Around Chennai Efficiently

Chennai has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses, trains, and auto-rickshaws. Taxis and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola are also available for convenient transportation.

Chennai 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Explore Fort St. George and the Government Museum. End the day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

  1. Marina Beach
  2. Fort St. George
  3. Government Museum
  4. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
red and white tower under gray sky
Prabhu Jeganathan @ Unsplash

Day 2

Visit the San Thome Basilica, an iconic church in Chennai. Explore the beautiful Valluvar Kottam monument and the Birla Planetarium. Spend the evening at Express Avenue Mall.

  1. San Thome Basilica
  2. Valluvar Kottam
  3. Birla Planetarium
  4. Express Avenue Mall

Day 3

Start your day by visiting the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Explore the National Art Gallery and the Guindy National Park. End the day with a relaxing sunset at Elliot's Beach.

  1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
  2. National Art Gallery
  3. Guindy National Park
  4. Elliot's Beach