The Best Time to Visit Chennai, India

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When is the Best Time to Visit Chennai?

• Chennai Hotel & Neighborhood Map

The optimal time to visit Chennai is in January, February, and March. These months avoid the severe heat and bulk of the rain, and temperatures hover between 21°C and 34°C. Since Chennai is not a major tourist destination, airfares and room rates are moderate through the year, except on major holidays like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s.

• Best Time for Sightseeing: Like other southern Indian cities, extreme heat and monsoon rains can impact travel. Chennai receives most rain August through December, peaking in October and November. It remains hot and humid year-round but is worst April through July. Thus, the optimal visiting period is January, February, and March.
• Prime Season for the Forecast: From January to March days are filled with sunlight, temperatures aren`t too intense yet, sea breezes help regulate humidity, and it may not rain for weeks. April through June see temperatures rise from warm to hot and increased moisture becomes particularly noticeable. The monsoon impacting Mumbai and Goa on the western coast from June to September bypasses Chennai, which gets most of its precipitation during the northeast monsoonal period of October to mid-December. Violent storms and cyclones aren`t uncommon at this time, and flooding can also affect travel plans.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: Mid-December to April. If possible, avoid the extreme heat, humidity, and monsoonal rains during the other months of the year.
• Best Time for Outdoor Entertaining: Between January and June, rain is scarce. Hence, this is the ideal time for evening socializing and bar visiting, even though nightlife in this Tamil focused city tends to be relaxed.
• Best Time for Saving Money: May to November. The busiest and priciest time to visit is the cooler and drier weather, so hotel rates and airfares are lowest during the monsoon season and its lead up.

Chennai Travel Seasons

• High Season (January to March): Day after day of warm conditions, without being too hot or humid, and pleasantly moderate overnight. Maybe 1-2 days of precipitation per month. Chennai is not a major tourist destination, so it’s not greatly impacted by large numbers of visitors and higher hotel rates around the Christmas and New Year periods.
• Intermediate Season (April and December): Also a suitable time to visit, before the extreme heat and humidity (May and June) and after the worst of the rainy season (July to November). April can still be hot and damp, and rain lingers into early December, but by year`s end, the streets are clean and gardens are flourishing.
• Lower Season (May to November): Chennai does not benefit from ideal weather conditions for sightseeing during this time. Heat and humidity peak in May and June leading up to the rains, which are at their height during the northeast monsoon in October, November, and early December, when cyclones are common. The number of visitors decreases, so accommodation rates fall, but allow extra time for travel plans as they may be impacted during the wet season.

Chennai Weather by Month

• Weather in Chennai, India during January: The second coolest month, but average daytime temperatures only decrease to around 30°C and remain pleasantly warm at approximately 21°C overnight. Rainfall declines significantly to about one-fifth as much as the preceding month of December, but remains the wettest period of the dry winter season.
• Chennai Weather in February: Daytime temperatures rise somewhat from the past month and there’s a subtle decrease in ordinary rainfall. Overnight temperatures commence to increase by 1-2 degrees per month until peaking in May.
• Chennai Weather in March: Days become noticeably warmer, averaging 34°C, and overnight is a warm and humid 24°C. Driest month of the year, with barely any rain recorded.
• Chennai Weather in April: This second-driest month sees only occasional showers on average. However, heat and humidity notably intensify to uncomfortable levels for those unaccustomed. Daytime averages reach 36 degrees Celsius with nights around 26 degrees.
• Chennai Weather in May: This month brings the highest heat and humidity of the year along with heavier rainfall compared to April. Daytime highs average around 38°C while overnight lows are normally 28°C. Humidity levels are very uncomfortable, even for local residents.
• Weather in Chennai in June: Some frustrating rain although certainly not as severe as the monsoon flooding streets elsewhere. Daytime highs average around 37°C while overnight lows are approximately 27°C, though humidity can be unbearably high for many visitors.
• Chennai Weather in July: By now, the rainy season is in full effect but brings some temperature relief despite humidity remaining very taxing. Poor drainage contributes to growing roadway flooding problems in low-lying urban locales.
• Weather conditions in Chennai during August: Slightly cooler average day and night temperatures are usually experienced, though the decrease is insignificant. Rainfall quantity raises marginally, averaging around 132mm per month, which can occasionally disrupt travel plans.
• Chennai Weather in September: Rain continues (though slightly less on average than the prior month), yet the monsoon has still not arrived. Day and night temperatures remain rather uncomfortable at approximately 34°C and 25°C respectively, exacerbated by persisting humidity.
• Chennai`s October weather usually marks the first of the region`s 2 wettest months, which are part of the northeast monsoon that leaves inland cities and those along the western coast unaffected. Common rainfall amounts reach around 270mm on average, and cyclones occasionally form, so continued vigilance is advised. Average temperatures slightly reduce to 32°C during the daytime and humidity levels marginally decrease.
• Weather in Chennai During November: Undoubtedly the wettest month of the year since monsoonal rains greatly batter the coast and damaging cyclones pass through annually or so. Anticipate rain daily, regularly for hours, flooding roads, even outside 5-star resorts. Roughly 360mm for the month, but still under half of what Mumbai gets on the opposite coast in July.
• Chennai Weather in December: Significant variations beginning with average day/night temperatures reaching their lowest for the year: 29°C/21°C. Rainfall decreases in the latter half of the month to nearly one-third as much as November. Cyclones remain possible; in fact, a very severe cyclonic storm named Vardah struck Chennai in early December of 2016, causing extensive damage.

Chennai Holidays, Events, and Festivals by Months

India has the world’s second-largest population of Muslims (following Indonesia). Dates for these 4 major festivals vary annually as per the Islamic calendar. Each is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

• Eid-al-Fitr – The conclusion of Ramadan is celebrated with up to three days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and in people`s homes.
• Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) – Celebrated with spiritual services and processions.
• Muharram/Ashura – Commencement of the Islamic New Year.
• Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Commemorates Ibrahim`s willingness to sacrifice his son. Mainly goats are ritually slaughtered and shared with family, friends, and those in need.

Chennai in January

• New Year’s Day (1st) – Celebrated by families and acquaintances. Usually some concerts.
• Makara Sankranthi/Pongal (14th or 15th) – Makara Sankranthi is principally celebrated in Western India, while Pongal is celebrated in South India. Both festivals mark the conclusion of winter. Makara Sankranthi features abundant kite-flying, while Pongal involves 3-4 days of house cleaning and decorating, paying homage to farm animals, exchanging gifts, and visiting families and friends. Sweet rice pudding is partaken during Pongal.
• Vasant Panchami (date varies between January and February): Hindu ceremony where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments before Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, seeking blessing and celebrating the arrival of spring.
• Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates the date that the constitution of the nation came into effect on January 26, 1950. Huge processions are held in Delhi, with less restraint elsewhere. It is a national holiday, when all government offices and many tourist attractions are closed.
• The Tourism and Trade Fair in Chennai (January, February & March) – Multiple stalls and activities organized by local tourism authorities promote attractions and culture across the city and state.

Chennai in February

• (Maha) Shivaratri (variable, February/March) – Day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva and ceremonies in temples. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close their doors.
• Holi (changeable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the arrival of spring. Nearly everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – has colored water and/or powder applied to them.

Chennai in March

• Chaitra Navratri (variable, September/October) – The start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
• Rama Navami (variable, March/April) – This commemorates Lord Rama’s birth. 9 days incorporate music, dance, fasting, feasting, and recitation of the Ramayana (epic tale). One day is a public holiday potentially closing most government facilities and some tourist attractions.
• Mahavir Jayanti (date varies, March/April) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, Jainism`s most revered teacher. Colorful rituals at temples and offerings to those in need. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and attractions may shut down.
• Easter (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated by the Christian minority. A few businesses may close on Good Friday.
• Gudi Padwa (changeable, March/April) – A traditional start of the Hindu New Year, marked by family visits, raising of a special flag, and spring cleaning.

Chennai in April

• Vaisakhi: (generally the 13th or 14th) Another spring festival that also marks the New Year as per the Sikh calendar. Music, dance, wrestling and wearing of traditional attire are abundant.
• Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Honors the birth of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a leading historical figure. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

Chennai in May

• Vesak/Buddha Purnima (date varies between April and May): Solemn festivals held at temples commemorating the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. A public holiday when some government offices and tourist locations may shut.

Chennai in June

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Chennai in July

• Raksha Bandhan/Rakhi (dates vary, July/August) – A Hindu celebration emphasizing familial bonds, especially between siblings. Commonly called Brother-Sister Day, sisters tie colorful bracelets (Rakhis) on brothers’ wrists who give gifts in return.

Chennai in August

• Museo Nazionale del Bargello – Former penal facility, now home to the finest collection of Renaissance sculptures in the city. Wander the peculiar building and encounter works by Donatello (including a David that was the first nude statue since antiquity), Cellini, and Michelangelo. (0.7 mile).
• Parsi New Year (17th) – Celebrated by followers of the ancient Zoroastrian religion known as Parsis. Chennai’s 110-year-old Royapuram fire temple.
• Madras Day (22nd) – Part of a week-long homage to the city’s founding in the mid-17th century. Concerts, food markets, and additional activities spread throughout the city.
• Janmashtami (date varies, August/September) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, and decorations on buildings. A public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Celebrated for approximately ten days, this holiday observes the birth of the highly revered elephant-headed deity, Ganesha. Festivities span the city and state, marked with enthusiasm.

Chennai in September

• Navaratri (changeable, September/October) – Nine days of passionately celebrating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon. Lights and fireworks everywhere in the city, as well as colorful parades and cultural events. The 9th day is Dussehra.
• Dussehra (changeable, September/October) – Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and the general fight of good over evil. Praying at temples, offerings of exceptional food, and burning of Ravana’s effigies. Public holiday, when some administration offices and tourist attractions may close.

Chennai in October

• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Sombre event commemorating the birth anniversary of the nation`s founding father, Mahatma Gandhi. National holiday when all government offices and many attractions close.
• Karaka Chaturthi/Karva Chauth (changeable, October/November) – Paying homage to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this occasion fosters kinship and togetherness. Fasting by married women and unique rituals also intend prosperous and healthy lives for their spouses.
• Diwali/Deepavali (variable dates, October/November) – A significant 5-day festival of lights, candles, and fireworks. Travel volumes increase as it is commemorated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. There may be closures or restrictions at some public sector locations and tourist sites on the day designated as a holiday.

Chennai in November

• Karthigai Deepam (changeable, November/December) – Period after Diwali (see above) when Tamils decorate murals and place diyas (small lamps) outside homes.
• Guru Nank Jayanti (changeable) – Commemorates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and is marked with prayers and parades. It is a public holiday.

Chennai in December

• Christmas Day (25th) – Celebrated by all Christians and most visitors. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may have restricted hours or be closed.
• New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by many Indians as well as all tourists, though perhaps not as boisterously as in parts of the Western world.
• Margazhi/Chennai Festival of Dance and Music (mid-December to mid-January) – Traditional music and classical dance held across the city for one month.
• Chennai Book Fair (December to January) – For around ten days spanning Christmas and New Year, readers and authors congregate for this acclaimed literary event.