Yearly & Monthly weather - Chennai, India (original) (raw)
A staircase to the front entrance of the Ramakrishna Temple in Chennai, India
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 »
Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months in Chennai?
With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 27.3°C (81.1°F) and a low of 23.4°C (74.1°F), January stands out as the coldest month.
How much does it rain in Chennai?
In Chennai, during the entire year, the rain falls for 157.6 days and collects up to 823mm (32.4") of precipitation.
What month is the sea coldest in Chennai?
January is the month with the coldest seawater in Chennai, with an average sea temperature of 26.8°C (80.2°F).
What is the driest month in Chennai?
The month with the least rainfall in Chennai is February, when the rain falls for 2.9 days and typically collects 6mm (0.24") of precipitation.
When is the highest UV index in Chennai?
The months with the highest UV index in Chennai, India, are April through July, with an average maximum UV index of 8.
What time of the year is the hottest in Chennai?
Chennai's temperatures tend to reach their peak averages in May, with a high of 34.8°C (94.6°F) and a low of 29.6°C (85.3°F).
When is the sea warmest in Chennai?
May is the month with the warmest seawater in Chennai, with an average sea temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F).
What month has the most sunshine in Chennai?
May has the most sunshine of the year in Chennai, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.
What is the least humid month in Chennai?
With an average relative humidity of 63%, June is the least humid month in Chennai.
When are the longest days in Chennai?
The month with the longest days in Chennai, India, is June, with an average of 12h and 54min of daylight.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Chennai?
October is the month with the lowest UV index in Chennai, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What is the most humid month in Chennai?
The most humid month is November, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
What is the wettest month in Chennai?
November is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 18.4 days and accumulates 213mm (8.39") of precipitation.
What are the months with the least sunshine in Chennai?
November and December, with an average of 6.3h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What is the month with the shortest days in Chennai?
With an average of 11h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Chennai, India.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Chennai?
Chennai does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). IST timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average visibility
Chennai, India
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).