Chennai weather and climate in 2024
Day
31 °C
Night
21 °C
Sea
26 °C
Precipitation
25 mm
in month
Rainy days
2 days
in month
Daylight
11 hours
average
Sunshine
9 hours
average
Humidity
75 %
Day
31 °C
Night
21 °C
Sea
26 °C
Precipitation
25 mm
in month
Rainy days
2 days
in month
Daylight
11 hours
average
Sunshine
9 hours
average
Humidity
75 %
Overview: Chennai
Weather charts for Chennai
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Weather overview for Chennai
Weather overview
Chennai, perched on India's eastern coastline, grapples with a tropical wet and dry climate. The mercury oscillates from a soothing 30 °C (86 °F) in December to a sizzling 38 °C (101 °F) in May, marking the extremities of day temperature. The monsoon paints the landscape with its peaks in November, with an impressive 336 mm (13.22 in) of precipitation, whereas the parched lands of February witness a mere 10 mm (0.38 in). As night falls, the temperatures provide respite with pockets of coolness, reaching their nadir in January at 21 °C (69 °F). Across the year, Chennai's sky generously bestows sun upon the city, with June being least sunny at 6 hours per day, demonstrating the sun's elusive dance during the monsoons.
January weather
As the New Year unfolds, Chennai welcomes a pleasant climate with daytime temperatures averaging 31 °C (87 °F). Night times are cooler with averages of 21 °C (69 °F), providing a comfortable respite from the warmth. January also is one of the drier months, with rainfall being a rarity - a mere 25 mm (0.99 in).
February weather
February sees an uptick in day temperatures to an average of 33 °C (91 °F) in Chennai, hinting at the approaching heat of summer. The night temperature remains gentle at 21 °C (70 °F). This month is notable for its scarcity of rainfall, receiving just 10 mm (0.38 in) and labeled as the driest month.
March weather
March in Chennai is characterized by rising temperatures, averaging 34 °C (93 °F) during the day. Night temperatures also begin to rise, reaching an average of 23 °C (73 °F). Humidity starts to decrease a bit, making the weather feel slightly more comfortable despite the rise in mercury.
April weather
April brings a sizzle to Chennai with temperatures soaring to an average of 36 °C (96 °F). Nights are markedly warmer as well, with an average of 26 °C (79 °F). The sun bakes the city for 9 hours a day, and the occasional showers may bring some relief, as reflected in the rainfall amount of 14 mm (0.54 in).
May weather
May turns the heat up even further in Chennai, peaking at 38 °C (101 °F). The sun's reign makes it the hottest month, challenged only by the occasional thunderstorm which ushers in 48 mm (1.89 in) of rain. Nights offer lighter warmth, averaging 27 °C (81 °F).
June weather
June in Chennai signals the onset of the monsoon season with a significant increase in rainfall 59 mm (2.33 in) and a drop in sun hours to 6 hours per day. The daytime temperature averages 38 °C (100 °F), still reflecting the tail end of the summer heat. Nights are less intense but still warm at 27 °C (81 °F).
July weather
July solidifies the monsoon's hold over Chennai, with an abundance of rain 99 mm (3.90 in) and a further reduction in the sun's attendance to 6 hours a day. The temperature simmers at an average of 36 °C (97 °F) and is complemented by cooler nights averaging 26 °C (79 °F).
August weather
August in Chennai continues to be embraced by the monsoon with pouring rain 130 mm (5.13 in). Daytime temperatures hover around 35 °C (96 °F) while the nights cool down marginally to 26 °C (78 °F). A mixture of clouds and sun characterizes the sky, with a reduced sun quota at 6 hours.
September weather
September in Chennai is a transitional month as the monsoon gradually wanes. Yet, it still manages to drop an impressive 133 mm (5.25 in) of rain. Day temperatures average at 35 °C (95 °F), signaling the impending end of the relentless heat. At night, the temperatures dip to a comfortable 25 °C (78 °F).
October weather
October's weather in Chennai is marked with a plethora of rainy days 13 days and the second-highest rainfall of the year 270 mm (10.62 in). The sun tentatively asserts itself with 6 hours of sunshine as day temperatures settle around 33 °C (91 °F) with cooler nights at 24 °C (76 °F).
November weather
November sees the climax of precipitation, with Chennai experiencing its highest rainfall 336 mm (13.22 in). This month has the fewest sun hours at 6 hours, and day temperatures begin their descent to an average of 31 °C (87 °F). Nights are cooler too, with an average of 23 °C (74 °F).
December weather
December brings a gradual cessation of the monsoon in Chennai, with reduced rainfall 150 mm (5.91 in) and slight increments in sun exposure 7 hours. The daytime temperature cools further to an average of 30 °C (86 °F), and nights turn notably more comfortable at 22 °C (71 °F).
FAQs
What can I expect from the weather in Chennai during January?
January in Chennai is known for its moderate warmth with temperatures hovering around 31 °C (87 °F) during the day. It's the perfect month for those who prefer milder weather conditions.
Is Chennai hot in February, and should I expect rain during my visit?
February is warmer than January in Chennai with average highs of 33 °C (91 °F), but it's still pleasant for outdoor activities. You'll find it to be the driest month, with little expectation of rain.
How warm is Chennai in March and does it get uncomfortable?
Chennai in March sees daytime temperatures at a toasty 34 °C (93 °F), which can be uncomfortable for some, particularly during midday.
What's the typical temperature in Chennai during April and how should one prepare?
April in Chennai is defined by its intense heat, with daily temperatures reaching 36 °C (96 °F). Light, breathable clothing is highly recommended to stay cool.
Is May the hottest month in Chennai, and how often does it rain?
Absolutely, May is usually the zenith of heat in Chennai, jousting with temperatures around 38 °C (101 °F). Rain does occur, but it's usually in the form of sporadic thunderstorms that slightly alleviate the heat.
As the monsoon arrives, how does it affect the temperatures in Chennai during June?
The monsoon's arrival in June brings a subtle dip in the relentless heat, making the average 38 °C (100 °F) a tad more bearable due to increased cloud cover and rainfall.
How rainy is Chennai in July and what are the temperatures like?
July in Chennai is one of the wetter months, replete with monsoon showers and an average of 36 °C (97 °F), offering a slight reprieve from the earlier summer peaks.
Is August still a rainy month in Chennai and are temperatures starting to cool down?
Indeed, August sees no respite from the monsoon in Chennai with continued rainfall. The temperatures remain warm but slightly cooler than peak summer, averaging 35 °C (96 °F) during the day.
With the monsoon receding in September, does Chennai still get a lot of rain?
Although on the decline, the monsoon is still active in September showering Chennai with rain, ensuring that the city has not quite bid farewell to the wet season yet.
Is October one of the wettest months in Chennai and what are the typical temperatures?
Yes, October continues Chennai's rainy legacy, with a copious amount of precipitation and temperatures that ease into a more comfortable 33 °C (91 °F) during the day.
Does November bring the heaviest rains to Chennai and what is the typical day and night temperatures?
Indeed, November drenches Chennai with the heaviest rainfall for the year while the temperatures start to dial down to an average of 31 °C (87 °F) during the day and 23 °C (74 °F) at night.
As the monsoon tapers off in December, does Chennai experience a significant drop in rainfall?
With the monsoon's retreat, December in Chennai sees a marked decrease in rain, though it remains higher than the very dry months. The overall climate also becomes milder.
We make the most from 40 years of historical weather data to predict the best weather conditions.
Deciding on where to go for a holiday is hard sometimes. Get inspired by the most popular destinations.
We aggregate data from combining multiple weather sources to ensure accuracy of the highest order.