Have Queries? Fill in the form below & get the best deals.
Please enter a valid Email-ID
Please enter mobile number
Please enter Holiday Type
Please enter the destination
Please enter hub

Best time to visit Chennai

Chennai is one of the cities that has successfully blended the modern, traditional and sides with ease. The city welcomes everyone who wants to seek a soulful and spiritual connection but also those who love shopping for sarees and enjoy good food. There is no conundrum in Chennai when you visit. It’s all about the moment, whether you decide to take a stroll down Marina Beach or visit one of the many temples that you will find here.Chennai Tourism is indeed spectacular and is a must visit place

Chennai is located on the coast and this is one of the reasons it’s often hot and humid. For those who are not accustomed to the warm weather, it might come as a shock indeed. Hence, it’s a good idea to know what to expect when you visit Chennai, so you are adequately prepared with the right sort of clothes and gear.

Peak Season – The best time to visit Chennai is between the months of October to February, i.e. from the end of monsoon and all of winter. During this time, the weather is relatively pleasant and it’s not that hot and sticky. This means you will be able to enjoy sightseeing around the city without feeling the blast of summer heat. There are numerous traditional festivals that take place in Chennai during winter and it’s wonderful if you’re able to partake in them.

Shoulder Season – March to June

Low Season – June to November

Travel Season Min./Max. Temperature Season
November - February 22-31°C Plesant
March - June 26-38°C Hot
July - September 27-34°C Heavy Rainfall


Chennai In Winter (November to February)

Temperature – During winter, Chennai sees its coolest weather as the minimum temperature hovers at around 22°C. This is the coolest Chennai can get.

Weather – The weather of Chennai in winter is tolerably pleasant. The weather is not too cold and not too hot and you can partake in sightseeing around the city. While temperatures can reach 30°C, it’s still considered better than the city during other seasons. As the city is on the coast, there can be some light rainfall but it’s manageable and will not put a dampener on your holiday plans which makes it the best season to visit Chennai.

Significance – Chennai during the winter is a wonderful place to visit. The weather is comfortable and there all the many places that you can explore with family and friends. There are temples, churches and a number of architectural delights that will keep you busy here during this time, without facing the sweltering heat of the sun. It’s a great time to enjoy the many delights the city has on offer.

Why you should visit now – Chennai during winter is perfect especially if you want to enjoy some of the festivals that are organised specifically during this time. In December, there’s the Dance and Music festival but Chennai during Pongal festivities in January is quite spectacular. The entire city comes alive as people celebrate this cherished harvest festival and you will get the chance to enjoy several delicious meals as well. During the months of February or March, you will also get to see the Natyanjali Dance Festival if you’re lucky.There are really some amazing places to visit in Chennai,so make sure to check it out

Things to know before the visit – Chennai during winters also sees some mild rains as it is on the coast. The rains sometimes tend to be on the heavier side but usually, they are often manageable. Chennai during winters is the perfect time to see the city as you can move around comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.  Also, do remember that since this is peak season, there will be a great number of tourists and thus flight rates will pick up accordingly. Do remember to book your flight and accommodation in advance. As it is holiday and festival season, lots of people will also be traveling back to their families and this causes a spike in the flight prices.

Tips – Chennai winters are mild and if you’re from a place where the cold is much harsher, you may not feel the bite of the cold at all. However, do remember to pack accordingly and make sure you carry a light shawl or cardigan with you. Don’t forget to pack essentials like lip balm, moisturizers and sunscreen especially. Do remember to carry an umbrella with you for sudden emergencies.

Chennai In Summer (March to June)

Temperature – Summers are very hot in Chennai and the temperatures range from lows of 26°C to highs of 40°C too.

Weather – Approach a holiday in Chennai during summer well-equipped for the heat. The weather is extreme and with the humidity, the heat and stickiness don’t make it comfortable to travel. Days are hot while nights are also warm. There’s a real chance of heatstroke and dehydration, so do remain hydrated.  It’s certainly not the best climate to visit Chennai.

Significance – Chennai summers are blisteringly hot and if you happen to be there during this time, then do make sure you drink enough fluids and stay hydrated. The month of May or June might also see a heatwave in Chennai which can aggravate the temperature even further. If you do find yourself in the city during this time, then stick to your hotel where you can stay in air-conditioned comfort and venture outside only during the evenings when cool and refreshing breezes from the sea flow in.

Why you should visit now – Chennai is best avoided during the summer. If you do plan to visit, the positive factors could be that hotels are not pricy at all during this time. So, accommodation is not very expensive. As a bustling metropolis, Chennai offers much by way of entertainment with its many malls, cinemas and excellent restaurants. Eat your fill and remember to drink water, and not just filter coffee!

Things to know before the visit – As this is low season, flight tickets and accommodation prices are quite low. But the downside is that the heat can be quite stressful and many people have known to suffer from heat strokes. Make sure to keep your head covered with some cap or hat if you venture outside and apply lots of sunscreens. For budget travellers, this season might be welcome because of the low prices.

Tips – With the sun beating down on you harshly, no amount of precautions can be enough to prevent heat stroke or dehydration from affecting you in Chennai during summer. So, do remember to pack light and breathable cotton clothes and ensure that you have sunscreen with SPF 30+ at least as it will prevent a sunburn. The other must-have accessories during this time are sunglasses and a hat to protect your head if you intend to step out during the day. And no matter what happens, don’t forget to drink enough water to hydrate yourself constantly.

Chennai In Monsoon (July to September)

Temperature – During monsoon, Chennai sees temperatures ranging between 27°C to 34°C.

Weather – Chennai during the monsoons can be dramatic and unpredictable. There are heavy downpours and even cyclones during this time and strong winds buffet about everything. Due to the proximity of the sea, the rains can be quite harsh here. The temperatures are manageable during this time but there are also chances of floods. Roads can get muddy and walking around can be quite a problem.

Significance – Exercise a bit of caution when planning a trip to Chennai during this season. Roads in low lying areas tend to get flooded and water can even seep inside homes. However, as it’s off season, people will find that tickets and accommodation are quite reasonably priced. While at the beginning of monsoon, the rains are lighter and manageable, as it proceeds truly, monsoon can bring heavy cyclonic rains to the city.

Why you should visit now – Although sightseeing might be harder during this season, early mornings might still be better as the breeze is fresh and clean and if there’s no rain, you can head to the beach.

Things to know before the visit – Make sure you check the weather forecast before you step out for the day. Even though the forecast might predict clear weather, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So make sure you have adequate rain protection and umbrellas if you are going outside. Make sure you have adequate protection from rain.

Tips – Visiting Chennai during the monsoon? Then you need to make sure you carry the right sort of gear with you. Whether it’s an umbrella, a light jacket, or rain proof footwear, make sure you have everything with you. Pack light clothes and preferably something that will dry easily even if you get caught in a downpour. Make sure you protect your gadgets in plastic bags if you’re going outside in the rain. Other things to remember during the monsoon would be mosquito repellents.

If you have decided the best time to visit Chennai, make sure you check out Thomas Cook’s exciting Chennai Tour Packages. Piping hot filter coffee and the best idli-vadai you have eaten in your life await you.You can also check out more ways on How to reach Chennai

Travel Season
April to July Summer Season
15 C to 30 C Min/Max temp
April to July Summer Season
15 C to 30 C Min/Max temp
April to July Summer Season
15 C to 30 C Min/Max temp

Best Domestic Packages

Best International Packages

Our Featured Blogs

have us call you back!
have us call you back!
Please enter a valid Email-ID
Please enter a valid mobile number
You missed this
You missed this
I accept Privacy Policy and I authorise Thomas Cook Group Companies to contact me.