The short answer
When to go to Chennai
December and January are the most comfortable months, with lower humidity and warm rather than scorching days. March to September brings dry, intense heat, while October–November, though sometimes called the 'good season', actually carries the heaviest rain and flood risk from the northeast monsoon. Seniors should aim for December–February and avoid October–November if possible, since sudden flooding can disrupt roads for hours.
Month by month
Chennai weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 21°C | 20 mm | Lower humidity; the most comfortable stretch | |
| February | 31°C | 22°C | 5 mm | Warming; still fairly dry | |
| March | 33°C | 24°C | 3 mm | Dry heat setting in | |
| April | 35°C | 27°C | 18 mm | Hot and humid | |
| May | 37°C | 28°C | 50 mm | Very hot ahead of the monsoon | |
| June | 37°C | 28°C | 75 mm | Hot; little relief from rain yet | |
| July | 35°C | 26°C | 113 mm | Hot and humid, rain increasing | |
| August | 35°C | 26°C | 141 mm | Humid with regular showers | |
| September | 34°C | 26°C | 144 mm | Slightly cooler but still humid | |
| October | 32°C | 25°C | 278 mm | NE monsoon brings heavy rain and flood risk | |
| November | 30°C | 23°C | 377 mm | Wettest month; flooding common | |
| December | 29°C | 22°C | 184 mm | Rain tapering; comfortable temperatures |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Chennai seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and December
- January: Lower humidity; the most comfortable stretch
- December: Rain tapering; comfortable temperatures
Good, with small trade-offs: February
- February: Warming; still fairly dry
Possible, with planning: March, September and October
- March: Dry heat setting in
- September: Slightly cooler but still humid
- October: NE monsoon brings heavy rain and flood risk
Best avoided with parents or children: April, May, June, July, August and November
- April: Hot and humid
- May: Very hot ahead of the monsoon
- June: Hot; little relief from rain yet
- July: Hot and humid, rain increasing
- August: Humid with regular showers
- November: Wettest month; flooding common
Useful answers
Best time to visit Chennai: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Chennai?
January and December are the best months to visit Chennai, with February also good. December and January are the most comfortable months, with lower humidity and warm rather than scorching days. March to September brings dry, intense heat, while October–November, though sometimes called the 'good season', actually carries the heaviest rain and flood risk from the northeast monsoon. Seniors should aim for December–February and avoid October–November if possible, since sudden flooding can disrupt roads for hours.
Which months should I avoid in Chennai with elderly parents?
April, May, June, July, August and November are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot and humid Very hot ahead of the monsoon
When does it rain most in Chennai?
November is the wettest month, with about 377 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 37°C.