The short answer
When to go to Puducherry
October to March is generally recommended, with December the most comfortable as heavy northeast-monsoon rain from October and November begins to ease. April to June brings very hot, humid conditions that are hard on older travellers, and July to September stays warm and increasingly humid ahead of the main rains. Note that October and November, while cooling, are also the wettest months, with heavy showers and occasional street flooding, so keep plans flexible and build in rest between the French Quarter, the ashram and Auroville.
Month by month
Puducherry weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°C | 21°C | 18 mm | Warm but comfortable; good for the French Quarter | |
| February | 35°C | 22°C | 17 mm | Warm and mostly dry; pleasant for walking the promenade | |
| March | 37°C | 24°C | 18 mm | Heating up quickly; still workable in early mornings | |
| April | 42°C | 28°C | 21 mm | Very hot and humid; save outings for morning or evening | |
| May | 43°C | 29°C | 67 mm | Peak heat, often above 40C; avoid midday outdoors | |
| June | 42°C | 29°C | 58 mm | Still very hot with high humidity | |
| July | 41°C | 28°C | 74 mm | Hot with rising humidity; some relief from occasional rain | |
| August | 40°C | 28°C | 135 mm | Hot and humid with regular showers building | |
| September | 39°C | 27°C | 134 mm | Humid with frequent rain as the season turns | |
| October | 38°C | 27°C | 260 mm | Northeast monsoon brings heavy rain; flooding possible | |
| November | 36°C | 25°C | 347 mm | Heaviest rain of the year; streets can flood after storms | |
| December | 34°C | 22°C | 248 mm | Rain easing, temperatures more comfortable again |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Puducherry seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and December
- January: Warm but comfortable; good for the French Quarter
- February: Warm and mostly dry; pleasant for walking the promenade
- December: Rain easing, temperatures more comfortable again
Good, with small trade-offs: March
- March: Heating up quickly; still workable in early mornings
Possible, with planning: July, August, September, October and November
- July: Hot with rising humidity; some relief from occasional rain
- August: Hot and humid with regular showers building
- September: Humid with frequent rain as the season turns
- October: Northeast monsoon brings heavy rain; flooding possible
- November: Heaviest rain of the year; streets can flood after storms
Best avoided with parents or children: April, May and June
- April: Very hot and humid; save outings for morning or evening
- May: Peak heat, often above 40C; avoid midday outdoors
- June: Still very hot with high humidity
Useful answers
Best time to visit Puducherry: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Puducherry?
January, February and December are the best months to visit Puducherry, with March also good. October to March is generally recommended, with December the most comfortable as heavy northeast-monsoon rain from October and November begins to ease. April to June brings very hot, humid conditions that are hard on older travellers, and July to September stays warm and increasingly humid ahead of the main rains. Note that October and November, while cooling, are also the wettest months, with heavy showers and occasional street flooding, so keep plans flexible and build in rest between the French Quarter, the ashram and Auroville.
Which months should I avoid in Puducherry with elderly parents?
April, May and June are the months to avoid with older travellers. Very hot and humid; save outings for morning or evening Peak heat, often above 40C; avoid midday outdoors
When does it rain most in Puducherry?
November is the wettest month, with about 347 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 43°C.