The short answer
When to go to Thanjavur
January and February are the most comfortable months for exploring the Brihadeeswarar Temple and old city, with the shoulder months of November and December staying reasonably mild despite the wetter northeast monsoon. April to August is very hot and dry, which makes the exposed temple courtyard tiring at midday. The main courtyard and Tanjore Palace's durbar hall are level and manageable for seniors, while the narrow gopuram stairs are entirely optional and easily skipped.
Month by month
Thanjavur weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 20°C | 10 mm | Warm, mostly dry | |
| February | 33°C | 22°C | 4 mm | Dry and pleasant | |
| March | 36°C | 23°C | 7 mm | Warming up | |
| April | 37°C | 26°C | 24 mm | Hot and humid | |
| May | 39°C | 27°C | 55 mm | Peak heat | |
| June | 37°C | 27°C | 38 mm | Hot, dry heat continues | |
| July | 36°C | 26°C | 47 mm | Still very hot | |
| August | 36°C | 26°C | 113 mm | Hot with rising humidity | |
| September | 35°C | 25°C | 124 mm | Humid, showers increasing | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 203 mm | Northeast monsoon rains begin | |
| November | 30°C | 23°C | 289 mm | Wettest month; plan around showers | |
| December | 29°C | 22°C | 137 mm | Cooler, rain tapering |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Thanjavur seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Warm, mostly dry
- February: Dry and pleasant
Good, with small trade-offs: March, November and December
- March: Warming up
- November: Wettest month; plan around showers
- December: Cooler, rain tapering
Possible, with planning: September and October
- September: Humid, showers increasing
- October: Northeast monsoon rains begin
Best avoided with parents or children: April, May, June, July and August
- April: Hot and humid
- May: Peak heat
- June: Hot, dry heat continues
- July: Still very hot
- August: Hot with rising humidity
Useful answers
Best time to visit Thanjavur: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Thanjavur?
January and February are the best months to visit Thanjavur, with March, November and December also good. January and February are the most comfortable months for exploring the Brihadeeswarar Temple and old city, with the shoulder months of November and December staying reasonably mild despite the wetter northeast monsoon. April to August is very hot and dry, which makes the exposed temple courtyard tiring at midday. The main courtyard and Tanjore Palace's durbar hall are level and manageable for seniors, while the narrow gopuram stairs are entirely optional and easily skipped.
Which months should I avoid in Thanjavur with elderly parents?
April, May, June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot and humid Peak heat
When does it rain most in Thanjavur?
November is the wettest month, with about 289 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 39°C.