Best time to visit Chennai

The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter season, but there are many other reasons to visit throughout the year. Earlier called Madras, the city of Chennai is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. This capital city of Tamil Nadu has lots to offer to its visitors. Read on to find out the best time to visit Chennai.

Winter season in Chennai (November to February)

The winter season in Chennai is not exactly cold, as minimum temperatures hover around 22 degrees Celsius. However, compared to the rest of the year, this city sees the most pleasant climate in winter. This season is the best time to visit Chennai.

Chennai’s proximity to the sea also means occasional rain showers, but those are few and far between and nothing that would hamper your itinerary.

There is a lot to explore in Chennai during winters. Check out Puzhal Lake, Korattur Lake, and Chembarambakkam Lake. Chennai is home to many temples, such as the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and the Parthasarathy Temple.

You can also visit Fort St George, a 17th century fort and the first British establishment in India. The fort is home to St Mary’s Church, as well as a museum.

Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lights in Chennai. It is celebrated in November or December by lighting lamps, drawing rangolis, and cleaning houses. The Pongal festival takes place in January. This festival celebrates the harvest season with great enthusiasm in Chennai. The Mylapore Festival is a four-day event that celebrates art, culture, and heritage that takes place in January.

If you visit during winter, carry light jackets or shawls with you, as the evenings can get a bit chilly. Also, since this is the peak tourist season in Chennai, make sure to book everything in advance.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Summer season in Chennai (March to June)

The summer season in Chennai can get excruciatingly hot. Temperatures range from 26 to 42 degrees Celsius. Naturally, it is not the best time to visit the city.

If you do visit Chennai in the summer season, make sure to stay indoors during the day. While the days are scorching, the evenings are slightly more pleasant.

Relax and unwind at the Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach. The city also has a few large malls you can visit during the daytime to escape the heat outside. You can also visit the Dakshinachitra Museum, the Theosophical Society, or Semmozhi Poonga, a beautiful botanical garden.

The Tamil New Year Puthandu takes place in April. The festival marks new beginnings and is celebrated by offering prayers to God and ancestors.

The Natyanjali Dance Festival takes place in February or March. The five-day dance festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and promotes the rich history of classical dance in India.

If you visit Chennai in summer, wear light and breathable clothes and carry a cap or hat and sunglasses. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Marina Beach, India’s longest and the world’s second-longest beach

Monsoon season in Chennai (July to October)

Monsoons in Chennai are quite unpredictable. You may experience heavy rainfall, cyclones, and even flash floods. Since the city is close to the sea, rains are extreme in Chennai. The temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.

The interesting thing about Tamil Nadu is that it gets two monsoons. The Southwest monsoon begins slowly in June with low to moderate rains. However, the southwest monsoons then give way to the northeast monsoons by October, with heavy rains and cyclonic storms.

The roads turn muddy and the low-lying areas fill up with water quickly. However, this is the cheapest time to visit Chennai. Bookings and accommodations offer large discounts, perfect for budget travelers.

You can visit indoor attractions such as the Government Museum or the Arignar Anna Zoological Park.

If you do wish to visit Chennai during monsoons, we would recommend you to visit right at the beginning of the season, when the rainfall is moderate, and you will not face a lot of difficulty exploring the city.

Make sure to carry an umbrella and raincoat with you. Also, be prepared for delays and cancellations in your travel plans, as the rains can disrupt your itinerary.

Government Museum, Chennai

So, when will you be visiting Chennai? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your preferences and requirements. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!