Chennai
About Chennai
Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city where deep-rooted traditions meet a booming modern economy. Known as the 'Gateway to South India,' it offers a unique tropical experience characterized by its 'As' (Tropical Savanna) climate, featuring dry summers and a significant late-year monsoon. Unlike cities like Mumbai or Bangalore, which receive most of their rain from the Southwest monsoon between June and September, Chennai sees its heaviest downpours during the Northeast monsoon from October to December. The peak travel season is undoubtedly the brief but pleasant winter from November to February, while the scorching summers from April to June are best left to budget-conscious travelers who don't mind the heat.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Chennai at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
November, December, January, February
Winter (November–February)
March, April, May, June
Summer (March–June)
July, August, September
Pre-Monsoon / Southwest Monsoon (July–September)
October, November
Northeast Monsoon (October–November)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Chennai, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
INR (Indian Rupee) / USD daily budgets: $25–$40 / day to $250+ / day
At a Glance: When to Visit Chennai
Best Overall
November–February
Cheapest
April–June
Busiest
December–January
Best Weather
December and January
For Events
January (Pongal & Music Season)
For Families
December–February
For Couples
February (Milder weather, less rain)
Budget Travel
May–September
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Chennai.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Chennai — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Chennai
January
21°C–30°C (70°F–86°F). Mild and sunny with roughly 8 hours of daily sunshine. Very low precipitation.
“The best month for culture seekers and those wanting perfect sightseeing weather.”
February
22°C–31°C (72°F–88°F). Pleasant humidity and virtually no rain. Excellent for outdoor activities.
“Ideal for those who want the warmth without the peak holiday crowds of January.”
March
24°C–33°C (75°F–91°F). Temperatures begin to rise, and humidity becomes noticeable.
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April
26°C–35°C (79°F–95°F). Hot and humid with occasional pre-monsoon showers.
“Best for budget travelers who can handle the rising tropical heat.”
May
28°C–39°C (82°F–102°F). The hottest month (Agni Nakshatram). High humidity and intense sun.
“Avoid unless you are staying in high-end resorts with excellent pools.”
June
27°C–37°C (81°F–99°F). Scorchingly hot with increasing cloud cover as the Southwest monsoon nears.
“A quiet time for the city; great for finding hotel deals.”
July
26°C–35°C (79°F–95°F). Occasional relief from heat via light showers.
“The heat begins to break, making it more tolerable for sightseeing.”
August
25°C–34°C (77°F–93°F). Moderate rainfall and overcast skies.
“A festive month with a strong focus on the city's history.”
September
25°C–34°C (77°F–93°F). Humid with frequent evening thundershowers.
“Great for travelers who enjoy a lush, green, and rainy atmosphere.”
October
24°C–32°C (75°F–90°F). Start of the Northeast Monsoon. Expect heavy downpours.
“The rain can be disruptive, but the city’s spirit during Deepavali is unmatched.”
November
23°C–29°C (73°F–84°F). The wettest month of the year with potential for heavy flooding.
“Only for those who don't mind navigating waterlogged streets for a quiet experience.”
December
21°C–28°C (70°F–82°F). Rain begins to recede. Coolest and most pleasant weather.
“Chennai's social and cultural peak; arguably the best time to visit.”
Festivals & Events in Chennai
Margazhi Music Festival
The world's largest classical music festival featuring thousands of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam performances.
Hotels in Mylapore and Alwarpet sell out months in advance.Pongal
A four-day harvest festival with traditional cooking, temple visits, and colorful Rangoli (Kolam).
Heavy domestic travel; trains and buses are packed.Chennai Book Fair
One of the largest book fairs in Asia, attracting millions of readers.
Moderate; local traffic increases around the venue.Comic Con India
The ultimate pop-culture event for fans of comics, gaming, and cosplay.
Increases hotel demand near the Chennai Trade Centre.Arubathimoovar Festival
A grand chariot procession at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple honoring 63 Shaivite saints.
Road closures in Mylapore; huge local crowds.Puthandu
The Tamil New Year marked by feasts and temple visits.
Low; mostly a family-oriented holiday.Madras Day
A week-long celebration of the city's history through tours and exhibitions.
High interest in heritage properties and tours.Vinayaka Chaturthi
Public idol installations and massive processions to immerse Ganesha idols in the sea.
Significant traffic disruptions along coastal roads.Deepavali
The festival of lights celebrated with crackers and traditional sweets.
Major shopping rush; shops in T. Nagar are extremely crowded.Karthigai Deepam
A festival of lights often described as the South Indian equivalent of Deepavali.
Moderate; temples are beautifully lit and crowded.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Chennai?
INR (Indian Rupee) / USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$100–$180 (Mid-range/4-star)
Off-Peak
$40–$70 (Mid-range/4-star)
Hotel prices skyrocket during the Margazhi Music Season (late Dec to mid-Jan). Flights are cheapest during the summer (May–June) and the peak of the monsoon (November).
Where to Stay in Chennai by Season
Mylapore
Moderate to PremiumWinter (Dec–Jan)
The cultural soul of Chennai. Best for temple visits and the music season.
Besant Nagar
ModerateSummer/Shoulder
Chic beach neighborhood with great cafes and sunset views.
T. Nagar
Budget to ModerateYear-round
The commercial hub, ideal for shoppers and foodies.
Nungambakkam
PremiumYear-round
Upscale area with the city's best boutique hotels and fine dining.
Egmore / George Town
Budget to ModerateMonsoon
Central locations with heritage stays and easy access to the Metro.
What to Pack for Chennai
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Pro tip: Traditional attire (like a Kurta or Saree) is widely appreciated during temple visits and music festivals.
Summer (Mar–Jun)
Pro tip: Wear loose, light-colored clothing to allow air circulation in the high humidity.
Shoulder (Jul–Sep)
Pro tip: The rain is often sudden but short; always carry a small umbrella in your day pack.
Monsoon (Oct–Nov)
Pro tip: Avoid leather shoes as they can be easily ruined by waterlogging; stick to synthetic waterproof options.
FAQs: Visiting Chennai
What is the absolute best month to visit Chennai?
January is the best month, offering cool weather, the Pongal festival, and the peak of the Music Season.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Chennai?
May and June are typically the cheapest months due to the extreme heat keeping tourist numbers low.
Does it rain a lot during the winter?
November is the wettest month, but by mid-December, the rain usually clears, leaving the city fresh and cool.
Is Chennai worth visiting during the summer?
Only if you plan to stay in high-end hotels with pools and spend most of your time in air-conditioned spaces like malls and museums.
What should I wear to temples in Chennai?
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Many temples prefer traditional Indian wear like dhotis for men and sarees or salwar kameez for women.
How does Chennai's weather compare to Bangalore?
Chennai is significantly hotter and more humid than Bangalore year-round. While Bangalore has a mild climate, Chennai is truly tropical.
Is the beach safe during the monsoon?
Marina Beach is beautiful in the rain, but swimming is generally discouraged due to strong currents and rough seas between October and December.
When is the best time for shopping in Chennai?
September and October, just before the festivals of Deepavali and Pongal, offer the widest variety of silks and jewelry.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in India
Mumbai
Mumbai shares Chennai's coastal humidity but receives its monsoon much earlier (June–September), making its winter (December–February) similarly ideal.
Delhi
While Chennai remains warm in winter, Delhi gets quite cold in December and January; however, Delhi offers a drier heat in summer compared to Chennai's sticky humidity.
Bangalore
Bangalore is just a short trip away and offers a significantly cooler, more temperate climate year-round compared to Chennai's tropical intensity.
Kolkata
Kolkata's peak season centers around Durga Puja in October, which is exactly when Chennai's heavy monsoon rains often begin.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad offers a drier, more continental climate, making it a great alternative if you want to avoid Chennai's coastal moisture during the transition months.
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