Chennai

ISO3: IND
|
I have not visited ❌

Time Zone: Asia/Kolkata

"Singara Chennai | Beautiful Chennai"

13.0827° N, 80.2707° E

About:

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1639 by the British East India Company, it became a major naval base and administrative center. After India's independence in 1947, Chennai emerged as an important cultural, economic, and educational hub. Today, it's known for its thriving film industry, IT and healthcare sectors, and rich cultural heritage, making it one of India's most visited cities.

When to visit:

Chennai, located in southern India, experiences a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The best time to visit Chennai for a holiday is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. This period offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the sweltering heat and humidity of the summer months. Additionally, the winter months coincide with several cultural festivals and events in Chennai, providing visitors with a vibrant and festive atmosphere to experience the local culture.

When to avoid:

The worst time to travel to Chennai, India on a holiday is during the monsoon season, which typically occurs from October to December. During this time, heavy rainfall and potential flooding can disrupt travel plans and activities. The high humidity and frequent downpours can make sightseeing and outdoor excursions challenging. It is advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly to avoid any inconvenience during this period.

Monsoon Season (Oct-Dec)

The warmest part of the year in Chennai, India, typically spans from March to June, with temperatures reaching as high as 35-40°C (95-104°F). This period is known as the pre-monsoon or summer season. Rainfall is generally low during this time, averaging around 25-50mm per month, with most days being predominantly dry.

The city experiences an average of 10-11 hours of sunlight per day, offering plenty of daylight for visitors. However, the humidity levels are quite high, often exceeding 70%, which can make the heat feel even more intense. As for cloudiness, skies are generally clear or partly cloudy, with more cloud cover building up towards the end of this period, signaling the onset of the monsoon season.

A typical day for a visitor during this time would be hot and humid. The mornings usually start warm, with temperatures rapidly increasing towards noon and early afternoon, which are the hottest parts of the day. Despite the heat, the city's vibrant life continues, with locals and visitors alike adapting by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and taking breaks during the peak heat. Afternoons and evenings might offer some respite with a slight drop in temperature and occasional sea breezes.

"Summer (March–June)"

The warmest part of the year in Chennai, India, typically spans from March to June, with temperatures reaching as high as 35-40°C (95-104°F). This period is known as the pre-monsoon or summer season. Rainfall is generally low during this time, averaging around 25-50mm per month, with most days being predominantly dry.

The city experiences an average of 10-11 hours of sunlight per day, offering plenty of daylight for visitors. However, the humidity levels are quite high, often exceeding 70%, which can make the heat feel even more intense. As for cloudiness, skies are generally clear or partly cloudy, with more cloud cover building up towards the end of this period, signaling the onset of the monsoon season.

A typical day for a visitor during this time would be hot and humid. The mornings usually start warm, with temperatures rapidly increasing towards noon and early afternoon, which are the hottest parts of the day. Despite the heat, the city's vibrant life continues, with locals and visitors alike adapting by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and taking breaks during the peak heat. Afternoons and evenings might offer some respite with a slight drop in temperature and occasional sea breezes.

Language:

tamil

Chennai, India, is predominantly Tamil-speaking, with Tamil being the official language. It is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. English is also widely spoken and is used in business and education. A variety of other Indian languages are spoken by minority communities, including Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. The city's cosmopolitan nature also means there are speakers of various foreign languages.