From Sun-Kissed Beaches To Misty Mornings: Chennai’s Seasons Will Surprise You!
Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and is full of rich culture with stunning temples,es, beautiful beaches, mouthwatering food and more. Just like any tourist location, Chennai can be visited at any time of the year, however it is best to choose winter due to the tropical weather and mild temperature. In this article, we will discover the best time to visit Chennai by dividing it through the seasons.
1. Summer (March to June): The most challenging season
As set aside in the name, summers from March to June are extremely hot. Like scorching hot. With temperatures reaching upto 40 degrees celsius with a humidity that makes everything feel worse. With such conditions coming outside during the day feels like a challenge with most people preferring to stay inside.
Why Visit in Summer?
Although summer isn’t the ideal time for traveling in Chennai due to the heat, it does have some benefits. For instance, during this time, fewer tourists visit the city, and both plane tickets and hotel prices dip. So, if you can withstand the heat, popular landmarks such as Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina Beach, and Fort St. George will be relatively less crowded and more enjoyable. Furthermore, during summer, you get the perfect excuse to try out sadya (rice served with a variety of vegetables) and jaljeera (a spicy cumin drink), both famous for offering relief from the summer heat in Chennai.
Tips for Summer Travel:
- Schedule outdoor activities that require the highest energy for early mornings and after the sun sets.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and wear clothing that will allow air to flow.
- Spend time in air-conditioned places like restaurants, malls and museums.
2. Monsoon (July to September): A Season of Renewal
While one can argue that the monsoon season in Chennai brings much needed relief from the scorching summer, you can’t ignore its major drawbacks. Today, Chennai gets its fair share of rainfall globally, showing no sign of stopping during monsoon season due to the northeast monsoon (October to December) being the most severe. While the soft patterns of rain are bound to transform the landscape into a lush paradise filled with greenery, they also prove to be detrimental due to waterlogging and disruption of transportation.
What Makes Monsoon Season Special?
Chennai is a sight to behold if you enjoy watching the rains transform mundane streets into beautiful roads. Monsoon season is an absolute treat for the people who love showers. Beaches like Elliot’s and Marina take on a whole new vibe during the rains and tend to look mystical. The weather also makes it easier to visit the Government Museum, Kalakshetra Foundation, or DakshinaChitra. You can also take the chance to enjoy the street food in Chennai, which is spicy and hot and gives the vibe Chennai needs during the rainy season. Street foods like sambar vadai and bajji go hand in hand with the rain.
Thoughts to Keep in Mind During Traveling in Monsoon Season:
- Always keep a raincoat or umbrella handy.
- Always expect some form of botheration regarding the public transport systems.
- Moderate your trips towards the beach property for extreme high tides or heavy rainfall.
3. Winter (October to February): The Optimal Period for Travel
For obvious reasons, December is one of the most incredible times to visit Chennai. From October to February, the city has beautiful weather with temperatures hovering at 20 degrees Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) to 30 degrees Celsius (86° Fahrenheit). Humidity goes down, and a gentle wind from the Bay of Bengal makes it easier to be outside for extended periods of time. Other people around the world and India travel to Chennai during these months to escape the intense winters from their regions, making this period the peak tourist season.
What makes travel during Winter ideal?
This is a great time to discover the not so distant temples and cherished Marina Beach in Chennai. The friendly climate also lets you venture out to Mahabalipuram, a city rich in heritage. During this time Chennai never fails to host numerous events and festivals like the Margazhi Fest which is famous for celebrating classical dance and music along with many more. In addition, this is also one of the best times to relish steaming hot Idli-Sambar, filter coffee and the mouth watering Chettinad food.
Guidelines for travelling during Winter
Make sure to book your flights and rooms well in time to not miss out on travel options. Considering that this is the peak tourist time, all available options get filled quickly. Also, remember to have some light jackets available since evenings can become a little chilly.
Make sure not to overlook the chance to enjoy cultural performances and festival activities, as they are always hosted.
Conclusion: Best time to visit Chennai?
Chennai can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit really depends on your personal preferences and how much high or low weather extremes you are willing to tolerate. If you want to go on a more economical trip, and you can tolerate heat, summer might be ideal. While for those of you who enjoy the beauty and romance of rain, the monsoon season offers a unique but refreshing experience. But if you really do want to make the most of your visit and enjoy Chennai, my suggestion would be to go in winter. Because of the weather, Chennai also has a lot of cultural festivals during this time making it the best destination for every traveler.
Regardless of when you decide to visit, Chennai’s warmth, welcoming attitude, and cultural diversity will always capture your heart. So, pack your luggage, plan a visit, and grab a chance to witness the magic of Chennai throughout the seasons
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