Climate

Chennai lies on the thermal equator, and thus sees little variation in seasonal temperature. Its proximity to the sea gives it a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The highest temperatures are experienced in late May and early June and usually vary between 38 °C (100.4 °F) and 42 °C (107.6 °F) though it sometimes nearly touches 45 °C (113 °F) for a few days.

Average daily temperature in Chennai during January is around 24 °C (75 °F), though the temperature rarely falls below 18 °C (64 °F). The lowest temperature recorded is 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) and highest 47.1 °C (111.4 °F).The average annual rainfall is about 1,300 mm (47.2 inches).

The city gets most of its seasonal rainfall from the north-east monsoon winds, from Mid October to Mid December. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal sometimes hit the city.