Chennai Weather in December
India · Tropical Savanna climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Chennai sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 23.3°C (73.9°F) to a high of 28.0°C (82.4°F), with a mean of 25.5°C (77.9°F). Compared to the annual average of 28.0°C (82.4°F), this month is 2.5°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 230.0mm, making it approximately 101.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 129.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.1 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 79.8%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 19.7 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Chennai, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Chennai's climate is defined by its coastal location on the Bay of Bengal. The city receives most of its rainfall during the northeast monsoon from October to December. I found the best time for exploring the city's temples and beaches is January to March, when the weather is dry and temperatures are at their most comfortable. The summer months are intensely hot, with temperatures pushing 40°C.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 25.5°C (77.9°F) | 25.3°C (77.5°F) |
| Rainfall | 443.3mm | 230.0mm | 43.4mm |
| Sunshine | 7.5 hrs | 9.1 hrs | 10.3 hrs |
| Humidity | 83.9% | 79.8% | 76.9% |
| Wind | 19.1 km/h | 19.7 km/h | 16.5 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 26.2 | 20.6 | 14.4 |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Chennai in December, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Chennai in December?
The average temperature in Chennai during December ranges from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 28.0°C (82.4°F), with a mean of 25.5°C (77.9°F).
How much does it rain in Chennai in December?
Chennai receives an average of 230.0mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 20.6 rainy days.
What should I pack for Chennai in December?
Based on December weather data, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Rain gear is essential — this month averages 230.0mm of precipitation.
Is December a good time to visit Chennai?
December is a month with challenging conditions. Plan activities carefully and stay hydrated.
Other Months for Chennai
Cities with Similar December Climate (Tropical Savanna)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 13.08°, 80.27°. Timezone: Asia/Kolkata. Last updated: 2026-07-30.