Chennai Weather in January
India · Tropical Savanna climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
January in Chennai sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 22.5°C (72.5°F) to a high of 28.1°C (82.6°F), with a mean of 25.3°C (77.5°F). Compared to the annual average of 28.0°C (82.4°F), this month is 2.7°C cooler than the yearly norm. This is the coldest month of the year, with average lows of 22.5°C (72.5°F). Precipitation averages 43.4mm, making it approximately 86.0mm drier than the monthly average of 129.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.3 hours of sunshine per day during January, with relative humidity averaging 76.9%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 16.5 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a coldest month of the year experience in Chennai, with drier-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.
January vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 25.5°C (77.9°F) | 25.3°C (77.5°F) | 25.8°C (78.4°F) |
| Rainfall | 230.0mm | 43.4mm | 7.7mm |
| Sunshine | 9.1 hrs | 10.3 hrs | 11.3 hrs |
| Humidity | 79.8% | 76.9% | 74.1% |
| Wind | 19.7 km/h | 16.5 km/h | 16.4 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 20.6 | 14.4 | 5.4 |
Seasonal Context
January falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Chennai in January, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Chennai in January?
The average temperature in Chennai during January ranges from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F), with a mean of 25.3°C (77.5°F).
How much does it rain in Chennai in January?
Chennai receives an average of 43.4mm of precipitation in January, spread across approximately 14.4 rainy days.
What should I pack for Chennai in January?
Based on January weather data, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
Is January a good time to visit Chennai?
January is a good time to visit Chennai, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall. However, it is the coldest month — pack warm clothing.
Other Months for Chennai
Cities with Similar January 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.