Chennai Weather in May
India · Tropical Savanna climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Chennai sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 27.6°C (81.7°F) to a high of 34.8°C (94.6°F), with a mean of 30.6°C (87.1°F). Compared to the annual average of 28.0°C (82.4°F), this month is 2.6°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 88.9mm, making it approximately 40.0mm drier than the monthly average of 129.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.4 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 73.0%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 20.8 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature 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.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 29.5°C (85.1°F) | 30.6°C (87.1°F) | 30.7°C (87.3°F) |
| Rainfall | 11.9mm | 88.9mm | 71.7mm |
| Sunshine | 11.6 hrs | 10.4 hrs | 10.0 hrs |
| Humidity | 76.4% | 73.0% | 67.5% |
| Wind | 21.3 km/h | 20.8 km/h | 20.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 10.0 | 15.0 | 20.8 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Chennai in May, 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 May?
The average temperature in Chennai during May ranges from 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F), with a mean of 30.6°C (87.1°F).
How much does it rain in Chennai in May?
Chennai receives an average of 88.9mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 15.0 rainy days.
What should I pack for Chennai in May?
Based on May weather data, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
Is May a good time to visit Chennai?
May is a month with challenging conditions. Plan activities carefully and stay hydrated.
Other Months for Chennai
Cities with Similar May 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.