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May is a poor month in Chennai

Climate Overview

Chennai, India in May has hot conditions, with highs reaching 35.8°C (96°F) and afternoons the warmest part of the day. Sea temperature reaches 31°C (88°F).

This month falls at the end of Spring. Temperatures are at their seasonal peak.

Temperatures remain fairly steady throughout May, with daily highs around 36°C (97°F).

Rainfall is heaviest during the middle of the month, while the last third tends to be drier.

The warmest days tend to fall around the 30th, averaging 37.1°C (99°F).

Compared to April, this month is about 1°C warmer with 3 more rainy days.

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Monthly May Averages

Temperature
36°C / 28°C
Feels Like
41°C / 32°C
Rain
5 days · 69 mm
Sunshine
10.5h / day
Humidity
70% — Muggy
Wind
20 km/h
Wind Direction
S (181°)
Gusts
35 km/h
Daylight
12.7 h
Cloud Cover
57%
Clear Sky Days
5
UV Index
8.2 — Very High
Sea Temperature
31°C
Dew Point
26°C — Oppressive
Moon Phase
Waxing Gibbous · 66%

Climate Charts

Daily averages based on historical data (2016–2025)

Daily Temperature

44°C 40°C 36°C 32°C 28°C 24°C 20°C 151015202531
HighLow

Daily Precipitation

0 mm 3 mm 6 mm 9 mm 12 mm 151015202531
Rainfall

Daily Sunshine

0h 3h 6h 9h 12h 151015202531
Sunshine

Daily Wind Speed

0 6 12 18 24 30 151015202531
Wind Speed
Sun Position
Sunrise 05:45
Daylight 12.7h
Sunset 18:28

What to Expect

With midday temperatures reaching 36°C (96°F), schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Evenings remain warm enough for comfortable outdoor dining and night markets.

Rain is uncommon in this month, so most days stay dry from morning through evening.

Recent yearly records for May have stayed close to the long-run average.

Compare Months

January best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 21°C
Feels Like
31°C / 24°C
Rain
5days (29 mm) Good
Sun
9.9h Good
Humidity
76% Humid
UV
6.7 High
February best
Excellent
Temp
30°C / 21°C
Feels Like
33°C / 24°C
Rain
1days (5 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.5h Excellent
Humidity
74% Muggy
UV
8.2 Very High
March
Fair
Temp
33°C / 24°C
Feels Like
37°C / 28°C
Rain
1days (7 mm) Excellent
Sun
11h Excellent
Humidity
74% Muggy
UV
9 Very High
April
Poor
Temp
35°C / 26°C
Feels Like
40°C / 32°C
Rain
2days (6 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.2h Excellent
Humidity
73% Muggy
UV
9.2 Very High
May
Poor
Temp
36°C / 28°C
Feels Like
41°C / 32°C
Rain
5days (69 mm) Good
Sun
10.5h Excellent
Humidity
70% Muggy
UV
8.2 Very High
June
Poor
Temp
35°C / 28°C
Feels Like
40°C / 31°C
Rain
13days (71 mm) Wet
Sun
9.3h Good
Humidity
66% Muggy
UV
7.7 Very High
July
Poor
Temp
33°C / 27°C
Feels Like
38°C / 30°C
Rain
16days (108 mm) Wet
Sun
8h Good
Humidity
68% Muggy
UV
7 High
August
Poor
Temp
33°C / 26°C
Feels Like
38°C / 30°C
Rain
17days (106 mm) Wet
Sun
8.5h Good
Humidity
72% Muggy
UV
7.7 Very High
September
Poor
Temp
32°C / 26°C
Feels Like
38°C / 30°C
Rain
16days (104 mm) Wet
Sun
8.8h Good
Humidity
75% Muggy
UV
8.3 Very High
October
Wet
Temp
31°C / 25°C
Feels Like
36°C / 29°C
Rain
19days (172 mm) Wet
Sun
9.2h Good
Humidity
80% Humid
UV
7.6 Very High
November
Wet
Temp
29°C / 24°C
Feels Like
32°C / 27°C
Rain
19days (313 mm) Wet
Sun
8.1h Good
Humidity
83% Humid
UV
6.3 High
December best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 23°C
Feels Like
30°C / 25°C
Rain
10days (148 mm) Wet
Sun
9.1h Good
Humidity
79% Humid
UV
6.1 High
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity UV Status Details
January best 28°C / 21°C 31°C / 24°C 5days (29 mm) Good 9.9h Good 76% Humid 6.7 High Excellent View Details
February best 30°C / 21°C 33°C / 24°C 1days (5 mm) Excellent 10.5h Excellent 74% Muggy 8.2 Very High Excellent View Details
March 33°C / 24°C 37°C / 28°C 1days (7 mm) Excellent 11h Excellent 74% Muggy 9 Very High Fair View Details
April 35°C / 26°C 40°C / 32°C 2days (6 mm) Excellent 11.2h Excellent 73% Muggy 9.2 Very High Poor View Details
May 36°C / 28°C 41°C / 32°C 5days (69 mm) Good 10.5h Excellent 70% Muggy 8.2 Very High Poor View Details
June 35°C / 28°C 40°C / 31°C 13days (71 mm) Wet 9.3h Good 66% Muggy 7.7 Very High Poor View Details
July 33°C / 27°C 38°C / 30°C 16days (108 mm) Wet 8h Good 68% Muggy 7 High Poor View Details
August 33°C / 26°C 38°C / 30°C 17days (106 mm) Wet 8.5h Good 72% Muggy 7.7 Very High Poor View Details
September 32°C / 26°C 38°C / 30°C 16days (104 mm) Wet 8.8h Good 75% Muggy 8.3 Very High Poor View Details
October 31°C / 25°C 36°C / 29°C 19days (172 mm) Wet 9.2h Good 80% Humid 7.6 Very High Wet View Details
November 29°C / 24°C 32°C / 27°C 19days (313 mm) Wet 8.1h Good 83% Humid 6.3 High Wet View Details
December best 28°C / 23°C 30°C / 25°C 10days (148 mm) Wet 9.1h Good 79% Humid 6.1 High Excellent View Details

What to Wear

Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential. Opt for loose-fitting clothing in light colors to stay cool.

Packing List

Breathable clothingSunscreen (SPF 30+)Sun hatSunglassesComfortable walking shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

May is typically poor for visiting Chennai, with average highs of 36°C (96°F) and around 5 rainy days. Chennai, India in May has hot conditions, with highs reaching 35.8°C (96°F) and afternoons the warmest part of the day.
Chennai typically sees around 5 rainy days in May with 69 mm (2.7 in) of total rainfall. An umbrella should suffice.
Nights stay pleasantly warm in Chennai during May, around 28°C (82°F). Light evening wear is sufficient.
With highs of 36°C (96°F) and lows of 28°C (82°F) in May, we recommend: Breathable clothing, Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Sun hat, Sunglasses, Comfortable walking shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
May is not the most favourable month weather-wise in Chennai. Consider visiting during months with milder temperatures or less rainfall for a better experience.
The average UV index in Chennai during May is 8 (very high). Strong sun protection is essential — SPF 50+, protective clothing, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak hours.
Chennai gets approximately 13 hours of daylight per day in May, with around 11 hours of sunshine.
Snow is uncommon in Chennai during May based on 10-year climate averages.

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