Last updated: August 21, 2025
Chennai's January weather offers a delightful respite as temperatures range from a pleasant maximum of 30°C (86°F) to a minimum of 20°C (68°F), with an average hovering around 25°C (78°F). This month marks the transition from the winter chill to the warmer months, characterized by moderate humidity levels of 76%, making the air feel comfortably fresh. While the city receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall over five days, the overall climate is predominantly dry, perfect for outdoor activities. January in Chennai is an inviting blend of warmth and subtle moisture, making it a great time to explore the vibrant culture of this coastal city.
In Chennai, India, January ushers in a pleasantly mild climate, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) at night to a warm 30°C (86°F) during the day, averaging around 25°C (78°F). This transitional month sets the stage for a gradual increase in heat, as February follows with slightly higher averages and maximums. As the months progress towards summer, notable shifts occur, with March bringing more heat, peaking at 35°C (95°F). April and May intensify the warmth, with highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F). Despite the increase in temperatures, the evenings remain balmy, holding steady between 25°C-26°C (77°F-80°F). By June, the onset of the monsoon cools the air slightly, but the averages stay relatively stable. Overall, January provides a refreshing start to the year, contrasting the hotter months that follow, and inviting visitors to explore the vibrant city before the summer heat sets in.
In January, Chennai experiences a modest precipitation of 32 mm (1.3 inches), falling over just 5 days of the month. This marks the tail end of the Northeast monsoon, characterized by relatively lower rainfall compared to the subsequent months. As the city transitions into February and March, precipitation drops sharply to 10 mm and 6 mm, respectively, punctuating the dry season. This trend of diminishing rainfall continues, reaching its nadir in early spring, before the city's weather patterns surge in the summer months. Thus, January serves as a gentle reminder of the ebbing monsoon, setting the stage for the notably drier weeks that follow.
In January, Chennai experiences an average humidity of 76%, maintaining a consistent level that continues into February. As the city transitions into the warmer months, humidity gradually rises, peaking at 83% in both April and May. This trend emphasizes the onset of the sweltering summer, with humidity remaining relatively high throughout the following months, hovering around 80-82% from June to August. After the peak of summer, humidity levels begin to taper off, settling at 79% in October and further decreasing to 78% in December. Overall, the data illustrates a clear pattern where humidity is highest during the warmer months and gradually declines as winter approaches.
In Chennai, India, January heralds the start of the year with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high. This means that sun-seekers need to be cautious, as prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage in just 15 minutes. As the months progress towards March and April, the UV Index escalates to an extreme rating of 14, where just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can result in a burn. Interestingly, this trend of extreme UV levels continues through August before tapering off in the later months. By November and December, the UV Index returns to very high levels of 10 and 9, respectively, requiring outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant. For a detailed look at Chennai's UV Index throughout the year, visit Chennai UV Index. Remember, awareness and protection are key to enjoying Chennai's sunny weather safely!
UV Risk Categories
In Chennai, India, January marks the beginning of a sun-soaked year, with 264 hours of sunshine that sets the tone for the months ahead. As the year progresses, February experiences a slight increase to 307 hours, highlighting the gradual warming trend. This sunshine peaks in March with an impressive 347 hours, before slightly tapering off in April and May. The summer months maintain ample sunlight, showcasing 352 hours in May, while the monsoon arrives in June, bringing 315 hours of bright days amidst occasional showers. The pattern of abundant sunshine persists through the summer and into the fall, progressively decreasing towards November, which sees 265 hours. Despite these fluctuations, Chennai's proclivity for sunny days remains a delightful constant, with the city basking in approximately 300 hours of sunlight throughout most months.
In January, Chennai enjoys a 39% chance of sunny weather, marking a promising start to the year. This percentage hints at a gradual increase in sunshine as the months progress, particularly peaking in February with a striking 70%, before settling at a comfortable 69% in March. As spring approaches, the likelihood of clear skies begins to decrease, tapering to 61% in April and dipping to 42% by May. The onset of the monsoon in June brings a notable drop, with only a 24% chance of sun, continuing to wane through the summer months of July and August, where it falls to just 18% and 20%, respectively. Notably, this trend marks a stark contrast to the more temperate conditions of December, which enjoys a 58% chance of sunshine, hinting at a pattern of fluctuating weather that shapes Chennai’s climate through the year.
In Chennai, India, January greets residents with 11 hours of daylight, a duration that remains constant through February. As spring approaches in March, daylight begins to stretch to 12 hours, a trend that continues seamlessly through the warmer months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. This steady elongation of daylight adds vibrancy to the city's atmosphere, encouraging outdoor activities and engagement with nature. However, as October rolls in, daylight begins to retract, settling back to 11 hours in the cooler months of November and December. This cyclical pattern reflects Chennai's unique climatic rhythm, balancing lengthy sunny days with shorter, more tranquil evenings.
In Chennai, India, January greets residents with a pleasant average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), marking it as a month of refreshing breezes. This invigorating start transitions into slightly calmer conditions with February’s average dwindling to 3.1 m/s (7 mph). However, the winds begin to pick up again in April, reaching the same lively pace as January. As the year progresses towards the monsoon months, wind speeds steadily increase, peaking in June and July at 4.2 m/s (9 mph) and 4.0 m/s (9 mph) respectively, bringing a lively energy to the region. Post-monsoon, the winds settle back to more moderate levels, with consistent speeds of 3.5 m/s (8 mph) in August and September, before tapering off to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) in October. Notably, the wind slows down during the colder months of December and January, maintaining a gentle yet consistent flow that adds to Chennai's characteristic charm. Overall, this rhythmic dance of wind speeds highlights the city’s dynamic climate throughout the year.
Weather in Chennai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Chennai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of January and February, both months maintain similar minimum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and consistent humidity levels at 76%. However, February experiences slightly warmer conditions with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) compared to January's 25°C (78°F), and a maximum temperature rising to 31°C (88°F) from January's 30°C (86°F). Notably, February sees significantly less precipitation, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, in contrast to January's 32 mm (1.3 in) over five days. For more detailed information, you can check Chennai weather in February.
January and March in Chennai present notable differences in weather. January experiences a range of temperatures from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 25°C (78°F). During this month, the city sees around 32 mm (1.3 inches) of precipitation over 5 days, with humidity averaging 76%. In contrast, March heats up, featuring a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and soaring up to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), while the average temperature rises to 28°C (83°F). Notably, March receives significantly less rainfall, with only 6 mm (0.2 inches) on just 1 day and humidity slightly increasing to 81%. For more details, you can check Chennai weather in March.
In January, the weather in Chennai is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). The month experiences about 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over five days, contributing to a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, April brings warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 25°C (78°F) and reaching up to 35°C (96°F), averaging 30°C (86°F). Notably, April sees significantly less rainfall, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, although the humidity increases to 83%. For more detailed insights on Chennai's weather in April, you can check Chennai weather in April.
In January, the weather features a milder temperature range with minimums around 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching up to 30°C (86°F), accompanied by an average humidity of 76%. There is also some precipitation, averaging 32 mm (1.3 in) over approximately five days. In contrast, May experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with minimums starting at 26°C (78°F) and peaking at a scorching 38°C (100°F), alongside higher humidity at 83%. Precipitation is less frequent in May, averaging only 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days. For a closer look at Chennai's weather during this month, you can visit Chennai weather in May.
In January, Chennai experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The month sees about 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days, along with a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, June brings noticeably warmer weather, featuring a minimum temperature of 26°C (80°F), an average of 31°C (88°F), and highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F). The rainy season begins to set in, resulting in increased precipitation totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) over around 12 days, with humidity slightly rising to 81%. For more detailed information, visit Chennai weather in June.
In January, the weather is typically warm, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging 32 mm (1.3 in) over about 5 days, and humidity levels around 76%. In contrast, July brings even warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 26°C (79°F) and a maximum reaching 36°C (97°F). However, it also sees significantly more rainfall, averaging 107 mm (4.2 in) over 16 days, and higher humidity at 80%. The contrast between these two months highlights a shift from relatively dry and mild conditions in January to a more humid and wetter atmosphere in July, making Chennai weather in July markedly different.
In January, the weather tends to be comparatively mild with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), and an average of 25°C (78°F). The month sees a moderate amount of rainfall, totaling 32 mm (1.3 in) spread over approximately 5 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, August experiences warmer conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 26°C (79°F) to a high of 35°C (95°F), averaging 29°C (85°F). This month is significantly wetter, receiving 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over about 19 days, and humidity increases slightly to 82%. For more details on August weather, you can check Chennai weather in August.
In January, the weather features relatively milder temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), peaking at 30°C (86°F). The month sees about 32 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall spread over 5 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, September experiences warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to an average of 29°C (84°F), and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F). Additionally, September is considerably wetter, recording 126 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, and a slightly higher humidity of 81%. For more detailed insights on this month's climate, check out Chennai weather in September.
In January, the weather features a pleasant average temperature of 25°C (78°F), with minimums of 20°C (68°F) and maximums of 30°C (86°F). This month typically sees moderate rainfall, with a total of 32 mm (1.3 in) spread over just 5 days, alongside a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, October is warmer, boasting an average temperature of 28°C (83°F) and maxing out at 33°C (93°F). However, it experiences significantly heavier rainfall, with 169 mm (6.7 in) occurring over 21 days, leading to a slightly higher humidity of 79%. For more detailed information, you can check out Chennai weather in October.
In January, the weather tends to be warm and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The month sees an average temperature of 25°C (78°F) and experiences approximately 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over about 5 days, with humidity levels around 76%. In contrast, November features slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). However, it is significantly wetter, receiving about 377 mm (14.9 in) of rainfall across roughly 20 days, and experiences a humidity level of 80%. For a detailed look at the conditions, refer to Chennai weather in November.
In January, the weather is slightly cooler with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), while December sees a warmer minimum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation levels in January are considerably lower, with only 32 mm (1.3 in) over about 5 days, compared to December's 109 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains fairly high in both months, with January at 76% and December slightly higher at 78%. For more details on December's climate, you can check Chennai weather in December.
January in Chennai offers a refreshing respite from the sultry heat typically associated with the city's more humid months. With an average temperature around 25°C, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Unlike the sweltering summer months, January also sees lower humidity levels and minimal rainfall, averaging just 32 mm over a handful of days. This combination of moderate temperatures and reduced precipitation makes it a prime time to explore the vibrant culture and beautiful coastline of Chennai. For more detailed insights on weather trends throughout the year, visit Chennai Climate.