Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Chennai, India, brings a tropical warmth characterized by a maximum temperature soaring up to 38°C (100°F), with an average of 31°C (88°F). The city experiences a minimum temperature around 26°C (78°F), providing warm evenings. While the month typically has high humidity levels at 83%, rainfall is modest, with just 13 mm (0.5 in) recorded over 3 days. This blend of heat and occasional showers creates a dynamic atmosphere, making May a crucial month for both residents and visitors to embrace the vibrant spirit of Chennai.
As May unfolds in Chennai, the city experiences a significant warm-up, with temperatures reaching a peak. The minimum temperature averages around 26°C (78°F), while the average climbs to a sweltering 31°C (88°F) and the maximum can soar to a blistering 38°C (100°F). This trend marks a clear escalation from the preceding months, where warmth begins to take hold, particularly following the milder April. With the humidity rising alongside these temperatures, residents and visitors alike often seek respite in cooling activities, making May one of the most sultry months in this vibrant coastal city. As the heat intensifies, it signals not just a shift in weather, but also the upcoming monsoon season, hinting at both the challenges and the refreshing relief that lies ahead.
In May, Chennai experiences a slight uptick in rainfall as the city gears up for the monsoon season. With 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation recorded over 3 days, the month marks a transition from the relatively dry months of January through April. Although the rainfall is modest compared to the deluge that follows in June, it hints at the impending changes in weather patterns. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, these early showers provide a welcome respite and signal the start of Chennai's lush transformation under the upcoming monsoon rains.
In May, Chennai experiences a humidity level of 83%, maintaining the elevated moisture typical of the season. This is a continuation of the upward trend observed since March, where humidity began to rise from 76% in January and February to reach a peak of 83% in both April and May. The consistency in high humidity levels is indicative of the onset of the monsoon, setting the stage for the more predictable rains in June. Interestingly, the humidity begins to taper off slightly in the following months, but May stands out as part of a collective warm and sticky atmosphere that characterizes this vibrant coastal city.
As the sun blazes down in Chennai during May, the UV Index holds steady at a striking 12, categorizing it within the extreme exposure range. This means that even just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin burns, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures. Following a trend that began in earlier months, with the UV Index peaking at 14 in April, the values remain consistently high as we transition into the scorching summer. The extreme UV levels in May mirror those of February and March, indicating that residents and visitors alike should prioritize protective measures. For more detailed insights, check out Chennai UV Index.
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May in Chennai, India, shines as a bright beacon of sunlight, boasting an impressive 352 hours of glorious sunshine. This month continues a trend of increasing daylight following the cooler early months, with January starting at 264 hours and gradually climbing to April's peak of 344 hours. Notably, May maintains this upward momentum, securing one of the highest sunshine totals for the year. As the city transitions into the monsoon season, sunlight begins to retreat slightly in June to 315 hours, yet May’s warmth offers a splendid farewell before the rains arrive. Overall, this radiant month exemplifies Chennai’s vibrant and sunny character, making it a delightful time for outdoor activities and exploration.
In Chennai, the month of May presents a moderate chance of sun, with the likelihood standing at 42%. This marks a noticeable dip from the more sun-drenched months ahead, such as February (70%) and March (69%), but still holds a comfortable edge over the impending monsoon season. Following May, the sun's presence begins to wane considerably, plunging to a mere 24% in June and dropping further into the low teens by September. This trend highlights May as a transitional month—a last opportunity to enjoy the sun before the heavy rains of summer take over, encouraging residents and visitors alike to soak up the rays while they can.
In Chennai, India, the daylight duration experiences a fascinating pattern throughout the year. Beginning with a consistent 11 hours in January and February, the days gradually stretch as spring approaches, hitting 12 hours in March and continuing through to August. This prolonged daylight reflects the region’s warm climate, fostering vibrant outdoor activities and cultural events. As the year transitions into the cooler months, daylight hours gently taper back to 11 hours in October, and remain consistent through December. This rhythmic cycle of daylight not only shapes the daily lives of Chennai's residents but also highlights the city’s unique relationship with its environment across the seasons.
In May, Chennai experiences a noticeable uptick in wind speed, averaging 4.1 m/s (about 9 mph), which marks a transition from the relatively calmer months of early spring. This increase in windiness, continuing into June with an even higher average of 4.2 m/s, suggests a shift towards more dynamic weather patterns as the city approaches the monsoon season. Interestingly, this rise follows a few months of lower speeds, with March recording the calmest winds at 2.6 m/s. The returning breeziness not only provides a refreshing contrast to the impending heat but also indicates the gradual onset of atmospheric changes that characterize the coastal climate of Chennai. As the year progresses, it's evident that May is a pivotal month, where the winds begin to pick up, laying the groundwork for the torrential rains that follow in the June monsoon.
Weather in Chennai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Chennai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
The weather in May is typically hotter than in January, with minimum temperatures around 26°C (78°F) and average highs reaching 31°C (88°F), compared to January's cooler averages of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, May experiences higher humidity levels at 83%, while January's humidity is slightly lower at 76%. Precipitation also varies, as January sees more rainfall at 32 mm (1.3 in) over five days, while May has only 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days. For more details on the January climate, you can check Chennai weather in January.
In May, the weather is significantly warmer compared to February, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 26°C (78°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging around 31°C (88°F). This month also experiences higher humidity levels at 83%, along with a bit more precipitation, totaling 13 mm (0.5 in) over approximately 3 days. In contrast, February sees milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). The humidity in February is lower at 76%, and it typically has less rainfall, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) over just 1 day. For more specific details about February weather, you can visit Chennai weather in February.
May and March present notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average high of 31°C (88°F), peaking at a maximum of 38°C (100°F). Additionally, May experiences higher humidity at 83% and slightly more precipitation, averaging 13 mm (0.5 in) over about 3 days. In contrast, March offers comparatively milder conditions with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and an average maximum of 35°C (95°F), along with lower humidity at 81% and minimal rainfall of just 6 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day. For more details on the March climate, you can check Chennai weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, May experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F), while April has a minimum of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F). The maximum temperatures also rise noticeably in May, reaching up to 38°C (100°F) compared to April's maximum of 35°C (96°F). Despite the increase in temperature, May has more precipitation, with 13 mm (0.5 in) falling over 3 days, while April sees only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 1 day. Both months share a consistent humidity level of 83%. For more detailed information, you can check Chennai weather in April.
May and June in Chennai exhibit similar average temperatures, with both months experiencing a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F). However, June sees a slight decrease in maximum temperatures, averaging 37°C (99°F) compared to May's peak of 38°C (100°F). Notably, June is significantly wetter, receiving 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days, in stark contrast to May's 13 mm (0.5 in) spread across just 3 days. Humidity levels remain comparable, with May at 83% and June slightly lower at 81%. For more detailed insights, check out Chennai weather in June.
In May, Chennai experiences warmer temperatures with a minimum of 26°C (78°F), an average of 31°C (88°F), and a maximum reaching up to 38°C (100°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at just 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, July brings slightly cooler conditions, with average temperatures dropping to 30°C (86°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, receiving 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain spread over 16 days, while humidity remains comparable at 80%. For more detailed information, check out Chennai weather in July.
May typically offers hotter temperatures compared to August, with averages reaching up to 31°C (88°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F). In contrast, August sees slightly cooler conditions, averaging 29°C (85°F) with a peak of 35°C (95°F). However, August experiences significantly higher rainfall, recording about 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 19 days, which contrasts with May's much drier profile of just 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days. Humidity levels remain fairly similar in both months, around 83% in May and 82% in August. For more details, check Chennai weather in August.
May in Chennai typically features hotter temperatures, with a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F), peaking at a sweltering 38°C (100°F). The month sees limited rainfall, averaging just 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 29°C (84°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, this month is much wetter, receiving about 126 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation across 19 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 81%. Overall, while May is characterized by intense heat and low rainfall, September brings cooler temperatures and significant rainfall, making for quite different weather experiences. For more details, check out Chennai weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, May tends to be hotter, with average temperatures reaching up to 31°C (88°F) and maximums peaking at 38°C (100°F). Rainfall is minimal during this month, with only about 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over just 3 days, resulting in higher humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, averaging 28°C (83°F) with maximums of 33°C (93°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, with approximately 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain spread across 21 days, leading to slightly lower humidity at 79%. For more details on the weather during this month, visit Chennai weather in October.
May's weather in Chennai is characterized by high temperatures, with a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F), peaking at 38°C (100°F). Rain is infrequent, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over just three days, while humidity levels remain quite high at 83%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, with precipitation measuring 377 mm (14.9 in) over 20 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 80%. The shift from the hot, dry spell of May to the cooler, rainier conditions of November reflects a notable transition in Chennai's climate. For more detailed information, you can check Chennai weather in November.
May and December showcase distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F), reaching highs of up to 38°C (100°F). The month experiences minimal rainfall at just 13 mm (0.5 in) over about 3 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 83%. In contrast, December offers a more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures around 22°C (71°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). It sees higher precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 10 days, and slightly lower humidity at 78%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, you can check Chennai weather in December.
As May settles in, Chennai experiences a noticeable shift in weather patterns that sets it apart from other months. The temperature tends to climb, reaching highs around 38°C (100°F) and averaging a balmy 31°C (88°F), making it one of the warmest times of the year. Despite the warmth, the humidity level remains high at 83%, creating a sultry atmosphere that can feel quite heavy. There is also a slight increase in precipitation, with about 13 mm (0.5 in) falling over just a few days, hinting at the upcoming monsoon season. For those looking to understand more about how May influences Chennai's overall climate, explore detailed insights at Chennai Climate.