What December feels like in Chennai
December falls in Chennai's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Chennai in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 14 mm (0.6 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is heavier than Chennai's usual 9.2 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:23 am and sunset at about 5:45 pm (local time) — 11 h 22 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 10 min. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 83% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Chennai's temperature order, December sits as the coolest month. Against November, the average high is 0.9°C (1.6°F) lower, with 134 mm less rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 28°C (82.4°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Chennai in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Chennai in December?
It feels warm: typical highs are 27.7°C (81.9°F), with lows near 22.7°C (72.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Chennai in December?
Quite a lot — 154 mm spread over about 11 days.
What should I wear in Chennai in December?
Pack rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Chennai?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #6). January has fewer rainy days.