Chennai lies on the thermal equator, and thus sees little variation in seasonal temperature. Its proximity to the sea gives it a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The highest temperature is obtained in late May and early June usually about 38 °C (100.4 °F), though it usually exceeds 40 °C (104° °F) for a few days most years.
Average daily temperature in Chennai during January is around 24 °C (75.2 °F), though the temperature rarely falls below 18 °C (64.4 °F). The lowest temperature recorded is 15.8 °C (60.44 °F) and highest 44.1 °C (111.38 °F).
The average annual rainfall is about 1,300 mm (47.2 inches). The city gets most of its seasonal rainfall from the north-east monsoon winds, from late September to mid November. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal often hit the city.