December is an excellent time to visit Chennai, India. Here’s why:
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Weather: December brings pleasant and comfortable weather to Chennai, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This makes it an ideal time to explore the city and enjoy its outdoor attractions without the scorching heat or heavy monsoon rains.
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Beaches: Chennai boasts beautiful beaches, and December is a great time to enjoy them. The waters are generally calm and warm, making them perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely walks. Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in India, is a must-visit destination.
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Cultural Events: December marks the onset of the festive season in Chennai, with various cultural and religious events taking place throughout the city. The month witnesses the celebration of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the harvest festival of Pongal. Visitors can experience the city’s vibrant cultural heritage by attending these events.
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Food Festivals: Chennai is renowned for its diverse cuisine, and December is a time when several food festivals are organized. These festivals showcase the culinary delights of the region, allowing visitors to savor authentic South Indian dishes and delicacies.
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Shopping: December is an excellent time to shop for souvenirs and gifts in Chennai. The city offers a wide range of shopping options, from traditional markets to modern malls. Visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to branded goods and electronics.
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Music and Dance Festivals: December often hosts music and dance festivals, featuring performances by talented artists from across the country. These festivals provide an opportunity to witness the rich artistic and cultural traditions of India.
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Historical and Cultural Sites: Chennai is home to several historical and cultural sites that are worth exploring. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the Madras High Court, the Government Museum, and the Fort St. George are among the popular attractions that offer a glimpse into the city’s past and heritage.
However, it’s important to note that December can also be a peak tourist season in Chennai, so it’s advisable to book accommodations, transportation, and tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Weather In Chennai During December
Chennai, India has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. December falls in the winter season, which lasts from November to February. Here’s what you can expect from the weather during December in Chennai:
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Temperature:
- Average daily temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
- Average nighttime temperature: 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F)
- December is generally considered a pleasant month with comfortable temperatures for most people.
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Rainfall:
- Chennai experiences very little rainfall during December, with an average of only 20mm (0.8 inches).
- The city typically receives less than one rainy day in December.
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Humidity:
- Relative humidity levels are generally moderate, ranging from 60% to 80%.
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Wind:
- The wind speed is typically moderate, averaging around 15 to 25 km/h (9 to 16 mph).
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Sunshine:
- December sees an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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Sea Temperature:
- The Bay of Bengal, adjacent to Chennai, has an average water temperature of 28°C to 29°C (82°F to 84°F) in December, making it ideal for swimming and other water sports.
Overall, December is a great time to visit Chennai. The weather is generally pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the city’s many attractions, including historical sites, cultural landmarks, and beautiful beaches.
Things To Do In Chennai In December
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Chennai Shopping Festival: Held during the entire month of December, this shopping extravaganza showcases a wide variety of products from local artisans and craftsmen. Enjoy music, dance, and other cultural performances while searching for unique souvenirs.
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Spirit of Chennai Marathon: The Spirit of Chennai Marathon takes place in the first week of December, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. Participate in the full marathon, half marathon, or 10K run to experience the city on foot.
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Carnatic Music Season: During the month of December, Chennai hosts the Carnatic Music Season, a prestigious festival that features performances by renowned musicians from all over India. Hear traditional Carnatic music, a classical genre of South Indian music, in venues across the city.
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Christmas Celebrations: Chennai’s Christian community celebrates Christmas with vigor. Attend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in churches throughout the city, or participate in carol singing and other festive activities.
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New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Join the locals in welcoming the New Year with fireworks, parties, and special events. Beach Road, Marina Beach, and Besant Nagar are popular spots for New Year’s celebrations in Chennai.
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Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple: The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 7th century, the temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures.
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Explore the Government Museum: The Government Museum in Egmore houses a vast collection of artifacts from India’s history, art, and culture. See ancient sculptures, paintings, textiles, and other exhibits.
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Stroll along Marina Beach: Marina Beach is one of the longest beaches in the world, stretching for about 13 kilometers. Enjoy a walk, relax in the sand, or watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
Tourism In Chennai, India During December
Chennai’s tourism in December:
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Weather:
- Chennai’s weather in December is pleasant during the day with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 28°C (82°F).
- The nights are cool with temperatures dropping to around 20°C (68°F).
- Humidity levels are moderate.
- Occasional light rainfall is possible.
- The cool weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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Crowds:
- December is generally considered to be the peak tourist season in Chennai due to the pleasant weather.
- Tourist attractions, beaches, and hotels may be busier than usual.
- It is advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
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Things to do:
- Visit Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world, and enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.
- Explore the historic George Town neighborhood, known for its colonial-era buildings and churches.
- Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a beautiful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Take a boat ride on the Cooum River and witness the city’s vibrant culture and traditions.
- Indulge in shopping at T. Nagar, Chennai’s famous shopping district.
- Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city.
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Festivals and Events:
- Chennai celebrates its annual music festival, the Madras Music Season, in December.
- This month-long festival features performances by renowned musicians and dancers from all over India.
- Christmas is also celebrated in Chennai with festivities, decorations, and special events.
- Pongal, the harvest festival, is celebrated in mid-January.
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Tips for Travelers:
- Pack light clothing suitable for warm weather.
- Bring a light jacket or shawl for the cooler evenings.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Learn a few basic Tamil phrases to communicate with the locals.
- Be prepared for crowds and plan your itinerary accordingly.