Chennai, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Chennai, India? If you're planning to go to Chennai, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Chennai, India

Based on the climate and weather in Chennai, India, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Chennai, India

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chennai, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Chennai, India by month

January

If you are traveling to Chennai in January, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Chennai during February, you might see that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Chennai during March, you will probably notice that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you get the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Chennai during April, you might notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May here is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June here is scorchingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July is sweltering. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you are traveling to Chennai in August, you will notice that it is a scorcher. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

Traveling to Chennai in September, you will notice that it is sweltering. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you visit Chennai during November, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you find the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chennai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the beautiful Bahram Jung Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Chennai tourism authority.

If you see the Government Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Chennai, India

Chennai, also known as Madras, is a vibrant and bustling city located on the east coast of India. This city is rich in culture, history, and traditions that draw in hordes of tourists throughout the year. From beautiful beaches to ornate temples and colorful markets, Chennai offers a lot to explore and discover. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you must visit while in Chennai.

1. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching for 12 km along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come here in the evenings to relax, jog, or simply take a stroll. You can enjoy street food, horse riding, and camel rides during your visit to this beach. It is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

2. Kapaleeswarar Temple

The Kapaleeswarar Temple is a beautiful and ancient Hindu temple located in the heart of Chennai. Built in the 7th century by the Pallavas, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex is surrounded by a large market, where you can buy souvenirs and traditional Indian clothes.

3. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is famous for its UNESCO world heritage site, Shore Temple. The temples were built in the 7th and 8th centuries, and the intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology are a sight to behold. Besides this, the town is also famous for its rock-cut structures, cave temples, and the Panch Rathas.

4. Government Museum

The Government Museum in Chennai is a treasure house of art, culture, and history. It has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, weapons and tools, and other artifacts from ancient India. Highlights include the Bronze Gallery, which houses sculptures from the Chola and Pallava empires, and the National Art Gallery, which displays works by renowned Indian artists.

5. Fort St. George

Fort St. George is a historic fort located in the heart of Chennai. Built in 1644 by the British East India Company, it is one of the oldest forts in India. The fort has served as the headquarters for the British administration of Madras and now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a museum.

6. DakshinaChitra

DakshinaChitra is a living museum that showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of South India. It is a perfect place to experience the traditional art, crafts, and architecture of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The museum consists of various houses, temples, and other structures from different eras and regions, offering insights into the lives of the people who lived here.

In conclusion, Chennai is a city of contrasts, with a rich history, cultural diversity, and a modern outlook. With its exciting blend of ancient temples, beaches, museums, and markets, Chennai offers a unique travel experience that is sure to captivate you. So plan your trip to Chennai today and explore this vibrant city.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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