The climate of Madurai
Madurai, a significant city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, lies within a climatic zone classified as Aw according to the Köppen climate system. Its predominant weather conditions are categorized as tropical wet and dry or savanna. Madurai's climate showcases a significant range of weather parameters through the year, providing a fascinating weather pattern study.
Throughout the year, Madurai experiences temperatures ranging from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 37.7°C (99.9°F), with the peak heat reaching in
May at 37.7°C (99.9°F). Following May, a steady decrease in temperature starts taking place, marking the onset of the monsoon season. The lowest temperatures are recorded in
December and
January, with the mercury dropping to 20.3°C (68.5°F) and 21.5°C (70.7°F), respectively.
Rainfall in Madurai varies from 6mm (0.24") to 120mm (4.72"), with
October being the wettest month at 120mm (4.72"). The lowest rainfall is in the month of January, registering a mere 6mm (0.24"). The city experiences an average of around 5 to 23 rainy days a month with the maximum number of wet days in October. The relative atmospheric humidity lies between 51% and 75%, with December and January being the most humid months.
The best time to visit Madurai
Considering various aspects such as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity, the best time to visit
Madurai would be from
November to
February. During these months, temperatures range from a pleasant 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), providing a respite from the summer heat. Rainfall during this period is moderate, and the relative humidity is highest, adding to the overall comfort.
The worst time to visit Madurai
The summer months, from
March to
June, might prove to be challenging for visitors due to high temperatures ranging from 32.7°C (90.9°F) to 37.7°C (99.9°F). Additionally, low rainfall during this period means less respite from the scorching heat. High sunlight hours coupled with high UV Index during these months make it unsuitable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Madurai
In
Madurai, spring can be classified from
February to
April when the temperature progressively increases, ranging from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 27.2°C (81°F). Rainfall during these months varies from 14mm (0.55") to 32mm (1.26"). There is a increase in daylight hours from 11.8 hours in February to 12.3 hours in April signifying the onset of longer days.
Summer weather in Madurai
Summers in
Madurai, from
May to
July, are marked by high temperatures, reaching its peak in May at 37.7°C (99.9°F). Rainfall starts to gradually increase in this season, rising from 48mm (1.89") in May to 36mm (1.42") in July. The daylight hours also touch their maximum during these months, giving plenty of time for outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures dull down.
Autumn weather in Madurai
August to
October is considered as the Autumn season in
Madurai. This period witnesses a decrease in temperature from 34.9°C (94.8°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F) and a sharp rise in rainfall from 67mm (2.64") to 120mm (4.72"). These months consist of the highest number of rainy days, which reduces daylight hours and increases relative humidity.
Winter weather in Madurai
In
Madurai, winter months are from
November to
January featuring mild temperatures from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). Rainfall decreases substantially from 113mm (4.45") in November to a very scanty 6mm (0.24") in January. The daylight hours are the lowest in these months, and the relative humidity is the highest, which adds to the overall comfortable and pleasant winter weather.
Weather in January
Despite being the middle of winter, temperatures in
Madurai remain relatively mild. The gentle rainfall of 6mm (0.24") over an average of 5.1 days coupled with a low wind speed solidifies the calmness of the month. However, humidity levels begin to drop from the previous month, a trend that continues into the next.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The transition into
February marks a slight increase in temperature but the daily temperatures remain comfortable. Compared to
January, February observes a slightly higher amount of rainfall at 14mm (0.55"). This month, mostly known for the moderate daytime temperatures and cooler nights, experiences a further decrease in humidity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March experiences a noticeable change in weather with an increase in temperatures and rainfall reaching 26mm (1.02"). The increase in temperature corresponds with longer daylight hours as we shift from the cooler to warmer months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April stands as an outlier among the early months of the year with temperatures counting among the highest and a substantial rainfall of 32mm (1.26"). Increasing from the previous month, temperatures frequently reach 37.4°C (99.3°F) during the day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Madurai carries the reputation of being the hottest month of the year with temperatures peaking at 37.7°C (99.9°F), along with the highest rainfall of 48mm (1.89"). As the months progress, so does the intensity of wind gusts and rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the doorway to the monsoon season and the weather starts transitioning with an increase in the number of rainfall days. Despite a marginal dip in daytime temperatures, nights remain relatively hot. Rainfall patterns reveal copious showers interspersed with dry periods.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the further intensification of the monsoon with 36mm (1.42") of rainfall often drenching the city, offering slight relief from the intensifying heat. An increasing trend in cloud% from
June to July limits direct sun exposure.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August exhibits the continued dominance of the monsoon despite a lowering of temperatures. Rainfall at 67mm (2.64") marks the peak of the monsoon season, coupled with the highest number of rainfall days at 18.9 in the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the rainfall decreasing to 63mm (2.48") and a slight drop in the temperature,
September marks the end of the monsoon. Though cloud cover remains consistent with the previous month, a decrease in rainy days indicates the slow recession of monsoon.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the rainfall shooting up to 120mm (4.72"),
October marks the onset of the northeastern monsoon. Despite this surge, the temperatures begin to fall, offering cooler days and nights. The wind speed continues to remain on the lower side, with gusts becoming less frequent.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November carries forward the cool temperature trend with a meaningful decrease from the previous month. Notwithstanding the slight decrease in rainfall to 113mm (4.45"), the number of rainy days remains high. As clouds start to subside, sunlight becomes more prominent leading to longer sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December witnesses temperatures at their coolest with the lowest minimum value reaching 21.5°C (70.7°F) and a significant drop in rainfall to 34mm (1.34"). Despite the reduction in rainfall, relatively high humidity levels remain, providing a softening effect to the decreasing temperatures.
Weather in December » [Resources]