Pondicherry has a tropical wet and dry climate with hot, humid conditions most of the year. Located on India’s southeastern Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, the city experiences two distinct monsoon seasons that deliver most of its annual rainfall of approximately 1,250mm (49 inches). Temperatures stay warm year-round, ranging from 21°C (70°F) on the coolest winter nights to 40°C (104°F) on the hottest pre-monsoon days in May. Humidity is consistently high, typically 70-85%, making the heat feel more intense than the numbers suggest. Sea temperatures off the Pondicherry coast range from 27°C to 30°C (81-86°F), warm enough for swimming in every month of the year.
Pondicherry Weather by Month: Detailed Breakdown
January
One of Pondicherry’s best weather months. Daytime highs average 29°C (84°F) with overnight lows around 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is minimal at roughly 20mm over 2-3 rainy days, and humidity drops to a comfortable 70%. The northeast monsoon has largely passed by mid-January, leaving clear skies and 8-9 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature holds at 27°C (81°F). This is peak tourist season with the Pongal harvest festival falling in mid-January. See our best time to visit guide for more details.
February
February continues the pleasant dry stretch with temperatures rising slightly to 31°C (88°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. Rainfall stays low at around 10-15mm. The humidity begins creeping up toward 73% as the inter-monsoon transition approaches. Sea temperature is 28°C (82°F). Clear skies dominate, making this an excellent month for beach activities and Auroville visits. See our things to do guide for more details.
March
March marks the beginning of the hot season. Daytime highs climb to 33°C (91°F) with overnight lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall remains low at roughly 15mm over 1-2 days, but humidity rises to 75%. The sun is strong with UV indices reaching 11-12 at midday, and 9 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature warms to 29°C (84°F). Mornings and evenings remain pleasant, but afternoons feel oppressively hot with the increasing humidity. See our events and festivals guide for more details.
April
April is the hottest month with daytime highs hitting 36°C (97°F) and overnight lows of 26°C (79°F). Heat index values regularly exceed 42°C (108°F) due to humidity at 76%. Rainfall is still limited at 25mm, but late-April thunderstorm activity begins picking up as the southwest monsoon approaches the Indian mainland. Sea temperature reaches 30°C (86°F), its annual peak. Outdoor sightseeing is best done before 10:00 or after 16:00. See our neighborhoods guide for more details.
May
May remains extremely hot with daytime highs of 37°C (99°F) and occasional spikes to 40°C (104°F). Overnight lows stay at 27°C (81°F). The southwest monsoon begins influencing the coast, bringing 50mm of rainfall over 4-5 days with afternoon thunderstorms becoming frequent. Humidity rises to 78%. Sea temperature stays at 30°C (86°F). This is the least comfortable month for travel, with heat, humidity, and building storm activity combining to make outdoor exploration challenging. See our where to stay guide for more details.
June
The southwest monsoon settles in, bringing significant relief from the heat. Daytime highs drop to 35°C (95°F) with 60mm of rainfall over 6-7 rainy days. Humidity peaks at 80-82%. Rain typically falls in short, intense afternoon downpours rather than all-day drizzle, leaving mornings largely dry. Sea temperature remains at 30°C (86°F). The monsoon surf can be rough, and swimming at unsupervised beaches is not recommended during this period. See our travel tips and FAQ guide for more details.
July
Southwest monsoon continues at moderate intensity. Daytime temperatures hold at 35°C (95°F) with overnight lows of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall increases to 70mm over 7-8 rainy days. Humidity stays at 81%. The pattern of morning sunshine followed by afternoon thunderstorms persists. Sea temperature remains 29°C (84°F). This is a quiet month for tourism, with lower hotel rates and fewer crowds at Auroville.
August
Monsoon conditions continue with daytime highs of 34°C (93°F) and 80mm of rainfall over 8-9 rainy days. Humidity holds at 82%. August typically brings the wettest conditions of the southwest monsoon, though rainfall remains significantly lighter than what the Western Ghats receive during the same period. Sea temperature is 29°C (84°F). The French Quarter’s cafes and restaurants provide good rainy-day refuges.
September
The southwest monsoon begins retreating. Daytime highs stay at 33°C (91°F) with 75mm of rain over 7-8 days. Humidity remains high at 81%. The second half of September often sees a transitional period with fewer rainy days before the northeast monsoon arrives in October. Sea temperature drops slightly to 29°C (84°F).
October
The northeast monsoon begins, bringing Pondicherry’s heaviest rainfall of the year. Daytime highs are 31°C (88°F) with overnight lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall jumps to 200mm over 10-12 rainy days, making October the wettest month. Humidity stays at 82%. Rain can persist for several hours rather than brief downpours. Sea temperature is 29°C (84°F). Diwali celebrations in October or November provide cultural interest despite the wet weather.
November
The northeast monsoon continues at full strength. Daytime temperatures hold at 29°C (84°F) with overnight lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall remains heavy at 190mm over 9-11 rainy days. Humidity begins dropping to 78%. Despite the rain, November sees an uptick in tourist arrivals as the cooler temperatures draw visitors. Sea temperature drops to 28°C (82°F). Late November often marks the monsoon’s gradual retreat.
December
The northeast monsoon winds down and the dry season returns. Daytime highs settle at 28°C (82°F) with overnight lows dipping to 22°C (72°F), the coolest of the year. Rainfall drops sharply to 60mm over 4-5 days, concentrated in the first half of the month. Humidity falls to 73%. Sea temperature is 27°C (81°F). Christmas and New Year bring peak tourist crowds and the highest hotel rates of the year.
Pondicherry Monthly Weather Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity | Sea Temp | Sunshine (hrs) |
| Jan | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 20 | 2-3 | 70% | 27°C | 9 |
| Feb | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 15 | 1-2 | 73% | 28°C | 9 |
| Mar | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 15 | 1-2 | 75% | 29°C | 9 |
| Apr | 36°C / 97°F | 26°C / 79°F | 25 | 2-3 | 76% | 30°C | 9 |
| May | 37°C / 99°F | 27°C / 81°F | 50 | 4-5 | 78% | 30°C | 8 |
| Jun | 35°C / 95°F | 26°C / 79°F | 60 | 6-7 | 81% | 30°C | 6 |
| Jul | 35°C / 95°F | 26°C / 79°F | 70 | 7-8 | 81% | 29°C | 6 |
| Aug | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 80 | 8-9 | 82% | 29°C | 6 |
| Sep | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 75 | 7-8 | 81% | 29°C | 7 |
| Oct | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 200 | 10-12 | 82% | 29°C | 6 |
| Nov | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 190 | 9-11 | 78% | 28°C | 6 |
| Dec | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 60 | 4-5 | 73% | 27°C | 7 |
