Written by Dr Rockson Samuel

Is Vellore hotter than Chennai?

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  • Posted 3 days ago

Vellore and Chennai, two cities in Tamil Nadu, India, are known for their warm climates, but they vary significantly in temperature patterns and climatic conditions. This article explores whether Vellore is hotter than Chennai, examining factors like geographical location, climate, and historical data.

What makes Vellore’s climate distinct?

Geographic location of Vellore

Vellore is located inland, nestled between the Eastern and Western Ghats. Its distance from the coast exposes it to a continental climate with less influence from sea breezes, leading to higher daytime temperatures during summer.

Vellore’s typical weather patterns

  • Summer: Intense heat, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C.
  • Rainfall: Lower monsoon impact compared to coastal cities.
  • Winter: Mild winters with temperatures dipping to around 18–20°C.

These factors contribute to Vellore experiencing higher peak temperatures compared to Chennai.

Why is Chennai relatively cooler?

Chennai’s coastal advantage

Chennai benefits from its location along the Bay of Bengal, with sea breezes moderating the heat. The maritime influence ensures a more balanced climate throughout the year.

Chennai’s weather characteristics

  • Summer: Daytime highs typically range between 35°C and 39°C.
  • Rainfall: Receives significant rainfall during the Northeast monsoon.
  • Humidity: High humidity levels often make the weather feel hotter than the recorded temperatures.

Although Chennai’s temperatures might not peak as high as Vellore’s, its oppressive humidity can make it feel equally challenging.

Is Vellore’s temperature consistently higher than Chennai’s?

A detailed comparison using historical temperature data shows that Vellore often records higher maximum temperatures during summer, while Chennai remains relatively stable due to its coastal moderation.

Monthly temperature comparison table

MonthVellore Avg High (°C)Chennai Avg High (°C)
January2930
May4239
October3533
December2829

This table highlights that while Vellore generally records higher temperatures, Chennai’s humidity can offset its lower maximums, creating similar discomfort levels.

What causes the temperature differences between Vellore and Chennai?

Elevation and terrain

Vellore’s location amidst hills and plains contributes to significant heat absorption during the day and cooling at night, leading to extreme temperature swings.

Urban heat island effect in Chennai

Chennai’s dense urbanization and extensive infrastructure trap heat, especially at night. However, its proximity to the ocean helps balance daytime highs.

Seasonal variations

  • Summer: Vellore outpaces Chennai with higher highs.
  • Monsoon: Chennai receives heavier rains, cooling the city temporarily.
  • Winter: Both cities experience mild winters, but Vellore’s nights are cooler.

5 FAQs about Vellore and Chennai’s weather

Why is Vellore hotter than Chennai during summer?

Vellore’s inland location lacks the moderating influence of the sea, resulting in higher daytime temperatures.

Does Chennai’s humidity make it feel hotter than Vellore?

Yes, the high humidity in Chennai can make it feel hotter than Vellore despite lower temperatures.

Which city experiences heavier rainfall?

Chennai receives significantly more rainfall, especially during the Northeast monsoon.

How do Vellore and Chennai differ during winter?

Vellore experiences cooler nights compared to Chennai during winter, while daytime temperatures remain similar.

Which city is better to visit during summer?

Neither city is ideal for summer visits due to the extreme heat, but Chennai’s sea breeze might make it marginally more tolerable.

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