The short answer
When to go to Tiruvannamalai
January and February are the best months, with dry, clear weather and highs around 29 to 32 degrees. December and March are also good. April to June is hot, and the northeast monsoon from October to December brings the heaviest rain. If you want to see Karthigai Deepam, book early and expect enormous crowds. For older travellers, go in the cooler months and do outdoor sights in the first hours after sunrise.
Month by month
Tiruvannamalai weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 18°C | — | Mild, dry and clear; the most comfortable month for the hill and the temple. | |
| February | 32°C | 19°C | — | Dry and warm by afternoon; walk early and the Girivalam road is pleasant. | |
| March | 35°C | 21°C | — | Heat builds from midday; keep outdoor sights to the morning. | |
| April | 37°C | 25°C | — | Hot and dry; stone floors and open Girivalam stretches become punishing. | |
| May | 39°C | 26°C | — | The hottest month, with pre-monsoon showers; hard going for older travellers. | |
| June | 36°C | 26°C | — | Still hot but a little breezier; stick to dawn and dusk outings. | |
| July | 35°C | 25°C | — | Warm and humid with intermittent rain; lighter crowds at the temple. | |
| August | 34°C | 25°C | — | Humid with regular showers; carry rain cover for the walking circuit. | |
| September | 34°C | 24°C | — | Wet spells make the hill trails slippery; the town itself stays workable. | |
| October | 33°C | 23°C | — | Northeast monsoon begins; expect heavy showers and damp pavements. | |
| November | 30°C | 21°C | — | The wettest month; Karthigai Deepam crowds may arrive in November or December. | |
| December | 28°C | 19°C | — | Cooler and clearing, but Deepam season can bring very large crowds. |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Tiruvannamalai seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Mild, dry and clear; the most comfortable month for the hill and the temple.
- February: Dry and warm by afternoon; walk early and the Girivalam road is pleasant.
Good, with small trade-offs: March and December
- March: Heat builds from midday; keep outdoor sights to the morning.
- December: Cooler and clearing, but Deepam season can bring very large crowds.
Possible, with planning: June, July, August, September, October and November
- June: Still hot but a little breezier; stick to dawn and dusk outings.
- July: Warm and humid with intermittent rain; lighter crowds at the temple.
- August: Humid with regular showers; carry rain cover for the walking circuit.
- September: Wet spells make the hill trails slippery; the town itself stays workable.
- October: Northeast monsoon begins; expect heavy showers and damp pavements.
- November: The wettest month; Karthigai Deepam crowds may arrive in November or December.
Best avoided with parents or children: April and May
- April: Hot and dry; stone floors and open Girivalam stretches become punishing.
- May: The hottest month, with pre-monsoon showers; hard going for older travellers.
Useful answers
Best time to visit Tiruvannamalai: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Tiruvannamalai?
January and February are the best months to visit Tiruvannamalai, with March and December also good. January and February are the best months, with dry, clear weather and highs around 29 to 32 degrees. December and March are also good. April to June is hot, and the northeast monsoon from October to December brings the heaviest rain. If you want to see Karthigai Deepam, book early and expect enormous crowds. For older travellers, go in the cooler months and do outdoor sights in the first hours after sunrise.
Which months should I avoid in Tiruvannamalai with elderly parents?
April and May are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot and dry; stone floors and open Girivalam stretches become punishing. The hottest month, with pre-monsoon showers; hard going for older travellers.