Mamallapuram is a region of vast open spaces spotted with boulders and spread with the sands of the beach on which rise stately temples, manmade caves and rathas (chariots) of a bygone era. Tourists stroll through the open air, doing a whole lot of exploring and sightseeing under the mercy of the seasons. Mamallapuram is a small town, and if you are a history buff, you’d love to walk around the town and the seashore just to marvel at the sculptures. There are so many monuments to see, travelling to do and adventures on the sea, that would tempt you into choosing the weather that is just right for the ideal holiday experience.

So, go ahead and chill out on the shores of Mamallapuram on an idlyllic winter holiday, which is the best time to visit.

It’s hot, sweaty and sultry in Mamallapuram during summer. You might not be able to explore the town during the day because the sands and the boulders go warm. Evenings turn cooler comparatively as the breeze from the sea sets in. You might spend the hotter days at the sea, for Mamallapuram offers tourists a number of water adventures. Cool off from the heat of the day on the beaches, watching the sunset.

Wear a broad brimmed hat and cool cottons and carry along a water bottle. Treat yourself to raw sliced mangoes, spiced slivers of baby cucumbers, tender coconuts or fried baby crabs from the seafood stalls. Average temperature ranges 22°C -37°C.

Southwest monsoon rains are the harbinger for the heavier northeast monsoon rains that begin in October. Mamallapuram along with the other cities and towns on the Eastern coasts would have heavy to very heavy to cyclonic storms from October to November. Monsoon is off-season and you’d probably be spending a lot of time indoors watching the rains.

July to September have light intermittent rains that help lessen the humidity of preceding summer, though it would still be sultry. Nevertheless, monsoon is a good time for surfing and tube riding on the sea. Carry umbrellas and a raincoat. Temperature ranges from 26°C -29°C.

Winter is the most ideal time to have a hassle free sightseeing trip to Mamallapuram. The days are warm and the nights are cool, with a probability of light refreshing rains in December. The plains perk up after the recent rains and the little town turns picturesque with greenery on one side, the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal on the other, and the dry, sandy beaches sandwiched in between. Join the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival in January, held against the backdrop of the temples. Avid bird watchers could take a day trip to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary to watch the birds migrating in for winter. Temperature varies from 20°C -30°C.