In short, the climate is tropical dry; the district of Tiruvannamalai is a drought area especially during the summer.

Temperatures rise during the summer months of March to June to an extreme heat similar to Arizona in the USA with 89 to 115 degrees F, 32 to 46 C. It’s hot! Some foreigners leave Tiru and go to the cooler North or to cooler countries all together. Others have their house equipped with AC, take care of their errands during the cooler hours of the day, and otherwise stay inside. Some people like it warmer and for them a ceiling fan is just fine if there is another level of housing above them. Living directly under the rooftop is not advisable as you may get a heat rash. Shall we say, considering locals live here all-year-round even the heat is bearable.

In July is the time when the rainy season starts with rain and thunderstorms coming during the night or in the evenings. By the next morning the rain water is absorbed by the earth or dried up so it’s not really a bother – unless there are big puddles in front of your house or in the street. Also, rain showers usually are intense and are over in an hour or less. Later in Oct/Nov comes a second rainy season that is not much different. The temperatures drop down significantly compared to the hot summer months to 36 C during the day and 25 C at night. Early morning cold water showers make you shiver.

In November/December starts the winter season with about 64 to 82 degrees F, 18 to 28 C, that goes until February. Locals and foreigners alike like this time of the year. It is comfortably warm but in no way cold. You don’t need a jacket ever and walk happily around barefoot in your sandals or flip flops. This is also the time when many tourists and satsang teachers come into town. Accommodation becomes scarce and needs to be booked in advance.

Advice: Conserve water.