Pondicherry sits on the Coromandel Coast, which has a different monsoon pattern from most of south India. The southwest monsoon (June–September) largely misses this coast; the northeast monsoon (October–December) brings the rain, sometimes heavy. The best months to visit are January through March, when temperatures are manageable (25–30°C) and the sea is calm. April and May are very hot.
The town is busy during Christmas and New Year when Indian tourists arrive from Chennai and Bangalore. The birthday of the Mother (21 February) and the birthday of Sri Aurobindo (15 August) see special events at the ashram. Auroville's Founder's Day on 28 February brings together residents and international visitors.