September to March is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters. The weather in Kerala backwaters in winter is pleasant with warm afternoons and cool nights. Scenic and alluring, these backwaters are synonymous with Kerala Tourism and bring a huge influx of tourists here every year.
Travelers love to visit Kerala’s mystical web of lakes, rivers, lagoons, canals, and the occasional mangrove, all bounded by enchanting sceneries of rustic villages, ancient churches, swaying palm trees, and fishermen tossing nets into greenish-blue waters all around.
Dotted with houseboats and shikaras, this mighty network runs parallel to the Arabian Sea and runs inland on the coast of Kerala from Cochin to Kollam, bringing pleasant sea breeze and clear blue skies into
Kerala’s beautiful backwater towns of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam, especially in the winter months.
Best time to visit Kerala backwaters
The long Malabar coastline of around 590 km on one side and the stunning Western Ghats on the other ensure that the climate of Kerala is neither too hot nor too cold, one of the reasons it’s slowly emerging as an all-season destination.
Although, the period between October and April is considered the best time for a Kerala trip, as this time offers moderate temperatures around Kerala, making it ideal to explore this marvelous Indian state.
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Serene backwaters, verdant hill stations, stunning beaches, ancient palaces, and a rich cultural heritage – the choices of experiences and sights that Kerala offers to guests are endless.
Along with all this to explore in Kerala, guests also ensure that they never miss a Kerala houseboat experience when they visit God’s Own Country!
“What is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters?” is one of the most common searches on the internet. With travelers from around the world flocking to this charming backwater destination in winter, spring, and monsoon-end, Kerala Tourism has been rising rapidly!
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Kerala backwaters in winter (September-February)
Peak tourist season in Kerala backwaters
The winter season in Kerala between September and February is the peak season in Kerala. It is considered to be the best time to visit Kerala backwaters and other tourist places like Munnar, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Thekkady among others for which Kerala is renowned worldwide.
Kerala backwaters in monsoon (June-August)
Offseason in Kerala backwaters
The monsoon season in Kerala between June and August is the offseason in Kerala. It usually rains heavily in Kerala in July.
The offseason in Kerala is considered to be the best time for taking a boat ride in Alleppey and Kumarakom on dreamy houseboats as well as getting Ayurvedic Spa treatments and massage therapies.
You can do a houseboat tour in Kerala if there is a slight downpour or drizzle as it can still be an enjoyable experience! However, it is not advised to sail on a houseboat during intermittent rains and heavy monsoon showers.
Sailing on a houseboat after the monsoon season ends is a great way to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, as there are no torrential downpours during this time but only mild and comfortable showers.
Kerala backwaters in summer (March-May)
Offseason in Kerala backwaters
The summer season in Kerala is hot and humid from March to May. However, this is not a deterrent and you can comfortably sail across the backwaters of Kerala in your houseboat during this time.
We recommend hiring an air-conditioned houseboat if you are visiting Kerala in the summer season so you can stay indoors during hot afternoons and gaze at the splendid views of Kerala backwaters early in the morning or late evening.
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Now that you know the best time to visit Kerala backwaters, you may wonder what you can do in Kerala during this time. Should you indulge in a relaxing Ayurveda treatment or embark on a houseboat cruise? Guess what! You can do both!
There are plenty of things to do in Kerala backwaters, other than houseboat cruising, that you’ll enjoy doing here irrespective of the season you visit.
Why winter is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters
The winter season is considered the perfect time for visiting Kerala to enjoy the experience of its tranquil, palm-fringed backwaters.
When one thinks of Kerala, the first image that comes to mind is of a handsome houseboat sailing on serene backwaters flanked by palm trees. Kerala has, in fact, come to be known as the “Venice of the East” for this reason!
Kerala’s winter weather and climate are ideal for taking a trip to its scenic backwaters. The weather is pleasant with cool winds, clear skies, and warm afternoons. It’s a great time to venture out and sail its intriguing network of waterways.
There are plenty of things to do in Kerala backwaters during the winter season.
- Relax with Ayurvedic massage & Spa
- Take a houseboat cruise
- Ride a shikara or canoe
- Explore ancient temples and churches
- Go fishing
- Try toddy at a local toddy shack
- Take a walk around remote villages
- Engage in birdwatching
- Gorge on the local Malabar cuisine
There is no end to the fun you can have in the backwaters of Kerala during the winter season.
While you can indulge in these activities in other seasons too, it would be most comfortable and convenient to try them in winter when there’s no excess heat, humidity, or rain to ruin your plans!
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You can hire a houseboat, shikara, canoe, or motorboat to enjoy the Kerala backwaters. While a houseboat is the most preferred option among tourists visiting Kerala, it’s a lot pricier than other boats. Many people opt for the ferry as a more economical option.
Some people find that the monsoon season has special appeal and choose to combine their houseboat hire with ayurvedic treatment. March to May gets very hot and humid, so if you hire a houseboat during this time, we recommend you book an air-conditioned one.
The peak season is from December to the end of January when the weather is cooler and drier, but the rates of hotels and flights are also highest in the peak season. The waterways and canals of Alleppey and Kumarakom will also be too crowded during this time.
Popular backwater destinations in Kerala
Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam are the best backwater destinations in Kerala to enjoy a rejuvenating houseboat ride. Alleppey is one of the oldest trading towns in the Arabian Sea frequented by the British, Portuguese, and Chinese.
Other backwater destinations in Kerala include Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Ashtmudi, and Kannur among others. Poovar Island as well as Munroe Island also make for charming backwater destinations in Kerala.
There are many options of houseboats available for hire in Alleppey and Kumarakom, but if you plan to sail during the peak tourist season, it’s advisable to book one well in advance since their demand rises, prices soar, and the availability of quality boats drops dramatically.
Also, make sure you book your boat with a certified tour operator as their unregulated prices tend to fluctuate widely.
You can choose between an overnight cruise or a day cruise in the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat.
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Regardless of what you pick, you’ll end up having a memorable and fun-packed vacay in Kerala. While winter is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters for maximum enjoyment and great weather, it isn’t unwise to visit Kerala in the offseason either. You’ll be greeted with tranquility, fewer crowds, discounted stays in top hotels, as well as lower prices of flights and food.
