Kerala is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is called God’s own country. Located in South India, Kerala is sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala is exquisite.
If you are someone who is planning to visit, you must be wondering what is the best time to visit Kerala and when to go to Kerala?
Though Kerala is a year-round destination,
The Winter season between September to March is considered to be the best time to visit Kerala.
The period from September to March is the the most ideal time to visit Kerala when the weather is at its most pleasant and it’s easy for travelers to explore the many attractions and tourist hubs like hill stations, backwaters, and beaches in Kerala.
ALSO SEE – Why is Kerala Known as God’s Own Country?
Weather In Kerala
Take a look at this season-wise data to know which is the best time to visit Kerala and plan your holiday accordingly.
Kerala has three seasons:
| Time Period | Season in Kerala | Average Temperature | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September-March | Winter | 18°C – 28°C | Cool and Pleasant all day |
| April-May | Summer | 29°C – 36°C | Hot days and Warm nights |
| June- September | Monsoon | 20°C – 30°C | Heavy to Moderate Rainfall |
When is the Best Time to visit Kerala?
The Best time to visit Kerala is from September and March in the winter season.
In winter Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity in backwaters, hill stations, and beaches.
ALSO SEE- Best Beaches in Kerala to Enjoy Sun and Sand
It’s the perfect time to visit:
- Backwaters
- Hill stations
- Beaches.
- Forest reserves
- Waterfalls
- Tea plantations and spice farms
FUN FACT: September is the time when Kerala witnesses Onam, the most popular festival of Kerala!
ALSO SEE – Onam Festival in Kerala- Celebrations & Legend of Mahabali
December is the time for Kochi Muziris Biennale besides extensive Christmas and New Year celebrations. You might want to book your resorts in Kerala way in advance or you won’t get a room since winter is the best time to see Kerala for both its natural beauty and its celebration of Christmas and New Year.
Kerela Temperatures range:
- On the plains: Ranges from 28°C to 36°C
- In the hills: Stays around 20°C.
However, September to March is not the only time you can choose to plan a trip to Kerala despite the fact that it’s the most favorable time to explore this fascinating Indian state. For instance, high-altitude places like Munnar and Vagamon can be visited at any time of the year regardless of the season.
Munnar and Vagamon can be visited at any time of the year regardless of the season.
ALSO SEE- Best Tourist Places to visit in Munnar (Download Map)
Best Month to Visit Kerala – September to March
September to March are the best months to visit Kerala in India since the weather is:
- Pleasant & Cool
- Low Humidity Levels
- Salubrious and comfortable
- Surroundings are green after the monsoon.
- You can explore backwaters, beaches, and hill stations comfortably.
The best months to visit Kerala:
- September
- October
- November
- December
- January
- February
ALSO SEE – Why September is the best month to Visit Kerala?
Winter Season in Kerala (November to February)
The winter season in Kerala begins roughly in late September and goes on till February. The temperature in Kerala starts falling in late November as the northeast monsoon recedes. While the temperature does not vary much, winters in Kerala are slightly cooler with lower humidity levels.
It’s, without a doubt, the best time to visit Kerala!
Scroll down to know what makes the period from September to March the most ideal time to visit Kerala for your holiday and plan your trip accordingly.
The average temperature in winter is 28 C, and the minimum temperature is around 18 C.
In the hilly regions of Munnar and Thekkady:
- The maximum temperature is 25 C
- The minimum temperature is 10 C.
Evenings and mornings are cool with temperatures falling further at night.
The winter season in Kerala begins roughly in late September and goes on till February. It’s, without a doubt, the best time to visit Kerala. See what Kerala offers in winter and plan your trip accordingly. In winter the climate is cool and comfortable and the winter season from September to March is considered the best time to visit Kerala for a holiday.
Weather in Kerala during Winter
Kerala has cool and pleasant weather in the winter season. Even sunny and hot days will be accompanied by cool winds and a pleasing sea breeze. Specifically, December has the best weather in the winter season and is considered by many travelers to be the best season to visit Kerala.
The winter climate in Kerala is cool and comfortable, the humidity is at its lowest, and the air is crisp and sweet.
While this soothing weather starts setting in late September, it isn’t until November that you start to feel the coolness in the air and see the renewed freshness of Kerala’s foliage.
Evenings and mornings are cool on the plains and quite chilly in hilly areas like Munnar and Wayanad. The temperature falls even further at night!
Temperature in Winter in Kerala
Kerala temperature in winter differs in accordance with the diverse topography here.
On an average, the Kerala winter temperature ranges between 18°C to 28°C. However, it dips even lower in hilly areas.
The overall average minimum temperature in Kerala during winters remains around 18°C, but drops as low as 10°C in high altitude places like Munnar, Vagamon, and Wayanad.
Kerala’s average maximum temperature in winter is 28°C. Now that does tend to rise a couple or more degrees on really sunny days, but the weather still remains pleasant and windy.
In the hilly regions of Munnar and Thekkady:
- The maximum temperature is 25°C
- The minimum temperature is 10°C.
Places To Visit in Kerala during Winter
The weather is ideal for sightseeing and the peak tourist season. You can try out water sports, explore backwaters in a houseboat, or just explore the state. There is so much to see in Kerala, just take your pick. Some popular tourist destinations are Munnar, Thekkady, Kochi, Kovalam, and Vagamon. Kerala looks picturesque in winter, with lush green valleys and clear blue skies.
You can choose to visit any city or village in the whole state and expect to be greeted with soothing and blissful weather in this season.
Some of the best Kerala places for that perfect winter sojourn would include:
- Munnar – Rolling green pastures covered in mist
- Thekkady – Where the wild live!
- Alleppey – Sailing houseboats on emerald green waters
- Kochi – Golden sands and sleepy fishing villages
- Kumarakom – Exotic birds and enchanting canals
- Vagamon – Unspoilt green hills and endless adventure
- Kovalam – Ayurvedic massages on a picturesque coastline
- Varkala – Artsy cliffs, swaying palms and virgin shores
- Wayanad – A mystical paradise in the Nilgiris
The weather in Kerala in winter is ideal for sightseeing, making it the peak tourist season. You can try out water sports, sail the backwaters in a houseboat, or just explore the state’s picturesque green valleys and clear blue skies. There is so much to see and things to do in Kerala in the winter season, all you have to do is take your pick.
Whether you go on a jungle safari in Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries to spot wildlife and birds, or soak in the sights and sounds of the forest, you’ll end up having the most wonderful time!
There are so many places to explore in Kerala in winter that it’ll be hard to pick just a few.
Reasons To Visit Kerala during Winter
Looking for reasons to go to Kerala in the winters? We got plenty!
1. Endless Adventure!
Winter in Kerala is the most favorable time to engage in activities like: Watersports , Trekking , Camping, Wildlife safaris, Sailing on the backwaters, Sightseeing
2. Awesome Weather
During winter, tourists are greeted with lush greenery all around, clear blue skies and refreshing cool winds without the discomfort of scorching heat and gross humidity.
Winter in Kerala gives travelers the most comfortable and amicable weather conditions to meander through its spice plantations, trek high up its rolling hills, cruise its canals and rivers, and interact with its wildlife via thrilling nature safaris.
3. Festival Fever!
A trip to Kerala in late December also gives vacationers a chance to indulge in Christmas and New Year festivities that make this place all the more lively and cheerful every year! The cities and towns are gift-wrapped in twinkling fairy lights, decked up with tall Christmas trees, and filled with the aroma of plum cakes and spicy Keralan cuisine.
4. Shopping
It’s also a great time to go shopping in Kerala. The markets are brimming with activity and there are great festive discounts on traditional items and handicrafts. So if you want to stock up on the finest coffee, spices, Malayali textiles, aroma oils, terracotta and brass items, jewelry, handicrafts, and more, winter would be the best time to visit Kerala for a fun retail therapy.
Tourists are greeted with lush green valleys, clear skies, and a chance to interact with wild animals in nature parks and marshes.
A trip to Kerala in late December gives vacationers a chance to indulge in Christmas and New Year festivities that make this place all the more lively and cheerful every year! It’s the right time to visit Kerala!
Kerala Travel Tips For Winter
- Book flight tickets and hotel rooms way in advance. Since it’s the peak season, it’ll be hard getting good deals at the last minute
- Try and visit offbeat places like Vagamon, Ponmudi, and Kumarakom for peace and seclusion
- Even though the monsoon season is over, carry an umbrella
- Pack light cotton clothes, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Popular cities and locations might get a tad crowded. Start your day early and cover prominent tourist spots before noon.
- Large crowds would also mean slower service at restaurants and lengthy queues at ticket counters. Be patient.
- Pack a light jacket/cardigan and long pants if you’re visiting the hilly areas of Kerala as winter nights there can get chilly.
- Don’t forget your camera!
With so much to offer, Kerala is nothing less of a paradise for every type of traveler – newly married couples, families with kids, college gangs looking for adventure, or solo wanderers simply wishing to relax.
Whether you seek peace and tranquility amidst the untouched reserves of nature or indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like houseboat rides and Ayurvedic Spa, your trip to Kerala will surely be a memorable one!
Places to visit in Winter
Go on a jungle safari in the various wildlife sanctuaries to spot wildlife and birds, or soak in the sights and sounds of the forest.
Weather In Kerala
Winter Season
- The Winter season in Kerala starts in late November and lasts till February the weather is pleasant.
- It is the best time to visit Kerala and is the peak tourist season.
- Book your flights and hotels in advance for the best deals.
- If you are traveling to hill stations, you will need a light sweater and scarf.
Kerala has 25 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala, and the state is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Summer Season in Kerala (March to June)
The time period from March to May marks the summer season in Kerala. The data given below will tell you what this season is like and whether or not you should plan a trip to Kerala in summer.
Summer Season begins at the end of February and the beginning of March.
The weather in plains and coastal areas becomes warm and humid and temperatures remain high throughout the day. There is no respite from the heat at night average temperature is quite high.
The maximum temperature hovers around 35 C, while the minimum temperature stays around 28 C.
The weather in hill stations like Munnar is more pleasant with an average temperature of 25-26C. Occasional rain and thundershowers are common in hill stations.
Summer Weather in Kerala
- The summer season from March to May bears hot and dry weather conditions.
- The temperature remains high throughout the day, even at night.
- To understand the situation better, just imagine not even being able to take a leisurely walk on the beaches on your trip to Kerala owing to the heat!
- Summer months in Kerala are hot and humid summer season in Kerala.
- Kerala weather in march, the temperature goes up to 38°C with high heat and humidity.
Summer Temperature in Kerala
- The average temperature during this time ranges between 29°C to 38°C.
- Even in the evenings, the temperature remains a high 29°C.
- The state bears high temperatures during this time owing to its proximity to the ocean.
Places To Visit for your summer vacation
If you visit Kerala in the summer season, there are quite a number of places that you can explore.
You can ride through the
- Lush green and misty hills of Munnar
- Ponmudi
- Vagamon
- The summers are warm and humid. Many tourists visit Kerala in the off-season, and you can get great deals.
- The crowd levels are lower. It is the best time, to visit hill stations like Munnar, Thekkady, and Ponmudi.
Since these are high-altitude destinations and relatively cooler places than most parts of Kerala.
You can also choose to go on a boat ride on the beautiful Periyar Lake in Thekkady.
Reasons To Visit Kerala During Summer
Oh yes, there are loads of reasons why a trip to Kerala in Summer won’t be a bad idea!
1. Less Crowd
Despite having somewhat unfavorable weather for sightseeing and exploring, this offseason in Kerala actually receives a large influx of tourists drawn by the empty beaches, hills, towns, and tourist attractions.
It’s the best time to visit Kerala & explore the natural beauty of this state in its most pristine form as you won’t find massive crowds of tourists at the popular hotspots.
2. Great Deals On Hotels
Hotel prices are at their lowest in the Summer season! It’s a great time to visit if you want a budget vacation.
Resorts, homestays, Airbnbs and top hotels roll out amazing deals and packages to lure in people, often giving away services like Spa and day tours for free!
You wouldn’t want to miss this chance to stay at your favourite resorts or hotels in Kerala in Summer at rock bottom prices!
3. The Colourful Thrissur Pooram
Kerala celebrates the vibrant and cheerful festival of Thrissur Pooram every year in the month of April/May and it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most important festivals in the state and an absolute treat for travelers who wish to immerse in the local culture and traditions of Kerala. The festival lasts for three whole days and is an impressive extravaganza of folk dances, percussion music, elephants dressed in gold, colourful umbrellas, and a sumptuous buffet!
4. Tranquility & Peace
Summer is the best time to visit Kerala if you wish to enjoy seclusion, peace, and privacy at all its locations, especially the magnificent hill stations like Munnar.
Imagine lying on a beach with no one around! Or enjoying uninterrupted views of the Alleppey backwaters while sailing on your houseboat! Or walking through the tea estates of Munnar with not another soul for miles! Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
Kerala Travel Tips for Summer
- Pack light-colored and airy clothes, preferably linens and cotton.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen (SPF+ 30 is recommended), hats, and sunglasses at home.
- Carry a water bottle with you at all times and stay hydrated. Do not buy plastic bottles at the locations.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes that can dry quickly.
- Have frequent meals in small proportions during the course of the day, instead of having two or three heavy meals.
- Consume hydrating fruits and drink lots of coconut water.
- Do not litter.
ALSO SEE – Best Places to Visit in Munnar
Monsoon Season in Kerala (June to September Mid, October, November )
There are two monsoon seasons in Kerala:
- One begins in June and is called the Southwest monsoon.
- and the other begins in October and is called the Northeast monsoon.
The Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala and the ideal time to visit Kerala if one wishes to visit this state during the refreshing monsoon showers.
The weather in monsoon in Kerala is humid, but the rains provide relief from the scorching heat.
Kerala receives torrential rains and humidity levels soar during this time. The rivers start gushing and are full of water as the surrounding areas become green.
It starts to recede around mid-August as the rainfall gradually reduces.
The monsoon season returns in October and is called Northeast monsoon. There is heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning and is called a retreating monsoon.
The maximum temperature during the monsoon is around 30 C, while the minimum temperature is around 20 C.
Days remain hot and humid, with temperatures going up to 35 C during the day and 28 C at night.
ALSO SEE – Offseason in Kerala
June to August marks the monsoon season in Kerala. Places to visit in Kerala during monsoon include Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Marari. We have highlighted below all that this season offers and what you should expect if you choose to visit Kerala in the monsoon season. Monsoon season is suitable for Ayurveda with rains intermittently
Weather in Kerala during Monsoon
Monsoon in Kerala is characterized by lush green foliage and high humidity. You’ll be met with frequent yet refreshing showers in Kerala during this time. If you wish to witness the splendor of rain in Kerala and do not mind the humidity, you can visit during this season.
Temperature in Kerala in Monsoons
The average temperature during the monsoon season in this Indian state ranges from 29°C to 35°C. It sometimes further goes down a couple more degrees in cases when it rains heavily at night.
Places To Visit fin Kerala in Monsoon
Kerala is nothing less of a paradise in the monsoon season. Whether you seek peace and tranquility amidst the untouched reserves of nature or wish to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience like houseboat rides and Ayurvedic Spa, the rainy season will be just the right time to visit Kerala for it all.
You can visit places like:
- Munnar – Dewy fields of tea
- Wayanad – Green hills and fierce waterfalls
- Thekkady – Boat rides through misty greenery
- Kumarakom – Backwater cruises in the rain!
- Marari Beach – Sea-side serenity
- Kochi – Relaxing Ayurvedic massages
- Vythiri – Refreshing greenery
- Ashtamudi Lake – Pretty houseboats and cozy homestays
- Bekal – A picturesque fort on the coast
- Varkala – Breezy palm trees and red cliffs
While places like Munnar and Wayanad will offer you pleasant weather and lush foliage, seaside destinations like Kochi and Trivandrum will bestow you with tranquil beaches, cool ocean winds, and low-priced ayurvedic massage therapies in monsoon in Kerala.
Reasons To Visit Kerala during Monsoon
Monsoon in Kerala is a time of endless fun and adventure. Here’s how:
1. Ayurvedic Treatments
It’s the best time to indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage therapies and Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala at affordable rates.
Many Ayurvedic centres and resorts roll out budget deals on their Ayurveda packages that you won’t get at any other time of the year.
Monsoon is the most suitable time to visit Kerala for Ayurvedic therapies for yet another reason – this moist and dust-free environment makes Ayurvedic treatments more comfortable and effective.
2. Lush Foliage
Dripping of dew, the flora is at its most refreshing phase throughout the monsoon season in Kerala.
It’s almost as if the rains give a boost to Kerala’s natural beauty, bringing it to life!
The forests of Thekkady and Wayanad, the otherwise parched vegetation of Kochi and Trivandrum, the amber-hued backwater banks of Alleppey and Kumarakom, and the rolling pastures of Munnar and Vythiri are most vibrant and thriving this time of the year!
And to top it all, those exciting tours of spice, coffee and tea plantations become all the more enjoyable and rewarding!
3. Lovely Waterfalls
Waterfalls in Kerala cascade in full force during the monsoon season. While most waterfalls will be overflowing during the peak rainy season and somewhat dangerous to visit, the time right after monsoons will be perfect for paying a visit to these sweet locations.
Waterfalls like Athirappilly, Palaruvi, Soochipara, Lakkom, Meenmutty and Marmala will be in their most beautiful and rejuvenating state. A trek to these surreal spots through the lush jungles and dip in the refreshing waters will definitely recharge your mind, body and soul!
ALSO SEE- Best Waterfalls in Kerala worthy of your bucket list
4. Aranmula Boat Race
Witness Kerala’s famous snake boat races that are held mainly during the monsoon season in a multitude of places.
You can attend the colourful Aranmula Boat Race in Aranmula, the Payippad Boat Race in Payippad river, the Kallada Boat Race in Kollam, or the Vallam Kali boat race on the festival of Onam. Other than these, the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race of Alappuzha is the most fascinating of all!
Infused with energy, these colourful fiestas are part of some of the oldest traditions of Kerala that shouldn’t be missed!
5. Heavy Discounts On Stays
Visit Kerala in monsoon and save big on your trip!
Considering it’s the off-season and tourists typically do not visit Kerala during this time, most hotels and homestays come up with discounts, deals and super-saver offers to attract people to God’s Own Country.
6. Less Crowd
The off-season of monsoons is the best time to visit Kerala for yet another reason – utter peace and serenity!
There will be less people around, shorter queues at ticket counters, no pushing and shoving at famous tourist spots, no over-crowded restaurants, no litter on beaches, and no photobombers ruining your Instagram reels and selfies!
Kerala Travel Tips for Monsoon
-
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat even if it’s not raining in real-time.
- Pack an extra pair of clothes for each day.
- Wear light cotton or linen clothes to absorb excess moisture and beat the humidity.
- Carry mosquito repellents and lotions.
- Carry proper medications for fungal infections if your body cannot handle humidity.
- Wear footwear and clothes that fully cover the legs during forest treks to avoid nasty encounters with insects and leeches.
- Carry plastic bags to keep your electronic gadgets dry.
- Always check the Kerala weather forecast before stepping out, along with whether or not the places you wish to visit are open.
Places to visit in Monsoon
Monsoon is the best time for Kerala massages and Ayurvedic treatment. The moist and dust-free environment makes treatment more effective. Waterfalls are at their majestic best as they start brimming with water.
It has been the center of trade for centuries, and the state has a rich history with beautiful monuments.
The Dutch, Portugal, and British occupied Kerala, and you can see their influences on the architecture.
The state has rich art and culture with various classical dances and martial arts. Kerala is known for delicious tangy cuisine and you should sample the delicious tangy cuisine as there is a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes using local produce. Kerala is famous for Ayurvedic Spas and treatment centers.
Kerala offers a unique experience and adventure. Plan your next trip to Kerala, and you will not be disappointed. Plan your trip during the monsoon experience and soak in the beauty of Kerala. Be prepared with waterproof luggage, an umbrella, raincoats, and shoes with a good grip.
Summers are perfect for those who like an active holiday. Remember to stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothes, and carry a hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Winter is considered the best time to visit Kerala, and crowd levels are higher. Remember to pack light woolens and mosquito repellent if you want to go camping.
Kerala has been the center of trade for centuries, and the state has a rich history with beautiful monuments.
The Dutch, Portugal, and British had occupied Kerala at different points of time in history, and you can see their influences on the architecture here.
The state has rich art and culture with various classical dances and martial art forms, and honestly, there is no particular best time to visit Kerala to witness that, since it’s visible year-round.
ALSO SEE- Top 10 Best Traditional Kerala Dance Forms That Will Enchant You!
Kerala is known for its delicious tangy cuisine, seafood, and a variety of curries and you should sample every bit of it. There is a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that is prepared using fresh, local produce. Kerala is also famous for Ayurvedic Spas and treatment centers.
ALSO SEE – A Pleasant & Memorable Solo Woman Ayurveda trip !
Every season in Kerala offers unique experiences and adventures. Plan your next trip to Kerala, and you will not be disappointed. Plan your trip to Kerala during monsoons to experience and soak in the beauty of Kerala. Be prepared with waterproof luggage, an umbrella, raincoats, and shoes with a good grip.
Summers are perfect for those who like an active holiday. Remember to stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothes, and carry hats/caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Winter is considered the best time to visit Kerala and crowd levels are higher. Remember to pack light woolens and mosquito repellent if you want to go camping
You will be mesmerized by its varying landscape from rolling hills, serene and magical backwaters, pristine beaches, and lush greenery when you visit Kerala during any season.
All you have to do is plan your vacation around the best time to visit Kerala so that you do not miss out on any of the mind-blowing experiences that it has to offer! What are you still waiting for?
Start planning!
