What is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is from October to February, when the weather is balmy and favourable for diverse activities. These tourist activities include sightseeing, watersports, houseboat cruise, and experiencing colourful religious and harvest festivals of Kerala. This period is also the best season to visit Kerala with family, as it provides opportunities to explore various attractions in Kerala across its length and breadth. However, please remember that this is also the peak tourist season in Kerala, so prices of activities, hotel accommodations, etc. are inflated. Hence, prior bookings are recommended.

 

The months between March to May is the peak summer season in Kerala, making it the ideal time to visit Kerala for those who want lesser tourist crowds. It is one of the best times to visit Kerala’s hill stations such as Wayanad and Munnar. While Kerala is a destination that can be visited throughout the year, this guide will walk you through the best time to travel Kerala depending on your preferred activities.

Kerala in Winter (October-February)

October to February is the best season to visit Kerala for a myriad of reasons so let us unpack them one by one. First of all, Kerala is a tropical state that sits on the Malabar coast, hence the winter season here is not excruciatingly cold. In fact, it provides a pleasant relief from the high temperatures and humidity of the summer and monsoon season. On a few days, there might be a short spell of rain, but it’s highly unlikely to disrupt any travel plans.

 

• Temperature in Kerala during winter: The temperature in Kerala during winter (October to February) fluctuates between 30°C to 29°C during days and 20°C to 21°C during nights. Whereas in hill stations like Munnar, Ponmudi, Wayand and Thekkady, it may slip to even 10°C at night. Therefore, always carry a light sweater, jacket or a shawl to protect yourself from the chilly nights.

 

• Kerala’s Ambiance in Winter: To experience Kerala in all its glory, the winter season is the best time to go to Kerala. All tourist attractions and activities in Kerala are open in full-swing during this time. Winter is the perfect time in Kerala to surge your adrenaline levels.  Whether it’s through going on a challenging trek with your friends or zipline across the valleys of Munnar, the conducive weather allows you to enjoy the best of Kerala. The months between October to February are the best time to visit Kerala for a honeymoon.

 

• Why Visit Kerala in Winter: Post monsoon season, when the pitter-patter stops, the lush landscapes of Kerala thrives with a new life. From cascading waterfalls to rolling hills and from verdant tea plantations to picturesque valleys, every scenery of Kerala appears stunningly beautiful. The ambiance of this state becomes even more inviting and you would not want to miss experiencing its picturesque beauty in person. This is a perfect time to rejoice on a houseboat tour with your loved ones, spot elusive wildlife on a jeep safari, capture panoramic views of Western Ghats, explore centuries-old caves, and go on a spice, coffee, or tea plantation tour.

 

• Top Attractions to Visit in Kerala During Winters: Munnar, Alappuzha, Thekkady, Vagamon, Wayand, Varkala, Kochi, and Kollam.

 

• Recommended Activities: Houseboat tours, ziplining, camping, jungle safaris, trekking, Ayurvedic spa, watching Kalaripayattu martial arts, shopping, watching cultural performances, temple tourism, off-beat exploration.

 

• Festivals to attend: Between October to February, you can witness Navaratri Festival, Vettucaud Feast, Guruvayur Ekadasi, Champions Boat League, Cochin Carnival, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, President’s Trophy Boat Race, Kerala Literature Festival, and more.

Kerala in Summer (March-May)

The period between March and May is the shoulder season in Kerala marked by heat and humidity. The summer season may not be the best time to go to Kerala, especially for those who are prone to heat strokes and have low tolerance for soaring temperatures.Now, depending on Kerala’s topography, the weather may slightly differ. For instance, the areas around coasts such as Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur experience hot and humid weather, whereas the areas on higher elevations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Ponmudi are much cooler.

 

• Temperature in Kerala: Summers in Kerala are hot and humid with intermittent showers. The weather fluctuates between 35°C to 37°C during the days and then it slips down to 29°C at night. Kerala also experiences low to moderate summer rains on a couple of days. Therefore, keep an umbrella or raincoat ready in your bag.

 

• Kerala’s Ambiance in Summer: Despite the hot and humid weather permeating the environment, Kerala’s beauty is as enchanting as ever. To seek respite from heat and humidity, plan your Kerala trip to its beautiful hill stations of Munnar, Ponmudi, Devikulam and Wayanad. The exuberant greenery, lush tea and spice plantations, serene lakes and enchanting waterfalls offers a peaceful oasis to visitors. Explore the thriving flora and fauna of Kerala by going on jeep safaris and from Kerala top viewpoints such as Lakkidi and Top Station, witness the gorgeous stretch of the rolling hills of the Western Ghats.

 

• Why Visit Kerala in Summer: Although many tourists avoid the summer season in Kerala, it becomes an ideal time for those seeking a budget vacation. Therefore, limited crowds and slashed prices on accommodation and tourist activities is an excellent reason to visit Kerala in Summers. You can enjoy adventure sports like ATV ride, ziplining, rappelling, etc in the hill-stations of Kerala and those seeking an idyllic retreat should spend their vacation relishing delicious meals on a houseboat cruise. Go for an Ayurvedic retreat and enhance your wellness journey with an authentic Kerala Ayurveda experience. Visit indoor attractions in Kerala such as museums, art galleries, and cultural centres, and witness colourful and zestful temple processions and cultural ceremonies.

 

• Top Attractions to Visit in Kerala During Summer: Munnar, Wayand, Thekkady, Kollam, Ponmudi, Bekal, Varkala, Vagamon, and Alleppey backwaters.

 

• Recommended Activities: The best things to do in Kerala in Summers are thrilling watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, and snorkelling on beaches of Kerala, enjoy bamboo rafting. For shopping enthusiasts,  explore the best shopping malls in Kerala and shop for souvenirs. 

 

• Festivals to attend: There are many traditional festivals to witness in Kerala during summer. This includes Attukal Pongala, Painkuni Festival, Thirunakkara Arattu, Attuvela Mahotsavam, Thrissur Pooram, etc.

Kerala in Monsoon (June-September)

Monsoon arrives at the shores of Kerala from June to September as the rain starts to pour across the region, drenching away everything. From soft romantic drizzle to mild downpour and heavy showers, monsoon has its own charm to enjoy. Although, this season may not be everyone’s cup of tea since many tourist activities get temporarily suspended.

 

• Temperature in Kerala: The temperature in Kerala during monsoon season fluctuates between a maximum of 30-35°C and a minimum of 25 to 29°C. The hill-station, however, enjoys a cooler temperature with mercury dropping to as low as 15°C. The days are warm and humid but the evenings are pleasantly cooler, especially when the gentle coastal breeze blows.

 

• Kerala’s Ambiance in Monsoon: The monsoon rain washes over the verdant hills, dense jungles, and sprawling tea plantations, rejuvenating them. The greenery of Kerala multiplies in manifold and is a delight to the senses. The monsoon rains replenish the waterfalls, lakes, rivers and canals, elevating their beauty. Overall, the ambiance of Kerala during monsoon season is full of charms. Witness the enchanting appeal of this state and experience the beautiful sounds and sights of top Kerala destinations, promising to delight your senses.

 

• Why Visit Kerala in Monsoon: June to September is typically regarded as off-season in Kerala with a lower footfall of tourists. This means ample opportunities to enjoy and explore the destinations in Kerala without the push and shove. Although visits to beaches and watersports are temporarily suspended due to risk of high tide and rough sea conditions, there is always something to do in Kerala, even in the monsoon season. Don’t miss out on the chance of going on a houseboat cruise, relishing sumptuous Kerala food, and witnessing boat races. It is also an excellent time for village tourism, eco-tourism and finding accommodation in pretty cottages and tree houses, enjoying the monsoon up and close. Also, take advantage of the off-season discounts on flights and hotel stays.

 

• Top Attractions to Visit Kerala in Monsoon: Backwaters of Alappuzha, mist-clad Munnar, lush valleys of Wayanad, he majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls, verdant Kumarakom, explore the wildness of Periyar National Park, and the dynamic city of Kochi.

 

• Recommended Activities: There are limited outdoor activities you can enjoy in Kerala during monsoon season. However, on non-rainy days, one can go out for boating, visit tea, coffee and spice plantations, explore rose gardens, jeep safari, and spend time at Elephant Junction. Ayurvedic spa and wellness treatment, watching Kalaripayattu martial arts, and dance performances of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

 

• Festivals to attend: Here are the important religious and cultural festivals taking place in Kerala from June to September: Ochira Kali, Champakkulam Boat Race in Alleppey, Palayur Church Festival, Njangattiri Aanayoottu, Feast of Holy Cross Shrine, Thiruvonam which is celebrated all over the Kerala

 

• Traveller’s Tip: Make monsoon season enjoyable in Kerala by packing smartly for it. Do keep a rain pocho, waterproof bags, and slip-resistant footwear. Keep full-sleeved shirts/t-shirts and dry-fit clothing. Always carry a mosquito repellent spray, SPF and some general medicines.