Understanding Kerala’s Climate
Kerala, often celebrated as “God’s Own Country,” has a climate that adds a special beauty to the state, making it an interesting location for travelers. With three major seasons—Summer, Monsoon, and Winter—Kerala offers different experiences throughout the year. From March to May, the summer months bring a pleasant warmth. The monsoon season, from June to September, splashes the state in refreshing rains, while the cooler winter months, from October to February, offer a welcome break from the heat and humidity
Kerala’s climate is classified as a tropical monsoon, characterized by warm and wet conditions most of the year. However, the state’s diverse geography creates noticeable variations in temperature and humidity. The coastal regions are generally warmer and more humid, while the hilly areas provide a cooler and more temperate atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, you’ll encounter these three seasons, each offering a different way to experience the scenic senses. Whether it’s the rainy monsoon, the cool winter, or the warm summer, understanding the climate will help you make the most of your visit.
To get a better sense of Kerala’s climate:
Monsoon (June to September): The Southwest Monsoon turns Kerala into a green land. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the rejuvenating effects of traditional Ayurvedic treatments, and witness the state at its most vibrant shades of green.
Winter (October to February): Winter in Kerala is mild and comfortable, ideal for outdoor adventures in destinations like Munnar and Wayanad. The cooler weather is perfect for a relaxed holiday, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the region without the discomfort of heat.
Summer (March to May): While summer can be warm, particularly along the coast, it’s a great time for a beach vacation. If you’re seeking cooler temperatures, the hill stations offer a pleasant retreat with their refreshing climate.
Each season in Kerala makes it a destination worth visiting year-round. Understanding the climate will help you plan your trip and make sure you get the most out of your time and travel.
Weekly weather update
Despite June traditionally being the onset of the monsoon season in Kerala, this year’s consistent rainfall since the second week of May has resulted in June experiencing less precipitation. Currently, the morning temperatures in Kerala hover around 26 degrees Celsius, while hill stations in kerala like Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, and Vagamon enjoy cooler climates.
With the early onset of rain in May, it’s expected that from mid-June onwards, Kerala will experience reduced rainfall, leading to lush green landscapes and picturesque vistas across the region.
Suggested Reading: Top reasons to choose Kerala as your Next Travel Destination
Best Time to Visit Kerala
Winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather during this time of year. If you wish to explore the enchanting lagoons, tranquil canals and spicy plantations of Kerala’s amazing cities, winter is the perfect time for you.
The monsoon starts in June and ends in August; tourist destinations look greener after the rain. July, August, and September are seasons, and they are the best times for price-conscious travelers to visit Kerala. Prices will be higher in hotels from October to March. For lower prices, visit Kerala from April to August.
Activities in Kerala According to Season
- Best Time to Visit Kerala for Good Weather: The weather will be warmest from October to March, making it the best month for limited rain. It’s unlikely to feel hot – temperatures are mild compared to most major cities, with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and 15 to 20 degrees in the mountains during the day. October to February is an excellent time for hiking in the mountains and spending time on the beaches, and from March to May, there are many lively festivals in the temples of North, Central, and South Kerala.
- Best Time for Sightseeing: The best time for sightseeing in Kerala is when temperatures are comfortable; after the monsoon from September onwards, rain can occur from June to July. Be prepared by bringing a waterproof jacket and umbrella for those monsoon showers.
- Best Time to Visit Kerala for Shopping: For those who want to enjoy shopping in Kerala while visiting tourist places, there are places like Cochin and Trivandrum for the best malls, like Lulu International Mall. For clothing, there are textiles, and for Jewellery, there are jewellery shops available in all cities. Tea, coffee, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, honey, etc., are available in Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, etc.
- Best Time to Visit Kerala for Festivals: Different festivals are celebrated in Kerala in August. The second Saturday of Every August is the Nehru Trophy boat race and it marks the beginning of the Onam festivals in Kerala. Cochin Biennale, Adoor Gaja Mela, Guruvayur Anayottam, Attukal Pongala, Arattupuzha Pooram, Kadamanitta Padayani, and Trissur Pooram bring nearly a half-million people to the Trichur city centre. The colourful Theyyam festivals will begin in March and continue in May in the temples of North Kerala.
Suggested Reading: Best Tourist Places in Kerala for Heritage and Tradition
Best Season to Visit Kerala
- High Season (October to March): The high season primarily coincides with the summer months, bringing the warmest weather of the year to Kerala, though it’s unlikely too hot. Long summer days make it easier to squeeze in more sights and attractions. With most tourists arriving in high season, prepare for the highest accommodation and airfare costs of the year. The week around Christmas and New Year attracts many Indian and foreign visitors to Kerala, resulting in higher costs at this time.
- Shoulder Season (April and May, mid-September through mid-October): The shoulder seasons can be an ideal time to visit Kerala. Temperatures are usually comfortable, and the sun makes plenty of appearances in between rain showers. Prices and crowds are not at their highest, and most activities and attractions will be open.
- Low Season (June, July): Low season is the least expensive time to visit Kerala and a great time to avoid crowds. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind missing out on some outdoor activities and want to enjoy a more authentic experience, as bed-and-breakfast hosts typically have more time to spend with their guests.
Suggested Reading: A Comprehensive Guide to Kerala Tour Packages
Best Time for a Backwater Tour
If you’re considering a backwater tour in Kerala, especially around Alleppey and Kumarakom, winter is really the perfect time to go. Between October and February, the weather is at its best—cool, comfortable, and just right for a relaxing houseboat cruise. The gentle breeze that flows through the backwaters during this season only adds to the serenity of the experience. Unlike the intense heat of summer or the heavy monsoon rains, winter offers a setting that truly lets you appreciate the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters.
During this time, the backwater regions are full of life, and it’s easy to see why winter is the peak tourist season here. Houseboats are at their best, with crews delivering the kind of warm hospitality that Kerala is famous for. And because it’s such a popular time to visit, houseboat bookings in Alleppey and Kumarakom often fill up quickly. In fact, it’s reported that 70-80% of houseboats are reserved well in advance during the winter months, which speaks volumes about how much travelers enjoy their winter cruises here. So, if a houseboat trip is on your list, this is definitely the time to plan it.
Best Time for Wildlife Safari
The winter months from October to February are your best choice for a wildlife safari in Kerala,
This is the time when the weather is cooler and much more comfortable, making it perfect for exploring Kerala’s dense forests and spotting wildlife.
Take Periyar National Park, for instance. During winter, your chances of seeing wildlife, especially elephants, are much higher. This is when they gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them. It’s no surprise that visitor numbers in Periyar increase by about 30% during these months—everyone wants to catch a sight of these huge animals. Similarly, in Wayanad, the odds of encountering wildlife are also in your favor. Around 70% of visitors during this time report successful sightings, which really speaks to how active the animals are in the cooler weather.
But it’s not just Periyar and Wayanad that are popular during winter. Sanctuaries like Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve also offer some of their best wildlife experiences. With less rainfall and lower temperatures, the animals are more active and visible, making winter the ideal time to go for a safari. So, if a wildlife adventure is on your itinerary, planning it for the winter months will give you the best experience.
Best Time for Ayurveda Treatments
Karkidakam, the final month of the Malayalam calendar, falls between mid-July and mid-August, and it’s a spiritual time for Malayalis. Often referred to as the “Ramayana month,” it’s a period when the Ramayana is recited in homes and temples throughout Kerala.
This month is also closely tied to Ayurveda, due to the practice of “Karkidaka Chikitsa.” The heavy monsoon rains during this time create an atmosphere for detoxification and rejuvenation. The weather helps open up the body’s pores, making it more responsive to Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma. According to ancient Ayurvedic scripts, Karkidakam is a great time for balancing the Tridoshas and improving the immune system. So, if you want to go for an Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, monsoon season is definitely the best time to take advantage of its benefits.
Best time for beach vacations
Winter is the best time to visit beach destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari. From November to February, the weather is at its finest—mild temperatures and low humidity are conditions for fun time at the beach.
In Kovalam, temperatures stay comfortably between 25°C and 32°C, perfect for enjoying the sand and sea. Varkala’s cliff side views of the Arabian Sea are even more breathtaking in this pleasant weather. And Marari, with its peaceful, less crowded beaches, is also a sought-after tourist destination in the cool, dry climate of winter.
Kerala Travel Budget: How Seasonality Affects Costs
Travel costs in Kerala can really fluctuate depending on when you visit. If you are going to visit during the peak tourist season, which runs from December to February, be prepared for higher costs. Accommodation in places like Cochin can jump by up to 50%, and flight prices often go up by 25-40%.
But don’t worry; being flexible with your travel dates can help you save a lot. We recommend that you visit during the off-season, when a week’s stay can cost as little as INR 15,000 or so. Another suggested time to visit is during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.
Kerala’s Unique Seasonal Attractions
These are Kerala’s best unique seasonal attractions.
Monsoon Magic: Waterfalls and Lush Landscapes
During the monsoon months from June to September, the state becomes greener than ever. Waterfalls like Athirapally and Vazhachal are at their most impressive. Athirappilly, known as the “Niagara of India,” falls over with its 80-foot drop and 330-foot width, making it a sight to behold. Vazhachal, with its rushing waters over the rocks, is equally captivating during this time.
Winter Charm: Tea Plantations and Spice Gardens
Come winter, from December to February, Kerala’s tea plantations in Munnar and spice gardens in Thekkady mostly capture the attention. The chill atmosphere makes it a great time to explore Munnar’s vast tea estates, which spread across 50,000 hectares and offer amazing views. Thekkady’s spice gardens and wildlife sanctuaries are also more inviting, with the pleasant weather making tourists plan a must-visit here.
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Suggested Reading: How to find a reputable Travel agent in Kerala
Kerala: Average Annual Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| °F | 82 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 79 |
Planning Your Kerala Tour Packages in the Right Weather
Since we are located in Kerala, we can just let you know the best season to visit Kerala, when to visit Kerala and suitable tour packages for each season.
Kerala Tour Package for Foreign nationals https://www.keralatourpackages.com/kumarakom-thekkady-munnar-luxury-tour/ ( September to March)
Kerala Trip for Domestic Travellers – Kerala Trip
2 Nights & 3 Days Munnar Tour Package
₹ 9,000 Per Person
