Though Kerala is a year-round destination, the best season to visit Kerala depends on which place in Kerala you're visiting. While some places are most enjoyable during the monsoons, others are best visited during the winter season. Overall, the best time to visit Kerala is during September to March, when the weather is pleasant, making it easy for tourists to explore the myriad facets of the state - the hill stations, beaches and backwaters.
The best time to visit backwaters in Kerala is the winter season, which is from November through February. It is when the weather in Kerala is pleasant for local sightseeing and boat excursions in the backwaters. Being the peak tourist season, winter is also the best time to visit Kerala with family for a memorable holiday. On the other hand, the hill stations in Kerala like Munnar receive thousands of visitors in the summer season, from April to June. It is not advisable to visit Kerala in monsoon season.
Month-wise Weather Details of Kerala
March to May (29°c to 38°c): Summer season is not an ideal time to plan a visit to Kerala as the days are extremely hot and in the evenings also the temperature remains around 29 degree Celsius. Weather in Kerala during May is not favorable for beach visits as there is too much humidity in the atmosphere. However, the hotel rates are slashed down during the summer season and therefore can be visited by people who are on a tight budget.
June to August (29°c to 35°c): June to August constitutes monsoon season in Kerala. The whole of Kerala becomes lush green and looks aesthetic. However, due to constant rains there is too much of humidity in the air, making it unfavorable for tourists to enjoy sightseeing and other activities. Constant rains can also hamper tour plans. However, monsoon season is best for those who wants to take ayurvedic treatments in Kerala.
October to February (10°c to 25°c): October to February constitutes winter season in Kerala and this is also the best time to visit Kerala. The humidity drops and the valleys are lush green with the offset of monsoon. Kerala weather in December is ideal for all sorts of activities like water sports, ayurvedic treatments, houseboat cruises etc.
Whatever you seek - adventure or peace and tranquility, your Kerala trip will offer you all such experiences and more. Such is the beauty of a journey to Kerala! Honeymooners, families, solo travelers and friends traveling in a group are sure to find their own slice of heaven in Kerala, thereby each coming up with their own version of the best time to go to Kerala.
All in all, the best season to visit Kerala depends on what you wish to experience in Kerala, and where. Just adjust your itinerary as per the season, and you can cover as many destinations as you like within a short time frame.
Famous Festivals Celebrated in Kerala
Aranmula Snake Boat Race: Aranmula Snake Boat Race takes place on the banks of river Pampa and thousands of tourists and local people come here to enjoy this boat race competition. This festival usually takes place in the month of August and September.
Onam Festival: This is the most famous festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated for 10 days in the month of August or September with great pomp and show. The festivity is marked by classical and folk dance performances, flower decorations, elephant processions, sports games, fireworks, cultural performances, music concerts, and water carnivals.
Theyyam Festival: This Kerala festival is celebrated between April and December wherein 400 different varieties of Theyyam dance performances are performed. Mythological acts are also performed during this festival.
FAQs
Winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. This is the time when Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity. 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.
What is the best weather to visit Kerala? ›
The best time to visit Kerala is from September to February.
While summers (March to May) make the state too hot and the monsoons (June - August) can receiver downpour that can heavier than imagined and is not entirely advisable to all tourists.
What is the ideal time for Kerala? ›
Best Time to Visit Kerala
| Season | Month | Best to Experience |
|---|
| Winter | October - February | Backwaters, Houseboats, Tree House, Beaches, Wildlife, Ayurveda |
| Summer | March - May | Hill stations, Wildlife, Tree House |
| Monsoon | June - September | Ayurveda, Backwaters, Festivals, Waterfalls |
When working out the best time to visit Kerala, we do not recommend travelling during the monsoon, which peaks Jun-Aug with torrential rain and widespread flooding. Meanwhile, in the dry months of Dec-Jan, Kerala is flooded with tourists.
What is the information about weather in Kerala? ›
Climatic Conditions Of Kerala
The year can be divided into four seasons: a hot season from March to May, the Southwest Monsoon season lasting from June to September, the Northeast Monsoon season from October to December, and a pleasant winter season in January and February.
Which month is hottest in Kerala? ›
The hottest month of the year is April with an average daily maximum of 33 C and an average low of 26 C. The coolest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 24 C.
Which month is heavy rain in Kerala? ›
The monsoon season in Kerala extends from June to September, characterised by heavy rainfall and cool temperatures. The state experiences 2 monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (Edavappathi) from June to August and the Northeast Monsoon (Thulavarsham) from October to November.
Is Kerala safe to travel now? ›
Tips for Staying Safe During Your Trip. With the rise of safety and security measures in Kerala, it is now safe to visit the state. The state has implemented strict safety protocols and guidelines for tourists visiting India to ensure that their stay there is comfortable and secure.
Which month is cold in Kerala? ›
Winter: In Kerala, winter is from November to February. In winter, the air is crispy and dry. The average maximum temperature is 28°C, and the minimum is around 18°C. You can also visit hill stations to enjoy the panoramic misty views of nature.
How much does a Kerala trip cost? ›
Kerala Packages
| Kerala Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|
| Delightful Holiday in Kerala Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹48,015 |
| Incredible Kerala with Athirappilly Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹52,646 |
| Romantic Escape to Hills & Beaches Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹47,737 |
| Incredible Kerala Holiday Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹35,282 |
6 more rowsShould shorts be worn in Kerala? Look at this as, due to how modest Kerala is, opting not to wear shorts shows a level of respect and that you adhere to and respect their culture and traditions. If the locals look like they are wearing shorts where you are, opt for baggy knee length shorts, never hot pants for ladies!
Is Kerala safe for female Travellers? ›
Kerala has always been a safe destination for any breed of travellers, and there is no difference for it when it comes to a single lady traveller.
Does it rain heavily in Kerala? ›
This temperature fluctuation also leads to intense rainfall during monsoons, as the air parcels carry more moisture than normal during monsoons. As a result, more heatwaves in summer as well as very heavy rainfall in monsoons will become part of the climate of Kerala.
Is it rainy season in Kerala now? ›
Monsoon season in Kerala comes twice a year. Southwest monsoon, from June to August, is the main rainy season. And Northeast monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, comes around October-November.
What is special about Kerala? ›
Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is one of the prominent tourist destinations of India, with coconut-lined sandy beaches, backwaters, hill stations, Ayurvedic tourism and tropical greenery as its major attractions.
Which is the cheapest month to visit Kerala? ›
If you're looking to save money, Kerala is one of the best places in India to visit during the off-season from May to September. Most hotels and homestays provide substantial discounts of 20-50%, with very attractive offers to draw tourists at this time of year.
Which month is very cold in Kerala? ›
According to climate experts, the regular winter season starts in November, with extreme cold experienced in the first week of January. Usually, in the first week of January, the valleys and hills are covered with frost.
Is it safe to travel Kerala in rainy season? ›
Yes it is safe to visit Kerala in monsoon. Infact there are few places which are at the best of their beauty during monsoon. Places like- Munnar, Wayanad, Alleppy, Thekkady are some best monsoon destinations in India.
Which month is the coldest month in Kerala? ›
Kerala, India Weather Averages
March is the hottest month in Kerala with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F) and the coldest is June at 27°C (81°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in February. The wettest month is June with an average of 341mm of rain.
