What Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala | Know About The Weather And Climate Before You Pack Your Bags
Kerala, or God’s Own Country, is straight out of an oil painting. The pristine beaches, palm trees, and scenic backwaters make every season the best time to visit Kerala.
So, even if October to March is the most comfortable season to be in Kerala, the tourist flow remains steady even in the summer months. The diverse landscape of Kerala is responsible for keeping it open for tourism throughout the year.
For example, the temperature in the Kerala Plains reaches around 36 degrees Celsius in summer. However, in these months, people rush to Vagamon, Wayanad, and other hill stations to offer a comfortable retreat.
Moreover, the rise of wedding tourism and MICE Tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) is a prominent reason for Kerala being an all-season tourist destination these days.
Also, Kerala has events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale or the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFKK), which reach out to a global audience.
To cut a long story short, Kerala has tourists across all seasons. No wonder the number of visitors to Kerala crossed 2.25 crore in 2023.
Having said that, every season in Kerala is different, and it offers seasonal specialties to tourists. So, here, I have created a Dream and Travel guide that offers you specific information about seasonal attractions.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala | Know The Land Of Backwaters And Lagoons In All Seasons
I have already shared that October to March is the best time to visit Kerala. It is the season when the lagoons and waterfalls are in their glory. Let’s get a better insight into various seasons in Kerala and the best attractions.
October To March (The Best Time To Visit Kerala)
October to March is the peak season or the best time to visit Kerala. Also, October to February are the winter months and the temperatures during these months range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Further, the summer months of March to May record a temperature of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
However, there can be rainfalls in Kerala during the months of April and May and October and November. So, plan your day based on the weather forecasts and suggestions of your local guide.
Also, as the peak tourist covers two opposite seasons along with the should of spring, the things to do and places to visit are diverse during these months.
Best Places To Explore During The Best Time To Visit Kerala
During the summer months in the peak season (late March to May), you can visit places like Munnar, Thekkady, Ponmudi, Vagamon, Trivandrum, Kumarakom, Thrissur, and Lakkidi. Munnar is also a great destination during winter.
However, during the winter months you can also pay a visit to Alappuzha, Kovalam, Kochi, and Wayanad.
1. Munnar
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Aluva
- Best Place to Stay: Tea County Munnar (KTDC Hill Resort, Tea County Road, Ikka Nagar, Munnar, Contact Number: 04865 230 460)
With virgin forests, waterfalls, streams, and rolling hills, Munnar is nothing less than a paradise on earth. Also, Munnar is home to Neelakurinji. It is a rare plant that blooms once every 12 years.
Further, the Eravikulam National Park is the crown jewel of Munnar, and it has the most beautiful trekking spots, like the Anamudi Peak, Lakkom Waterfalls, and Pothamedu Viewpoint.
Moreover, Munnar has beautiful tea gardens like the AVT Tea Estate, Lockhart Tea Museum and Estate, Tata Tea Museum and Estate, etc.
2. Thekkady
- Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Thekkady is famous as the home to the mighty Periyar Lake and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Idukki District, Thekkady has natural abundance and wildlife.
Further, the places to visit here are the Elephant Junction, Yodha Cultural Village Thekkady, Gavi Forest and Thekkady Rose Park.
3. Ponmudi
- Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
- Best Place To Stay: Thenmala Ecoresort (Thenmala Dam Road, Thenmala, Kerala Contact No: 080866 26661)
Ponmudi is famous for its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year. Further, the valleys here are misty with lush greeneries making it look the most beautiful.
The most famous places to visit in Ponmudi are the 19th-century Napier Museum, Meenmutty Waterfalls, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Vagamon
- Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Best Place To Stay: Mountain Villa, Vagamon (Little Expensive but Worth It) (Nadunokki, Near Kurushumala Ashram Vazhikkadavu, Vagamon, Kerala, Contact Number: 090828 70788)
Home to the serene Vagamon Lake, Vagamon is filled with a whiff of tea in the air. It also has pine forests.
Also, as a tourist, you will fall in love with the inclusive cultural scenario here. Thangal Para is the place where the Sufi Saint Hazrat Sheikh Fariduddin Baba rests for eternity. So, it is a popular pilgrimage for the Muslims.
Further, Vagamon has a popular Hindu pilgrim site in the form of Murugan Mala. Here, Lord Murugan is worshipped.
5. Trivandrum
- Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
- Best Place To Stay: Grand Harmony Beach Resort
Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, is the place where you need to be to explore the backwaters. Further, if you are a fish lover, here you will get the best of saltwater fish and seafood coming from the mighty Arabian Sea.
If you are a vegetarian, delicacies like avial or Sadhya will be your instant favorite.
Moreover, Trivandrum is the gateway to the Agasthyakoodam mountain. It is a sacred mountain, and it is the second-highest in Kerala. Located in the Western Ghats, it is a paradise for birdwatchers, and it is replete with medicinal herbs.
6. Kumarakom
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
- Best Place To Stay: Paradise Resorts Kumarakom (Near Nazareth Church Kumarakom South, P.O, Kerala, Contact Number: 097450 00498)
Kumarakom is a culturally significant place in the tourism landscape of India. It has the Taj Juma Masjid. With intricate carvings, this mosque is one of the oldest in India.
Further, here, you can enjoy the most getaway in the houseboats. The backwaters of Vembanad await you.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary when you are in this beautiful tourist hotspot in Kerala.
7. Thrissur
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station
- Best Place To Stay: Ganga Homes (Ganga Homes, AKRA 100, Kurinjakkal Lane, Thrissur, Kerala, Contact Number: 094241 06287)
Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, is also known for its spiritual significance. Further, at a distance of less than 60 Km from Thrissur, you will find the Athirappilly Waterfalls, the Niagra of India.
Very few people know that Thrissur is the place from where many religions like Judaism, Islam and Christianity came to India. No wonder it has the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, the largest Christian Church in India.
8. Lakkidi
- Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Shoranur Junction
- Best Place To Stay: The Cove Lakkidi
Lakkidi View Point is the best place to visit in Lakkidi if you want to enjoy a Hawkeye view of the surroundings. Further, it has beautiful streams and rolling hills.
Some other places to visit here are Pookot Lake, Soochippara Falls and Heart Lake.
Off-Season To Visit Kerala (April to September)
April to September is not the ideal time for tourists to visit Kerala. However, if you are like me and want to avoid the tourist rush, these are the ideal months for a Kerala tour for you. Furthermore, you will get the best discount rates during these months.
However, pack your bags only if you are ready to brave the average temperature of 19-36 degrees Celsius! In addition, July and August are the months of heavy downpours in Kerala, with an average rainfall of 350 mm and 180 mm, respectively.
Nevertheless, despite not-so-pleasant weather conditions, these months are the best for soaking in the festive fervor of the state. So, you can experience the best local performances, elephants decorated in the best gear, and unique customs.
Have a look at the table below to learn about the major festivals in these months.
| Months | Festivals | Upcoming Date |
| April | Vishu, or the Malayali New Year | 14th April, 2025 |
| May | Thrissur PooramKannambra Vela, PalakkadEdathua Perunnal, Alleppey | 6th May, 202525th May, 20257th May, 2025 |
| June | Vaishaka Mahotsavam, Kottiyoor Temple, KannurOchira Kali, Ochira Parabrahma Temple, Kollam | 8th June-4th July 202515th June to 16th July 2025 |
| July | Njangattiri Aanayoottu, Pattambi | 19th July, 2025 |
| August | Onam | 26 August, 2025 – 5 September, 2025 |
| September | Thiruvonam | 5th September, 2025 |
To get a complete schedule of the Tourism Events and Festivals in Kerala, you can refer to the festival calendar of the Kerala Tourism official site.
Monsoon Impact On Kerala Tourism
Monsoon in Kerala is different from most other states in India. Very few know that Kerala is one of the rarest places in the Indian subcontinent to have two monsoons in a year.
Edavappathi, the Southwest Monsoon or the main monsoon season in the state, continues from June to September. Further, the state experiences Thulavarsham or the second season of monsoon from October to November.
October and November are well within the peak seasons of Kerala. However, the months of June-August fall within the off-season. Having said that, a hell lot of activities await you in these months.
I love the magic of Kerala in monsoon! Do you want me to share the experience?
‣ The Enchanting Nature Of Kerala In Monsoon
If you want to indulge in the raw beauty of Kerala, monsoon will be the season of your visit. You will enjoy the whiffs of coffee and tea from the Western Ghat mountains. Further, all the waterfalls will be in their full glory.
Moreover, the lush greenery of Kerala becomes most alive after fresh rainfall in these months.
‣ The Backwaters Of Kerala In Monsoon
The emerald waters, lush greenery, and the rhythms of the rain! If these are things you are looking for, visit Kerala during monsoon.
Cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom to have the most romantic honeymoon trip.
‣ Try Some Ayurvedic Rejuvenation During The Monsoon
With humidity varying from 65 to 99%, Kerala air in the monsoon is ideal for wellness and rejuvenation therapies. Further, heavy downpours keep the temperature between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
So, many resorts and spas offer wellness programs during these months. Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village is one of the oldest and most prominent wellness centers near Kerala.
It is located at Kodumbu in Palakkad District and you can reach out to them at +91-9555156156.
‣ Feel The Tranquility Of Kumarakom
- Best Place to Stay in Kumarakom: Kumarakom Lake Resort
- Address: North, Post, Vayitharamattom, Kumarakom, Kerala
- Contact Number: 0481 252 4900
Lake Vembanad is in all its glory during the monsoon months, and close to it, you will find the quaint village of Kumarakam.
Kumarakom is still pristine in this age of overtourism. During monsoon months, you will see the water lilies in full bloom. Further, the Bird Sanctuary is the best place to meet some adorable friends.
With nature at its best and clouds veiling the state of Kerala, monsoon months are great for a honeymoon trip or romantic getaway in Kerala.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala | A Complete Weather Overview Table
Do you want to know about the seasonal weather patterns of Kerala? Here is a table showing average temperatures, humidity levels, and precipitation by month.
| Seasonal Weather Patterns By Month | Average Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Average Humidity Levels (%) | Rainfall/Precipitation (MM) |
| January | 21-30 | 72 | 25 |
| February | 25-32 | 67 | 26 |
| March | 27-32 | 73 | 40 |
| April | 30-34 | 76 | 110 |
| May | 30-34 | 84 | 210 |
| June | 28-30 | 88 | 550 |
| July | 27-30 | 86 | 239 |
| August | 26-28 | 86 | 170 |
| September | 27-30 | 83 | 160 |
| October | 25-30 | 84 | 268 |
| November | 24-28 | 84 | 200 |
| December | 23-28 | 80 | 70 |
From the period of 1st October to 26th December, Kerala has experienced a rainfall of 484.8mm. The amount is very close to the expected rain of 488.1 mm in the season. (Source: Government of India, India Meteorological Department)
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala: Know The Fun Activities By Season
By now, you must have understood that there is nothing called the best time to visit Kerala. Kerala exudes its unique charm across all the main seasons of summer, winter, and monsoon.
Here is a quick guide on the fun activities by season. I have also included the shoulder seasons here.
Fall, Winter And Spring Activities In Kerala (October to March)
October to March, covering three seasons, the fall, winter, and spring, are also the peak seasons of Kerala tourism. I have already discussed the places you can visit during these months.
Here, I also want to highlight the beaches of Kerala, like Varkala, Kovalam, and Marari. During these months, you can even try bamboo rafting at Periyar.
Moreover, Kerala hosts The Champions Boat League and many tournaments of snake boat races during the month of November.
Summer Activities (April to June)
Summer in Kerala is ideal for an escape to the hill stations. Idukki is an ideal spot in this context if you want a close encounter with nature and you are a photography enthusiast.
Further, Idukki covers a vast reserved forest area, and the spice gardens here keep the air filled with the most beautiful fragrance.
Monsoon Activities (July to September)
In the monsoon season also, you can witness the Vallam Kali, or the most famous snake boat race of Kerala. On the second Saturday of every month of August, the most famous Snake Board Competition of Kerala, or the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, takes place.
Further, as the master or “Mistress of Spices,” you can go for a tour of the spice plantations in Kerala. So, visit the Periyar Spice & Ayurvedic Garden, Thekkady, Spice Gardens, Munnar, Thekkady Spice Valley, Kumily, etc.
