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.
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:
- Summer
- Winter
- Monsoon
| 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.
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?
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)
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. The weather is humid, but the rains provide relief from the scorching heat.
Kerala receives torrential rains. The rivers start gushing and are full of water as the surrounding areas become green.
The maximum temperature during the monsoon is around 30 C, while the minimum temperature is around 20 C.
It starts to recede around mid-August as the rainfall gradually reduces.
Monsoon season returns in October and is called Northeast monsoon. There is torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning and is called a retreating monsoon.
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
Temperature In Kerala In 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.
Monsoon Temperature in Kerala
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 for Monsoon
You can visit places like Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kollam, and Trivandrum are considered as best places to visit in Kerala during the rainy season as these are considered to be the top tourist hotspots for Ayurvedic treatments as well as Ayurvedic Spa 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!
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!
Monsoon Travel Tips for Kerala
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat even if it’s not raining in real-time
- Pack an extra pair of clothes for each day
- Carry mosquito repellents and lotions
- Carry proper medications for fungal infections if your body cannot handle humidity
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.
Winter Season in Kerala (November to February)
Temperatures start falling in late November as the northeast monsoon recedes. Temperatures in Kerala do not vary much, but winters are slightly cooler with lower humidity levels.
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.
Winter Weather in Kerala
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.
Winter Temperature in Kerala
The average temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C. While the temperature tends to rise a couple or more degrees on really sunny days, the weather remains pleasant and windy.
Places To Visit in Kerala during Winter
You can choose to visit any city in the whole state and expect to be greeted with soothing and blissful weather.
- Munnar
- Thekkady
- Alleppey
- Kochi
- Kumarakom
- Vagamon
- Kovalam
- Varkala
- Wayanad
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
It’s the most favorable time to engage in activities like:
- Water sports
- Sightseeing
- Riding houseboats on the backwaters, and much more.
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!
Winter Travel Tips to Kerala
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
You will be mesmerized by its varying landscape from rolling hills, serene and magical backwaters, pristine beaches, and lush greenery when you visit Kerala
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!
The post Best time to visit Kerala (updated for 2023) -Temperature, Weather and Climate appeared first on Iris holidays.
This post first appeared on Kerala Tourism & Travel Blog - Kerala Travel Tips, please read the originial post: here
