Best Time to Visit Kerala

Escape to this piece of paradise to get a blissful respite from the scorching summers. Monsoon season comes with its own advantages. But, it is the winter months that mark the peak tourist season in Kerala. Here’s a detailed breakup of all the seasons and what surprises they hold.  

Summer in Kerala: March to May

This period is a bit on the warmer side. The summer season may not offer the right opportunity for people who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the state. But, it is the best time to visit hill stations in Kerala like Munnar, Wayanad, Palakkad and Idukki while cherishing a comfortable stay in budget. Visiting Kerala in summer also allows to partake in the temple festival of decorated elephants. If you are planning your honeymoon in India or your Kerala trip at this time, the state will give you a variety to spice up your holidays by adding Ayurveda, houseboat and beaches in your itinerary.

Monsoon in Kerala: June to September 

Kerala is the first state in India to receive rain from the Southwest Monsoon. However, different people have different opinions about this time of the year to visit Kerala. Some feel that it is the best season to visit Kerala if you want to witness the arrival of monsoon in India. Snake boat races taking place in various parts of the state are without any doubt worth-witnessing. Also, traveling to Kerala during June-August allows you to rejuvenate your senses. The rainy season is the time of replenishment and it is said that this season is the best time to go for Ayurveda treatments in Kerala. However, while you plan to visit Kerala in monsoon season, extreme care should be taken as the heavy rainfall sometimes block the roads. Besides, the chances of flood also increase during these months. So, make sure you plan your trip accordingly.  

Winter in Kerala: October to February

Winter is the best time to visit backwaters in Kerala as the weather is very pleasant and apt. You can enjoy cruising across placid backwaters at Alleppey, Kumarakom, etc. Indulging in unlimited fun at beaches in Kerala especially Kovalam, Bekal, Marari and Varkala and sightseeing around Fort Kochi offers delightful moments. It is also the best time to visit Kerala for the honeymoon. But since a large number of tourists flock at the place during these months, it’s better that you prepare accordingly and book your hotel and package in advance.

Off Season

Duration: April – mid-June

Weather and Temperature: One can expect high humidity, the soaring temperature during summer in Kerala. Quick evening showers add to the precipitation. Nevertheless, the evenings are still better than mornings. The temperature during summer hovers around 32°C - 36°C.    

Why to visit: Though off-season, summer is definitely the best time to go to Kerala to avail lucrative discounts. Less-crowd, joyful evenings and inviting hill stations are the major highlights of planning a trip in these months.  

Highlight: The Guruvayoor Utsav happens in Kerala at this time. Grab your chance to attend this festival and witness the unique traditions and cultures of this destination.  

Good to know: Prices of luxurious resorts, treehouses, five-star hotels and houseboats in Kerala drop down. This allows you to visit Kerala without burning a hole in your pocket.

Always keep in mind: Fetch your sunscreen, goggles and umbrella with you. Try to go for sightseeing in the evening.

Peak Season

Duration: September - March

Weather and Temperature: Monsoon Season ends and the months between September and March mark the onset of winter in Kerala. Humidity level drops and weather really becomes pleasant. The temperature ranges between 18 °C and 29°C. 

Why to visit: The quest for the best time to visit Kerala with family ends in the months September to March. Make the most of your holidays anywhere you want to be in Kerala. Beaches, backwaters, top-tourist attractions, churches, offbeat places, etc. welcome you with open arms.

Highlight: A number of festivals fall in these months and raise the fun quotient to the next level. An extraordinary vibe dominates the entire area and presents ‘God’s Own Country’ like never before.

Good to know: Planning your honeymoon at a destination like Munnar will make you fall in love with the place. Some of the other destinations and going for wildlife safaris will urge you to stay here longer than expected.

Always keep in mind: Since it is the peak season, you’ll find innumerable tourists here and charges also shoot up at this time. So make sure to make all the booking well in advance.   

Ayurveda Season

Duration: mid-June to August

Weather and Temperature: Weather remains unpredictable during this season. Although incessant rains mark most of the calendar, it doesn’t occur daily. Peacock dance, rivers overflow and nature gets a new life. Above all, the temperature lies between 19 °C and 30°C during this time.  

Why to visit: For delighting in a refreshing experience in Kerala, head to this coastal state in monsoon. Some of the world's best and authentic Ayurveda centers offering therapeutic massages are based at some of the most spiritually and mentally uplifting locales in Kerala.

Highlight: The setting as well as treatments based on age-old science of healing work magic to harmonize your mind, body and soul.

Good to know: The list of the best Ayurvedic centers in Kerala include Carnoustie Ayurveda Wellness & Resort, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort in Kovalam, Kalari Kovilakom in Kollengode.

Always keep in mind: Don’t forget to carry an extra pair of clothes for Ayurveda treatments. Also, pack mosquito repellant and an umbrella.