Escape to this piece of paradise to get a blissful respite from the scorching summers. Of course, the monsoon season comes with its advantages. But, the winter months mark the peak tourist season in Kerala. If you are searching for “what is the best time to visit Kerala?”, here's a detailed breakup of all the seasons and the best time for Kerala trip.
Summer in Kerala: April to June
Summer in Kerala is a bit warmer. The summer season in Kerala may offer a different opportunity for people who want to enjoy the state's scenic beauty. But it is the best time to visit hill stations in Kerala like Munnar, Wayanad, Palakkad, and Idukki for a comfortable stay on a budget. Visiting Kerala in the summer also allows you to partake in the temple festival of decorated elephants. If you are planning your honeymoon in India or your Kerala trip at this time, you can add experiences related to Ayurveda, a houseboat, and beaches to your itinerary.
Kerala Temperature in Summer: 32°C - 36°C
Tips for visiting Kerala in summer:
-
Wear a generous amount of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
-
Keep mosquito repellant with you
-
Stay at the hill station for cool weather
-
Avoid exploration when the sun is at its peak
-
Indulge in water activities or go swimming for a respite
-
You will find flights and hotels at cheap rates
-
Keep a water bottle with you at all times. And keep yourself hydrated
Monsoon in Kerala: July to September
Kerala is the first state in India to receive rain from the southwest monsoon. However, people have different opinions about this time of the year. Some feel that it is the best season to visit Kerala if you want to witness the arrival of the monsoon in India. In addition, snake boat races taking place in various parts makes monsoon the best Kerala tourist season. Also, traveling to Kerala in June-September allows you to rejuvenate your senses.
The rainy season is the time of replenishment, and it is said that this season is Kerala's best time to go for Ayurvedic treatments there. However, if you plan to visit Kerala during the monsoon season, extreme care should be taken as the heavy rainfall sometimes blocks the roads. Besides, the chances of flooding also increase during these months. So, make sure you plan your Kerala visit time accordingly.
Kerala Temperature in Monsoon: 19°C - 30°C
Tips for visiting Kerala in monsoon:
-
Avoid indulging in water sports
-
Enjoy local piping-hot foods
-
Stroll the town with your loved ones
-
Partake in the snake boat races
-
Keep mosquito repellent with you
Winter in Kerala: October to March
Winter is the best time to visit Kerala's backwaters because the weather is pleasant and appropriate. You can enjoy cruising across tranquil backwaters at Alleppey, Kumarakom, etc. Also, indulging in the fun at beaches in Kerala, especially Kovalam, Bekal, Marari, and Varkala, and sightseeing around Fort Kochi offer delightful moments to engage in during winter in Kerala. Of course, winter is also the best season to visit Kerala for a honeymoon. But since many tourists flock to the place during these months, it's better to prepare accordingly and book your hotel and package in advance.
Kerala Temperature in Winter: 18°C - 28°C
Tips for visiting Kerala in winter:
-
Pack light woolens with you
-
Book your flight and hotel tickets beforehand
-
Explore the top attractions in cities/towns in Kerala
-
Attend the winter festivals in Kerala
-
Wear sunscreen
-
Keep yourself hydrated
Kerala Off Season (April - June)
-
Why visit: Though off-season, summer is the best time to go to Kerala to avail of discounts. Fewer crowds, fun evenings, and inviting hill stations are the main draws of visiting Kerala during these months.
-
Highlight: The Guruvayoor Utsav happens in Kerala at this time. So if you want a chance to attend this festival and witness this destination's unique traditions and cultures, summer is the Kerala tour best time.
-
Good to know: Prices of luxurious resorts, treehouses, five-star hotels, and houseboats in Kerala dropdown. This allows you to visit Kerala without burning a hole in your pocket.
-
Always remember: Fetch sunscreen, goggles, and an umbrella with you. Try to go sightseeing in the evening.
Kerala Peak Season (September - March)
-
Weather and Temperature: The monsoon season ends, and the months between September and March mark the onset of winter in Kerala. Humidity level drops, and the weather becomes pleasant. The temperature ranges between 18 °C and 29°C.
-
Why visit: The quest for the best time to visit Kerala with family ends from 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: Several festivals fall in these months and raise the fun quotient to the next level. A great 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 goals and going on wildlife safaris will urge you to stay here longer than expected.
-
Always remember: 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 bookings well in advance.
Kerala Ayurveda Season (June - August)
-
Weather and Temperature: The weather remains unpredictable during this season. Although incessant rain marks most of the calendar, it doesn't occur daily. Peacocks dance, rivers overflow, and nature gets a new life. Above all, the temperature is between 19 °C and 30°C.
-
Why visit: Mid-June to August is the best time to travel to Kerala for a refreshing experience. Some of the world's best and most authentic Ayurveda centers offering therapeutic massages are based at some of the most spiritually and mentally uplifting locales in Kerala.
-
Highlight: The setting and treatments based on the ancient science of healing work magic to harmonize your mind, body, and soul.
-
Good to know: The list of the best Ayurvedic centers in Kerala includes Carnoustie Ayurveda Wellness & Resort, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort in Kovalam, and Kalari Kovilakom in Kollengode.
-
Always remember: Carry an extra pair of clothes for Ayurveda treatments. Also, pack mosquito repellant and an umbrella.
The Best season for Visit to Kerala – Month Wise Temperature
Kerala is best visited during the winter season, from November to February. During this time, Kerala climate is comfortable and pleasant with low humidity levels. The average maximum temperature is around 28°C, which is ideal for visitors to enjoy exploring the picturesque lagoons, serene canals, and lush spice plantations in Kerala's charming cities.
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
July |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Min Temperature |
24° |
24° |
25° |
25° |
24° |
24° |
24° |
24° |
23° |
23° |
24° |
21° |
Max Temperature |
33° |
33° |
34° |
35° |
32° |
30° |
29° |
29° |
29° |
29° |
30° |
31° |
Things to do in Kerala on your trip
While exploring God's own country, you will find numerous things to do to make your vacation more enticing. You can get a refreshing vibe from beautiful beaches to scenic backwaters in multiple ways. Enjoying water sports, taking a houseboat tour, and sunbathing are some of the best things to want in Kerala. On the other hand, questions regarding the best time to visit Kerala backwaters always hit the minds of visitors. So, winter is an ideal time to enjoy the backwater tour as it gives you pleasant climate conditions. Apart from it, you will find numerous things to do in Kerala, including taking Ayurveda Therapy, strolling in the villages, visiting ancient temples, and getting a cultural insight by interacting with locals.
Here is the list of top things to do in Kerala for a fantastic vacation
-
Stay in Houseboat
-
Enjoy Shikara Ride
-
Witness Snake Boat Race
-
Take a Spice and Tea Tour
-
Enjoy Wildlife Safari
-
Stay in Treehouse
-
Play and bathe with Elephant
-
Admire the architecture of forts and churches
-
Witness Waterfall
-
Enjoy beachy vibes
-
Witness Kathakali Performances
-
Take Ayurveda Therapy