Kerala is a state in southern India which boasts enchanting lagoons and canals, rolling hills, and breathtaking beaches. With weather conditions to match its diverse landscapes, the best time to visit Kerala depends on the places you want to visit.
If you want to escape into nature’s embrace and explore ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is the right place for you. Read on to learn when is the best time to visit Kerala.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to February, which is also the winter season in the state. The temperature in Kerala from October to February falls between 10°C and 28°C. Pleasant weather and low humidity make Kerala very popular among tourists in winter.
Kerala’s coastal areas tend to be hot and still reach highs of 32°C, staying well above 20°C. The temperatures in the highlands are milder and can fall to 10°C during the winter.
Cheapest time to visit Kerala
The cheapest time to visit Kerala is from June to September, as it is the low tourist season. You will find great rates on Kerala flights and hotel rates in this period. Be prepared for high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall due to the tropical monsoon.
Best Time to Visit Kerala for honeymoon
The best time to go to Kerala for your honeymoon is between September to May. The temperature in Kerala during the period averages 29°C, while the humidity varies with a dry winter, November to February, and a humid summer March-June. We recommend you avoid the June to September monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit Kerala backwaters
The best time of year to visit Kerala backwaters is the dry winter season between October and March. With temperatures between 20°C and 32°C and minimal rainfall, allowing for comfortable boat rides along Kerala’s backwater networks. Book your hotel in advance, as this is the busiest time to visit Kerala.
Best Time to Visit Kerala with family
The best time to visit Kerala with family is during the tourist shoulder season — March to May. With temperature averages of 29°C, some humidity, and little rain, this period offers the best rates for family holidays. Kerala’s highlands have a milder climate and are beautiful to visit during this time.
Best Season to Visit Kerala
The season to visit Kerala is the dry winter season. However, Kerala’s warm temperatures make the state a year-round destination. The Best places to visit in Kerala shine with a different light through its seasons and are worth a visit in all periods.
Kerala in Spring
Kerala in Spring is hot and goes from dry to humid. The short Kerala spring season lasts from February to March and is the transition between the dry winter season and the humid summer. Spring is a pleasant time to visit, due to the mild humidity, warm temperatures of 27°C, and diminishing tourist crowds.
Spring in Kerala is a great time to see the state’s palm-fringed beaches and backwaters.
Kerala in Summer
Kerala’s summer season lasts from March to June and has hot temperatures, reaching 27°C to 40°C in some areas. You will find Kerala’s coastal areas to be very hot and humid, while the highlands provide an escape from the heat and humidity.
Summer is a great time to see the jade hills of Kerala’s hill stations and explore the verdant landscapes of its tea plantations.
Kerala in Autumn
Kerala’s season differ from most countries in the North hemisphere, due to the presence of the tropical monsoon. Between June and October, Kerala experiences two different monsoon seasons. With averages of 29°C and heavy rainfall, this time of year is best fro budget travellers and those seeking a quieter holiday.
The rainy season in Kerala is great if you want to participate in boat races and cruises.
Kerala in Winter
The winter season in Kerala is between September to March and provides the perfect conditions for your holiday. The temperature range of 18-29°C is ideal for exploring the architecture of Cochin, spice plantations of Munnar, and the wildlife sanctuary in Periyar.
Winter is by far our favourite Kerala best time to travel as it has very low humidity and and more than 7-9 hours of sunshine a day. Kerala is the perfect holiday destination for some winter sun.
A Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Kerala
Kerala in January
January in Kerala is the driest month, with virtually no rainfall. Daytime temperatures in Kerala average 28°C, with hotter places like Alappuzha reaching up to 33°C. The nighttime temperatures on the coast stay in the mid-twenties, while the highlands may experience temperatures as low as 13°C.
Januray is the perfect month for the best places to visit in Kerala. Take advantage of this excellent time for sightseeing to explore the Cardamom plantations in Munnar or embark on a Jeep Safari.
Kerala in February
Kerala in February has average high temperatures of 28°C, with nighttime temperatures never dropping below 24°C-14°C. Come prepared for the heat, as you will likely experience highs of 30°C+ in some locations. Nonexistent rainfall throughout the whole state allows you to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.
Hop to Thekkady to view the unique animal species at Periyar wildlife sanctuary from the comfort of a boat on the lake. Visit Alleppey, or “Venice of the East”, to cruise along Kerals’s famous backwaters.
Kerala in March
March is another great month to visit Kerala. The high temperatures range between 26°C and 34°C, while at night the lowest temperatures stay above 25°C to 15°C, making March the hottest month in Kerala. The month is very dry with only 3 days having some rainfall on average.
March is a perfect month to go to Thekkady and see Kerala’s Western Ghats, the elephants at the Periyar National Park, and the Tiger Reserve.
Kerala in April
April is the perfect month to visit Kerala with family. The maximum April Kerala temperatures vary from 26°C to 34°C, while the minimum temperatures are even warmer than in March — 26°C – 17°C. The month of April has moderate rainfall with around 6 days with some showers.
In April, tourists can enjoy the verdant landscapes of Wayanad’s rolling hils or the Jain and Hindu sanctuaries nearby.
Kerala in May
May in Kerala tends to be hot with moderate humidity. The high temperatures reach 24°C to 33°C in most places, while the low never drop below 18°C. Rainfall is infrequent and moderate — expect up to 11 days of rain during May in Kerala.
May is also the perfect time to take a kayak trip through the backwater canals of Alleppey and Kumarakom
Kerala in June
Kerala in June is hot and rainy. Temperatures range between 17°C and 31°C, with average daytime temperatures resting at 26-27°C. Pack a light waterproof poncho for the 23 days of rainfall you may encounter this month.
June is a great time to explore some of Kerala’s hidden cultural gems. Pay a visit to Fort Kochi or Kerala Kathakali Centre to see the famous Kathakali dance.
Kerala in July
July in Kerala has plenty of sunshine and warmth with an average high of 27°C. The minimum nighttime temperatures keep around 23°C to 17°C. Most places in Kerala will have 20 to 23 days with rainfall during the month of July.
In July, we recommend you visit Kerala’s Ashtamudi lake, where you can pamper yourself and your loved ones with ayurvedic massages and spa treatments.
Kerala in August
Kerala in August is hot with temperatures in the range of 30°C to 16°C. This is the month with the lowest temperatures in the year. Rainfall continues to be moderate with some places experiencing as little as 9 days of rain this month, while others may have approx. 20 days with some rain.
In August, you can visit Alappuzha to take part in the annual snake boat race or see Edakkal Cave In Wayanad.
Kerala in September
September is another hot month in Kerala with temperatures in the range of 31°C to 16°C. Rainfall is lower than the beginning of the rainy season, with 9 to 14 days of rain depending on where you go. The tropical showers provide an excellent relief from the heat.
If you go to Kerala in September, you shouldn’t miss paying a visit to Nelliyampathy Hills In Palakkad or the Athirapally waterfalls in Thrissur.
Kerala in October
Kerala’s Weather in October keeps getting better. October temperatures range between 31°C and 16°C, while rainfall is limited to 14 days per month with short-lived and refreshing showers.
In October, visitors are able to enjoy more than 8 daily hours of sunshine. This is the perfect time to explore the temples and wellness centres in Alleppey.
Kerala in November
November marks the end of Kerala’s rainy season. The temperatures range between 32°C and 15°C. Rainfall is much lower with moderate and short showers limited to 8 days per month. Humidity is moderate, so this is a perfect time to go to Kerala’s beaches.
Clear skies and houseboat tours go hand-in-hand. See Kerala’s backwaters in Kumarakom and cruise through the canals of ‘god’s own country’.
Kerala in December
December is a very popular month to visit Kerala, due to the high temperatures and low rainfall. Ranging between 33°C and 14°C, Kerala is balmy during this time of year. You will encounter very low rainfall with an average of two days with some showers.
You can explore any part of Kerala during December. Visit the hill stations and the majestic Western Ghats or lounge at the beaches of Mararikulam and Varkala.
Conclusion
Whenever you choose to visit Kerala, you will find balmy weather and verdant landscapes. To secure the best done-for-you deal, browse through our holiday packages or enquire now for the best rates on Kerala flights and hotel stays.
Read Also: Best time to visit Maldives | Best time to visit Goa
FAQs for Best time to visit Kerala
Kerala’s monsoon season between June to September is not suitable for Kerala holidays. The high humidity and winds, as well as the heavy rainfall make this destination prone to flooding. If you visit during this period, you will need to bring waterproof shoes and clothing.
9 to 14 days are enough to visit Kerala on holiday. Allow for more than a week to be able to see the backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries,and houseboats of Kerala.