Best Time to Visit Kerala: A Seasonal Guide to God’s Own Country

August 23, 2024

best time to visit kerala

Often nicknamed ‘God’s own country,’ Kerala is one of India's most serene and beautiful states. Its beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, and world-famous backwaters make Kerala a tourist destination not only for Indians but also for people from all around the world. 

Kerala has many historical, cultural, natural, and man-made tourist attractions. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama first came to Kerala. The state has also seen both British colonisation and Dutch and Portuguese colonisation. The Mattancherry Palace and Thalassery Fort are the most famous historical places in the state. 

Kerala’s weather is also a reason why people visit this state. The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter season. People visit this place so much during this time because of its calm and sweet weather that prevails during the winter season. However, people do visit during other parts of the year, but the second best season for the Kerala tour is the monsoon. The rain just brings out the inner beauty of the lush green of this southern state. 

The beauty of nature, blended with rich history and culture, along with the weather, makes Kerala one of the most traveled tourist destinations. So, if you are planning a Kerala trip, check out the best time, weather, and season discussed here. 

Weather In Kerala

weather in kerala

God’s Own Country, or Kerala, is in the southwest of India. With nearly 600 kilometers of shoreline, Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate. Well, in simple terms, in a tropical monsoon climate, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lots of rain, making it one of the best places to visit in India with your family. The weather stays the same throughout the year, with very few fluctuations in temperature. The average temperature in Kerala usually lies between 22C and 32C, making this southern state a beautiful destination at any time of the year. 

What Is The Best Season To Visit Kerala

If you visit Kerala, you can’t miss the backwaters, beaches, hill stations, or other cultural attractions. So, given that you are enthusiastic about exploring all these in one single trip, the best time to travel to Kerala would be between September and February. The mild temperature and lower humidity levels are ideal for exploring all the attractions, be it natural, cultural, or man-made. 

You can visit from March to May but must bear the scorching summer heat. However, being close to the sea, you will feel the sweet breeze in the late afternoon. June to August is also a good time to visit if you want to get wet in the rain and don’t fear thunderstorms. 

Best Time to Visit Kerala in Summer

The summer season in Kerala starts in March and continues till May. The best part of visiting Kerala during summer is that you won't be in a crowd, as summer is an off-season. The temperature during this time tends to be around 15C to 35C, with around 38C being the maximum temperature you will have to experience. 

During this time, you can celebrate Thrissur Puram with the Keralans. It is usually celebrated in early May; a big celebration takes place at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. You will be mesmerised by the colourful processions, fireworks, and traditional music.

During this time, the prices for accommodations and travel are lower; you are advised to book them in advance. But remember that you should stay hydrated; the heat waves during this month can be very severe sometimes.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala In Summer

  • Munnar - It is a very famous hill station in Kerala. Well known for its tea plantations, the cool climate is best for relaxing in Munnar. Some places to visit in Munnar are Rajamalai National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Attukal Waterfall. However, the best season to visit Munnar is winter, as during this time the weather is best suited for exploring the various tourist attractions here.
  • Thekkady - Widely known for its spice plantations and cool climate at the highland, it is also a great place to visit in Kerala during the summer season. In Thekkady, you can also visit the Periyar National Park.  
  • Idukki - It is also a hill station with some of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. The pleasant climate is favorable for exploring the various tourist attractions like Kalvari Mount, Idukki Dam, and Ramakkalmedu. 

Things to Do in Kerala in Summer (March to May)

Kerala offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Whether you're interested in cultural festivals, natural beauty, or unique activities, there's something to enjoy in every season.

  • Hill Station Retreats: Escape the heat at Munnar, Vagamon, and Ponmudi.
  • Tea and Spice Plantation Tours: Explore the lush plantations and learn about tea and spice production.
  • Waterfall Visits: Admire the beauty of Athirappilly and Vazhachal Falls.
  • Boat Races: Witness traditional boat races like the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.
  • Village Tours: Discover rural life and culture through guided village tours.
  • Cultural Shows: Attend Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances.

Tips for Visiting Kerala In Summer 

  • The temperatures could be a bit high, so don’t forget to drink water and carry water bottles.
  • Remember to carry sunscreens so that your skin isn’t harmed by prolonged exposure to the sun. 
  • Make reservations ahead.

Best Time To Visit Kerala in Monsoon

It is very well known worldwide that rain makes nature more beautiful. The state of Kerala is a fine example of how the nature of any place becomes more alluring and appealing during the rain. The state receives heavy downpours from June to August. If you love the rain and want to see the greenery of Kerala at its peak beauty, then monsoon is the best time to visit Kerala.

Monsoon season is also a good season to visit Kerala because the waterfalls are more gorgeous during this time. The Athirapally waterfall in Athirapally Panchayat in the Thrissur District is the largest in Kerala. This wonder of nature, surrounded by lush greenery, is not only the most beautiful waterfall in Kerala but also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India

August and September are also when the festival of Onam is celebrated. Marked by happiness, colourful celebrations, and excitement, the festival of Onam celebrates the fifth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, Vamana, and daitya king Mahabali. 

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Take note of these places to visit in God’s own country! 

  • Kumarakom - Well known for its backwaters, Kumarakom is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Some activities you can do here are bird watching and witnessing a boat race, especially the Nehru Boat Race. 
  • Wayanad - This place is a hill station famous for its serene beauty. You can trek the hills, camp, and even visit the plantations. Here, you can also visit the Edakkal Caves to view rock carvings dating 100 years back. 
  • Nelliyampathy Hills - This is located within the Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve. It is an ideal vacation spot for people who love nature.

Things to do in Monsoon (June to September)

  • Monsoon Ayurveda: Experience rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, ideal during the rainy season.
  • Rainy Day Houseboat Stays: Enjoy cozy stays on houseboats amidst the lush, rain-soaked backwaters.
  • Waterfall Adventures: Visit waterfalls like Athirappilly, Soochipara, and Meenmutty in full flow.
  • Rain Walks: Explore the verdant landscapes of Wayanad and Vagamon on scenic rainwalks.
  • Photography Tours: Capture the lush green beauty of Kerala in the monsoon.
  • Snake Boat Races: Witness the vibrant Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamada Lake.

Tips For Monsoon Season

  • Don’t forget to carry an umbrella. 
  • Check the weather forecast every time before leaving. 
  • Don’t go to areas that experience a flood. There is a high possibility you might get stuck. 

Best Time to Visit Kerala in Winter

Winter is the best time for a Kerala trip. The temperature starts to drop in October and sometimes reaches a temperature as low as 7C. The cool weather is a blessing for the tourists as it makes an ideal environment for exploring the serene beauty of “God’s own country”, Kerala. You can also experience mild rainfall during this time, and it is often said that the mild rainfall and the cool temperature mixed with the lush green beauty of Kerala make it an unforgettable experience for tourists.

If you visit towards the end of January, you can join the Adoor Gajamela Festival. You can also celebrate Ernakulathappan Utsavom at the end of January if you are in Ernakulam. Another festival celebrated in Kerala during this time is Pongal. It is also celebrated in January. 

However, it would help if you remembered that this is the peak season and plan well in advance.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

  • Kochi - The port city of Kochi is one of the ideal places to visit in Kerala during winter. Kochi is one of the most historical places in India. The houses from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era, the remains of the British Empire, and the gorgeous shoreline make it one of the best places to visit in winter in India.
  • Kozhikode - When Vasco Da Gama first landed in India, he set foot in Kozhikode. You can explore this historic city or spend a lazy day at the beach, taking in the beauty of the Arabian Sea and enjoying the sunsets. 
  • Vagamon - If you want to escape city life's monotony, Vagamon is your perfect destination. This beautiful hill station is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala and is one of the best places for paragliding in India

Things to do in Winter (October to February)

  • Backwater Cruises: Enjoy serene houseboat cruises in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
  • Explore Hill Stations: Visit Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady for pleasant weather, tea gardens, and wildlife.
  • Beach Relaxation: Unwind at Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari Beach.
  • Attend Festivals: Experience local festivals like Thrissur Pooram and Kochi Carnival.
  • Ayurvedic Treatments: Ideal time for rejuvenating Ayurveda therapies.
  • Wildlife Safari: Spot wildlife at Periyar National Park and Eravikulam National Park.

Tips For Winter Season

  • Always have warm clothes even if the weather is warm in the morning because it will become colder by nightfall.
  • Don’t forget to carry lip balms and moisturisers.
  • Keep your belongings close to you.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

  • Kochi
  • Munnar
  • Alleppey
  • Wayanad
  • Kozhikode
  • Idukki
  • Kumarakom
  • Trivandrum
  • Thrissur
  • Nelliyampathy Hills

Best Things to Do in Kerala

Best things to do in kerala

Kerala is a great tourist destination because there are many things you can do while here. Kerala tourism has natural beauty, unique culture, unparalleled tradition, and friendly people. Kerala is also a great destination for people seeking divine relevance, as there are many temples in Kerala, some of which are believed to be very powerful. Let’s look at some of the best things you can do while in Kerala.

  • River Rafting - The best time to have an adventurous and adrenaline-filled experience of river rafting is September, October, and November. During this time, the rivers have a strong current ideal for the best rafting experience. If you are a beginner, the Chalippuzha Jungle River will be your best option. It is also one of the best places for river rafting in India. Places like Wayanad and Kannur are also great for the river rafting experience.
  • Treehouse stay at Wayanad - The district of Wayanad is one of the most serene and beautiful places in Kerala and maybe in India. It is India's natural treasure and is blessed with lush green forests, camping spots, trekking trails, caves, and many more. One of the unique experiences that you can experience here is spending time at treehouses. It is one of the most unique things to do in Wayanad

Some of the other best places to visit in Wayanad are the Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi View Point, and Soochipara Falls.

  • Visit the Athirapally Waterfalls - Located in the Thrissur district, it is by far the most beautiful waterfall in Kerala. Apart from taking a cool dip in the waterfalls, you can enjoy trekking and biking. Located near the Athirapally waterfalls is the Kadamattathu Falls, which is also a wildlife sanctuary. 
  • Backwaters of Kerala - The state of Kerala is filled with sparkling backwaters. The backwaters of Alleppey are the most famous. Also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, the backwaters mixed with the lush green terrain and sparkling waters make the houseboat rides a breathtaking experience. If you want to visit a bit less crowded place, then the perfect option for you is the Kuttanad Backwaters. The best time to visit Kerala backwaters is from November to February.
  • Temple hopping - Kerala is a land full of mystical tales and legends. Home to some of the oldest temples in India, some temples here have been around for more than 2000 years. Kerala is a great destination for pilgrims wanting to fulfill their spiritual needs and worship the divine figurines of gods and goddesses.  Some of the most famous temples in Kerala are Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, and Ambalapuzha Temple. The Sabarimala Ayyappa SwamyTemple is believed to be the most powerful temple in Kerala. You can temple hop at any time of the year, but the preferred season is winter, as the weather is suitable for covering most temples. 

How To Reach Kerala

Being a major tourist destination in India, Kerala is easily accessible by bus, car, train, and flight. Let's look at how we can reach Kerala using the different modes of transportation. 

  1. By bus - Bus services connect Kerala with major cities in the bordering states by bus. The services are available from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The cities in the state are also interconnected by buses, so don’t worry; you can freely travel by bus while in Kerala. However, the best time to go to Kerala and explore on a bus is the winter season, the best season for Kerala visit. 

  2. By car - If you have your vehicle, be it a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, you can hop onto the national highway and reach the state. Kerala is well connected with every city in India by the national highways. However, June, July or August are not the best months to visit Kerala by road as it is the monsoon season. 

  3. By train - Kerala is well connected by railway lines as well. You may not get direct trains to Kerala from a few cities, but changing your train will be no problem reaching the state. The state itself is also well connected by train, making it easier for you to travel between different tourist attractions in Kerala. 

  4. By flights - The state is well connected by flights as well, but just like trains, there may not be direct flights from some of the few cities in India. Kerala has four international airports: Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, and Kannur. The availability of four airports makes it easier and faster for you to travel from one city to another while on your trip to Kerala. 

Famous Festivals Celebrated in Kerala

festivals in kerala

The best month to visit Kerala India, if you want to enjoy some of the best festivals in the state is October. Let's take a look at some of the most famous festivals that are celebrated in Kerala.

  • Thrissur Pooram - Celebrated in the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Kerala’s Thrissur District, it is characterised by the assembly of dressed elephants, drum performances, and fireworks. This festival symbolises the region's religious harmony and attracts many tourists from all over the world. Thrissur Pooram is usually celebrated in March or April based on the Malayalam month of Medam. 

  • Onam - It is the most celebrated festival in Kerala. It marks the return of King Mahabali. It is the most culturally rich celebration that takes place in Kerala. With huge feasts, traditional boat races, and flower decorations, it is the heritage of Kerala and its people. The festival wraps up on the day of Thiruvonam, where the people celebrate King Mahabali's visit to meet his subjects. It is celebrated based on the Malayalam calendar in the month of Chingam, which is usually around September or October.

  • Theyyam - It is a traditional ritualistic dance form of Kerala. It symbolises the traditions, beliefs, and customs of the region. The Thettam artists personify the various deities and perform a blend of dance and music with passionate devotion. This festival does not have a fixed date as it is seasonal and is celebrated between October and May.

These are the most famous festivals celebrated in Kerala. If you want to enjoy a vibrant and colourful festival then is one of the best places to visit in October in India.

Best Time To Visit Kerala With Family

Kerala is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India. It is a great destination to visit with friends and family alike. You can visit Kerala any part of the year, but the best time to visit Kerala with family is during the winter season, between September and March.

The cool climate is best suited for exploring the various tourist attractions in the state. Calm weather and low humidity make visiting the tranquil canals and green plantations an ideal experience. You can also visit with your family during the monsoon season, but heavy downpours could become a big hurdle during this time.

Best Time to Visit Kerala For Honeymoon

Kerala is also considered a Honeymooners paradise. Thousands of couples come to Kerala for their honeymoon every year. Munnar, often nicknamed the ‘Romantic Hill Station’, is one of the most romantic places in the world

Some of the best honeymoon places in Kerala that you should visit if you are planning a honeymoon trip include Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad, Kovalam, Varkala Beach, and Vagamon. The best time to visit Kerala for a honeymoon is during the winter season.

Munnar, often termed the ‘Kashmir of South India, ' is one of the most romantic places in Kerala. The best month to visit Munnar is between October to December as the weather is sweet and calm.

This is mostly because the cool and calm weather is best suited for exploring and enjoying Kerala's most romantic tourist destinations. Kerala is also one of the honeymoon destinations in India in low budget.

November is the best time to visit Kerala for honeymoon as the temperature is not too cold or too hot, with just mild rainfall, making it one of the best places to visit in November in India.

Best Time to Visit Kerala Backwaters

kerala backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala are a magnificent work of nature. They are a network of brackish lagoons parallel to the mighty Arabian Sea. The best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala is during winter. The sweet weather is favourable for exploring the beautiful sparkling waters. 

September to February are the best times to go to Kerala. Monsoon season is also a good time to visit Kerala and enjoy the backwaters. During the monsoon season, the heavy rainfall transforms the backwaters into an arena for their famous snake boat racing.  

The summer season is least recommended as the high temperatures are unfavourable for a calm and relaxed trip to the backwaters. Winter is the best season to visit Kerala and enjoy the backwaters. Some famous backwaters you must visit are Cherai Island, Kozhikode, Kumarakom, and Kuttanad. 

Why Choose Trip Planners India?

The best time to go to Kerala is during the winter season. As it is the best season for Kerala tours or, rather simply, the peak season, it becomes very hard to find the right accommodations at the right time and place. But it becomes easy if you get help from the best travel planners in India

Moreover, places like Munnar are always a tourist hotspot throughout the year. There are travel planners in India who charge a very high price for such popular tourist places. Places in Kerala specially Munnar are very high priced. Munnar tour packages can cost you a hefty sum of money.

At Trip Planners India, we help you get the best deals and make your experience tranquil and worry-free. With our variety of Kerala tour packages, we provide an all-around solution to give you a relaxing experience.

At Trip Planners India, we also help you plan your tour during the off-season. With our expertise and connections with guides and hotels, we strive to provide you with a seamless trip experience to Kerala with all our trip packages including the best honeymoon packages in India. So don’t wait; book a package with us today.

FAQ