Kerala, God’s Own Country as it is lovingly called, is nothing short of what one reads in storybooks. Picture swaying palm trees, calming backwaters, green hills and golden beaches stretching along the coast of the Arabian Sea. It’s no surprise then that globe-trotters wish to travel to this South Indian jewel once in their lifetime at least.But here’s the million-dollar question: What is the best time to go to Kerala?
It is not so simple as that, the answer. Kerala has a tropical climate, which is why Kerala can be visited throughout the year. However, the sort of experience you have varies greatly depending on the season you pick. Be it the sweater winters, the romantic monsoons or the serene summers, every season is special.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all about Best Time to Visit Kerala- Kerala’s seasons, weather, festivals, activities, travel tips, and more, so you can decide when the best time to visit for you will be.
Best Time to Visit Kerala Overview: Seasons in Kerala
The three seasons Kerala goes through are as follows:
- Winter (September – March): Cool and pleasant; high peak tourist season.
- Summer (April – May/ June): Hot and Humid, but good for hill stations and budget travel.
- Monsoon (June – September & October – November): Wet, verdant, revitalizing, ideal for Ayurveda and falls.
Here’s a brief snapshot before we take a closer look:
| Season | Months | Avg Temperature | Best For |
| Winter | September – March | 18°C – 29°C | Beaches, backwaters, wildlife, festivals, honeymoon |
| Summer | April – May/June | 29°C – 36°C | Hill stations, budget stays, Thrissur Pooram festival |
| Monsoon | June – September + Oct–Nov | 19°C – 30°C | Ayurveda, waterfalls, snake boat races, greenery |
Winter in Kerala (September – March): Peak Tourist Season
If you’re planning your first trip, winter is hands down the best time to visit Kerala. With mild weather, low humidity, and cool winds, this season makes exploring the state incredibly comfortable.
Weather
- Temperature is in the range of 18-29°C.
- Cool and breezy, with pleasant days and windier nights near the coast.
- In hill stations, such as Munnar and Wayanad, it’s much cooler and can get as low as 10°C in the night.
Why Winter is the Best Season to Visit Kerala
- Ideal for Sightseeing- Be it on a boat in the Alleppey backwaters, or at Kovalam Beach or walking in tea gardens in Munnar, the weather is with you.
- Perfect for Honeymoon- Honeymooners love this time as it’s also a time for romantic backwater cruises, cuddly tree houses and picture-perfect sunsets.
- Festoon of Festivals- Onam (harvest festival), Christmas and New Year are being celebrated with great pomp during winter in Kochi with crackers and the world-famous Muziris Biennale art festival.
- Adventure Activities- Bamboo rafting in Periyar, paragliding in Vagamon – this is where you get your adrenaline high.
Best Places to Visit in Winter
- Munnar: You have for your scene near-constant rolling green tea estates, with misty mountains as the backdrop.
- Alleppey & Kumarakom: Houseboats through backwaters.
- Kovalam/Varkala: Beaches and Ayurvedic massages.
- Thekkady: Jungle safaris & bamboo rafting.
- Kochi: Festivals, heritage and harbor views.
- Wayanad & Vagamon: Hill Stations with Trekking and Camping.
Travel Tips for Winter
- Book your hotels and flights in advance, as this is the high season.
- Bring lightweight cottons for the day and a light jacket for hill stations.
- There will be crowds at popular sites: arrive early to avoid them.
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Summer in Kerala (April – May/June): Offseason Bliss
Summer in Kerala is ignored by many because of the heat, yet if you’re one of those folks who like peace and tranquility, smaller crowds and cheaper stays, this could be the time for you.
Weather
- Plains and coastal areas: 29-36°C, hot and humid.
- Hill Stations: Cool 25°C – 28°C with intermittent rains.
- The hottest month is usually May.
Why Visit Kerala in Summer
- Affordable Breaks – The cost of luxury accommodation is reduced as hotels and resorts are offering discounts for stays.
- Not too crowded – Think of being at the beach with almost no one in sight!
- Hill Stations are Cool – Take a trip to Vagamon, Munnar, Ponmudi and Wayanad for a break.
- Thrissur Pooram Festival – Colourful Thrissur Pooram Festival in April/May, adorned with elephants, traditional music, pyrotechnics and culture demonstrations.
Best Places to Visit in Summer
- Munnar & Wayanad: For the cold and tea estates.
- Ponmudi & Vagamon: Best for Trekking and Serenity.
- Idukki & Lakkidi: Mountain points.
- Thrissur: To celebrate the renowned Pooram festival.
Things to Do
- Explore spice plantations.
- Trek through hills and waterfalls.
- Rub shoulders in a treehouse in Wayanad.
- Take tranquil houseboat rides on off-season calm.
Travel Tips for Summer
- Wear light cotton/linen clothes.
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Keep hydrated- coconut water is your best friend!
- Schedule your sightseeing in the morning or evening to miss the hot afternoon.
Verdict: Summer (April–May) is not popular, but it is ideal for budget travellers, peace seekers and those who want to enjoy a festival.
Monsoon in Kerala (June – September + October – November): Green & Magical
Kerala is the first state in India to experience the Southwest Monsoon, and let me tell you, it turns into a green heaven during the rainy season. The monsoon season is also the Ayurveda treatment season, when the treatments are most effective, so that is a unique reason to go.
Weather
- Temperature: 19°C – 30°C.
- June – Aug humid with heavy rain and Sept – May drier.
- The humidity is high, but everything looks fresh and renewed.
Why Visit Kerala in Monsoon
- Ayurveda Season: The cool, wet weather is the optimum time for Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Resorts also offer huge discounts.
- Verdant: The tea gardens, the forests, and the fields just come to life. Waterfalls such as Athirappilly and Meenmutty are in full spate.
- Festivals & Snake Boat Races: Experience colourful races such as the Nehru Trophy in Alappuzha.
- Budget-Friendly: Off-season means big discounts on stays and activities.
- Fewer Crowd: Monsoons are ideal if you love solitude and photographing.
Best Places to Visit in Monsoon
- Munnar & Wayanad: Tea and trek in the clouds.
- Thekkady: Green forests and wildlife.
- Kumarakom & Alleppey: Rain kissing at backwaters.
- Bekal & Varkala: Coastal charm.
- Athirappilly & Soochipara Falls: Beautiful waterfalls that are heavy on water.
Things to Do
- Treat yourself to Ayurvedic spa treatments.
- Watch snake boat races.
- Trek through rain-soaked hills.
- Visit spice plantations in the mist.
Travel Tips for Monsoon
- Have an umbrella or a raincoat with you at all times.
- Protect electronics by keeping them in waterproof bags.
- Make sure you wear good, non-slip footwear.
- Always check weather updates before going out.
- Use mosquito repellents.
Verdict: Monsoon (June–Sept & Oct–Nov) is the best time to visit Kerala for Ayurveda, greenery ,photography and travelers rather than the masses.
Month-Wise Quick Guide
- September – March: Best weather, sightseeing, festivals → Peak season.
- April – May: Hot but reasonable price, fewer crowds and good hill stations.
- June – November: Rain but it’s a total rejuvenation, Ayurveda season, waterfalls, snake boat races.
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Which is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?
If you’re still confused, here’s a jargon-free explanation:
- For honeymooners → September to March (Winter).
- For hikers on a budget → April–May (Summer) or Monsoon (June–Sept).
- For the Ayurveda-seeker → Monsoon.
- If you love regional festivals → August (Onam), April/May (Thrissur Pooram), and September (Boat Races).
So, basically, the best time to visit Kerala depends on your purpose of visit – adventure, tranquility, culture, Ayurveda or just sightseeing.
Conclusion
Kerala is not somewhere you go – It is something you experience. This beautiful land changes its colour with every season. Winter is when you can experience picture-perfect vacations with its cool weather, summer provides peace and pocket-friendliness, and the monsoon wraps the state in love and trust.
Be it cruising the backwaters, drinking chai amid the misty hills in Munnar, watching elephants at the Thrissur Pooram or getting a massage under the Kerala drizzle, the state offers memories to be cherished forever.
So as you plan out your trip, consider what you most want to get out of it. Whichever season you choose to visit Kerala, it will open its arms to you, whether you are out in nature, enjoying its beauty or tasting its soul.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Kerala for a honeymoon?
The best time for a honeymoon in Kerala is from September to March. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for romantic backwater cruises, cozy hill station stays in Munnar or Wayanad, and beach sunsets in Kovalam or Varkala.
2. Is Kerala worth visiting in the summer?
Yes, Kerala is still worth visiting in the summer months of April and May, especially if you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. While the plains are hot, hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and Vagamon remain cool and refreshing.
3. Why is monsoon considered the best season for Ayurveda in Kerala?
During the monsoon (June–September), the atmosphere is moist and cool, which helps the body absorb Ayurvedic treatments more effectively. Resorts also offer special Ayurveda packages at discounted rates, making this season ideal for rejuvenation.
4. Which month is the cheapest to travel to Kerala?
September is often the cheapest month to travel to Kerala. It’s just after the heavy rains, so the state looks green and fresh, but hotel prices are still lower compared to the winter peak season.
5. Can I visit Kerala during the monsoon without travel disruptions?
Yes, you can visit Kerala during the monsoon, but you should plan carefully. While heavy rains may occasionally cause waterlogging or delays, the lush landscapes, waterfalls, and Ayurvedic experiences make it a rewarding time to visit. Always carry rain gear and check weather updates before heading out.
