When most of the tourists plan to visit North India, specifically the hill stations during May, you can think offbeat and consider Kerala on the top of your traveling list. May is the time when the sun shows no mercy to roast us upside down. So, it is always better to fly away from certain places where the weather is comfortable, soothing, and you can experience an exciting vacay.
Kerala, God’s Own Country, will never disappoint you. Its soothing atmosphere, sandy beaches, hilly terrain, green valleys, etc. will welcome tourists to explore the exotic beauty of the state and recommend others to visit Kerala in May. Which are the best places to visit in Kerala during summer? We have made a list for you. Check it out to know if it matches with your list!
Here’s a list of 10 Best Places to Visit in May in Kerala:
1. Alleppey
- Temperature in May: Around 28°C to 33°C, humid.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island.
- Things to explore in May: Houseboat cruises on the backwaters, bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Alappuzha (Alleppey) Railway Station.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 75 km away.
- By Road: Well-connected by state and national highways.
You must have heard of the famous backwater in Kerala. Want to experience it now? Then plan a night or two at Alleppey while you are in Kerala. Stay in the mesmerizing houseboats in the backwater and feel the calmness of nature when everyone is disturbed with hot summer back in your state. Read More: Top 10 Tourist Places to See in Alleppey.
You can also enjoy the famous Alappuzha Beach. Are you feeling religious? Visit Mullakal Temple which is famous for its outstanding design and architecture. Also, read Top Amazing Reasons to See Alleppey Kerala.
2. Munnar
- Temperature in May: Around 20°C to 25°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Estates.
- Things to explore in May: Tea garden visits, trekking in the Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Aluva Railway Station, about 110 km away.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 125 km away.
- By Road: Accessible via state roads from various cities in Kerala.
For a chilled-out vacation in May, spend a day or two at the hilly region of Munnar. The low-flying clouds and the misty valleys of Munnar will give you a feel of adventure while the warm wind will keep you comfortable here. More Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Munnar.
While you are in Munnar, you can visit Eravikulam National Park, Photo Points, Mattupetty Dam, Muniyara Dolmens, Pothemadu, etc. to experience a romantic sunset, visit Echo point with your partner. Also, you can shout here to listen to your names, echoing around the hills and valleys. Isn’t that exciting!
3. Wayanad
- Temperature in May: Around 25°C to 35°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak.
- Things to explore in May: Trekking, wildlife safaris, visiting the waterfalls.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station, about 85 km away.
- By Air: Calicut International Airport, about 100 km away.
- By Road: Well-connected by roads to major cities in Kerala.
While talking about the best places to visit in Kerala in May, you can’t keep this place out of the list. If you want to spend a few days in closure to nature and away from urban chaos, Wayanad can offer that to you. The solidarity of the place will enchant you while you will find lots of places for sightseeing. Explore more details on the 10 Places to Visit in Wayanad, Kerala.
Visit Soochipara Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Banasura Hill, and Kuruvadweep. You won’t get any time to be bored while you are in Wayanad. Read Also: Top 6 Places for Trekking in Wayanad.
4. Kumarakom
- Temperature in May: Around 28°C to 33°C, humid.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Backwater cruises.
- Things to explore in May: Bird watching, houseboat stays, fishing.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 16 km away.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km away.
- By Road: Connected via state highways.
The next place will be Kumarakom on this list. In May, visit a place as unique as you can experience exotic flora and fauna. If you are into trekking and visiting Kerala for this purpose, the natural trails of this place will help to explore the scenic beauty around you.
You can visit Vembanad Lake, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kumarakom Beach, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Driftwood Museum, Pathiramal Island, and many more. When you are in Kerala, you can’t miss a visit to Kumarakom. Read More: Top 15 Must-See Attractions to Visit in Kumarakom.
5. Cochin
- Temperature in May: Around 28°C to 33°C, humid.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Marine Drive.
- Things to explore in May: Heritage walks, spice markets, cultural shows at Kerala Kathakali Centre.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Ernakulam Junction.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport.
- By Road: Extensive network of state and national highways.
How about trying fishing and go for scuba diving to make your Kerala trip even more thrilling? Plan a trip to Cochin or popularly known as Kochi where you can experience these things. Read more details: 12 Best Places to Visit in Kochi (Cochin).
Besides, you can also visit Cherai Beach and Mattancherry Palace. For a stunning evening, you can book tickets for traditional Kathakali dance programs here. Also, read Top Best Hotels to Stay in Cochin.
6. Thekkady
- Temperature in May: Around 20°C to 30°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Periyar National Park, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Murikkady.
- Things to explore in May: Wildlife safaris, spice plantation tours, boating in Periyar Lake.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 114 km away.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away.
- By Road: Well-connected by road.
If you want to experience heaven on the earth, visit Thekkady now. This is one of the most visited hill stations of Kerala in May and it is famous for its outstanding flora and fauna.
Start your day by offering prayer at the Mangal Devi Temple and then visit the beautiful places of Thekkady, like Gavi Forest, Vandiperiyar, Pandikuzhi, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Chellarkovil Viewpoint.
7. Vagamon
- Temperature in May: Around 10°C to 25°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Vagamon Pine Forest, Thangal Para, Kurisumala, Vagamon Meadows.
- Things to explore in May: Paragliding, trekking, meditation at the Kurisumala Ashram.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 64 km away.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km away.
- By Road: Accessible via state roads.
May is the best time to visit Vagamon as tourists can visit the dense forest and natural greenery with varieties of vegetation. To experience the picturesque beauty of Vagamon, you can plan a trip to Vagamon when you are in Kerala.
Here, you can go sightseeing at places like Meenachil River, Illikkal Peak, Poonjar Palace, Maramala Waterfalls, and so on. Visit Vagamon and have a lifetime memory of your trip!
8. Kovalam
- Temperature in May: Around 25°C to 31°C, humid.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Vellayani Lake, Samudra Beach.
- Things to explore in May: Beach activities, Ayurvedic treatments, visiting the lighthouse.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Trivandrum Central Railway Station, about 16 km away.
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport, about 15 km away.
- By Road: Connected via national highways and local roads.
When you are in Kerala, you will be charmed by the outstanding beauty of Kovalam Beach. Kovalam is always throbbing with life and you can experience thrilling experiences here.
For a scintillating beach experience, visit Kovalam now. During May, you can experience a cool breeze here from the seaside to remove all your tiredness. Spend some time on the sand basking in sun and relaxing! Read 10 Best Tourist Places to See in Kovalam.
9. Idukki
- Temperature in May: Around 20°C to 28°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Idukki Arch Dam, Anamudi Peak, Munnar Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park.
- Things to explore in May: Wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantation tours, waterfalls.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Theni Railway Station, about 60 km away (Tamil Nadu).
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 98 km away.
- By Road: Accessible through state highways from various parts of Kerala.
This is another quaint hill station in Kerala that will welcome you with a fantastic landscape. For sightseeing, you can visit the tea and spice plantation, Idukki, Arch Dam, Kezar Kuthu Waterfall, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
The place is full of natural beauty that will mesmerize you. To fill your albums with extraordinary pictures of your Kerala trip, visit Idukki. Also, read more details: 10 Best Places to Visit in Idukki, Kerala.
10. Kozhikode
- Temperature in May: Around 25°C to 35°C.
- Major Tourist Attractions: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Kappad Beach.
- Things to explore in May: Culinary tours, beach activities, exploring the spice markets.
- How to reach:
- By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station.
- By Air: Calicut International Airport.
- By Road: Well-connected by national and state highways.
To finish the list we couldn’t find any better name than Kozhikode. This idyllic tourist place will fill your summer with lots of excitement and enjoyment. The peaceful Kozhikode will welcome you with its rich tradition, culture, historical sites, and architecture.
Visit Conolly Canal, Mananchira, Tali Temple, Hilite Mall, Kozhikode Beach, Thusargiri Waterfalls, Kappad Beach, Payyoli Beach, and many other places.
Weather in Kerala During May
In May 2024, Kerala will experience temperatures ranging between 27°C and 31°C, making it essential to stay hydrated due to the heat. The weather is expected to be a mix of sunny and rainy days, with rain forecasted for approximately 6 to 12 days throughout the month. This indicates that while you may enjoy some dry days, it’s wise to be prepared for showers by carrying an umbrella or raincoat.
The region will enjoy around 7 hours of sunshine daily, offering ample daylight for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities during the less rainy periods. The sea temperature around Kerala in May is warm, averaging at 30°C, which is ideal for swimming and water activities. As May progresses towards the monsoon season, you can expect an increase in cloud cover and rainfall compared to previous months, making this a transitional period weather-wise
Popular Festival in Kerala Around May
Here’s a list of festivals happening in Kerala in May 2024, along with their dates:
Thrissur Pooram – Celebrated with a grand procession of caparisoned elephants and percussion performances at Thekkinkadu Maidanam, Thrissur District on April 19, 2024.
Kadammanitta Patayani – This festival, known for its folk art forms, takes place at Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta District on April 21, 2024.
Edathua Perunnal – Held at St. George’s Church, Alappuzha District, from April 27 to May 7, 2024. This festival attracts people with its colorful processions.
Vaishaka Mahotsavam – A significant celebration at the Kottiyoor temple, though the exact dates within May were not specified, it’s traditionally aligned with the Malayalam month of Vaishakam.
Akshaya Trithiya and Parashurama Jayanthi – These observances fall on May 10, 2024. Akshaya Trithiya is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
Shree Shankara Jayanthi – Celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, this festival is observed on May 12, 2024.
Mohini Ekadasi – A significant Ekadasi observance that falls on May 19, 2024.
Narasimha Jayanthi – Celebrating the appearance day of Lord Narasimha, it is marked on May 22, 2024.
Kurmavathara Dinam – Commemorating the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Kurma (the tortoise), it’s observed on May 24, 2025.
Things to Remember While Visiting Kerala May
Hopefully, you have planned your trip to Kerala in May. Now, if you are confused about what to carry in your backpack for the trip, we are here to help. Here are some of the most important things you need to carry with you. Read on to know more-
Rain Coats/Umbrella
May is the month when the southwest monsoon germinates from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. So, you can expect rain and get drenched if you are unprepared. Carry umbrellas or raincoats to enjoy your trip.
Tropical Clothes
Kerala gets vertical sun rays throughout the year. So, to be comfortable and enjoy the trip, you should pack your bags with tropical clothes. Always wear flowing cotton garments for your Kerala trip in May.
Sunglasses
Don’t let the tropical sun burn your beautiful eyes! Wear your favorite shades and enjoy your trip. Don’t forget to click the best pictures in your favorite aviators.
Flip Flops
Snickers or any closed shoe will make your feet sweaty and smelly. Who wants that when you are on vacation? Drop those and pack your bag with colorful flip-flops. Your feet will feel comfortable and you can wear those on beaches and water too.
Sunscreen
How can you forget sunscreen when you are in Kerala in May? Lather sunscreen on your skin thoroughly and protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Apply sunscreen mainly around your neck, eyes, etc. as these places are sensitive.
Medicines
Finally, you need to carry your essential medicines. If you are on some medicines, you need to carry those without any mistake. Apart from that, you should carry some basic medicines after consulting your doctor. Also, carry band-aids if you ever face any cuts.
So, here we have tried to help you on your Kerala trip in May. Arrange your trip, book some best hotels or resorts, and plan perfectly so that you can visit the most exotic places in the state in a short time.
FAQs About Places To Visit In Kerala In May
What are the best places to visit in Kerala in May for cool weather?
Munnar and Wayanad are ideal for those seeking cooler temperatures. These hill stations offer a respite from the heat with their lush landscapes and tea gardens.
Can you recommend some good beaches in Kerala to visit in May?
Varkala Beach and Kovalam Beach are popular choices. Despite the heat, their scenic beauty and refreshing sea breezes make them worth a visit.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that are ideal to visit in May?
Yes, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is a great option. It offers opportunities for boat safaris where visitors can spot wildlife near the water’s edge.
What cultural or religious festivals can I experience in Kerala during May?
While specific festival dates can vary, the Thrissur Pooram, a grand temple festival, sometimes falls in May, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage with elephant processions and fireworks.
I’m interested in Kerala’s backwaters. Is May a good time to visit, and what are the best places for it?
May is a transitional period before the monsoon, so it can be a good time to explore the backwaters. Alleppey and Kumarakom are top choices for houseboat tours and experiencing the tranquil waterways.
What are some good hill stations in Kerala to escape the heat in May?
Apart from Munnar and Wayanad, Idukki and Ponmudi are also excellent hill stations to enjoy cooler climates and picturesque landscapes in May.
Is it advisable to visit Kerala’s tea plantations in May, and which ones would you recommend?
Yes, visiting tea plantations in May can be a pleasant experience, especially in the mornings. Munnar is renowned for its tea estates, offering guided tours that explain the tea-making process and allow you to enjoy fresh tea straight from the gardens.
