Best Time to Visit for Travelling to Kerala: Detailed Season & Month Guide

Kerala, famously known as “God’s Own Country,” is more than a mere location on a map—it’s a feeling, a memory waiting to be made, an experience carved in time. Like an intricate Kathakali performance, the state offers a vivid tableau that changes with each season.

When to unfurl your umbrella in the monsoons? When to catch that perfect houseboat at Alleppey? When to climb up the misty tea plantations of Munnar? Well, consider this your exclusive tapestry that answers all those when-to-go questions in a month-by-month guide.

Table of Contents

January: When the Air Tastes Like New Beginnings

Weather: Mild, 23-32°C (73-89°F)

January in Kerala is a hymn sung by nature. The air is fresh, the fields are green, and the skies are almost always blue. This is the epitome of winter in a tropical paradise. More on January in Kerala.

Highlight: Cochin Carnival, New Year Celebrations

Best Suited For: Beach Bumming and Backwater Cruising

Come January, the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam are at their sparkling best. The Arabian Sea is usually calm, presenting a shimmering mirror to the sun. If you are inclined toward cruising the backwaters, January’s mild weather makes it a serene experience.

February: The Month of Floral Fantasies

Weather: Mild to Warm, 24-33°C (75-91°F)

If January was a promise, February is the delivery. More sun, more flora, and slightly warmer temperatures make it ideal for a late winter vacation. Find out more.

Highlight: Attukal Pongala

Best Suited For: Wildlife Spotting and Lovebird Escapades

Periyar National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. For those looking to sprinkle some romance, the misty tea gardens in Munnar offer the perfect backdrop.

March: When Summer First Waves Hello

Weather: Warm, 26-35°C (79-95°F)

March marks the onset of summer. While afternoons can get warm, the mornings and evenings are still pleasant. Discover more.

Highlight: St. Patrick’s Day in Fort Kochi

Best Suited For: Culture Crawls and Hilltop Havens

Visit Thrissur for its rich cultural tapestry, or ascend to the cooler climates of Wayanad and Thekkady.

April: The Season of Aesthetic Allure

Weather: Warm to Toasty, 27-36°C (81-97°F)

In April, Kerala sways in a tropical tempo—a climatic concerto played in warm and toasty notes. Yet, it’s the gentle sea breeze that adds a dolce undertone, tempering the heat into a more symphonic experience. More on April.

Highlight: Vishu, Kerala’s New Year Festival

Best Suited For: Tradition Tasting and Soulful Journeys

April unfurls the vibrant palette of Kerala’s cultural canvas with the celebration of Vishu, marking the New Year. Experience the exuberance of traditional rituals and partake in the mesmerizing fireworks. For a spiritual odyssey, Guruvayur Temple should be your sanctuary.

May: A Symphony of Heat and Showers

Weather: Hot and Muggy, 28-36°C (82-97°F)

May pirouettes on the cusp of blistering heat and the teasing whispers of impending monsoons. A dash of pre-monsoon showers alleviates the swelter, setting the stage for a natural spectacle.

Highlight: Thrissur Pooram, the Mother of All Festivals

Best Suited For: Scenic Cascades and Culinary Temptations

Though many tourists sidestep May, that’s precisely why you should consider it—the famed locales like Athirapally Falls are less crowded and more tranquil. Plus, the rush of fresh water lends the waterfalls a dramatic flair. Read more.

June: Nature’s Dramatic Overture

Weather: Rain-infused and Romantic, 24-30°C (75-86°F)

June is the theatrical curtain-raiser of monsoon melodrama. Raindrops pirouette from the sky, and the land transforms into a vivid fresco of green hues. Learn more.

Highlight: Ramzan Eid Festivities

Best Suited For: Wellness Retreats and Rain-Laced Escapes

As the skies open, so do the doors of Kerala’s world-renowned Ayurvedic retreats. There’s no better time for a rejuvenating Panchakarma treatment. Also, don’t skip witnessing the mist-wreathed hills and rain-soaked forests—it’s like living inside a painting.

July: The Rhapsody of Raindrops

Weather: A Wet Waltz, 23-29°C (73-84°F)

July continues the monsoon serenade, albeit in a milder cadence. The skies might not pour as intensely as they do in June, but the tempo of rain remains.

Highlight: Njangattiri Aanayoottu, Elephant Feeding Rituals

Best Suited For: Photographic Safaris and Off-Beaten Tracks

If your camera lens yearns for nature’s perfect shot, the July landscapes are your muse. The monsoons make the terrain challenging yet enthralling, perfect for off-road escapades. Discover more.

August: Farewell Monsoons, Hello Festivity

Weather: A Tranquil Transition, 24-30°C (75-86°F)

August scripts the epilogue of the monsoon season even as it heralds a carnival of colors with Onam festivals.

Highlight: Onam, the Harvest Festival

Best Suited For: Cultural Deep-Dives and Gastronomic Discoveries

Come August, and it’s time to put your festive attire on! Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in Onam, and savoring the rich flavors of the traditional Onasadya feast. More on August.

September: The Enigma of Embellished Earth

Weather: Gentle and Genial, 24-31°C (75-88°F)

In September, Kerala dons an ethereal cloak of freshness, as if Spring decided to masquerade as Autumn. The first whiff of post-monsoon air is not just refreshing; it’s invigorating. Discover more.

Highlight: Harvest Festivities

Best Suited For: Agritourism and Aromatic Expeditions

September is a fantastic month to truly connect with Kerala’s agrarian heart. From rubber plantations to rows of spices, the state dons its most fertile attire. Traverse through these plantations on a guided tour, and immerse yourself in local harvest celebrations. It’s more than agritourism; it’s an aromatic journey through the verdant fields of Kerala.

October: The Luminous Elegy of Autumn

Weather: Gently Warm, Dotted by Rain, 25-32°C (77-90°F)

October in Kerala is a poet’s dream. It captures the mellowness of autumn while still celebrating the occasional downpour—a tranquil harmony of mild weather and nurturing rain. Find out more.

Highlight: Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Best Suited For: Cultural Safaris and Nautical Thrills

This month is your cue to delve into Kerala’s rich colonial past. Take a leisurely stroll through Fort Kochi, exploring its vintage architecture and multi-layered history. And what’s October in Kerala without the rhythm of oars slicing through water? The thrilling snake boat races are a spectacle not to be missed.

November: The Whispering Prologue to Winter

Weather: Mildly Crisp, 23-31°C (73-88°F)

November in Kerala whispers hints of winter. The weather is almost cinematic—tailor-made for a myriad of outdoor adventures. Read more.

Highlight: Pampa Boat Race

Best Suited For: Coastal Sojourns and Highland Adventures

This month offers an eclectic blend of sandy retreats and mountainous escapes. Explore the quaint beaches like Bekal and Vizhinjam that are not just sun and sand but also culture and heritage. Alternatively, the Ponmudi hills provide a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience.

December: Winter’s Grand Waltz Under the Tropical Sun

Weather: Mildly Cool, Almost Perfect, 22-30°C (72-86°F)

December is a masterstroke in Kerala’s calendar—a time when winter elegantly waltzes into the tropical climate. Discover more.

Highlight: Yuletide Celebrations

Best Suited For: Absolutely Everything!

The real beauty of December lies in its sheer versatility. Whether it’s the sun-kissed beaches, the mist-laden hills, the tranquil backwaters, or the vibrant festivals, December in Kerala is a microcosm of the state’s endless offerings.

Why You Should Visit Kerala: An Invitation to Paradise

Ever pondered the contours of Eden? It likely echoes the serene yet vibrant tapestry that is Kerala. Affectionately dubbed “God’s Own Country”, this gem in southwestern India orchestrates a stunning symphony of tranquil backwaters, emerald expanses, regal mountains, and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.

Here’s why Kerala should top your travel bucket list:

A Natural Wonderland

From the misty hill stations like Munnar to the golden sands of Varkala Beach, Kerala offers an unparalleled natural beauty that heals both body and soul. The state’s diverse terrain opens the door to a myriad of activities, whether you’re looking to hike, swim, or simply soak in the surroundings.

Cultural Richness

When it comes to culture, Kerala is a treasure trove. With its classical dances, intricate temple architecture, and historical fortresses, the state provides a cultural immersion like no other. Special mention goes to the local festivals like Onam and Thrissur Pooram, which are spectacles of color, music, and dance.

Spiritual Solace

Kerala offers more than just visual splendor; it’s a sanctuary for your soul. Awash in spiritual retreats and rich traditions of Ayurvedic healing, this serene destination provides a unique confluence where you can recalibrate, recharge, and renew your inner self.

Gastronomic Delights

The local cuisine is another compelling reason to visit. From the mouth-watering Malabari parottas to the sumptuous seafood curries, Kerala’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography.

Year-Round Travel

With its equable climate, Kerala is a year-round destination. Whether you’re escaping the winter chill or seeking a monsoon retreat, you’ll find the state’s doors wide open.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Kerala:

Ah, Kerala! A land where nature’s artistry seems to be at its peak. From meandering backwaters and rolling hills to historic forts and vibrant festivals, Kerala offers a medley of experiences that are as diverse as they are memorable. Below are some of the most famous tourist attractions in this “God’s Own Country.”

1. Alleppey Backwaters

Fondly called the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is renowned for its labyrinthine network of backwaters. A houseboat stay here is nothing less than poetic, providing glimpses of local life along the waterways and delivering sunsets that you’ll carry in your heart forever.

2. Munnar

A dream destination for tea lovers and mountain aficionados, Munnar’s verdant tea plantations are a sight for sore eyes. This hill station also offers opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting.

Munnar Travel Itinerary:

3. Periyar National Park

Located in Thekkady, Periyar National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. From elephants and tigers to exotic birds, this sanctuary offers safaris that bring you up close to Kerala’s fascinating wildlife.

4. Varkala Beach

Situated on a cliff, the setting of Varkala Beach is dramatically beautiful. A visit to this beach isn’t just about the ocean and the sand; it’s also about exploring the nearby Ayurvedic centers and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient Janardana Swami Temple.

5. Wayanad

Known for its rich biodiversity, Wayanad is a blend of nature and culture. From the prehistoric Edakkal Caves to the stunning Chembra Peak, Wayanad offers myriad opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion.

6. Kochi

The cultural capital of Kerala, Kochi is a fascinating blend of history, trade, and maritime. The Jew Town, Chinese fishing nets, and the richly decorated Mattancherry Palace are just a few highlights of this cosmopolitan city.

7. Kovalam

Famous for its crescent-shaped beaches, Kovalam is one of India’s most famous beach destinations. The Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach each offer a different flavor, making Kovalam a beach lover’s paradise.

8. Thrissur

Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is famous for the grand Thrissur Pooram festival. The city is also home to several cultural institutions, museums, and temples.

9. Guruvayur Temple

Situated in charming Guruvayur, the temple venerating Lord Krishna stands as a pinnacle of both spirituality and cultural richness.

More than just a sanctuary for prayer, it’s a living testament to South India’s esteemed religious landscape and Kerala’s ingrained traditions. A visit encapsulates not merely a spiritual quest but a deep dive into cultural heritage.

10. Bekal Fort

Standing strong on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Bekal Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and sea. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and photographers alike.

11. Kumarakom

Located near the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is known for its bird sanctuary and luxurious resorts. With backwater cruises and traditional Kettuvallam houseboat stays, it’s the perfect place to experience Kerala’s famed hospitality and natural beauty.

And there you have it! A detailed month-by-month guide that paints Kerala as a continuous spectacle. Each month offers its color, rhythm, and story. So, when are you weaving your story in this incredible tapestry called Kerala?

Further Insights: