In Kerala, pristine beaches give way to serene backwaters, lush mountains are home to waterfalls that thunder down every monsoon, and buzzing port cities like Kochi turn into hubs for art and heritage with festivals. Different seasons bring new experiences, and the best time to visit Kerala depends on whether you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for rainy treks or a beach lover trying to catch some waves. Here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Kerala.
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What is the best time to visit Kerala?
Temperatures in Kerala through the year
Which month is best for hill stations like Munnar?
How many days are enough for a Kerala trip?
Plan your stay
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is in the winter months from October to February. This is peak tourist season in Kerala, with the weather turning cool and pleasant. Visit during this time for clear skies, quiet Christmas celebrations in some parts of the state, and the opportunity to explore coastal cities and beaches – November to March is also the best time to surf in Kerala. The Kochi Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art, takes place in Fort Kochi every two years, turning the charming seaside town into a buzzing tourist hotspot between December and January. This is a great time to explore Kerala’s beaches and backwaters as the skies remain mostly clear and the weather is pleasant enough for long days outdoors. March to May sees the weather in Kerala turn hot, with temperatures hitting a maximum of 36°C-38°C. June to September is the monsoon season in Kerala. Expect high humidity and pouring rain, along with thunderstorms during this time. Those who can brave the weather can see a stunning side of Kerala in the monsoon as the rains turn the landscape lush green. This is considered the ideal time for Ayurvedic retreats – of which there are many in Kerala – as the cooler temperatures and humidity help soothe the mind and body and aid detoxifying treatments. Chase waterfalls like the popular Athirapally Falls in Thrissur or Thusharagiri Waterfalls in Kozhikode, take a monsoon safari at Periyar National Park to spot elephants and dig into monsoon delicacies like arikadukka (stuffed mussels), crunchy parippuvada (fritters) and steaming hot kanji (rice porridge). Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, takes place for ten days between August and September, and offers the opportunity to feast on traditional Onam sadhyas and watch Kerala’s annual boat race.
Temperatures in Kerala through the year
October to February: 18°C-29°C
March to May: 32°C-36°C
June to September: 19°C-30°C
Which month is best for hill stations like Munnar?
While many choose to head to Munnar, Wayanad and Vagamon during the summer to escape the heat, hill stations in Kerala are only slightly cooler during this time. The best time to visit Munnar is in the winter, when temperatures dip and you can truly enjoy being in the hills. While monsoons are beautiful, heavy rains can lead to landslides and road closures in Kerala’s hill stations.
How many days are enough for a Kerala trip?
Four to five days are enough for a Kerala trip if you plan to stay at one or two places that are close to each other. If you want to explore all the popular parts of Kerala, like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, Fort Kochi and more, extend your trip to a week or 10 days so you have enough time to spend at each destination.
Plan your stay
Hotels and homestays by the backwaters
A peek into The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel
The best beach experiences in Kerala
Magical monsoon experiences in Kerala
This story was first published on Condé Nast Traveller India