What is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?
In Kerala, which is often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” timing, in particular, is an important issue when contemplating this journey. Since temperature matters tremendously in Kerala, the same cannot be said for the conditions. So, which month is best to visit Kerala? This question can have different answers depending on one’s preference, but at large, September to March is said to be the best time to visit Kerala state. Although there are monsoon seasons, humidity and heat are absent, and even the surroundings are extremely tasteful in this season permitting one to enjoy all that is in Kerala.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Peak Season) | September - March | Pleasant, Cool | Sightseeing, Beaches, Backwaters, Family Vacations | Ideal for most activities, higher prices |
| Monsoon | June - August | Heavy Rainfall, Humid | Lush Green Landscapes, Ayurvedic Treatments | Rain may disrupt outdoor plans, fewer tourists |
| Summer | March-May | Hot, Humid | Hill Stations (like Munnar), Fewer Crowds, Budget Travel | High temperatures in the lowlands |
Which Month is Best to Visit Kerala?
Before planning a holiday trip in Kerala, you must know some facts about the season and weather of the state, because bad weather can spoil your Kerala trip. The best time to visit Kerala with family is between September to March during the winter season. It is the perfect time to experience the Kerala backwater, beaches, tea gardens, and other tourist attractions. The weather is very conducive between September to March. The heat is not unbearable and then the temperatures during these months are between 20 and 32 degrees Celsius They are comfortable doing all manner of sightseeing, beach, and backwater recreation.
- Pleasant Weather: The winter season in Kerala is marked by comfortable temperatures and low levels of humidity. The cooler temperatures coupled with pristine weather encourage people to engage in outdoor activities including visiting hill stations, boating in backwaters, or sunbathing on beaches.
- The Perfect Reason for a Family Reunion: Winter is the best time to visit Kerala with family. The cool weather makes it possible for both kids and grandparents to join in on every activity. A houseboat in Alleppey, tea estates in Munnar, or wildlife at Periyar, there’s a lot to do for all age groups.
- Celebrations and Exuberrant Traditions: Festivals are in plenty in Kerala, and most occur during the winter months. This holiday season begins with the most prominent Onam which is usually in August and September. Other interesting cultural displays are the Thrissur Pooram and Cochin Carnival which occurs in December.
Monsoon Season: June to August
This monsoon season that falls between June and August is not the most favorable period to visit Kerala. Nevertheless, every season has its own splendid appeal. Kerala gets its maximum share of rainfall in these months which makes the place look like a fairy tale written in green.
- Treatments in Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda practitioners in Kerala, rain is the favorite season for these treatments. Since the environment is cool and damp as opposed to being hot and dry, the pores are believed to be open making the body ready to receive herbal oil treatment. Most of the visitors to Kerala during this period do so to undergo rejuvenation therapies.
- Off-Season Benefits: There are other favorable conditions about the rainfall when traveling to Kerala during this time as well such as less crowding and low rates. Such a weather pattern translates to lower occupancy in hotels and resorts and thus, budget travelers have an attractive market. Nevertheless, it can be conducive for travel planning but for those who do not mind steady showers; there is no better time than this to visit.
- Photography and Scenic Beauty: For photographers also, it is great to be in Kerala during monsoons. The sceneries comprising of rain coated terrains, green hills, and waterfalls overflowing are all sights to behold. The Athirapally Falls and the Western Ghats among other places look gorgeous in the very same episode.
Summer Season: March to May
There are four main seasons in Kerala and the summer is one of them lasting from March to May. Among the four main seasons that characterize the state of Kerala, it is during the sweltering season that people record the highest temperatures within the country which most times surpass the thirty-five degree Celsius mark. While this season is not the best time for Kerala tour for those searching for cool weather, it is still a good traveling season for some kind of travelers.
- Hill Stations: During the summer, hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady are the ideal places to be if one intends to visit Kerala. These regions are cooler than the coastal regions hence providing relief from the heat. During the hotter seasons, Munnar, which is well known for its tea gardens weather is quite pleasant as well.
- Less Crowded: In the southern state of Kerala, summer is not the peak time for tourism activities which means that the main attractions will not be packed with tourists. This can be a major portion if you prefer fewer people and more serenity on your holiday. Not only that, it is common that the rates of hotels and resorts tend to drop at this time of year.
- Beach Activities: For beach lovers, early mornings and evenings are most favorable for visiting the coastal regions of Kerala during the summer season. You can indulge yourself in activities such as water sports, sunbath, and the view of the sun setting at Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari Beach which are some of the famous beaches.
Best Time to Visit Kerala for Specific Activities
The most ideal time to travel to Kerala is dependent on the activities to be undertaken. This is an analysis of the most favorable seasons for different activities:
Backwater Cruises:
September to March are the winter months and this period is perfect for tourists to enjoy Kerala backwaters, especially in Alleppey followed by Kumarakom. The climate is decent and the water is placid, thus making it the right time for a houseboat ride in Kerala. It is the time when you can book your Kerala tour package with family as everyone will be able to appreciate the peace and beauty around.
Wildlife Safaris:
If your kind of interest is wildlife, then the period of October to February is the best season for you to travel to India, especially Kerala and its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the magnificent evergreen forests are the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary famous for its elephants, leopards, tigers, and many birds. The cool climate enhances the comfort of going on such safaris while increasing the chances of animal sightings.
Beach Holidays:
While planning a beach holiday in Kerala, the months from November to February are the best time to charter a course to the state of Kerala. The weather as well as the condition of the sea is quite supportive making possible activities like swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In some of the best beach holidays in Kerala, the sun penetrated Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari Beach, letting you relish warm sunshine on lazy holidays.
Trekking and Adventure Activities:
The winter months are also good for trekking and adventure sports activities in Kerala. The Western parts of the country boast several trekking paths, some of them are Chembra Peak in Wayanad and Meesapulimala trek in Munnar. This is because the weather is cool and skies are clear during this time making the treks more fun and less tiresome.
Ayurvedic Treatments:
As you would recall the rainy season is regarded as the most appropriate for Ayurvedic treatments. Such Ayurvedic therapy works better in the months of June to August and this is because of the natural humidity that exists in the area. Most Ayurvedic centers in Kerala have special monsoon packages for rejuvenation and wellness one of which is most sought after.
Best Time to Visit Kerala with Family
If you are going on a trip with a family, except for South India, there is no better period to the state of Kerala than December to March and all the best for the winter season. These full seasons invite all members of the family young and old to be involved in the activities since the weather is so favorable. Winters in Kerala also allow children and older family members to have fun and tours outdoors, be it a trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or a boat ride on the backwaters.
Moreover, several family-oriented festivities and events occur in the said time as well. It is also said that learning about Kerala’s cultural diversity as a family can be an enjoyable experience. The great comfort and security of this period of travel combined with the variety of activities that are oriented in families makes it the perfect time for taking a vacation in Kerala.