The enchanting forests, lush surroundings, slowed down environment, misty mountains, and the rustle of palm leaves, everything about Kerala is extraordinary. It is not the kind of destination where you have to rush through everything but the kind where you are asked to unwind and slow down. Preached along the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
This enchanting state is where the mountains, jungles, and sea meet and form a one long exhale of green. The climate and weather of this coastal haven sets up the mood of your entire journey. The villages besides the backwater feel astonishing in December whereas the tea gardens which are usually breezy in February become warm in April. This rhythm of climate in Kerala helps you get the best of the state and the version which suits your kind of journey the most. This is a guide to tell you all about the weather, climate and month-by-month conditions in Kerala. This can help you choose the time and month to visit according to your comfort.
Understanding the Climate of Kerala
Kerala is a tropical state but the climate nuance is barely captured by those words. The entire state stretches from the beautiful highlands of Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea coast. This makes the temperature of the state dramatically vary within short distances. You can smell the spice and rain in the coastal areas and the misty air in the Ghats. Majorly, Kerala witnesses three seasons in one year:
- Winter (December to February) – The weather is pleasant, cool, dry, and the peak of tourist season.
- Summer (March to May) – Days are hotter and more humid, hilly regions in the Western Ghats are still the cooler escape.
- Monsoon (June to November) – Rainy, rejuvenation, and unwinding for you, perfect for ayurveda and people who are interested in photography.
Temperatures during the year vary between 19°C and 35°C, but with a shift of wind, humidity, and rainfall constantly. In a single day, the weather can completely transform from morning being sunny and then the day ending with a pink sunset bursting through the grey clouds. The balance of these climate conditions is what balances Kerala really well. It barely gets too extreme, especially in summers since the coastal breeze softens the heat. This tropical balance is perfect for the ones who wish to engage in yoga and ayurvedic activities in Kerala, since your body starts to naturally adapt to the vibrant ecosystem of the place.
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Winter Season- December to February
Kerala’s winters are extremely gorgeous and the best time to explore the state. The air is dry, crisp, but not very cold. For explorers, this is the best time where the entire state feels like an open invitation and every part of it feels accessible, be it beaches, backwaters, or hills. In the months from December to February, the temperatures range from 19°C and 30°C in the entire state. The coastal towns are ideal for sunbathing and swimming while witnessing the sunset, while in the inlands the beauty of backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey turn more into glassy and reflective charm.
Culturally, the winter season in Kerala is the peak of festivals. With the glow of Christmas lights and the Cochin Carnival held during the year end is full of lively music, parades, and infectious celebrations. December to February are the ideal months to experience the widest variety of landscapes and activities.
Summer Season- March to May
Summers in this coastal heaven is like you are stepping into a slow rhythm. The build up heat starting from March ends in the month of May, but it never feels unbearable. During these months, the average temperature ranges from 24°C to 35°C, varying through different altitudes. The coastal areas are more warm and sticky while summers in the mountains are still comfortably cool.
During these months, hill stations of Kerala like Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, and Wayanad become the most visited places. Mornings are cooler than the daytime and foggy, afternoons are golden and sunny, while the evenings bring out a chiller side of the hills. Summers are the perfect time for coffee estate tours, lazy afternoons surrounded by forests, and tea garden exploring. Whereas the coastal regions are quieter and warmer as compared to the hills. The crowds of winter go away and the sea feels calm again. If you are someone who doesn’t get bothered by the heat, then you should definitely visit Kerala during this time of the year. The Ayurvedic treatments and therapies are extremely beneficial during this time of the month as it helps to release all the toxins and make your body sweat more.
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Monsoon Season- June to November
Monsoons are the soul of Kerala. When the rainy season arrives in the month of June, it is not like the soft rains but they drum on rooftops and drench the entire state in green. Months from June to November are divided into two phases, the Southwestern monsoon from June to September and the Northeast monsoon in October and November. Both of them have a different character, the early time of the monsoon is forceful and dramatic with gusty winds while the later time is gentler with clear intervals and scattered rains.
April and May: The Warm Climate
Days in April and May are a bridge between the calm of summers and arrival of the rains. The afternoons are warm and evenings bring relief with the cooling showers. Temperature on an average ranges between 25°C and 36°C in the entire state. The landscapes of Kerala feel unwinding and quieter, perfect for solo travelers or couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of life. If you are a peaceful traveler and are looking for solitude, then this is the perfect time to visit.
Explore the enchanted forests of Periyar or Wayanad during the start of summers and watch the thinner vegetation and drying pools which makes the animal sightings more frequent. April and May are the underrated months of Kerala, rich in colour but full of stillness.
June and July: The Start of Rains
June is the start of the Southwest Monsoon which hits the coasts and transforms the temperature of Kerala overnight. The air here drops down to around 23°C – 30°C, humidity increases and the surroundings start getting greener. The first rain of the season is always special and worth witnessing. Everyone pauses to watch the raindrops fall and to smell the earthy smell in every street. For seekers and travelers who love exploring nature, these two months are ideal. Though it can be tricky to plan the outdoor activities, you can still go for the wellness treatments. The rainy season is perfect for ayurvedic therapies and according to the age-old textbooks, your body is more receptive to herbal treatments when the humid weather opens up the pores of your skin.
This is the time of the month which gives you postcard-like views of Kerala. These flooded rice fields, thunderous skies, and mist-covered hills create the dramatic landscape one craves for. You need to just be cautious of the roads as they can be quite slippery. Unwind yourself and explore the majestic side of Kerala during the start of the monsoon.
August and September: Soft Rains and Cultural Vibrancy
Once the month of July gets over, the monsoons start to fade and rains become gentler. With the passing showers alternating with the sunshine, the average temperature ranges around 23°C to 31°C. The rivers are calm and full, waterfalls are roaring, and surroundings are lush green. This is also the time when the entire state starts celebrating festivals. Onam festival is the biggest festival in Kerala and is held in August or early September. With boat races, processions, and decorative flower carpets in the entire town, everything is vibrant in Kerala.
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Another festival is the Nehru Trophy Boat race in Alleppey which is a sleek boat slicing through the water and being cheered on by thousands. It is an ideal time if you like photography, as you will witness the rain-washed beautiful landscapes under the gentle sunlight. The beautiful beach walks, short treks,and cultural tours which become extremely enjoyable.
October and November: The Calmness before the Storm
The second phase of monsoon which is the Northeast Monsoon arrives around October with patchy rain which clears up quickly into sunshine. This is the best period to explore Kerala as the temperature ranges between 22°C and 32°C, humidity is at its lowest, and skies are in their brightest blue colour. Kerala’s landscapes are full of greenery, backwaters are calm and perfect for houseboat cruises through Kumarakom. Climate feels greener and everything is perfect for exploration.
Kathakali performances in Kochi and temple festivals of Thrissur are worth witnessing during the months of October and November. These months are the starting of the tourist season, with the peaceful yet bustling beaches, clear hills, and freshly washed green landscapes. If you want to escape the December peak tourist crowd of Kerala and also want to witness the vibrancy of the entire state, then this is the ideal time to visit.
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December: Peak Perfection
December is the finest month in Kerala when the rains are over, skies are in the deep blue state, and air feels the lightest. During this month, the temperature ranges between 19°C and 30°C which is ideal for every kind of traveler across the world. In mid-December, the peak of tourist season begins and everything in the state is extremely joyful and vibrant.
Kerala feels like a performance in December with the sparkled beaches under the gentle sun, crisp hill station, and the astonishing backwaters reflecting beautiful houseboats. Your entire journey will turn into a crisp experience, which is unforgettable. Along with this, the church bells ringing during the Christmas festival or New Years, and seafood grills smoking while the fireworks lighting up the area will make it one of the best times for you.
The beauty of Kerala is undeniable and is just like a conversation, where each season has something different to say. Monsoon is all about renewal, summers will hum in the stillness of the surroundings, while the winters will be chirping with joy and celebrations. No matter what time of the year you choose, Kerala will always make you fall in love with its breathtaking natural beauty. So to the question- What is the best time to visit Kerala? The answer is whenever you are ready to unwind, slow down, and listen to the calmness of nature.
