18 Nov, 2024

The Best Time to Visit Kerala for a Perfect Vacation

Kerala offers many adventures to visitors all the time. Every season and climate has its specialty and attractiveness in Kerala. For summer, monsoon, and the winter.  The summer months, which last from March to May, provide wonderful warmth. The monsoon season between June to September makes the state fresh in soothing rainfall, And the winter months of October to February, give you a heartful welcome relief from the heat and humidity.  Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate, which is warm and rainy for much of the year. However, the state’s expanded topography causes considerable temperature and humidity changes. Coastal locations are frequently warmer and more humid, while highland places are colder and more moderate in climate.  If you visit Kerala, you’ll see all of these seasons, each presenting different ways to enjoy the beauty of the views. Understanding the climate is important, if it’s a wet monsoon, a chilly winter, or a hot summer, it helps you to enjoy the benefits of your trip.

Best time to visit Kerala for a better experience

The winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. In this time Kerala offers beautiful scenery and weather throughout this particular period of the year. Winter is the most suitable time to visit Kerala’s wonderful towns and experience their gorgeous wetlands, calm canals, and fragrant crops. The monsoon season in Kerala begins in June and ends in August, leaving tourism spots looking greener and more vibrant after the rains. July, August, and September are ideal months for budget-conscious tourists to explore Must-Visit Places in Kerala . However, hotels charge higher prices between October and March due to peak season. For the best experience, plan your visit between April and August.  

Better understanding of Kerala’s climate  

Monsoon (June-September): The Southwest Monsoon changes Kerala into a gorgeous green land. This is the best time to visit Kerala and lose yourself in nature, enjoy the renewing effects of ancient Ayurvedic therapies, and see the state at its most green and vibrant. Winter (October–February): This is the best time to visit Kerala. Wintertime in Kerala is warm and pleasant, making it excellent for outdoor experiences in places like Munnar and Wayanad. The colder temperatures are suitable for a relaxing vacation, allowing you to enjoy the region’s natural beauty without getting tired of the heat. Summer (March-May): The weather can be hot, especially along the coast, so this is the best time to visit Kerala for a beach trip. If you want to escape the heat, the hill stations, with their mild atmosphere, provide a refreshing change.   Kerala is a destination to explore all year round, especially in its various seasons. Understanding the weather can help you plan your journey and make the most of your efforts and your time.  

Activities according to Kerala’s season

The best time to visit Kerala for favorable weather is between October and March when the weather is hottest and there is less rain. It’s rare to feel hot because temperatures are milder than in the majority of major towns, with a regular climate of 30°C and between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius in the mountains all day. From October to February, it is perfect for mountain climbing and beach vacations, and from March to May, there are also several exciting events in the temples of Central, North, and South Kerala.   Best time to visit Kerala’s views: The best time to visit Kerala is when the weather is favorable; rain is likely from June to July after the monsoon season, which begins in September. Prepare for monsoon showers by taking a raincoat and umbrella.   Best Time to Visit Kerala for Shopping: For any people who wish to go shopping in Kerala while seeing tourist attractions, Cochin and Trivandrum have the greatest malls, such as Lulu International Mall. Textiles are accessible for clothes, and jewelry stores can be found in every city. Tea, coffee, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, honey, and so on may be found in Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad.   The best time to visit Kerala for festivals is near August when many of the festivities take place. The Nehru Trophy boat race takes place on the second Saturday of August every year, and it represents the start of Kerala’s Onam celebrations. The Cochin Biennale, Adoor Gaja Mela, Guruvayur Anayottam, Attukal Pongala, Arattupuzha Pooram, Kadamanitta Padayani, and Trissur Pooram attract about 500,000 visitors to Trichur. The colorful Theyyam celebrations will take place in North Kerala temples from March to May.    

The season to visit Kerala

  High Season (October to March): The tourist season generally connects with the summer months, providing Kerala’s hottest weather of the year, though it is rarely too hot. Longer days in summer make it easy to visit more places and attractions. With the majority of tourists visiting during the high season, expect the highest hotel and flight expenses of the year. The week before Christmas and New Year’s brings a large number of Indian and foreign visitors to the southern state of Kerala, resulting in increased expenses. Shoulder Season (April and May), the middle of September to the middle of October): The shoulder seasons are good for visiting Kerala. The temperature is normally mild, and the sun appears periodically in between rainy showers. Prices and congestion will not be at their highest point, and many attractions and activities will continue to be open.  The low season (June and July) is the most affordable time for visiting Kerala and the best time to avoid crowds. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t mind losing out on particular adventures in exchange for a more genuine experience, as bed-and-breakfast proprietors usually have extra time to spend with their guests.    

Backwater tour

Winter is the best season to visit Kerala’s backwaters, particularly those surrounding Alleppey and Kumarakom. From October to February, the weather is perfectly cool, pleasant, and suitable for a quiet houseboat ride. The pleasant wind that blows through the backwaters at this season just adds to the peaceful feeling. Compared to the scorching heat of the summer season or the heavy rains of the monsoons, winter provides something in which you can fully enjoy the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters. During these months, the backwater places become active, and it’s clear to understand why winter is the most popular tourist season here. Houseboats are the very best, with operators that provide the excellent service that Kerala is known for. And because it’s such a popular time, houseboat reservations in Alleppey and Kumarakom usually fill up. It is believed that 70-80% of houseboats are booked in advance throughout the winter months, indicating how much visitors like their winter journeys here. Thus, if a houseboat adventure trip is on your bucket list, now is the time to schedule it.  

Wildlife safari 

The winter months are held from October to February and this is the best time to visit Kerala for a trip to experience wildlife in Kerala, as the temperature is milder and fresh, making it suitable for traveling through Kerala’s greenery and seeing animals. Consider Periyar National Park, for example. Wildlife, particularly elephants, are more visible during the winter. That is the time they gather around rivers and lakes, making them easier to identify. It’s interesting that tourist numbers to Periyar increase by roughly 30% during these months, as everyone wants to see this massive wildlife. Similarly, in Wayanad, your chances of seeing animals are good. Approximately 70% of travelers at this time have successful sightings, showing how active the animals are in cooler weather. However, winter tourism is not limited to Periyar and Wayanad. Sanctuaries such as Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve offer some of the greatest wildlife interactions. With fewer rainfalls and cooler temperatures, animals get more active and recognizable, making winter the best season to go on safari. So, if a wildlife journey is on your travel list, planning it during the winter months gives you an exceptional experience.    

Ayurveda treatment

Karkidakam is the last month of the Kerala calendar, held between the middle of July and the middle of August, it is regarded as a spiritual period for Malayalis. Also known as “Ramayana month,” it is a time when the Ramayana is chanted in temples and homes of Kerala.  This particular month is also personally related to Ayurveda due to its tradition of “Karkidaka Chikitsa.” The active monsoon rains at this period promote cleansing and renewal. The weather helps to open the body’s pores, which makes it more receptive to Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma. Based on ancient Ayurvedic texts, Karkidakam is an excellent period to balance the Tridoshas and strengthen the immune system. So, if you wish to get an Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, the monsoon season is the best time to visit Kerala to experience the benefits.    

Beach vacations 

Winter is the perfect season for visiting beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari. In the months from November to February, the atmosphere is suitable for spending the day at the beach, with warm and low humidity levels. Kovalam’s climate ranges from 25°C to 32°C, making the place good for enjoying the beach and water. Varkala’s cliffside scenery of the Arabian Sea is more breathtaking in this lovely weather. Marari, with its relaxed, peaceful beaches, is also a popular tourist destination during the chilly, dry winter season.    

Seasonal attractions of Kerala

Some of the major seasonal attractions of Kerala are listed below:

 

Winter Attraction: Tea Plantations and The Spice Gardens

During the winter season, which lasts from December to February, Kerala’s tea estates in Munnar and spices gardens in Thekkady attract the greatest concern. The relaxing mood makes it the best time to visit Kerala’s massive tea estates in Munnar, which cover 50,000 hectares offering breathtaking views. Thekkady’s spice plantations and animal reserves are more desirable, especially due to the excellent weather, which attracts travelers to plan a vacation here.  

Monsoon Magic: The Waterfalls and Green Sceneries

In the monsoon season, from June to September, the state gets greener than before. The waterfalls of Athirapilly and Vazhachal get more beautiful this season. Athirapilly is also known as the “Niagara of India” with its 80-foot fall and 330-foot breadth. this is one of the best and most amazing places you must want to visit in Kerala at this time. Vazhachal, with its flowing rivers over the cliffs, is equally beautiful at this time.  

Conclusion

The best time to visit Kerala depends mostly on your preferences. Winter (October to February) is good for backwaters, wildlife, and beach visits when the monsoon season is suitable for Ayurveda and beautiful nature. Each season in Kerala has its differing attractions, assuring a wonderful experience every time you come.

Green Oasis is a leading Travel Agency in Kerala, ready to assist you like a trusted partner in your travel journey all over the world. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or a serene getaway, we offer a variety of Turkey Tour packages tailored to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us now!  
Jaleel Mankarathodi
Jaleel Mankarathodi

Jaleel Mankarathodi, Chairman and Managing Director of Green Oasis , is a travel industry expert with 14+ years of experience. Specializing in international trips, Jaleel has built Green Oasis into a trusted name in sustainable tourism worldwide.