Best Time to Visit Kerala | Month-by-Month Travel Guide!
Kerala quickly comes to mind when you think of God’s Own Country with its grassy views, shinywaterfalls & the charming scent of tea & spices. Every traveler has one question – When is the best time to visit Kerala? Let us explain everything you need to know including general seasons, family & honeymoon travel popular locations like Munnar, Wayanad & Gavi and of course the well known Kerala backwaters. Pour yourself a cup of CHAI☕& let’s get STARTED!!!
Climate, Seasons and What Makes Each Unique?
Kerala is a throughout the year destination but your experience will highly depend on when you visit & what you want from the trip.
Kerala’s Seasons at a Peek!
| Season | Months | Temperature | Best for |
| Winter | October – February | 18°C–29°C | Backwaters, houseboats, beaches, Ayurveda |
| Summer | March – May | 29°C–36°C | Hill stations, fewer crowds, festivals |
| Monsoon | June – September | 20°C–30°C | Ayurveda, lush scenery, waterfalls, boat races |
If you want comfortable weather low humidity & busy view the best time to visit Kerala is from September to March (the winter season). This is when everything is fresh & green after the monsoons the skies are mostly clear & it is perfect for exploring beaches, temples, national parks & the famous Kerala waterfalls.
Season-by-Season Breakdown!
🍃 Winter (Best Time – September to March)
- At this time the temperature is soft & has little rain & low humidity. Everything from waterfalls to beaches are at its most beautiful.
- This time is perfect for Families, honeymoon, adventure, wildlife.
- Houseboat rides in Alleppey & Kumarakom, wildlife safaris, tea plantations in Munnar festivals like Onam & Kochi Muziris Biennale.
- Tips – Book flights & hotels early especially around Christmas & New Year when in demand. Pack some warm clothes if you are heading to hill stations & do not forget moisturizer the air can be a bit dry in the hills.
🔆 Summer (March to May)
- In the summers the crowd is less & the hotel prices are low & enjoy unique local festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
- This season is perfect for the Budget travelers, photographers (clear skies) & those who want peace.
- The best spots of this season is hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady & Vagamon these are more cooler than the beach.
- Tips – Stay hydrated wear cotton clothes & avoid tough activities during midday heat. Best to do sightseeing early mornings or evenings.
🌧️ Monsoon (June to September)
- In this season the places are more beautiful, romantic green. Best for Ayurveda treatments , watch amazing waterfalls & watch iconic snake boat races, these are memorable!!
- This time is perfect for Nature lovers, privacy seekers and Ayurvedic wellness travelers.
- Be careful of Heavy rains they can cause road blocking & landslides in the hills so plan carefully if you want outdoor activities.
- Tips – Plan indoor activities (spas, yoga, cultural shows) as backup during rain. Carry an umbrella & mosquito repellent and also you can get great discounts on hotels.
Best Time to Visit Kerala with Family!
October to March is the best time to visit Kerala with family. The weather is pleasant the days are soft & nights are cool humidity is low so the kids & senior citizens are comfortable. Take houseboat rides explore beaches like Kovalam & Varkala and you can also plan wildlife safaris & visit spice & tea plantations.
Best Time to Visit Munnar, Kerala!
Munnar is Kerala’s famous hill station it is most famous for its tea farms. The best time to visit Munnar is from October to February (winter) when days are sunny but cool & evenings can get chilly just the right vibe for a hot cup of tea. Summer is also good especially if you want to avoid hotter areas. Monsoons are great for greenery but beware of landslides.
Best Time to Visit Wayanad, Kerala!
Wayanad is so perfect for those who love nature, adventure & history addicts. October to May is ideal with gentle weather & trekking, sightseeing & wildlife activities. In the monsoon season Wayanad gets the greenest but outdoor activities can be limited due to rain.
Best Time to Visit Gavi, Kerala!
Gavi is for lovers of forests &wildlife. The best time to visit Gavi is from September to February with cool comfortable weather perfect for trekking, boating & spotting wildlife. Monsoon brings beautiful views but restricts travel due to slippery paths & leeches.
Best Time to Visit Kerala Backwaters!
If you dream of Kerala’s famous backwaters on a houseboat November to February is the absolute best time. The water is clear weather is pleasant (18°C–28°C) & the green area is freshly washed by rain. Avoid peak summer (unless you get AC boats) & monsoon (boat operations can be restricted due to high water).
Month-wise Breakdown at a Peek!
| Month | What’s Special |
| January – Feb | Peak travel; festivals; best for backwaters, wildlife |
| March | Warm, still comfy; last bit of winter magic |
| April – May | Summer; best for hill stations; fewer crowds |
| June – Sep | Monsoon; lush landscapes; Ayurveda; boat races |
| October | Post-monsoon green; start of tourist season |
| November | Ideal for families, couples; festivals continue |
| December | Christmas, New Year buzz; peak rates; pleasant weather |
Best Time to Visit Kerala for Honeymoon!
For couples November to February stands out, romantic weather, cloudy hills, luxury houseboats & amazing sunsets. You can book a private villa or treehouse in Munnar, Alleppey, or Wayanad & make memories of a lifetime.
Most Prefered Routes From USA To Kerala!
Quick Tips for Picking the Right Season
- Plan ahead – Peak winter (December–January) means higher rates & bigger crowds so book early.
- Pack smart – Pack light cotton for summer and monsoon include a jacket also for hills or winter months.
- Hill stations – These are always pleasant but the best time is October to May.
- Backwaters – November to February for cool & dry weather.
- Ayurveda – Monsoon (June–September) is the best season for refreshing Ayurvedic treatments, properties offer great packages, fewer crowds, and lush surroundings.
- Festivals – Plan around Onam (August & September), Thrissur Pooram (April & May), Kochi Biennale (December to March) for lively experiences.
- What is the best time of year to visit Kerala?: The answer is always October/November to March for the perfect blend of weather, festivities, and nature’s best display!
Pro Tips for Traveling Kerala!
- Don’t skip the local transport! Try the local ferries for everyday transport. Not only cheaper but these also offer authentic vibes!
- Try evening cruises & the sunsets over the backwaters especially in winter are so magical.
- Avoid deep monsoon for hill stations unless you love the rain & do not mind some twists.
- Embrace festivals. Onam & boat races turn the state into a big colorful celebration.
- Pack a raincoat and umbrella except winter anytime. Weather can change fast, especially in the hills!
- Book early during winters. High demand from both Indian & international travelers means prices shoot up & good accommodations fill up.
- Traveling with family or with any elder? Prefer the peak winter for cool and non humid days and less chance of rain disturbances.
- Visit reserves like Periyar & Wayanad in winter, animals are more active & visibility is great.
By following this guide & aligning your trip with the season that fits your travel style you will get the absolute maximum out of your Kerala adventure. Even if it is a cozy honeymoon, family break, a backwater houseboat getaway, or an exploration of the secret hills picking the right season truly brings Kerala’s magic alive.
Let us know if you want itinerary help or need help in booking flights. We are at MyTicketsToIndia are available 24×7 for you! CONTACT US NOW!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the off season of Kerala?
A:
The off season in Kerala is from June to September. Still at this time there is a lot heavy rainfall amd it is great for Ayurveda treatments & enjoying views.
Q: Which month is heavy rain in Kerala?
A:
July & August are the months with the heaviest rainfall in Kerala. These months bring intense showers especially in the Western Ghats & hill regions.
Q: Is Kerala good to visit in October?
A:
Yes October is a good time to visit Kerala. The monsoon ends & the weather becomes more pleasant. It is ideal for sightseeing, backwater cruises & hill station trips.
Q: Which is the cheapest month to travel to Kerala?
A:
The cheapest months to travel to Kerala are June, July & August during the monsoon season. Hotels & tour packages are usually available at discounted rates during this time.
Q: When to go to Munnar?
A:
The best time to visit Munnar is from September to March. The cool climate during these months is perfect for enjoying tea plantations, waterfalls & trekking.
Q: Which month is very cold in Kerala?
A:
Kerala does not feel extreme cold but December & January are the coolest months especially in hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad & Thekkady where temperatures can drop to 10°C.
Q: How many days do we need for a Kerala trip?
A:
A Kerala trip need 6 to 8 days to cover major attractions like Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey backwaters, Thekkady & Kovalam.
Q: Which time is best for a Kerala tour?
A:
The best time for a Kerala tour is from October to February when the climate is pleasant & perfect for tour beach activities & houseboat stays.
Q: Which part of Kerala gets the most rain?
A:
The Western Ghats & hill regions like Wayanad, Idukki & Munnar have the most rainfall during the monsoon season.
Q: Which is the most beautiful place in Kerala?
A:
Kerala is full of beauty but Alleppey, Munnar, Wayanad & Varkala are the most beautiful places.
Q: Is Kerala cheap or expensive?
A:
Kerala can be budget friendly or luxurious, depending on your choices. Traveling during the monsoon season can help you save while luxury resorts & houseboats can make it more expensive.