Kerala also known as “God’s Own Country” is an all-year vacation spot, but choosing the right time to visit can make your trip more memorable. It is located along the Arabian sea with lush greenery, calm backwaters, and a misty hill station, it changes with the seasons. Each month offers something unique to enjoy and explore the beautiful scenery of the state. Let’s take a look at when is the best time to visit Kerala, so you can make your journey truly unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala is during winter months, which is from October to February. This period offers the most pleasant climate in Kerala, making it suitable for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and relaxing stays. The temperature during these months usually ranges between 18° C to 30° C, which is cool when compared to warm and humid weather conditions.
This season is the best time to visit Kerala with family, friends, or even as a honeymoon couple. Winter brings clear skies, fresh air, and calm weather that suit travellers of all ages, when compared to the heavy rains of the monsoon or the heat of summer.
Activities to Enjoy During This Season
Kerala offers a wide variety of things to do, especially between October and February. Here are some popular highlights:
Backwater Cruises in Alleppey and Kumarakom
This is the perfect time of season for sailing the peaceful backwaters in a houseboat. The air is fresh, and the experience becomes more memorable by the green surroundings reflect in the idle water.
Visiting Hill Stations like Munnar and Wayanad
Major hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad remain cool throughout the year, but during winter, they become more welcoming. Treks, tea garden walks, and visits to waterfalls are all become more enjoyable, without the hassle of sweating in hot or getting soaked in rain.
Enjoy Wildlife Sanctuaries
It is easier to explore places like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady during this time. You have a better chance of spotting animals as the clear skies improve visibility. Nature walks and boat rides are also safer and more enjoyable.
Visiting Beach
The beaches of Kovalam, Varkala, or Marari are attracting more travellers during the cooler months. You can swim, sunbathe, or just walk along the shore more comfortably.
Best Seasons to Visit Kerala
Choosing the best season to visit Kerala mainly depends on what kind of experience you want to have. The state’s climate is tropical with hot and humid weather throughout the year along with distinct rainy and dry seasons.
Knowing the climate in Kerala is important for planning your visit because it influences the activities you can enjoy and your overall comfort.
Summer Season (March to May)
Kerala’s summer months can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C and above. However, this season is best for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers to visit Kerala. The higher altitude areas like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady remain cooler and are great spots for hiking and trekking.
Perfect for Adventure and Hiking
The weather in the Western Ghats is usually dry throughout the summer, and trekking trails become more accessible. You can explore the hills, waterfalls, and forests without the interruption of rain. The misty mornings and clear skies offer perfect photography opportunities.
Best for Wildlife Spotting
Summer is also an excellent time to visit wildlife sanctuaries when animals are more likely to come out in search of water. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offer exciting experiences for wildlife lovers.
Activities to Enjoy
- Trekking to Anamudi Peak and Chembra Peak
- Wildlife safaris in Periyar and Wayanad
- Exploring waterfalls and nature trails
- Camping and bird watching
Monsoon Season (June to September)
The rainy season in Kerala is marked by heavy rainfalls, which is brought by the Southwest monsoon. This is not usually considered as the best season to visit Kerala for all travellers, but it holds a special place for those who love lush greenery and peace environment.
Suitable for Nature Lovers
The entire state of Kerala becomes a green paradise during the rainy season. The rain revives the forests, rivers, and tea gardens, creating an amazing landscape. This is the perfect time to visit if you love the beauty of the nature in its most natural form.
For Peace Lovers
You will fall in love with Kerala during monsoon season, if you are a traveller who enjoys rain, misty mornings, and peaceful surroundings. The paddy fields, waterfalls, and backwaters come alive, and the entire environment looks refreshed and vibrant.
Activities to Enjoy:
- Scenic drives through rain-soaked hills
- Waterfall hopping in Athirappilly and Meenmutty
- Photography of misty landscapes and lush greenery
- Relaxing in hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady
- Nature walks through rain-soaked forests
While the monsoon season in Kerala is visually beautiful, you need to be more cautious with outdoor activities, as heavy rainfalls can sometimes disrupt your travel plans.
Winter Season (October to February)
The winter months from October to February are considered as the best season to visit Kerala. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant and the temperatures ranging from 20° C to 30° C.
Suitable for Honeymoon Couples
Winter season is perfect for honeymoon couples who want to enjoy romantic boat rides in the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom. Houseboat stays become more charming by the cool weather, and nights are excellent for hot dinners in peaceful surroundings. Exploring the tea plantations in Munnar is also great during this season.
Great for Family Trips
Families will find this season excellent for sightseeing and beach visits. Places like Kovalam and Varkala offer beautiful sandy beaches with calm waves, which is excellent for both children and elders to enjoy. Wildlife sanctuaries also provide pleasant surroundings for nature walks and wildlife safaris.
Activities to Enjoy:
- Backwater cruising on houseboats
- Exploring hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad
- Beach outings and water sports
- Wildlife safaris in Periyar National Park
Which Season is Not Suitable for Visiting Kerala?
The monsoon season especially from June to September is not suitable for a trip to Kerala. Waterlogging, slippery roads, and limited access to hill stations or forest areas are all frequently caused by the heavy rainfall that occurs during this season.
Outdoor activities like houseboat rides, beach visits, and trekking are frequently interrupted. Also, the high humidity may cause discomfort for many travellers. Even if the greenery is at its best, the frequent rainfall can restrict sightseeing and travel plans.
For a more pleasant experience, it is better to choose another season with clearer weather conditions.