Best Time to Visit Kerala: A Month-by-Month Guide
Short answer: the best time to visit Kerala is September to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, houseboats and beaches. The monsoon (June to August) is ideal for Ayurveda and lush scenery at lower prices, while April and May are hot on the coast but fine in the hills.
Kerala’s seasons at a glance
| Months | Weather | Good for | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| October – February | Pleasant, 22–32°C, low humidity | Houseboats, Munnar, beaches, wildlife | Peak (December – January highest) |
| March – May | Hot and humid on the coast, 25–35°C | Munnar, Wayanad and other hill stations | Lower |
| June – August | Heavy south-west monsoon rains | Ayurveda, green landscapes, budget trips | Lowest |
| September | Rains easing, very green | Onam festival, houseboats, Munnar | Moderate |
Kerala month by month
January and February
Cool mornings and sunny days make this prime time for every part of Kerala. Hotels and houseboats are busiest in January, so book four to six weeks ahead. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar usually closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season from around February to March.
March to May
The coast gets hot and humid, but Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad stay comfortable. Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala’s grandest temple festivals, usually falls in April or May. It’s a good-value time for hill stations.
June to August
The south-west monsoon arrives in early June. Expect heavy showers, mist over the tea estates and some disruption to sightseeing. Ayurvedic practitioners consider this the best season for treatments, and many resorts offer good discounts. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake in Alleppey is held in August.
September
Rains ease, the landscape is at its greenest, and Kerala celebrates Onam with floral carpets, feasts (sadya) and snake-boat races. It’s a lovely shoulder month with moderate prices.
October to December
Clear skies return, waterfalls are still full and houseboat season gets into full swing. December brings Christmas celebrations in Fort Kochi and some of the year’s highest prices — book early.
Best time by experience
- Houseboats in Alleppey and Kumarakom: October to March
- Munnar tea gardens: September to May (misty and green in the monsoon)
- Beaches in Kovalam and Varkala: November to March
- Wildlife in Thekkady: October to April
- Ayurveda treatments: June to September
Ready to plan?
Our Kerala Backwaters & Hills package covers Munnar, Thekkady and an Alleppey houseboat in six days. Read our Kerala travel guide for more ideas, or ask us to plan a trip around your dates.
FAQs
Is it a good idea to visit Kerala in the monsoon?
Yes, if you don’t mind the rain. The monsoon brings lush landscapes, fewer tourists and the lowest prices, and it’s the traditional season for Ayurveda. Some outdoor activities may be disrupted.
Which is the cheapest month to visit Kerala?
June and July are usually the cheapest months, with large discounts on hotels and houseboats.
Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
December has excellent weather but it’s peak season, so hotels and houseboats are expensive and fill up fast. Book at least six weeks in advance.