Kerala travel guide
The best time to visit Kerala is October to March, when beaches, backwaters and Munnar's hills are drier and more comfortable. January is the driest month, with about 20 mm of rain and 23–31°C. November to February is busiest, and December to February costs most. June to September suits Ayurveda and green scenery, but June and July bring 650–700 mm of rain.
Facts checked 1 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23° to 31°C | 20 mm |
| Feb | 24° to 32°C | 25 mm |
| Mar | 26° to 33°C | 45 mm |
| Apr | 27° to 33°C | 110 mm |
| May | 26° to 32°C | 220 mm |
| Jun | 24° to 29°C | 650 mm |
| Jul | 24° to 28°C | 700 mm |
| Aug | 24° to 29°C | 430 mm |
| Sep | 24° to 30°C | 250 mm |
| Oct | 24° to 30°C | 300 mm |
| Nov | 24° to 31°C | 160 mm |
| Dec | 23° to 31°C | 45 mm |
Kerala is a year-round destination, but the season changes what you will see and do. October to March is generally the most comfortable, with drier weather for beaches, backwaters, hill stations and wildlife, and November to February is the busiest. The southwest monsoon from June brings lush scenery, heavy rain and lower prices. This guide goes month by month so you can pick the season that fits your trip.
Go between October and March for the easiest sightseeing. January to March is dry and warm, and the peak demand is November to February, so book hotels, houseboats and trains early. If you prefer greenery, Ayurveda and lower prices, the monsoon months can work, but plans are weather-sensitive.
January is excellent for sightseeing, beaches and backwaters, with highs around 31°C, very little rain and peak-season demand. February is dry and warm, around 32°C, with excellent conditions and peak-season pricing. March is good for touring but increasingly hot, around 33°C, especially in lowland areas, with fewer visitors than winter.
April is hot and humid, around 33°C, with pre-monsoon showers, and hill stations such as Munnar are more comfortable than the plains. May is warm, humid and showery, with heavier rain building up before the monsoon. These months suit lower prices and wellness stays rather than a busy sightseeing schedule.
June brings the southwest monsoon, with heavy rain of about 650 mm and highs near 29°C. July is the wettest period in many areas, with about 700 mm, and is good for monsoon ambience and Ayurveda but weaker for beach itineraries. August remains rainy, around 430 mm, but spells ease between showers, and the landscape is green with lower prices. September is a transition month, with about 250 mm and improving touring conditions. Travellers often underestimate this period: heavy rain can disrupt road travel, outdoor activities and boat services, and wet roads around Munnar can be slippery, with a risk of flooding or landslides.
October is a transition month with northeast-monsoon showers, especially in south and central Kerala, so keep itineraries flexible. November is warm, with rain decreasing towards the month-end, and is good shoulder-season value as peak demand starts rising. December is pleasant and relatively dry, with high demand and larger crowds in popular places.
Distances between Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey are easy to underestimate, and rain makes them worse, so avoid packing every stop into a short trip. Check houseboat condition and the boat's schedule, because houseboats in Alleppey must typically return to the jetty by about 6 PM. In the monsoon, keep a flexible plan and carry rain protection and closed, grippy footwear.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports about Kerala, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Prices, schedules and rules change, so confirm details before you book.
Plan your route with places to visit in Kerala, choose activities in things to do in Kerala and see our Kerala tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Munnar 2N · Thekkady 1N · Alleppey 1N · Kochi 1N
Kochi 1N · Munnar 2N · Thekkady 1N · Alappuzha 1N · Kovalam 1N
Kochi 1N · Munnar 2N · Thekkady 1N · Alappuzha 1N · Kovalam 1N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Kerala.
October to March is generally best for comfortable sightseeing, beaches, backwaters and hill stations. November to February is the peak period and can be busier, so book hotels, houseboats and transport early.
Yes, if you want lush scenery, Ayurveda and lower prices. But heavy rain can disrupt road travel, outdoor activities and boat services, and wet hill roads can be slippery, so keep plans flexible and avoid packing in too many stops.
July is the wettest in many areas, with about 700 mm, followed by June at about 650 mm. These months suit monsoon ambience and Ayurveda better than beach itineraries or a tight sightseeing schedule.
April is hot and humid, around 33°C, with pre-monsoon showers, and May is warm, humid and showery. Hill stations such as Munnar are more comfortable than the plains, and these months suit lower prices and wellness stays.
November to February is the peak period, with pleasant, relatively dry weather, high demand and higher prices. Houseboats, popular stays and trains fill up, so advance booking is important in these months.
Yes, October brings northeast-monsoon showers, especially in south and central Kerala, and November can still have some rain before it eases. Keep itineraries flexible, and expect conditions to improve through November.
November to February has the most comfortable weather for backwaters, beaches and hill stations, but it is also peak season. Book resorts and houseboats early, and check houseboat quality in advance.
March is good for touring but warmer, around 33°C, especially in lowland areas, with fewer visitors than winter. Early March is more comfortable than late March, and Munnar stays cooler than the coast.
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