Best Time to Visit Kerala: Explore the Rustic Beauty and Timeless Traditions

Kerala is “God’s own Country” known for its rustic beauty, scenic landscapes and timeless traditions. The Arabian Sea at the west and the Western Ghats at the east add some fabulous scenery to the state. The green mountains and vibrant beaches and backwaters in Kerala, make it a must-visit destination in the country. The warmth of the people and its culinary specialities further make it heavenly and among India’s most visited states of course. Planning a visit already, do not forget to check about the best time to visit Kerala.

From serene beaches and emerald backwaters to exotic wildlife and coffee and tea plantations, every corner has a whole new experience. Easy connectivity and comfortable hotels in Kerala, make it possible to visit the state throughout the year. But to make the most of your trip here is a complete guide on the different seasons, various activities you can do in each season and how to reach the state through different modes of transportation.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The geographical conditions in Kerala are unique and thus the climate is tropical and equable and varies a little from season to season. The state receives rainfall during most times of the year due to exposure from southwest monsoon from July to September and reverse monsoon in October and November with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C.

Kerala has three broad seasons- summer, monsoon and winter. The experiences behind each season differ, so to understand which is the best time to visit Kerala for you, let’s get to know what each season has to offer!

Summer: The summer season lasts from mid-March to May. The temperature ranges between 25°C to 35°C. The climate can be warm and humid in coastal areas but quite pleasant in hill stations. The weather is perfect for sun-basking at the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam and a relaxing holiday in the natural retreats in Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkaday.

You could indulge in trekking, plantation tours and wildlife excursions amongst other activities during this season. Apart from the dazzling scenic beauty and adventure sports, Kerala holds traditions and culture through celebrated festivals throughout the year.

Summer is the best time to visit Kerala for festivals like the Aluva Sivarathri Festival (March), Theyyam Festival (March and May), Vishu Festival (April/ May) and Thrissur Pooram (April/ May). During these months, beaches are also less populated because around this time Kerala is on the verge of receiving rainfall. And if you are looking for affordable travel, you can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Kerala with modern amenities and low prices.

Monsoon: Being a tropical state, the monsoon season occurs between June to August in Kerala and is accompanied by heavy rainfall adding lush greenery to every corner of the state. The weather from June to August remains humid with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. The beauty of the state is at its peak in monsoon with majestic waterfalls in Kerala (Athirappailly and Vazhachal), peaceful surroundings and fewer crowds. Additionally, you can experience the traditional Ayurvedic treatments at Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala as they are considered most effective during this time. 

To experience the rich cultural and religious heritage, you can witness festivals like Karikkam Adi Chovva (July), Maritheyyam (July) , Kerala Boat Race (June/July) and Karkidaka Vavu Bali (August) which are celebrated during monsoon.

Also, if you are travelling on a budget this is the best time to visit Kerala as the tourist attractions are less crowded and prices for hotels in Kerala are low.

Winter: If you want to have the best holiday experience, winter is the best time to visit Kerala. With temperatures varying from 18°C to 30°C, the weather remains pleasant with a mild cold from September to March. Explore the enchanting emerald lagoons and canals in Alleppey and Kumarakom and take a tour of the spice and coffee plantations in Munnar and Wayanad. Spot wildlife during the safaris in Periyar National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Last but not least, nothing can beat the sun soaking and beach activities in Kovalam, Varkala, Cherai and Marari, some of the best places to visit in Kerela in December.

For cultural expeditions, the state celebrates Onam (September/ October), Karthigai festival (December), Uroos festival (December), Thiruvathira Festival (December/ January) Makaravillakku (January) and Kerala Village Fair (January). These festivals represent the true essence of the state and offer a lifetime experience.

Since this is the peak season here, plan your vacation to book hotels in Kerala through online booking in advance to avoid peak season price hikes. Therefore, the best time to visit Kerala depends on your preferences based on your budget and motive for travel. So, whenever you are planning to visit Kerala next, do consider the seasons, hotel prices and festivals to make the best of your trip.

How to Reach Kerala?

Kerala is well-connected to different parts of the country through roads, railways and airways. To help you find the best means of transportation, here is complete detail on different modes of travel and transit points.

By Airway:

Kerala is not just connected to the rest of the states but is also one of the Indian states to have four international airports which include Trivandrum, Cochin, Kozhikode and Kannur Airports. 

• Trivandrum International Airport is the oldest airport and is closer to the southern coastal landmarks like Varkala, Kovalam and Shangumukham Beaches and hill stations like Ponmudi.
• The busiest airport in the state, Cochin International Airport is well connected to major cities like Jaipur, Visakhapatnam and Pune. From the airport, you can easily reach Kumarakom, Alleppey and Munnar.
• Kozhikode International Airport is closer to major tourist landmarks like Beypore, Wayanad, Kadalundi town and Kappad Beach.
• The newest airport, Kannur International Airport is closer to attractions like Bekal Fort, Payyambalam Beach and Thallasery.

By Railway:

Trains offer a memorable experience by taking you through scenic landscapes of coastlines and western ghats. All the major regions are well connected to cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Bengaluru. It has over 200 active railway stations.

• Konkan, Kollam Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kollam are the major railway stations that connect Kerala with other states. 
• You can look for Kerala Express, Rajdhani and Duronto trains for affordable travel.
• Additionally, if you are looking for a luxurious train experience, Maharaja’s Express and the Golden Chariot offer fixed tours to South India’s top tourist destinations.

By Roadway:

Road trips are always a popular choice to explore every nook and corner with convenient travel. If you are looking forward to a road trip to Kerala, the roads here will not disappoint you. 

• The National Highway 766, 544 and 966 and other state highways connect the state to the rest of the country.
• Kerala is 2550 kms from New Delhi, 1248 kms from Mumbai, 834 kms from Goa, 461 from Bengaluru and 603 kms from Chennai.
• You can easily find public transportation run by government and private operators.
• You can also hire a private cab or drive your vehicle to explore the state.

Thus, Kerala is a convenient travel option from any part of the country, whether you want to travel by airway, railway or roadway.

As one of the top destinations for honeymoon couples, backpackers, families and friends, every region in Kerala offers a memorable experience to each traveller. From vibrant beaches, stunning waterfalls, tea, coffee and spices gardens to adventure activities and cultural festivals, the state is a heaven for nature lovers. The state is open to travel most of the year and the period from September to March is usually considered the best time to visit Kerala, but you can also enjoy the secluded beaches and hill stations during the rest of the year. With various restaurants and hotels, you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay near various tourist places to visit in Kerala. So, don’t wait further and start planning your trip to “God’s Own Country”.