Best Time to Visit Kerala: A Comprehensive Guide

Kerala – a state also known as “God’s Own Country” is on the southernmost tip of India where nature finds its fusion in greens and backwaters and the scent of spices lingering in the air.  However, the beauty lies in knowing the best time to visit Kerala which turns your journey into a magical one. For those who want leisurely houseboat trips, the misty mountains, or a gourmet eating spree of authentic South Indian delicacies, Kerala serves up a different experience. Whether you are a family or an individual traveller, travelling to Kerala will be different in the different seasons. Now, let’s get the ball rolling on this guide to assist you with choosing the most appropriate time to celebrate your vacation in Kerala with us!

The Best Time to Visit Kerala

Selecting the best time to visit Kerala is even more advantageous because you are perfectly free to do everything that you want without worrying about the weather conditions or missing out on traditional things to do in Kerala during that time. Kerala enjoys three distinct seasons: Winter, summer, and monsoons of which each season has its own beautiful striking features. Here’s what each season has to offer:

1. Winter (October to February)

Unlike other regions, winter is the most preferred and indeed the best time to visit Kerala with family. The climate is warm with average monthly temperatures standing between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius and is perfect for tourism involving: sightseeing, beach activities, cruises, etc.

What to Do in Winter:

• Experience the serene houseboat cruise on the backwater of Alleppey or Kumarakom.
• Lay down and relax on sun-kissed beaches such as Varkala and Kovalam beaches and enjoy sunbathing.
• Experience the Theyyam and Cochin Carnival Festival.
• Go to the hills for the pleasant air and the tea gardens in the Munnar area and Wayanad estates for a unique experience.

Why Choose Winter:

• Winters are great for all types of tourists.
• Perfect to accommodate families going for picnics, honeymooners, anniversary couples, birthday celebrations, weddings and even corporate away teams.

Things to Remember:

• An earlier booking should be made for accommodations because it is the high season.
• According to the climate of the area, the best time to visit Kerala with family is during November and December.

Suggested Read: 7 Reasons Why Kerala Is One of India's Favourite Honeymoon Destinations

2. Summer (March to May)

The weather during summer, for instance, could be hot and also dry with temperatures of 29°C to 40°C, so one should carry the appropriate clothing with them to wear depending on the prevailing weather conditions. It can be considered the best time to visit Kerala in case you prefer focusing on sightseeing and great opportunities to get incredible discounts for accommodations.

What to Do in Summer:

• This is a good time to visit Thekkady and Vagamon, one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
• Events which are organized during this season is the Thrissur Pooram festival in April.
• This is the best time to visit Kerala to go through ayurvedic treatments and body and facial spa therapies to reduce stress and rejuvenate the body.

Why Choose Summer:

• Less crowd and low expenses on travelling and accommodation.
• Ideal for downtime as well as for visiting less crowded sites with more schedule.

Things to Remember:

• Light clothing should be worn, and plenty of fluids should be taken when travelling.
• Summer is cheap when it comes to hotels, and many different activities and opportunities to explore different places thus making traveling during summer more suitable.

Suggested Read: Kerala Backpacking Trip

3. Monsoon (June to September)

If you are thinking about which is the best time to visit Kerala then you must know that Kerala becomes a green paradise during Monsoon and weather with rains hit different places across the state. It is the best moment for nature and good climate admirers and, in general, people who are seeking relaxation.

What to Do in Monsoon:

• See how majestic Athirapally Falls looks when it is full.
• Take part in the region’s most popular monsoon festival, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, in August.
• Take part in other adventures related to ecological tourism such as trekking and plantation tours.

Why Choose Monsoon:

• The treatments in Ayurveda are most effective during this particular type of climate.
• Waterfalls and thick forestation make up the name it was given as the ‘Natural Garden’.

Things to Remember:

• To be prepared for a rainy day, always have an umbrella or a coat with you.
• Like any other Bollywood movie, Monsoon provides a calm and entertaining environment.

Season-Wise Festivals And Events In Kerala

Being a part of India, Kerala is not only beautiful but has lots of fairs and festivals that depict the true spirits of the state. So if you are organising your travel, it is always recommended to do so in line with a festival in order to gain a richer cultural experience.

1. Onam (August–September)

Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala and it signifies the harvest festival of the state. Spectacular boat races, notably the snake boat race, are one of the best parts of a traveller's visit together with ethnic dance performances like Kathakali,and mouth-watering Onam Sadhya-Feast, which might be solving your query of “what is the best time to visit Kerala?”.

2. Theyyam (October–May)

Sighting the Theyyam dance of North Kerala is like opening a page of a fairy tale book that was written a thousand years ago. The costumes with different amazing colors, the specific sound of the drum and of course divine dance shows, make your trip a memorable one.

3. Thrissur Pooram (April–May)

This is one of the most colourful festivals of Kerala and is popularly referred to as Thrissur Pooram. The beautification of decorated elephants, splendid fireworks and favourite percussion ensembles create a captivating mood.

4. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August)

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is not only an exciting occasion, but more than that it enlivens the hearts of adventure lovers. Organised annually and held in Alleppey, this is a great boat race that samples the raining culture of boat racing in Kerala and attracts tourists from different parts of the world, making it the best time to visit Kerala for adventure lovers.

5. Christmas and New Year Celebrations (December)

So if you choose December as your travel date, you get to see both the classical and contemporary images of Kerala. The streets, houses, and especially churches are adorned and people have lots of fun during parties on the beach areas of Varkala and Cochin.

Additional Tips:

• At places, festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm, and therefore one should book a place to stay in advance.
• Some of the festivals are celebrated depending on the region, so best to verify the dates.
• Take these exciting moments, but remember to be cautious with their customs and traditions.

Ensuring that your trip has a festival to witness is going to enhance your Kerala trip even more, you get to have fun, learn about a new culture, and certainly make memories worth cherishing!

Tips for a Smooth Trip While Visiting Kerala

To make your Kerala trip perfect, here are some tips:

• Plan Early: For winter travels it is recommended to book flights and hotels 2 months in advance.
• Pack Smart: Take formal and informal summer and monsoon wear and woolen for winter. Wear light cotton clothes during summer and monsoon and carry a sweater for winter.
• Travel Insurance: Finally, it is necessary to protect yourself from potential or unpredictable extraneous factors.
• Stay Connected: It will be wise to purchase a local SIM card that will not cause hitches when it comes to directions or making calls.
• Respect Local Customs: Women should cover their knees and shoulders and follow tradition when visiting temples.

Conclusion

Kerala is one of those paradises in which the tourism industry has not spoilt and offers a warm reception to all visitors. It has hills that give a foggy look, and lovely beaches, which all look beautiful in different seasons. You might now have understood what is the best time to visit Kerala to make your planning easier according to your interests. So whenever you wish to make this trip, Capture a Trip is standing by to make your travel planning anything but tedious. The ability to design a tailor-made program for you enables us to create a wonderful narrative of your stay in Kerala. Step right up for one of the most memorable journeys that you will ever experience with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Kerala?

Plan your travel to Kerala for the winter season which is from October to February. The nice climate suits beach tours, hill stations backwater tourism, and so on.

2. When is the best time to travel to Kerala with Family?

Kerala is best travelled with family during the winter season or between November and February. There are no extreme weather conditions which allows for safe travel, and tourist destinations such as Munnar, Alleppey and Kovalam are safe, particularly for families.

3. Is it suitable to make a trip to Kerala during the monsoon period?

Yes, Kerala specifically in the monsoon season is a magnificent country for tourists whereby nature boasts of the most beautiful sights. However, do not forget to pack raincoats and do expect some indoor activities.

4. Why does it become crucial to decide the right time to visit Kerala?

Selecting a proper time prevents one from getting disappointed by the weather ruins while enjoying the places of interest in Kerala. 

5. What should one carry during a Kerala trip depending on the season?

Packing smart makes the trip an easygoing one regardless of the time of the year. For Winter one must carry casual wear with light jackets and airy clothing. For summers- soft clothing, hats and sunscreen. Coats made of rubber material, umbrellas, and rubber shoes for the monsoon season.