Which is the best time to visit Kerala for holidays? This question leaves most travelers to this part of the world perplexed! Kerala- God’s own country, was declared as one of the top ten paradises on earth by the National Geographic and is visited by hordes of visitors every year. The never-ending stretches of greenery, Coconut palms, paddy fields, serene backwaters, golden beaches, magnificent wildlife sanctuaries, and the beautiful art forms & festivals attract tourists all through the year. The all-season destination Kerala has become a welcome haven for tourists in search of culture, sightseeing, and a seaside respite. As with any other tourist place determining the best time to visit Kerala for holidays depends on a wide variety of factors. Many tourists visit Kerala for different kinds of travel experiences. However ,the best time to visit will depend on the preferences of individual visitors.
Kerala is ideal for tourists who are coming for different kinds of travel experiences. However, the best time to visit Kerala depends on the reason you are visiting Kerala.
From a tourism point of view, we can say Kerala has three tourist seasons.
Peak Season – from September to March
Off Season – from April to May
Monsoon Season – June to August
In Kerala each season is unique & this attracts many tourists to Kerala. Being an all-season destination, Kerala is blessed with a pleasing, salubrious climate throughout the year across all the seasons and months. Being a coastal state with an abundance of rain, Kerala offers lush greenery, and the best time to visit Kerala for holidays would be from September to March. This article takes you through the different seasons, and options to visit Kerala, activities to do each season, and more so that you can make a wise decision on when to visit.
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The best season to visit Kerala
The Peak Season, the best time to visit Kerala for holidays stretches between September to March. It starts at the end of the monsoon and ends just when the summer is beginning.
Why should you visit in the Peak season?
Tourists arriving in Kerala are in for mild and pleasant weather, and sunny skies. They can enjoy their time in Kerala touring beaches, hill stations, and backwaters.
Best time to visit Kerala -weather
Perfect weather and sunny skies welcome you to Kerala this season. With the monsoon coming to an end and the onset of winter, a delightful climate persists here. Subtle but tolerable humidity levels are there. The pleasant weather makes it the best time to visit Kerala for a holiday. An ideal time for families to plan their holidays!
Temperature: 18-29 0 Celsius
Destinations for the peak season
Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, Alleppey, and Kumarakom are few of the best destinations in Kerala to visit in the peak season.
Munnar
Beautiful Munnar – A top-rated hill station in Kerala! Munnar, with its pleasant climate, was long back the summer capital of the Britishers, famous for its spice and tea plantations, waterfalls, misty mountains & rolling meadows. You could also experience Camp, Trek, and River Rafting here. The best time to visit Munnar will be in the peak season or the summer season. TATA Tea Museum, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Attukad Waterfalls, Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Marayoor Dolmens, etc. are not to be missed!
Thekkady
If you are an adventure buff here’s the best place to up your Adrenaline – a visit to the Thekkady wildlife sanctuary! Boating through the Periyar Lake gives you an excellent opportunity for sighting wild animals. You could also experience Camp, Trek, and River Rafting here at Thekkady. The peak season & summer season will be the best time to visit Thekkady. Pullumedu, Murikkady, Kadathanadan Kalari Center, Periyar National Park, Vandanmedu, Elephant Junction, etc. should be the must-haves in your Thekkady visit.
Alleppey
Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience life along the backwaters of Alleppey! A veritable hotspot of the backwaters of Kerala, Alleppey is famous for its backwater cruises, houseboat stays, and attracts a significant number of tourists. The best time to visit backwaters in Alleppey will be in the peak season & the summer season. Take time out to visit the Kuttanad Backwaters, historical temples, churches & mosques, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Karumadi, Vembanad Lake on your Alleppey holiday!
Kovalam
Be ready for some beach fun at one of the best beaches in Kerala! Kovalam is famous for its New Year celebrations, Ayurvedic massage & treatments, sunbathing fests, and water sports like Parasailing & Surfing. The best time to visit Kovalam will be in the peak season & summer season. The lighthouse, Ayurveda centers, and the golden beaches are the best attractions in Kovalam.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a quiet little village with beautiful landscapes, ever pleasant weather and exotic flora and fauna. As one of the most fabulous tourist places in Kerala, backwaters, Bird Sanctuary, authentic Kerala food, fresh air & ambiance, delicious fresh coconuts all blend at Kumarakom. You can choose activities from boating, cruising, houseboat stay, and fishing on your Kerala holidays. The best time to visit Kumarakom will be in the peak season & summer season.
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A piece of advice
It is advisable to block the rooms in advance if you are planning to visit Kerala in this season. Being the best time to visit Kerala for holidays most of the top resorts in Kerala are sold out in this season, especially in the Xmas and New Year weeks. Peak season brings with it higher rates be it for stay, sightseeing trips, nightlife, and other events. Most resorts have additional compulsory charges for special days like Christmas & New Year. Visitors to Kerala are treated to a mixed bag of events in their Kerala Holiday.
Popular Events & Activities in Kerala during Peak season:
Cochin Carnival (January)
Welcome to the biggest gala of Fort Kochi! Cochin Carnival, organized by the DTPC, is celebrated every year. The port city of Kochi is decked out like a gorgeous Christian bride with white paper decorations all around to welcome the new year. Marked by momentous events like fairs, cultural shows, food festivals, bike and cycle races, rallies, beach football, arts and games and more, the Cochin Carnival is the best time to visit Kochi to embrace the festive spirit.
Kumarakom Boat Race (September – October)
Kumarakom plays host to two primary boat races – the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race (popularly known as Kumarakom Boat Race) and the Kavanattinkara Boat Race. The Kavanattinkara Boat Race in the Onam season commences with a procession from the Virippukala Sree Shaktheeshwaram Temple to River Kavanar, the venue. A great time to experience the various art and dance forms like the tableau, Kolkali, Thiruvathirakali, and Garudan Thullal performed in connection with the boat race.
Aranmula Boat Race (September)
Check out the Aranmula Boat Race, the most ancient and revered boat races of Kerala. The snake boat race is an offering to Lord Krishna of Sree Parthasarathy Temple, and the boats are called Palliyodams
Indira Gandhi Boat Race (December)
Held in the backwaters of Kochi, Indira Gandhi Boat race is truly a spectacular sight. It is a real pleasure watching enthusiastic oarsmen rowing in unison to the rhythm of the “Vanchipattu.” A huge crowd gathers here cheering the participants of the event. It’s a great time to visit the Cochin Backwaters.
Athachamayam (August- September)
Here’s a cultural fiesta to witness almost all the folk art forms of Kerala! Athachamayam is a grand celebration held at Thripunithura, near Kochi. It is a magnificent procession representing that of the King and his entourage which is accompanied by caparisoned elephants, floats, musical ensembles, and a variety of folk art forms.
Onam (September)
Be our guest in Onam – The national festival of Kerala celebrated with great pomp & festivities in August-September. The courtyards of houses are decorated with flower carpets to welcome the ancient King Mahabali for ten days. On Onam days all people enjoy various games and the grand Onam feast – Sadhya. People exchange gift those residing away from Kerala get together
Chembai Music Festival (November)
If you are an avid Carnatic music lover, the best time to visit Kerala would be during the Chembai Music festival in November. Held in Guruvayur to commemorate the great musician Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the festival has hundreds of musicians taking part and giving recitals.
Things to pack
Your Visa & Passport, Camera, Power Bank, Chargers, Flash Light, Insect Repellant, Voltage Converter & Universal Adapter, walking shoes, Cap, etc. Light, loose, cotton, or linen clothes are the best. If you plan to visit hill stations, pack in some warm clothes as well. Some light winter wear – woolens, scarf/muffler, caps, jackets, etc. It is advisable to carry Moisturizers and hand sanitizers. For ladies, longer tops are preferable with jeans, leggings or jeggings.
Memoirs to take back from your holidays in Kerala
Exquisite handicrafts of Wood, Bamboo, Brass, and Copper; aromatic spices, and the crunchy delicious Banana chips.
For free travel consultation through WhatsApp. Contact us now.
Options: Swift DZire, Innova, Tempo Traveller (12 to 19 Seater), Coaches.
Get ready for off-season holidays in Kerala
Things start getting hot and humid in the Summer months! The off-season is the best time to visit Kerala with family for a holiday if you can stand hot temperatures (300+). Welcome showers around late April/early May & from May until September.
Why should you visit in the Off-season in Kerala
The hot and humid Off season is from April until the first week of June. Tourism slows down resulting in fewer crowds, meager prices, and budget-friendly packages in hotels and resorts. The sweltering heat of the Summer may feel overwhelming, but it is the best time to visit Kerala for holidays if you are an avid adventure lover and camping buff. The off-season is the best time to visit Kerala for a honeymoon due to these reduced prices.
Weather & Climate
Summer Weather: Some people feel that this is not the best time to visit Kerala for holidays along with the Mercury hitting high & quick evening showers. However, evenings are quite pleasant when compared to the mornings. The humidity is not extreme, as near the tropics. The summer is not all that bad in coastal regions, but interior areas like Palakkad and Idukki can get hotter and drier.
Temperature: 32-36 0 Celsius
Destinations for the peak season
Beautiful hill stations of Kerala like Wayanad, Munnar, Idukki, and Palakkad are some of the best places to visit Kerala for holidays in Summer.
Wayanad
Go in for a jungle vacation at Wayanad – one of the greenest tourist places in Kerala! The mountains, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuary, tea plantations, serene atmosphere, and rich culture allures you to the charms of Wayanad! You could also experience Camp, Trek, and River Rafting at Wayanad. The best time to visit Wayanad will be in all three seasons as the weather is always cool and comfortable here. The best attractions in Wayanad are the Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra peak, Kuruva Island, Pookode lake, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Edakkal caves & more.
Palakkad
Palakkad – the Granary of Kerala! Scenic mountains, sparkling lakes, beautiful dams, lush green forests, and majestic temples and forts sums up Palakkad! The vast green paddy fields and tea plantations make Palakkad, one of the most scenic places in Kerala. Trekking & nature walks are the main activities here. The best time to see Palakkad will be during the peak season. The Parambikulam Sanctuary, Kollengode Palace, Nelliyampathy, Mangalam Dam, Ottapalam, Palakkad Fort are the best places to visit in Wayanad.
A piece of advice
The temperatures are extremely high in the Offseason, but you can enjoy a less congested, less expensive travel experience. Try to get the best deals by booking in advance for the offseason.
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Popular Events
Thrissur Pooram
The cultural festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram, is the best time to experience a festival of colors and sound! Richly decorated elephants are paraded to the accompaniment of percussion orchestra. The festival ends with grand fireworks.
Guruvayur Utsavam
The annual festival of the Guruvayur temple – a much-awaited festival for the devotees of Lord Krishna! All ten days of the festival, Guruvayur wears a festive look with streets dressed up with arches & festoons, buildings decorated with lights, coconut bunches, plantain trunks & more. On the first day of the festival, Elephant race is conducted.
Aluva Sivarathri (February-March)
Each year, Mahashivratri is celebrated on a grand scale at the Aluva Mahadeva temple. More than 500 priests perform rituals along with the devotees who visit the temple in large numbers for paying obeisance for their forefathers.
Vishu (April)
The harvest festival of Kerala, Vishu is the second most important festival of Kerala as it marks the New year. It is celebrated with seeing Vishukkani in the morning, grand sadhya & lots of fireworks.
Christmas
Kerala has a sizeable Christian population and Christmas is celebrated with grand festivities here. Christmas days are filled with shopping, decorating, parties, lights, singing Carols, dancing, etc.
Easter (March- April)
Easter in Kerala is special for Christians in Kerala! At the end of the Lent fast, Easter is celebrated with church visits, shopping, and yummy non-veg food.
Edathua Perunnal (April-May)
Edathua Church on the banks of the Pamba river & attracts hordes of devotees for its yearly Perunnal celebration. It is celebrated with much pageantry and pomp. The deity is decked in gold and paraded. A large number of social fetes and dining experiences mark the occasion.
Things to pack
Light, loose, cotton or linen clothes are the best as you will sweat a lot in Summer. Warm clothes are suitable for hill stations. Ensure you have a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and head as well. Open sandals or flip flops are best to walk around. While visiting hill stations or wildlife sanctuaries take your best walking shoes with you. Your Visa & Passport, Camera, Power Bank, Chargers, Flash Light, Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, Voltage Converter & Universal Adapter, etc. should be your must-haves.
Memoirs to take back from your holidays in Kerala
Excellently crafted handicrafts of Wood, Bamboo, Brass, and Copper; aromatic spices, and the crunchy Banana chips.
For free travel consultation through WhatsApp. Contact us now.
Options: Swift DZire, Innova, Tempo Traveller (12 to 19 Seater), Coaches.
Monsoon Tourism
The monsoon – nature rejuvenates itself in Kerala! The welcome showers bring an end to the dust and heat and bring back the greenery. The hills and valleys look gorgeous in a sea of green! The monsoon Season from June to August when it rains intermittently and is suitable for Ayurveda. Experience a different side of Kerala in the monsoon!
Why you should you visit in the Monsoon season?
Kerala can be drop-dead gorgeous during the monsoon season! Right from the enchanting tea gardens in hill stations, waterfalls & backwaters; Kerala is a beautiful sight to behold during the monsoons. monsoon is also the best season to visit Kerala for Ayurveda treatments. It is said that the wet and cold climate in monsoon is ideal for Ayurveda treatments and rejuvenation programs.
Weather & Climate:
Weather: The weather in this season is somewhat unpredictable, with slightly rougher seas and winds, but it is the best time to visit Kerala for a holiday if you are a big fan of Ayurveda. There is usually heavy rainfall during July & rivers may overflow. It is a beautiful sight to watch the palm trees dancing to the tune of the winds.
Temperature: 19-30 degrees Celsius.
A piece of advice
Make sure you carry an umbrella wherever you go as there can be unexpected showers at any time of the day! All the best Ayurvedic resorts will have a heavy booking, hence booking in advance is highly recommended.
Destinations for the Monsoon season
The monsoon season will be the best time to see places like Alleppey, Varkala, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Munnar, Wayanad & Kovalam.
Varkala
Varkala is known for its enchanting coastline with cliffs on one side and lush greenery on the other side. Varkala beach is a hot favorite of thousands of tourists and water-adventure enthusiasts. Boat riding, surfing, parasailing, jetting, horse-riding are the main activities on the beach. Watching the sunset brings you the breathtaking beauty of nature as the beautiful hues of the setting sun paint the skies in diverse colors! Kappil Beach. Kappil Lake, Ponnumthuruthu Island. Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort, Janardana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt & Odayam Beach are the main Varkala attractions to see.
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Popular events in Monsoon Season
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August)
Get ready to see a water regatta that thrills you to the core! A premier snake boat race in Kerala which draws in a massive crowd. The 100 ft long boats battle it out to the tune of old boat songs at the Punnamada Lake. It is considered the best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala.
Kottiyoor Utsavam (June- July)
Take part in one of the most beloved festivals in Malabar at the heart of a dense forest and in front of a roaring river! The Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam held in the hills of Kannur is hosted by two temples, Akkara Kottiyoor, and Ikkara Kottiyoor.
Champakulam Boat Race (June- July)
Get a golden opportunity to witness the oldest Snake Boat Race in the State, which kicks starts the boat race season annually. Held at Champakulam in Alappuzha, the boat race is a massive crowd puller. It is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience watching the massive boats splitting the waters apart to the tune of ancient boat songs.
Things to pack
Don’t forget to pack sensible water-resistant footwear with a secure grip as things can get slippery over rocks if you plan to visit the waterfalls. A Raincoat, Umbrella, rainy boots should be included in your packing list along with your Visa & Passport, Camera, Power Bank, Chargers, Flash Light, Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, Voltage Converter & Universal Adapter, etc. Synthetic comfortable clothes which get dried quickly will do for your monsoon holiday in Kerala. In hilly regions, pack salt to keep out the Leeches.
Memoirs to take back from your holidays in Kerala
Excellently crafted handicrafts of Wood, Bamboo, Brass, and Copper; aromatic spices, and the crunchy Banana chips.
Keep an open mind and explore Kerala to the fullest! As an all-season destination, Kerala is good to make memories that will last a lifetime. You can choose the best time to visit Kerala for a holiday! Book with us and pack your bags for a holiday, hassle free!
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