The short answer
Kerala is warm all year. The coast stays around 30C by day. The main rain comes with the south west monsoon from June to September, and a second, lighter monsoon in October and November. December to March is the driest and most comfortable. The hills of Munnar and Thekkady are several degrees cooler.
Kerala weather at a glance
| Month | Coast | Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Jan to Feb | Warm, dry, sunny | Cool mornings, dry |
| Mar | Hot, dry | Pleasant |
| Apr to May | Hot and humid, some storms | Warm, comfortable |
| Jun to Jul | Heavy monsoon rain | Very wet, misty |
| Aug to Sep | Rain easing | Green, showers |
| Oct to Nov | Afternoon showers | Fresh, some rain |
| Dec | Warm, dry | Cool and clear |
Kerala's two monsoons
The south west monsoon usually arrives in early June and brings the heaviest rain. The north east monsoon in October and November brings shorter showers, often in the afternoon. Neither means rain all day.
Local tipPack a light rain layer whatever month you travel, and a warm layer for the hills.
Month by month in more detail
January and February
Dry, sunny and comfortable on the coast, with cool, clear mornings in the hills. This is the busiest period for UK visitors, so the best hotels and houseboats book up early.
March
Still dry, but getting hotter and more humid on the coast. A good month for wildlife at Periyar as water becomes scarce, and for slightly lower prices.
April and May
The hottest months on the coast, with rising humidity and pre monsoon storms in the afternoons. The hills are pleasant, which is why Indian families head to Munnar at this time.
June and July
The south west monsoon arrives, usually in early June. Rain is heavy but comes in bursts. The landscape turns very green. This is the traditional season for Ayurveda and the quietest time for tourism.
August and September
The rain gradually eases. Onam falls in this period, and snake boat races take place on the backwaters. Hotels start to fill up again around the festival.
October and November
The north east monsoon brings shorter showers, often in the afternoon. Mornings are bright and the country is green. A good time for travellers who do not mind some rain and want fewer crowds.
December
Dry and cool again. Christmas and New Year are very busy, and many hotels have minimum stays. Book well in advance.
How the weather changes by region
The coast, from Kochi to Kovalam, stays warm and humid all year. The hills at Munnar and Thekkady are cooler, and Munnar can be cold at night from December to February. Wayanad in the north also gets cooler nights. Rainfall is heavier in the hills during the monsoon, and some roads can be affected by landslides after very heavy rain.
What we tell clients about the weather
For a first trip with time on the beach, December to March is the safest choice. For a quieter, greener trip or Ayurveda, the monsoon is worth considering. October and November are a good middle ground. We follow the weather in Kerala every day and adjust plans if heavy rain affects a route.
From our Cochin officeWeather patterns vary from year to year. Treat any month by month guide, including this one, as a general picture rather than a forecast.
Our Kerala expert
Based in Cochin
Our Kerala office has been planning trips from Cochin for 20 years. This guide reflects what we tell travellers who call us.
Ready to plan your Kerala trip?
See also our guide to the best time to visit Kerala.
Frequently asked questions
April and May are the hottest and most humid months on the coast.
Rarely. Rain usually comes in heavy bursts with clear spells between.
December to February is usually the most comfortable.
Yes for green scenery and fewer visitors. Expect some afternoon showers from the north east monsoon.
Nights can feel cold from December to February, so bring a warm layer.
The weather is excellent but it is the busiest and most expensive period. Book many months ahead.
