When is the best time to visit Kerala?

This article is an effort to shed light in to the best time to visit Kerala according to Moksha Stories.

Have you ever wondered asking when is the best time to visit Kerala? If yes, this article is aimed to offer some insight to your research.

When is the best time to visit Kerala?- A blog article by Moksha Stories
Fishing boat at Chowara beach- Kerala

We welcome you to the fascinating land of Kerala, a destination that promises an unforgettable journey into nature’s splendor, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. As you set off on your quest to explore “God’s Own Country,” it’s essential to choose the perfect time to visit.

In this article, we unravel the best time to visit Kerala, in terms of its seasons, each offering its allure and a multitude of activities.

Let us guide you through the diverse wonders awaiting you in this magical land and leave you to determine the best time to visit Kerala.

Kerala’s Climate and Geography: A Tapestry of Beauty

Nestled on India’s southwestern coast, Kerala boasts a tropical climate shaped by its enchanting geography. With the Arabian Sea caressing one side and the majestic Western Ghats on the other, this land is blessed with abundant beauty.

Group of women planting rice saplings in a paddy field during monsoon.

The monsoons that preserve the various features of this destination, such as verdant landscapes, meandering backwaters, serene beaches, picturesque villages, hill stations, and a rich tapestry of wildlife, create an idyllic paradise for all types of travelers.

Therefore the question arises, what is the best time to visit Kerala? Although Kerala is a 365 days destination, there is always a something for everyone, no matter what time of the year they travel.

Embracing the Seasons: A Key to know the best time to visit Kerala

Kerala beckons you with its four distinct seasons, each presenting a delightful facet of this enchanting realm. Let us unfold the wonders that await you in each season, captivating your senses and making your journey truly extraordinary.

The Monsoon: A Magical Green Paradise

Kerala has notably two monsoons—the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon or post-monsoon. The southwest monsoon occurs between between June to August. It is the time when heavy downpour occurs. It is during the monsoons where agricultural activities flourishes in Kerala.

Lush green paddy fields during monsoon season in Kerala
Lush green paddy fields during monsoon in Kerala

Monsoons in Kerala were previously considered off-season, they have gained popularity in recent years. Thanks for the boom of wellness tourism. It is mainly due the weather that makes it perfect an ayurvedic treatment during the monsoons. The temperature during the monsoon season ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

According to statistics from the Kerala Tourism Board, Kerala attracted around 1.5 million tourists in 2021 during the monsoon season. This time of year is also marked by the vibrant festival of Onam, which happens during the second half of the monsoon.

The monsoon season brings forth beautiful waterfalls and streams, breathing life into the landscape and transforming Kerala into a lush green paradise. It’s the perfect time to indulge in Ayurvedic therapies, venture on a backwater cruises, and experience the charm of village life experiences.

If you are monsoon person and keen for wellness, then perhaps this could be one of the best time to visit Kerala.

The “Post-Monsoon” A Wonderland of Flora and Fauna

A day in Kerala during the time of Thula Varsham,
A scenic view of paddy fields backgrounded by Western Ghats during Northeast monsoons.

Known as “Thula-Varsham” in Kerala, the post-monsoon or Northeast monsoon season occurs between October and November, coinciding with the Malayalam month of Thulam. During this season, downpours usually occur during the second half of the day, accompanied by thunderstorms.

It offers a wonderful opportunity to witness Kerala’s flora and fauna in their natural habitat. This season also marks the onset of festival seasons in Kerala. As a general rule of thumb, Navaratri festival commences the season and many local festivals follow. If you are keen on witnessing such cultural elements, then this time would be the best to visit Kerala.

In 2021, Kerala attracted 1.8 million tourists during this season. Places like Palakkad, Kochi, Alleppey, Calicut, Thrissur, and Trivandrum come alive with sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque tea plantations.

This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in village experiences, indulge in community activities, go trekking, embark on backwater cruises, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats.

The Winter: Serenity and Cultural Heritage

Winters in Kerala are between December and February, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. It is considered one of the best time to visit Kerala and is classified as the high season on the tourism calendar. In 2021, Kerala attracted around 3.73 million tourists during the winter season.

Hill station in Kerala
Hill stations during winter is one of the best time to visit Kerala

During Kerala’s winter season, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, creating an atmosphere of serenity. It’s an excellent time for outdoor adventures and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the state. Destinations like Palakkad, Kannur, Kochi, Thrissur, Allepey, and Munnar offer a perfect blend of village experiences, cultural festivals, and community activities.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, taste the local cuisine, and witness the cultural extravaganza that Kerala has to offer.

The Summers: Harvest Festivals and Cultural Delights

Summers in Kerala fall between March and June, with occasional rainfalls and temperatures ranging from 28 to 40 degrees Celsius. Many famous festivals like Thrissur Pooram and Vishu, which are related to the harvest cycles, take place during this season.

A traveler taking a picture during a festival in Kerala
A traveler involved in capturing moments during a festival in Kerala.

If you are keen on witnessing the elegant festivals with decorated elephants and large musical processions, then summers would be the best time to visit Kerala.

Destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Vagamon, and Kottayam offer respite from the heat with their cooler hill stations and refreshing landscapes. Engage in cultural festivals, and community experiences, and embark on backwater cruises to make the most of your summer visit to Kerala.

Factors to Consider Before Your Journey to Kerala

Even though you have made up your mind to visit Kerala, planning a trip to this destination requires careful consideration of several factors that can greatly influence your journey.

By taking into account flights and accommodations, budget considerations, personal preferences, and interests, specific activities and events, you can create a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. Considering your travel goals and metrices mentioned below help you to craft a best time to visit Kerala on your terms. They are as follows:

Flights and Accommodations: Planning Ahead

When it comes to flights and accommodations, it is advisable to plan. Kerala experiences a peak tourist season, often during winter, which can result in higher prices and limited availability. By booking in advance, you can secure the best deals and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Research and compare flight options and accommodation choices to find the most suitable and cost-effective options for your trip.

Budget Considerations: Embrace Seasonal Price Variations

Budget considerations play a crucial role in shaping your Kerala adventure. Each season in Kerala offers its price variations, so it’s important to embrace these fluctuations. While winter may be alluring, the monsoon season brings more affordable rates.

By aligning your trip with the season that fits your budget, you can make the most of your resources and still enjoy the unique charms that each season has to offer.

Personal Preferences and Interests: Craft Your Perfect Trip

Your personal preferences and interests should guide your journey in Kerala. The region caters to a wide range of desires, whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, special interest tours, village experiences, community experiences, or pure relaxation.

Kerala’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments provide something for everyone throughout the year. Take the time to identify your passions and design your travel itinerary accordingly, ensuring that your trip aligns with your interests and desires.

Specific Activities and Events: Time Your Trip

Additionally, consider any specific activities or events that captivate your imagination. Kerala hosts a variety of fascinating events, such as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Theyyam rituals in North Kerala, and colorful temple festivals with decorated elephants and music processions.

The region is also renowned for its delicious cuisine traditions, especially the Onam Sadhya, which is prepared and served only during the festival time of Onam. Timing your visit to coincide with any festivals or culinary events can enhance your travel experience to Kerala.

To know more about the schedules of these activities and events online, contact our dedicated travel designers to plan your trip accordingly and ensure you don’t miss out on these unique cultural highlights.

Epilogue

Vazhalikkavu in Kerala

Intriguing and compelling, Kerala invites you to uncover its hidden treasures and immerse yourself in its enchanting beauty. As you commence your journey to explore the magical land of Kerala, meticulous planning becomes your key to an unforgettable experience.

Consider the seasonal highlights, weather conditions, and the abundance of activities that await you, for it is through careful preparation that you can craft a truly remarkable itinerary.

We hope this article has provided you with an approximate idea to understand the best time to visit Kerala. To know more about the various experiences in detail, we request you to check out our itineraries page.

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