Popularly known as God’s own country, Kerala is a beautiful state in South India with lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and an endless expanse of tea gardens. Kerala remains evergreen and welcomes visitors all year long. Be it touring the tea gardens of Munnar or backwater boating in Alleppey; there is a unique experience waiting to be explored here.
With a rich history, vivid culture, and an array of delicious traditional food, including steaming idlis, appam, and stew, or Malabar parotta with beef curry, Kerala is a sweet amalgamation of natural beauty, cultural vibrance, and palatal bliss. A visit to Kerala is necessary to get an accurate picture of Indian heritage and ethnicity. If you’re planning a trip to this paradise on earth, here is the best time to visit Kerala and the top places to cover.
Here is the best time to witness the beauty of Kerala
1. Kerala winters
While there is no perfect time for a Kerala trip, being aware of the weather conditions and suitable activities helps plan a better trip. The best month to visit Kerala is actually a six-month window from September to February. The weather cools down during this period, making it the ideal time for visiting hill stations, backwaters, and beaches or attending Onam and snake boat races. Summer typically starts from March until June, making it somewhat humid and unpleasant. Kerala monsoons happen between June and August and could be a fun time to witness scenic views or try Ayurvedic treatments. However, in high-altitude places like Wayanad, Munnar, and Vagamon any month is the best month to visit Kerala for a relaxing vacation.
2. During Onam
Visiting Kerala during Onam is a delightful and memorable experience. Travelers often regard it as the best season for a Kerala tour, and you wouldn’t disagree. Onam is one of the most important festivals in the state, celebrating the harvest season. Visiting Kerala during Onam can expose you to the state’s rich culture in the form of its folk dances like Mohini Attam and Kathakali. You can actively participate in the 10-day-long festivities, including everything from decorating elephants to engaging in traditional games and Kalaripayattu (an old martial arts form). Kerala during Onam is undoubtedly the best season for the Kerala tour.
3. Off-season summers
While winter is the ideal time to visit Kerala, the off-season in summer is an attractive lure for all those looking to evade tourist traffic. The summer season is the best time to visit Kerala for a cheaper and more peaceful stay. While the beach towns might be only pleasant in the evenings, Kerala has more to offer than just beaches. With fewer tourists, you will be better able to explore Kerala's untouched valleys and stunning hill stations. In the off-season, you’ll also be able to land better deals on accommodation and travel, making an off-season visit to Kerala even more attractive!
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4. Monsoon Season
Kerala is known to have tall green trees, abundant paddy fields, clear skies, and sunny vibes. But every place with a rich natural milieu is pretty and breathtaking both in the dry season and monsoon. Monsoons add an indescribable tint of gorgeousness to a place, and Kerala monsoons have the same effect. The monsoon season in Kerala brings refreshing weather, and the state is in full bloom. With a welcome respite from all the summer humidity, the monsoon season is perfect for the cultural experiences in Kerala like Ayurvedic therapies and relaxing spa sessions.
Apart from the general guidelines for the best time to visit Kerala, you should check out the best time to visit different destinations in Kerala as that might vary. While Munnar is great in summer too, as it is one of the coldest places in South India, Kochi is best visited in winter when the temperature is cooler, making it easier to explore things to do and places to visit in Kochi.
Here is the best time to visit these major destinations in Kerala
Best time to visit Munnar
Munnar is one of the prettiest hill stations in Kerala that is a must-visit. The best month to visit Munnar is from September to March. Autumn and winter are a lovely time to be in Munnar and enjoy its breezy mornings and cosy evenings. Adventure sports like trekking and camping can be enjoyed during this time when the lush green valleys of Munnar are at their best. You could also enjoy activities like rock climbing between September and November, making it the best month to visit Munnar. While monsoon may not be the best time to roam around in Munnar, it can be quite pleasant for a relaxing staycation.
Best time to visit Alleppey
Known for its rustic backwaters and houseboat cruises, Alappuzha or Alleppey is an earthly heaven known for its scenic beauty and natural marvels. The best time to visit Alleppey, Kerala is between October and February when the weather isn’t that harsh and the temperature is at a decent 30-33 degrees. Because Allepey is a place with waterbodies, it is not suitable for tourist visits in monsoon. Hence, October-February is the best time to visit Alleppey, Kerala, to experience slow days by the beach, or go on a romantic houseboat ride in Alleppey.
Best time to visit Wayanad
Yet another high-altitude place in Kerala known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails, Wayanad is a beautiful and pleasant place suitable for visits throughout the year. However, the loveliest time of the year for a Wayanad visit is between September to April. Summers can be rough with all the humidity and heat, so it's not the best time to visit Kerala.