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The Best Time to Visit Kerala with Family Revealed-Stop Guessing!!

August 9, 2025 6 min read

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The Best Time to Visit Kerala with Family Revealed-Stop Guessing!!

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Wondering when exactly you should plan your trip to Kerala? Well, trying to figure it out can get anyone confused. God’s Own Country is a sight to behold with its stunning mix of beaches, hills, and backwaters, however, pick the wrong time of the year and you’ll either be drenched in rain or sweating profusely.

kerala-god's-own-country
a traditional wooden houseboat (kettuvallam) gently floating along a serene canal, surrounded by lush coconut palms and vibrant greenery

This guide takes out the guesswork and helps you decide what time will be best by outlining important facts. So let’s figure out when is the best time to visit Kerala. Let’s go!

ALSO SEE – Top 15 Places To Visit In Kerala With Map (Updated)

Why Best Time to Visit Kerala  with Family Matters ?

Kerala has so many beautiful places which means it doesn’t cater to just one kind of tourist. If you are going to the coast or the hills, the month will affect the weather significantly especially when you are choosing to find the best time to visit Kerala with family.

munnar-hills-kerala
The vibrant greenery, misty backdrop, and winding paths through the plantations create a serene and refreshing landscape unique to the Western Ghats

Pick the right time and you are golden. Pick the wrong time and you are stuck at home, boiling. This is not just purely luck-based, it is entirely determined by wit and awareness.

ALSO SEE-Best Places to Visit in Western Ghats, India

Kerala’s Weather Rundown

With warm temperatures throughout the year, Kerala has three distinct seasons:

  • Winter – October to February: This is the cool, dry season where the temperature sits at a pleasant 20-30 degrees Celsius.
  • Summer – March to June: Getting hot, with temperatures of 35 degrees or higher.
  • Monsoon – June to September: The rainy season arrives, cooling things down a bit to 25-30 degrees.
  • Different parts of Kerala experience these weather patterns in unique ways. Coastlines will feel the heat while bodies of water like Munnar tend to be cooler. This seasonal knowledge can help you plan ahead.

The Seasons Up Close

Winter: The Easy Pick (October to February)

Many people enjoy the Kerala winter, and the reason needs no explanation. Coast temperature shows 20 – 30 degrees Celsius while Munnar has a lighter 13 degrees! Don’t forget the sky being as clear as it gets. You can visit beaches in Kovalam or take a ride through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey.

winter-season-kerala
The serene atmosphere, dew-kissed tea plantations, and crisp mountain air make it a perfect winter retreat in the Western Ghats.

What’s Good in Winter Season in Kerala

  • It’s not too hot, so these days are pleasant: Perfect temperatures.
  • Along with foggy hills: Munnar’s tea gardens shine brightly; perfect for strolls.
  • In December, Kerala welcomes everyone with celebrations. There’s also Christmas in Kochi, and if it’s 2025, get ready for the Biennale art festival too.

Factors to consider during Winter Season in Kerala

  • Flights tend to be expensive to stay in a hotel during the peak season. Expect to pay USD $40-60 a night as opposed to USD $20-30 in Off-season.
  • Be sure to book early.
  • Mindset is important: This is the time to enjoy warm weather.

Summer in Kerala: The Hot Deal (March to June)

Summer turns up the heat—35°C or higher along the coast. It’s sweaty, sure, but not a total bust. Coastal spots like Trivandrum cook, so beach time needs shade breaks. Up in Munnar, though, it’s milder—20°C to 30°C—thanks to the 1,600-meter altitude.

summer-season-in-kerala
A vibrant summer scene at a Kerala beach, where golden sands meet the clear blue Arabian Sea under a bright sunny sky

What’s Good in Summer Season in Kerala

  • Fewer People: Quieter trails in Munnar—think Echo Point without the chaos.
  • Cheaper Stays: Hotels drop to $15-$25 a night.
  • Hill Bonus: Munnar’s cool enough for biking or tea estate strolls.

Factors to consider during Summer Season in Kerala

Monsoon: The Wet Wildcard (June to September)

Monsoon’s when Kerala gets soaked—June to August especially. Rain hammers the coast, and Munnar’s hills turn muddy. Temps hover at 25°C to 30°C, but the wet makes it heavy. It’s a gamble—gorgeous or gloomy.

monsoon-season-in-kerala
A joyful girl enjoying the monsoon rain in Kerala, holding a umbrella amidst lush greenery. The scene captures the playful spirit and natural beauty of Kerala’s rainy season

What’s Good in Monsoon Season in Kerala

  • Green Overload: Waterfalls roar, tea estates shine—nature’s on full blast.
  • Budget Win: Rooms hit $10-$20 a night.
  • Ayurveda Time: Rainy days pair with spa retreats—locals swear by it.

Factors to consider during Monsoon Season in Kerala

  • Floods can clog coastal roads; landslides might block Munnar.
  • Outdoor stuff—like treks or boats—could be canceled.

Love rain and low costs? Monsoon’s your shot.

Match Your Plans: Best Time to Visit Kerala

Based on your personal perks, the best time for you to visit may vary. This is how beaches, hills, and backwaters are divided:

best-time-to-visit-kerala
The iconic Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, Kerala, silhouetted against the warm hues of the evening sky
  • Beaches in Kochi and Kovalam will be best between November to March for sunnier days. Summer is bearable, but the monsoon season is too wet.
  • If you’re looking for hills, the Munnar and Wayanad will be best during the winter season for clear, cool views. Crowds tend to disperse during the summer as well, but the monsoon season can be a little too harsh.
  • The backwaters of Alleppey are dry during winter, so they make perfect exploration months. March is also good, but monsoon season can result in nasty floods, which isn’t ideal for traveling.
  • If you’re looking for festivals, then Onam between August and September is the time to be. The boat races accompanied by feasts are the best part, so the rain is quite welcome.

Costs and Crowds

Timing shifts your wallet and elbow room:

  • Winter: $30-$60 daily per person—hotels, food, transport. Packed everywhere.
  • Summer: $25-$40 daily—quieter, cheaper stays.
  • Monsoon: $20-$35 daily—empty spots, rock-bottom prices.

Munnar’s $30-$50 a night in winter, $15-$25 in monsoon. Coast follows suit. Want savings? Go off-peak. Hate crowds? Skip winter.

Getting There

Kerala’s easy to reach, but the weather tweaks it:

  • Winter: Flights ($50-$80 from Delhi), trains (12 hours from Bangalore), buses—all smooth. Roads stay open.
  • Summer: Same deal, just hotter—AC helps on drives.
  • Monsoon: Flights are fine, but roads to Munnar (4 hours from Kochi) can clog with landslides. Coastal flooding is rare but real.

Check road updates in the monsoon. Pick what fits your travel style.

Packing Tips

Keep it simple—here’s what you need:

  • Winter: Light jacket for Munnar, regular clothes for the coast.
  • Summer: Breathable shirts, hat, sunscreen—heat’s no joke.
  • Monsoon: Raincoat, waterproof shoes, quick-dry stuff.
  • Anytime: Sweater for Munnar’s chill, comfy walkers for hills.

Pack light—you’re exploring, not hauling.

Where to Focus

Coast (Kochi, Kovalam)

  • Winter: Best for beach days—dry and sunny.
  • Summer: Hot but manageable with shade.
  • Monsoon: Wet and messy—skip unless you’re indoors.

Hills (Munnar, Wayanad)

  • Winter: Cool, clear—top pick per Condé Nast Traveller for Munnar.
  • Summer: Milder up high, quieter trails.
  • Monsoon: Lush but muddy—landslides are real.

Backwaters (Alleppey)

  • Winter: Smooth rides, no rain.
  • Summer: Early (March) works—later gets hot.
  • Monsoon: Floods can stall boats.

Munnar’s a year-round draw, but winter’s the sweet spot—13°C lows, sunny highs.

Watch Out For

  • Winter: Book ahead—spots vanish fast.
  • Summer: Stay hydrated or you’ll fade.
  • Monsoon: Roads can shut—have a backup plan.
  • Munnar’s July-September risks landslides; the coast might flood in heavy rain.

Stay flexible and check updates—weather’s boss here.

So when are you planning to visit Kerala with family?

So, what’s the best time? In general, the winter season (October-February) is perfect for the majority of people because it is dry and there are no rains. Hill lovers on a tight budget can also enjoy the period between March to June because this time covers summer. During the monsoons (June-September), lovers can enjoy the greenery but we must warn that it’s a tricky season.

Without a doubt, Alleppey’s calm and Munnar’s crisp define my winter king. But what do you want out of this trip? Whatever it is, it can be done, and the best part is that there are no Viking settlements to have to worry about – it’s all there in Kerala, just ready and waiting for you. So, when is the date that works for you?

Hi, I'm George Joseph, your travel advisor at Luxotic Holidays! I'm here to make your trip to Kerala smooth and memorable with expert tips and helpful articles. Planning a visit? Don’t forget to request your get a FREE Customised Holiday Itinerary personally prepared to match your travel style and interests!
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