Kerala Travel Guide: Best Time, Costs & Tips

September to March is best for backwaters and hills. Monsoon (Jun–Aug) is the traditional Ayurveda season and Munnar is misty and green.

Best time
January, February, October, November, December
Also okay
March, April, July, August, September
Trip style
Beaches & coast
Daily budget (per person)
₹1,800+ backpacker · ₹3,500–₹7,000 mid-range

Month-by-month weather guide for Kerala

JanBest FebBest MarOkay AprOkay MayNot ideal JunNot ideal JulOkay AugOkay SepOkay OctBest NovBest DecBest

Festivals and events

  • August: Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Aug)
  • September: Onam (Aug/Sep)

Festival dates often follow the lunar calendar and change every year. Confirm before booking.

Estimate your Kerala trip cost

Kerala trip budget calculator

Nearby destinations

  • Ooty about 210 km by road
  • Hampi about 750 km by road
  • Goa about 840 km by road