The best time to visit Kerala depends on what you're looking to do as the region has three specific seasons.
December, January & February are cooler and drier, yet busier, months;
March, April & May is the hot and humid season; and the rest of the year is the southwest and northeast monsoon season.
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When working out the best time to visit Kerala, we do not recommend travelling during the monsoon, which peaks Jun-Aug with torrential rain and widespread flooding. Meanwhile, in the dry months of Dec-Jan, Kerala is flooded with tourists. Come immediately post monsoon and the rain has turned forests, mountains and waterfalls to levels of lusciousness that look as if you have a filter on your camera. With the exception of the mountains, it’s best from September to March. The temperature runs from 23 to 32°C. Bring a brolly though, as it can rain anytime.
Stay clear of the monsoon peak in June, July and August. While the severe floods of summer 2018 were the result of particularly high rainfall, flooding on a smaller scale is not uncommon, businesses may close and some areas may be inaccessible. Houseboats and hiking in the Western Ghats aren’t much fun during this time, either.
Just after the monsoon, in September, everything is exquisitely emerald, so a great time for hiking or exploring the hill stations.
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Unlike some national parks in India, Periyar stays open all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from October to February. It is particularly vibrant just after monsoon, and there are fewer people.
The best time for viewing elephants is during the hotter months of March and April, when they spend the most time in the water.
Periyar is best avoided on weekends due to crowds of day tourists.
Sun worshippers will be at their happiest between October and February, when their god makes her most glorious appearances. February until May are also lovely, although a lot more humid.
There is another monsoon October to November but many local people say this is now disappearing and much less of an issue. December and January bring a flood of tourists just about everywhere, however. A tailor made holiday during this time will enable you to get off the beaten track if that is what you are seeking.
