Places to Visit in Kerala in December
Are you looking for a vacation in December that might be peaceful, fun, and full of the wonders of nature? Guess what! Kerala fits in perfectly. The weather in December is just perfect – mild days, cool nights, and the temperature between 24–32°C. It’s basically the old saying “Not too hot, not too cold,” kind of weather making every trip nice.
Kerala is different from Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal, Andaman, or Kashmir. You can find the hills, beaches, backwaters, wildlife, and festivals all in one place. Families, couples, solo travellers, and seniors will find something they love in Kerala and the same goes for budget or luxury travellers. So, if you are planning your trip to Kerala and listing out places to visit in Kerala December, read on!
Why December is Perfect for Kerala
December is one of the most pleasing months to visit Kerala. The weather is mild, festivals are fun, and the state is at its greenest. The combination of clear skies, mild days, and cool nights makes sightseeing and outdoor activities extremely comfortable.
Perfect Weather: Temperature is absolutely perfect and stays between 24°C to 32°C. Going to the beach, trekking and enjoying a houseboat ride are all great at that time without any fear of getting heated up with heavy rains or too much.
Festive Season & Special Events: Kerala is absolutely full of life with its numerous festivals, fairs, and cultural events making December very lively and colourful for all the visitors.
- Christmas Celebrations: Kochi, Fort Kochi, and Trivandrum become amazingly beautiful with the lights, carols, and joyful markets spreading all over.
- New Year Parties: Music, fireworks, and themed celebrations are what can be found in resorts, beaches, and hill stations.
- Local Winter Festivals: Besides art exhibitions and temple festivals are very common in Kerala for showcasing the culture and tradition of the place.
Nightlife Highlights: Kochi and Fort Kochi are the places where you can find lively pubs while beaches and hill resorts are the places where you can enjoy a bonfire, listen to some music and attend a cultural night.
Nature at Its Peak: In December, the nature lovers find the hills, misty backwaters, and golden beaches of Kerala absolutely perfect for photography, trekking, and relaxing scenic walks.
Kerala Experiences in December
In December, Kerala is the best place for a travel lover to enjoy numerous kinds of experiences. Being a paradise on earth, the place was peaceful and clean great for the visitors to check in and explore their interests through the holidays and the festival of lights, the famous Onam. It is a place to relax and rejuvenate or even to have a romantic escapade. Besides backwaters and hills, it entices you with beaches, arts and crafts, wildlife, and spice gardens.
Backwaters & Lakes
In December, Kerala’s backwaters are very calm, scenic and quite. Houseboat stays are like relaxing cruises through the canals lined with trees such as coconut and palm, while lakeside dining offers a unique experience. The early morning fog is also perfect for photographers.
- Destinations: Alleppey, Kumarakom
- Activities: Houseboat stays, birdwatching, lakeside dining
- Family-Friendly Tip: Choose private family cruises with kid-friendly games, meals, and safe experiences to go on road trips with your loved ones.
- Luxury Tip: Hire private deluxe houseboats including your own chef, state-of-the-art amenities and breath-taking views.
- Budget Tip: Get a shared houseboat or stay in one of the backwater homestays to experience the area at your convenience without breaking your bank.
- Photography Tip: Show the sunrise mist and its reflection on the water which is still the perfect Instagram clip here.
Hills & Horizons
In December hills of Kerala turn out to be very enticing. Wrapped in tea plantations and thick forests, they become suitable for trekking, scenic walks, and sunrise viewpoints. The cool weather and gentle hills allow them to be open to families, old people, and adventure lovers.
- Destinations: Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon Activities: Trekking, tea garden walks, viewpoint visits
- Group Adventure Tip: Discover camping sites, trekking trails, and guided forest hikes for thrill seekers.
- Senior-Friendly Tip: Experience easy treks or scenic drives to viewpoints for calm exploration.
- Luxury Tip: Enjoy the hill luxury of your choice with spa, wellness, and gourmet dining.
- Photography Tip: Get the best of sunrise, waterfalls, and wildlife at Eravikulam National Park.
Beaches & Cliffs
In December, the beaches of Kerala are absolutely beautiful. Soft sand, gentle waves, and golden sunsets are just a few of the things that make the beaches perfect for relaxation. The ones who love adventure can take part in water sports, while families can relax at the quieter beaches. Also, cliffs provide interesting and dramatic photographs.
- Destinations: Kovalam, Varkala, Marari
- Activities: Sunset watching, water sports, cliff walks
- Group/Friends Tip: Experience beach parties, adventure activities and seasonal events by participating.
- Family/Senior Tip: For swimming, calm walks and relaxation, opt for the ones that are less crowded and are calm.
- Luxury Tip: Enjoy the best of private beach resorts with your own service, pools, and exclusive access to them.
- Photography Tip: Get the most wonderful experience of golden sunsets, cliff panoramas and the reflections on the water.
Culture & Traditions
The cultural experiences of Kerala are both rich and immersive. Watching the Kathakali performances, going through local art exhibitions or taking part in the Christmas and New Year celebrations, are all cultural experiences that are both entertaining and instructive, giving one a glimpse of Kerala’s ancient and recent times through its culture and history.
- Destinations: Kochi, Fort Kochi, Trivandrum
- Activities: Kathakali, local art, Christmas & New Year events
- Culinary Tip: Try street food, local markets, and traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Wellness Tip: Take yoga or meditation classes that incorporate local cultural traditions and are designed for relaxation.
Wildlife & Adventure
December is perfect for nature lovers. The dawn safari is the best time to spot elephants, deers, and rare birds. Visiting spice plantations is a wonderful experience for your senses as you will get to know the spices of Kerala, one of the most famous spices in the world. It is also good to be trekking in the forest if you want to combine your love of nature and desire to have an adventure.
- Destinations: Thekkady, Periyar, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Activities: Safari rides, spice plantation tours, trekking
- Group Adventure Tip: Consider taking guided safaris and trekking tours with friends or other travellers to make it more fun.
- Photography Tip: The early morning light is just right for getting a photo of nature at its best, when it is quiet and the animals are still.
Culinary & Spice Experiences
Kerala is famous for its cuisine and spices. Traditional meals, street food, spice plantations, and cooking workshops make it a haven for food lovers.
- Traditional Kerala meals: Don’t miss Sadya, seafood delicacies, and local snacks.
- Spice plantations: Thekkady and Wayanad offer guided tours, allowing visitors to touch, smell, and taste fresh spices.
- Cooking classes: Learn to prepare authentic Kerala dishes in hands-on workshops.
- Food photography: Capture colourful spices, street food, and traditional dishes for social media or personal memories.
Kerala vs Other December Destinations
| Destination | Typical Experience | Limitation | Kerala Advantage |
| Goa | Beaches & nightlife | Overcrowded | Quiet beaches + hills + backwaters + culture |
| Rajasthan | Heritage & desert | Dry, hot days | Landscapes + mild climate + backwaters |
| Himachal | Snow & trekking | Cold, tourist-heavy | Mild winter + diverse experiences |
| Andaman | Snow, mountains, winter sports | Remote, expensive | Accessible, budget-friendly, hills + backwaters + beaches |
| Kashmir | Snow, mountains, winter sports | Extremely cold, limited access | Mild winter, easy multi-destination travel, backwaters + hills + beaches + culture |
Kerala provides a mix of nature, adventure, culture, and wellness in one state, unlike most other December destinations.
Suggested Places to Visit in Kerala in December by Theme
Relaxation Lovers: Alleppey → Kumarakom → Kovalam
Enjoy calm houseboat rides, lakeside resorts, and private beaches for ultimate relaxation.
Nature & Adventure Seekers: Munnar → Wayanad → Thekkady → Periyar
Explore trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and spice plantations for adventure and nature lovers.
Culture & Festive Travelers: Kochi → Fort Kochi → Trivandrum → Athirappilly
Attend cultural performances, art exhibitions, temple festivals, and Christmas & New Year events.
Combined Itinerary: Ideal for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts
Mix backwaters, hills, beaches, culture, and wildlife for a complete Kerala experience.
Tips: Use flights, trains, buses, and ferries for smooth travel. Choose homestays, budget hotels, or luxury resorts depending on preference.
Practical Tips for Travelling Kerala in December
Packing & Clothing: Pack light jackets, beachwear, trekking shoes, and casual clothes suitable for mild winter days and cool nights.
Transport & Connectivity: Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, road, and water transport for easy travel across cities, backwaters, beaches, and hill stations.
Budget & Stay Options: Homestays, hostels, luxury resorts, and houseboats are available for different budgets and group sizes, providing comfort for all travellers.
Safety & Health: Take care while trekking, keep the backwater clean, and use sun protection to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Wellness Tip: Ayurveda treatments, spa therapies, and yoga retreats are available for relaxation and rejuvenation during your vacation.
Conclusion
Kerala in December is a dream come true for travellers. The backwaters, hills, beaches, wildlife, culture, and cuisine are all there to greet your visit. Nature, adventure, and the festive season are there for the taking for families, couples, solo travellers, and groups. Visit the top destinations in Kerala in December and create memories that last a lifetime.
FAQs
Is December peak season in Kerala?
Absolutely, December being a winter month and a festive season is undoubtedly the peak tourist season in Kerala. It is the time when the entire country as well as the foreign tourists rush to Kerala to embrace the delightful climate, the celebration of Christmas and New Year, and the thick green landscape.
Which Kerala destinations are best for families, couples, or solo travellers?
First of all, families can enjoy Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kovalam where they have the options of both serene and calm backwaters and beaches. Second, romantic destinations such as Munnar, Varkala and Fort Kochi are the ones that couples would like. Third, in general, solo travelers love places like Kochi, Wayanad and Trivandrum as their combination of adventure, culture and festivals is unbeatable.
Are there budget-friendly Kerala packages in December?
Yes, Kerala has a lot of packages at various budgets in December ranging from homestays, hostels, shared houseboats, and group tours in various places. These options make it possible for the travellers firstly to make their trips to the backwaters, hills, seashores, and cultural places and secondly, to not go beyond their budgets.
Which Kerala destinations are best for adventure sports in December?
Adventure enthusiasts can visit Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady, and Varkala for trekking, water sports, wildlife safaris, and camping experiences. The cold season rather makes hiking, swimming, and all kinds of outdoor sports safer and more enjoyable for groups, families and solo travelers alike.
Are there local winter festivals or cultural events unique to December?
Yes, Kerala hosts Christmas fairs, temple festivals, cultural exhibitions, and local art events in December. Tourists can enjoy traditional performances, Kathakali shows, and festive markets, experiencing the unique cultural vibrancy of the state during winter.
How crowded are backwaters, beaches, and hill stations in December?
Backwaters and beaches are fairly crowded, particularly the places which are well-known such as Alleppey and Kovalam. The crowd in Munnar and Wayanad is less as compared to the northern hill stations. To skip the peak rush and stay comfortably planning beforehand is always advisable.
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