Winter In Kerala: 11 Best Places To Visit For A Blissful Vacation In 2025!

If you are exploring options to unwind and rejuvenate with a vacation this season, you can’t miss visiting the unique beauty of winter in Kerala, God’s Own Country. While Kerala invites tourists all year round, its lush spread, clean rivers, and lakes make it a perfect place for holidaying during the winter months. For tourists who enjoy sightseeing, October to March is the best time to hop, shop, sight and indulge in a luxurious experience.

The slightly chilly weather is perfect for keeping tiredness at bay, allowing for extensive explorations across Kerala’s enchanting terrain. As the temperature starts dipping around October, Kerala transforms into a haven for outdoor activity enthusiasts. The rest of the year, Kerala experiences hot and humid weather, which may not be ideal for tourists.

Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Kerala

Pleasant Weather

• The enchanting autumn season in Kerala gradually transitions to a mild winter from November to January.
• Temperatures range between 20°C – 30°C, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration and beach visits.
• Clearer skies and lower humidity make touring more enjoyable, especially in higher altitude areas like Munnar and Wayanad, where it can get even cooler.

Perfect for Outdoor Activities

• Winter is ideal for houseboat rides, wildlife safaris, beach visits, trekking, and other outdoor sports.
• Avoid the discomfort of sweaty houseboat rides and energy-draining safaris experienced during hotter months.

Escape from the Cold

• Kerala’s mild winter provides a pleasant escape for travellers from other parts of India experiencing harsh winters.
• The tropical climate allows tourists to enjoy warm, sunny days without extreme heat or humidity.

Festivals and Events

• The holiday season adds charm to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Kerala buzzes with festivals and cultural events during this time, enhancing the travel experience.

Must-Do Experiences During Winter in Kerala

Kerala welcomes you to a memorable experience during the winter season. Here’s a glimpse of the diverse activities you can engage in during your winter expedition in Kerala.

Houseboat Cruise in The Backwaters

You can’t miss the fascinating beauty of the backwaters during winter in Kerala. The traditional houseboats sailing on backwaters across Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kottayam attract tourists from around the world. The autumn and winter months make it a perfect time for tourists to soak in the cool breeze while exploring Mother Nature.

The coastal backwaters are lined with dense coconut groves, offering a spectacular sight. Make sure to reserve a houseboat to catch enthralling glimpses of verdant landscapes that increase manifold times during the winter months.

The morning sail across the backwaters and the floating night rest is a thrilling experience you must add to your winter in Kerala travel itinerary. The vibrant local life and their hospitality are sure to leave a lasting impression on your mind.

Exploring Kerala’s Hill Stations

For our nature lovers who find their space up the hills, Munnar and Wayanad are your go-to destinations for a dreamlike experience. With Kerala’s winter temperature that can range from 12°C to 25°C, trekking enthusiasts and nature walkers can enjoy the misty hills.

The pleasant weather can make your tea plantation visits enjoyable, with its expansive landscape and wafting aromas from the vast tea gardens.

Kerala’s winter season offers a treat to the eyes of wildlife lovers, as you can tread through some of the most spellbinding national parks. It also makes a great recreational visit for families who want to give their children a thrilling experience through the woods. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is a hotspot for tourists eyeing scenic viewpoints and wildlife sightings.

Wildlife Safaris And Nature Walks

While harsh weather conditions can dampen the spirits of wildlife enthusiasts with rare sighting opportunities, the mild winter months in Kerala make it conducive to a guided trek through the lush landscape.

Sighting tigers and elephants in the biodiverse Kerala can be a joyful experience. Whether it is the boat safaris on the Periyar lake in Thekkady or spotting the Sambar or Gaur, be ready to catch a delightful sight as you explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Western Ghats.

Camping and night trekking are ideal options for tourists seeking nocturnal adventures during the winter months. Bamboo rafting is a sure thing you must try, as the winter sun won’t scorch or drain you down.

The clear skies during the winter months in Kerala are a boon for travellers seeking to explore the gushing waterfalls, such as Soochipara Falls in Wayanad. The crisp temperatures from October to February are an ideal time to rejuvenate yourself with fascinating sightings in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t miss the Idukki Dam and the Chinar Wildlife Sanctuary as you move through the forest hills of Kerala.

Beach Adventures

Here are two popular beach destinations you must include in your winter Kerala tour:

• Kovalam: Kerala beaches glisten during the winter months, making them comfortable unwinding spots for beach admirers. The crescent-shaped sandy beaches of Kovalam, including Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Hawa Beach, offer a spectacular view and a relaxing experience.
• Varkala: For people seeking stunning views, Varkala Beach offers a breathtaking sight, complete with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Known for the red cliffs, this beach is home to a dozen water sports. If you like to be sun-kissed, Kerala’s winter is just right for being by the beach.

Kerala Festivals During Winter

Onam: Kerala celebrates the annual harvest festival of Onam with much fervour over ten days. Highlighting the homecoming of King Mahabali, the festivities include a display of vibrant ‘pookalams’, engagement in traditional games and enjoying delectable feasts (Onasadya). Although Onam typically falls in August or September, the festive vibes drift into the winter months with extended events and celebrations almost everywhere across Kerala. 

Christmas And New Year: As soon as December arrives, it sets the mood for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Church services and spiritually inspired processions are a sight to behold. The festivities make Kerala a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts.

Thrissur Pooram And Other Cultural Events: Although Thrissur Pooram, a famous annual Hindu temple festival in Kerala, is celebrated with grandeur in April and May, you can still soak up the vibrant cultural heritage even in the winter with numerous festivals. This includes Makaravilakku, a religious event at the Sabarimala Temple held in mid-January.

The Theyyam season, observed from October to May, is an ideal time to witness vibrant performances in temples and public spaces. You can also check out the village fairs hosted by the coastal town, which showcase various forms of art and music from Kerala.

Solo And Family Traveller Insights

Kerala is not just a favourite holiday destination for families, but it is equally hospitable to solo backpackers. The palm-fringed beaches, serene backwaters, and relaxing wellness retreats of Kerala appeal to tourists of all kinds.

The wildlife safaris in Periyar and Wayanad offer a unique glimpse into the intriguing flora and fauna, making them ideal for both family getaways and solo expeditions.

Where to Stay in Kerala During Winter

If it’s your first time in Kerala, you can make your stay increasingly enjoyable during winters by choosing an appropriate accommodation in places that ensure accessibility, convenience and a picturesque experience.

If you choose to stay around the hills, there is a row of luxury resorts you can book. Such resorts are typically nestled uphill, offering a scenic view of the luxurious tea plantations and estates spread across large areas of the highland plateau. Here are some resorts you may want to look up.

• The Windflower Resort in Munnar: It offers luxury homestays that seamlessly blend nature’s beauty with contemporary comforts. The average nightly rate at Wind Flower Home Stays in Munnar starts from ₹2,500 plus taxes and fees.
• Lake Palace Resort in Kumarakom: For backwater resorts around Alleppey and Kumarakom, you can check out this resort, especially if you seek luxury cottages that merge the serenity of beautiful lake views with modern facilities. At Lake Palace Family Resort in Kumarakom, standard room rates typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per night, offering excellent value for money.
• The Leela in Kovalam: For beach buddies seeking a 5-star property with a beachfront view in Kovalam and Varkala, this resort offers a majestic cliffside view of the Arabian Sea, along with easy access to the coast. The delicious food served in their gourmet cafes and restaurants, deluxe accommodation, and world-class hospitality make it appealing to both domestic and international guests. The average price for a stay here ranges from ₹10,500 to ₹20,000 per night for standard rooms, with this luxury clifftop resort being significantly more expensive than the other properties due to its five-star status and premium amenities.

Kerala has evolved into a centre of Ayurvedic retreats, with a range of wellness resorts offering a variety of rejuvenating treatments. Trained masseurs and specialists use authentic techniques and oils to provide a rejuvenating experience even during the winter months. 

Kerala Cuisine During Winter

The winter season in Kerala presents a paradise for foodies who love to explore the local cuisine. From seasonal delights such as Sadya, Appam, and Stew to Karimeen Pollichathu and a range of other authentic recipes, tourists can indulge in a variety of dining pleasures.

The fresh produce from harvests during winter, including fruits and vegetables, adds to the taste of meals you would want to try in Kerala. For seafood lovers, fresh yields from the sea during winter can be tempting enough to leave you craving for more.

There’s much to take home for yourself and your friends for the kitchen from Kerala in the winter. Don’t forget to shop for some fresh and flavourful warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper.

Tips For Travelling to Kerala in Winter

Once you’ve made up your mind to visit Kerala in the winter, you might want to check out these handy tips for planning a hassle-free trip.

• Draw up an itinerary: Last-minute travel plans may throw things out of gear as Kerala has started attracting crowds throughout the winter season. Hence, it would be best to prepare an itinerary and book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
• Pack the right clothes: With tickets booked, it’s time to pack your bags. If you’re wondering what to slip into your luggage, here’s what you will need to stay comfortable during your Kerala winter trip. For the days you spend in the hills, you can carry light woollens, while for your beach time, you can carry swimwear. If you have trekking on your mind, don’t forget your shoes.
• Know your travel routes and transportation facilities: Kerala is well-connected with all major cities via air, rail, and road. People travelling from Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, or Chennai can also board direct flights to Kochi, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Best Routes to Kerala: Kochi, Kozhikode, and Trivandrum are interconnected, offering various travel options via trains, buses, and cars. Kochi and Calicut are also connected via direct flights.

Conclusion

We hope that, with all the information we’ve shared with you, planning a trip to Kerala during winter will become simpler. Then why wait? Simply, wear your travel hats and get set for a memorable winter vacation by the stunning beaches or the misty hills. To discover your adventurous self, what could be better than to go trekking through the gorgeous forest lands of Kerala or spend a night manoeuvring through the backwaters. Get your customized Kerala tour package and book your winter escapade to Kerala right away!

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.