Kerala In March – Iris Holidays

Kerala in March is quite comfortable, with a cold breeze in the evenings and sunny days overall. Those planning a trip to the God’s Own Country can expect to rejuvenate themselves before the summer kicks in. This southern state turns into a postcard with nature serving you with its most tempting moments.

ALSO SEE – Why is Kerala known as Gods Own Country ?

Kerala in March gives you the best of both worlds—pleasant weather, cultural experiences, and fewer crowds—all at better prices. It’s the sweet spot between the busy winter season and the hot, humid summer.

As a travel advisor, this blog not only peeks into the best places to explore in Kerala, but also talks about some hidden gems that not many know. By the end of the guide, you will have enough places to explore when you visit Kerala in March, whether your trip is 2 days or 2 weeks long.

Weather of Kerala in March

Although summer onsets in March, the weather in Kerala is still pleasant and allows you to explore the surroundings.

Average Temperature	24°C to 33°C
Average Rainfall	Moderate, approximately 11 mm
Sunshine	49% of bright sunshine
Humidity	Moderate, approximately 74%
Wind Speed	Average with 10 km/hr

The temperature is moderately high. However, the water activities and natural attractions open up for tourists during this time. People can explore cities like Wayanad, Kavvayi Backwaters, Nelliyampathy, and Idukki on their trip during March.

Why Should You Visit Kerala in March?

If, after exploring so many options, you are still wondering what’s really good about Kerala in March, here’s what you can expect:

1. Pleasant Weather 🌤️

March marks the beginning of summer in Kerala. The days are warm but not uncomfortably hot (average 24°C – 32°C), and nights remain cooler compared to peak summer months like April–May. It’s neither too hot nor too cold to be here. However, the weather is just right to explore and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities especially in destinations like Munnar and Thekkady

2. End of Tourist Rush ✈️

The December–February peak tourist season begins to taper off in March. You’ll find less crowded attractions, quieter beaches, and better deals on hotels and houseboats when Kerala is bidding Farewell to Winter and peak season

3. Affordable Travel & Stay 💰

With demand slightly lower, many hotels, resorts, and tour operators start offering discounted rates and packages– a budget-friendly time to enjoy luxury stays at a reasonable cost.

4. Perfect for backwaters and Houseboat Cruises 🚤

March is ideal for exploring Kerala’s famous Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters. The weather is sunny, the waters calm, and evenings on the deck are comfortably breezy. The sun is shining but not too brightly that it makes you struggle. There’s overall pleasant weather.

ALSO SEE – 60+ Kerala Houseboat Packages (UPDATED)

5. Festivals & Culture 🎉

Kerala celebrates Chettikulangara Bharani, Thirunakkara Pooram, and Attukal Pongala in March, making it a point of attraction for all. Kerala in March often coincides with major cultural festivals like:

Attukal Pongala (Thiruvananthapuram) – one of the world’s largest gatherings of women for a temple ritual.
Parippally Gajamela – a colorful elephant parade with traditional music and festivities.

ALSO SEE – 10 Most Famous Festivals In Kerala To Attend This Year

7. Wildlife Sightings 🐅

With slightly drier weather, animals come out more often near waterholes in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad, and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. A good time for safaris and bird watching.

8. Ayurveda & Wellness 🌿

March heat helps in better absorption of Ayurvedic therapies. Resorts often recommend summer treatments for detox, rejuvenation, and relaxation. Monsoon is far from arrival, with very little to no chance of rainfall. So, the weather will not spoil your plan or mood.

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Holistic Ayurveda Resorts In Kerala For Every Budget (With Treatments)

9. Beach Vibes Without Overcrowding 🏖️

Kerala’s beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari are more peaceful in March. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or seafood feasts without the December holiday crowds. The peak season is slowly fading away, and you will find fewer crowds. That’s why you can easily find a spot on the sand to sit and soak in the sun.

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Best Beaches In Kerala To Visit (Updated)

10. Fresh Local Produce & Cuisine 🍛

March is the season for fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, jackfruit, and pineapples. Combined with Kerala’s rich seafood and traditional dishes, it’s a treat for food lovers.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala in March

Kerala, with its immense natural beauty, is home to many attractions, right from houseboats to beaches and tea plantations. Among the several sights to explore, let’s look at the best and the rarest places you can visit.

1. Munnar

Munnar has a pleasant weather in March unlike other tourist destinations all across India which are hot or humid. Its greenery and peaceful surroundings can make anyone fall in love with the Kashmir of the South India. Munnar is a must visit destination if you are planning to visit Kerala.

munnar-kerala — Blooming jacaranda trees add a splash of violet to the lush green tea gardens of Munnar

Among the attractions in Munnar to visit in March are:

Door of Heaven, from where you can look at the Chokramudi Peak
Attukadu Waterfall, which flows between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a famous trekking spot
Anjuruli Thuruth, where peace is found at 2,430 above sea level
Kolukkamalai Peak with an unmissable sunrise

ALSO SEE-Munnar in December: Top 11 Things to do for a tourist

2. Alleppey

Alleppey is mainly known for its houseboats, and rightly so. It is an all season destination and a good place to visit if you are travelling to Kerala in March. Roaming around and doing sightseeing in the backwaters with pleasing weather can be memorable for anyone. If the summer heats gets to you in March, you can also opt for an air conditioned houseboat

alleppey-beach — tourists enjoy a relaxed evening by the waves at Alappuzha Beach, with the iconic old sea bridge stretching into the horizon

Here are some of the other places you can check out in Alleppey in addition to the houseboats and backwaters:

New York City Toddy Shop, where you can try the healthy alcoholic drink
Alleppey Beach with a slight stretch and clean surroundings
13-year-old pier that extends into the sea and still holds firmly

3. Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi has a colonial flavor which is more enjoyable during March. Even though Kochi will be humid, Kochi is almost out of a Pinterest board with so many beautiful glimpses of the surroundings in summer. Its charming vintage cafes make you feel like you are in a movie, sipping hot coffee, and reading a novel. Some of the most exciting places to visit are:

jew-street-fortkochi — A lively street in Fort Kochi’s Jew Town, lined with colorful shops selling antiques, handmade fabrics, and souvenirs

Princess Street, with a European-inspired architecture
Jew Street with the oldest synagogue for worship
St Francis Chuch, where Vasco de Gama was buried

ALSO SEE-Best Things to Do in Fort Kochi- Complete List

4. Thekkady

Chances of sighting wild animals in Periyar Tiger Reserve is extremely high in March and boating in Thekkady is a must do tourist activity if you are planning to visit Kerala in March. Thekkady is also colder when compared to other places and not as cold as Munnar . As you explore Idukki, you will be mesmerised by how many beautiful spots it has. Thekkady, being one of them, is a blessing of nature. Here’s what you can explore in the town:

ALSO SEE – Thekkady Boating Guide -Online Booking, Timings, Cost, Fare for Foreigners and Indians (Updated)

ramakalmedu — The towering statues of Kuravan and Kurathi sit majestically atop the breezy hills of Ramakkalmedu, overlooking the vast Western Ghats

Vineyards of Cumbum, filled with the fragrance of grapes, are a family-friendly spot
Ramakalmedu is 40 km from the city, but it is the windiest place in Asia
Aamappara is where two rocks lean against each other and resemble a tortoise

Hidden Gems in Kerala

1. Kumarakom

Visit Kumarakom and immerse yourself in the earthly experience of backwaters and village life. This is another popular choice along with Alleppey for exploring backwater life in summer

ALSO SEE – Alleppey Or Kumarakom: Which Is Best For A Kerala Houseboat Cruise?

kumarakom-Chaya Chechi (Chaiwali Didi) — A warm scene from Kumarakom, where the famous Chaya Chechi (tea seller aunt) arrives by traditional canoe, serving hot Kerala-style tea

Every evening, something special happens as “Chai” arrives on a boat. The famous Chaya Chechi (Chaiwali Didi) comes from a nearby village to sell delicious coffee, tea, and homemade snacks. Enjoy a cup with a beautiful view of egrets all around.

2. Malarikkal

The backwater location is close to Kottayam (approximately 15 minutes), where you can get a boat ride through a pond filled with pink lilies that is seen only during summer

kumarakom-malarikkal — A boat gently glides through the breathtaking pink bloom of water lilies at Malarikkal, creating a dreamy floral escape in Kerala’s backwaters

Between 6 am and 99 am, the lillies are awake, making it the perfect time to visit the place.

3. Ponmudi

Ponmudi, simply translated to “Golden Peak”, is known for its hanging bridge where people can walk, run, or even cycle!

ponmudi-hills — Misty hills and winding roads define the charm of Ponmudi, a serene hill station in Kerala blanketed with lush greenery and golden grasslands

This hidden spot in Kerala has greenery, silence, and tranquillity all around. It’s the perfect place for those running from the chaos, which is called life.

ALSO SEE-20 Best Things To Do In Thekkady

4. Kollam

It is an age-old seaport city with a history dating back to the megalithic era. Among several places to explore in Kollam,

don’t miss out on Jatayu Earth Centre, Thangassery Beach, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Sasthamkotta Lake, and Munroe Island.

Travel Tips for a Memorable Trip to Kerala

Take care of some of the things when travelling to Kerala in March:

Wear summer clothes to stay comfortable during the day
Carry sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses to stay safe from the heat
Book your houseboat tour in advance, as many people especially visit Kerala for the experience during March
Keep flip-flops handy, as there are a lot of beaches waiting for you

FAQs

Is March an off-season in Kerala?

No, March is not an off-season in Kerala. It has a heavy influx of travellers in the state.

Which are the hidden places to visit in Kerala?

The hidden yet most beautiful places in Kerala are Kasaragod, Gavi, Nelliyampathy, and Palakad.

Is Wayanad a good place to visit in March?

Yes, Wayanad is a beautiful place to visit in March. The days are a little warm, but the nights are cool and pleasing.

Which is the best time to visit Alleppey in Kerala?

The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and peaceful.

What safety precautions should I follow to travel to Kerala in March?

You should keep your sunscreen, flip-flops, and summer clothes during your trip to Kerala.

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