Worst Month to Visit Kerala-What Nobody Tells You ?

Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’, and for good reason; its beauty is breathtaking, to say the least. However, the experience would largely depend on the timing of your visit. It is important to keep in mind that poorly timed visits can turn your vacation into a strenuous battle with the area’s infamous rain and humidity. 

ALSO SEE – Why Kerala Is Called ‘God’s Own Country’

Ever thought of planning a trip to lovely Kerala, only to realize that you have landed there on the Worst Month to Visit Kerala.

A lot of people fail to understand that monsoon season in Kerala could turn an ideal blissful vacation into a nightmarish one by providing surprising weather conditions, leeches on trekking routes, and infuriating transportation systems.

What if you planned a trip waiting for the stunning sceneries only to be welcomed by torrential rainfalls, flooded areas, and touristic points that are closed? Quite disappointing, right?

Although Kerala is famed for its rich greenery, tranquil beaches, and backwaters. Like every other destination, has its good and not-so-good months.

But don’t worry- there is a solution to not face such disappointments. By knowing which month to avoid and when to visit, you can enjoy Kerala at its peak. This guide will disclose to you the worst time to visit Kerala, so you can plan around it and enjoy a Kerala vacation void of any troubles. 

ALSO SEE – 🌴Best Time To Visit Kerala- Summer, Winter, or Monsoon?

Overview of Kerala’s Tropical Climate

Kerala has a tropical climate and offers warm temperatures and high levels of humidity. It goes through two monsoons, Southwest which ranges from June to September, and Northeast which lasts from October to November. Winters from December to February are mild, and Summers (March to May) tend to be hotter. The state has a heavy influence on travel which makes certain months desirable and some not so.

Months and seasons in Kerala and their impact on travel

Let’s take a quick glance at each season and its characteristics to get a better understanding.

• Summer (March-May): Hill stations like Munnar are great with high temperatures reaching up to 35 °C. This isn’t great for sightseeing because of the high temperatures and humid conditions.

ALSO SEE- Kerala In Summer: 10 Most Refreshing Places To Visit

• Southwest Monsoon (June-September): Many activities are very limited during this time because of the overwhelming amount of rain. Regions suffering from landslides will have heavy flooding.
• Northeast Monsoon (October-November): This period has large amounts of intense rainfall, making it difficult to travel in certain areas. It also offers lodgings at decent prices because fewer people are traveling, unlike during peak seasons.
• Winter (December-February): The country experiences the most tourists during this period because of the clear skies and pleasant temperatures which range from 22 °C – 30 °C. This is the ideal time for houseboats, beaches, and sightseeing.

ALSO SEE – Why September is the Best Month to Visit Kerala

Which is the Worst Month to Visit Kerala?

• Peak Travel Season (December-February): Head on in December to February if you wish to enjoy pleasant temperatures and clear skies, allowing you to have a great time at the beach or on boats.
• Off Season (June-September): Nature lovers can appreciate the lush greenery, but heavy rains cause flooding and make travel inconvenient. Plus you won’t be able to do many activities.
• Shoulder Season (March-May & September-November): Because of the showers and humidity post-monsoon, certain areas are made difficult to live in as a traveler. The summer sun is harsh making coastal regions uncomfortable.
• Worst Month to visit Kerala(July/August): These months may not be suited for leisure travel but the green and beautiful landscapes is the best time suitable for an Ayurvedic retreat. Monsoon rains can reach destroying levels where water logging and landslides become an issue. Making other outdoor activities nearly impossible.

ALSO SEE- Monsoon In Kerala: A Brief Guide To Help You Plan A Trip

Which month is considered the worst time to visit Kerala?

July is probably the worst time to visit Kerala owing to the heavy monsoon seasons. The strong downpour leads to high humidity levels that disrupt any travel plans, making it almost impossible to enjoy the sights. On top of this, flooding, landslides, and rough seas create a plethora of challenges that make this time of the year very undesirable for activities such as trekking, beach visits, or any other outdoor fun. 

Factors That Make July a Bad Choice for leisure but best time for Ayurveda treatment

• Heavy Rains & Flooding: The month of July brings exceptionally heavy rainfall that is concentrated and incessant. When combined with waterlog, a majority of the regions undergo flash flooding and landslides too.
• High Humidity & Discomfort: The month of July has comparably higher levels of rainfall, which means more exhausting and heat-inducing conditions for the people. This brings with it an array of chances for fungal infections to occur, which just adds to the discomfort.
• Travel Disruptions: Tourists wanting to visit hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad will find roads completely blocked due to landslides. Along with this, we often find ourselves in a situation where trains and flights have delays, making the entire journey an utter nuisance.
• Limited Sightseeing: A majority of the outdoor attractions are out of reach or too dangerous to venture into, which include waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking trails.
• Rough Seas & Unsafe Beaches: Because of the strong waves paired with abnormal tides, swimming and water sports become incredibly risky. This leads to some houseboats being canceled as well.
• Health Risks: The muddy environment exacerbates watery diseases like malaria and dengue, making the dampness a great feast for these health risks.

ALSO SEE- Best time for Ayurveda treatment in Kerala

Real Traveler Experiences and Challenges Faced

• Flooded Roads & Delayed Plans: Travelers have claimed to have been stuck in hotels for days, owing to endless rainfall and flooded roads.
• Cancelled Trekking & Wildlife Tours: Most visitors to Wayanad and Thekkady tend to have closed trekking trails and wildlife reservations for safety reasons.
• Struggles with Transport: A tourist trying to get from Kochi to Munnar had to deal with a landslide, thus increasing the overall travel time alongside using a very long detour.
• Miserable Beach Visits: Many tourists hoping for a beach trip in Varkala or Kovalam had to deal with harsh waves and restrictions on activities on the water.
• Health Issues: Some travelers are dealing with colds, fevers, and skin rashes because of the continuous humidity in conjunction with dampness and no sunlight.
• Houseboat Disruptions: Travelers to Alleppey have suffered the brunt of chopped waters and insistent rain where houseboat cancellations or regretful experiences have become the order of the day.

The Best Time to Visit Kerala Instead

From September to February, Kerala welcomes tourists with clear skies, low humidity, and balmy conditions. This makes it ideal for traveling, doing outdoor activities, and discovering the natural beauty of Kerala without any weather obstacles.

• Moderate Temperatures: These months guarantee comfortable travel with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
• Little Rain: Apart from the monsoon months, rainfall is scarce which helps in executing plans seamlessly.
• Great for Beaches & Backwaters: Regions like Varkala, Kovalam, and Alleppey are delightful due to the warm weather and gentle sea.
• Perfect for Trekking & Wildlife: Hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad alongside the Periyar and Eravikulam National Parks offer breathtaking vistas and are perfect for observing wildlife.
• Celebrations Atmosphere: The experience is further accentuated by several cultural festivals and celebrations held during this period.

ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala Backwaters

How to Plan a Trip Without Weather-Related Hassles

Careful analysis of the weather for Kerala is needed if disruptions are to be best avoided when planning a trip. So, here are some useful tips:

1. Pick the Appropriate Time of the Year

The single most instrumental factor in avoiding issues with the weather in Kerla would be to travel at the right time. The best time is between the months of December and February. During these months, everything is cool and dry which makes it ideal for sightseeing and can also be wonderful for beaches and backwaters. If you are someone who likes lush greenery, September to November is equally great. On the other hand, if you are planning on going on a trip from June to August, then it’s best to steer clear since flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions due to heavy monsoons are more frequent.

2. Think about the Packing That You Would Do

Light cotton attire along with comfortable shoes as well as sunscreen should be packed for the dry months. Cover travelers to hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad can get chilly so carrying warm layers is best advised. Packing according to the season guarantees ease when it comes to the trip. If quick dry clothes alongside waterproof bags and raincoats are not used during monsoon, comfort would be difficult.

3. Plan for Flexible Itineraries

Weather can be quite unpredictable at times, which is why it is important to keep some room for adjustments within the travel plans. Upon booking the trip, it can be useful to account for rest days just in case it rains or other delays come about. It may also be necessary to reserve places to stay that can be canceled easily without incurring unreasonable fees. Try to minimize consecutive activities in the schedule to reduce the chances of disruptive weather having an adverse effect on the plans set forth.

4. Check Weather Updates

Make certain to check weather conditions before locking in travel dates so you are not subject to extreme weather events. Monitoring the weather during the travel can also help ensure that any changes can be made on the go to reduce frustration from complications within Kerala.

Fortunately, with wise planning to avoid the worst months of cold and embrace the best, it is possible to enjoy a hassle-free trip filled with the wonders of Kerala. Kerala boasts paradise-like beaches and tea plantations that one should strive for. 

From keeping in mind the right season to pack in or out flexibly, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your trip is a truly unforgettable experience