Kerala in May is hot during peak afternoon hours and comfortably balmy the rest of the day. Even on the hottest day, the temperature does not exceed 32°C in the plains and backwaters of Kerala. At the same time, its hilly areas enjoy misty weather and pleasantly cool winds throughout this month!

The hills, beaches, backwaters, forests, waterfalls, tea gardens, lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala bringing travelers here from near and far are just as blissful and attractive in May as in any other month.

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Browse to see what charm awaits visitors in Kerala in May, how it can be a great time to explore God’s Own Country, what places and festivals you must experience, and some useful tips for a comfortable vacation.

Why visit Kerala in May

May is a great month to visit Kerala for the following reasons:

• Fewer people: Most people visit Kerala in winter, leaving it secluded and empty in the shoulder season of March to May.
• Privacy guaranteed: You’ll get to enjoy seclusion and tranquility at tourist places like beaches, tea estates, backwaters, wildlife safaris, historical monuments, and waterfalls.
• Slashed hotel prices: You can enjoy heavily discounted stays and great deals at top hotels and Ayurvedic resorts during the off-season and shoulder season. It’s a great time for that much-needed Ayurvedic retreat!
• Cheap flights: Off-season also means economical air travel!
• Festive galore: There are tons of lively festivals to enjoy in Kerala in May!

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Kerala weather in May

The weather in Kerala in May ranges from balmy to scorching depending on the terrain and elevation.

The average temperature in Kerala in this month can range from 24°C to 32°C in the plains and the coastal areas, and 15°C to 28°C in hilly regions.

While the hot and humid afternoons may not be a comfortable time to step out and explore, the evenings are much cooler and pleasant.

Festivals in Kerala in May

You’ll be able to see some of the most vibrant Kerala festivals in May. Make sure you plan your trip in such a way that you do not miss these festivities and events.

1. Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur

A major temple festival in Thrissur which includes grand feasts, fireworks, percussion music, cultural dance performances, and a procession of 101 elephants decked in colorful caparisons and jewels.

ALSO SEE – Thrissur Tourism- Top Things to do and Tourist Attractions in Thrissur for sightseeing

2. Edathua Perunnal, Alleppey

A cultural fiesta where a large procession carries a gold-embellished statue of St. George through the town and into the Edathua Basilica. The procession ends with ritualistic prayers and a grand feast at the church.

3. Kannambra Vela, Palakkad

A visually stunning festival involving elephant pageantry, dance, music, fireworks, and a colorful temple procession celebrating the arrival of Goddess Bhagavathy.

4. Vishu Festival

The Malayalam New Year as well as an important harvest festival celebrated in all the households of Kerala with intriguing rituals, prayers, grand Sadya feasts, flower rangolis, and fireworks.

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Places to visit in Kerala in May

There is a range of destinations and tourist attractions you can explore here in May.

1. Munnar

With tea plantations, waterfalls, and several colonial-era bungalows, Munnar is a stunning hill town in the Nilgiri hills 1,532 meters above sea level.

Munnar weather in May is refreshingly cool and pleasant and the temperature remains between 17°C and 23°C.

You can visit places like Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, and Echo Point in Munnar in May. You can also enjoy activities like tea factory tours, boating, and trekking.

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2. Varkala

Varkala is famous for its rugged beachside cliffs rising to a height of over 40 meters and a lively hippie culture!

Varkala in May experiences hot afternoons and cool nights courtesy of the sweet ocean breeze. The temperature ranges between 26°C and 32°C.

You can enjoy watersports on Varkala Beach, visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, go boating in Kappil Lake, take a day trip to Bekal Fort, and explore Ponnumthuruthu Island.

Despite the heat, many people like to visit Kerala beaches in May when they’re empty, clean, and peaceful!

3. Alleppey

Alleppey, Kerala’s most popular backwater destination, is secluded and peaceful in May. The canals are clean and empty with the occasional houseboat or bamboo raft sailing by.

Alleppey has balmy and humid weather in May with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 31°C.

Other than houseboat cruises, visitors can hang out at Alleppey Beach, go boating on the Punnamada Lake, explore Pathiramanal Island, and visit shrines like Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple and St. Andrew’s Church.

4. Wayanad

Located in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is brimming with lush foliage, dense forests, and lofty mountain peaks where travelers love to go zip lining, paragliding, river rafting, boating, mountain biking, and trekking.

Wayanad weather in May is usually a combination of balmy afternoons, cool mornings, and even cooler nights. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 35°C.

You can comfortably explore places like Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Banasura Sagar Dam, Kuruva Island, and Chembra Peak in Wayanad in May.

5. Thekkady

Thekkady, the home of the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, is a unique wildlife destination in Kerala where visitors can spot exotic animals via a boat tour on the Periyar River!

Thekkady weather in May is warm and humid in the day and cool at night. The temperature ranges from 19°C to 30°C in Thekkady in May.

It’s the best time for wildlife sightings when the heat compels the animals and birds to move near the Periyar River and in plain sight of visitors sailing by on public ferries, canoes, and bamboo rafts!

ALSO SEE – Top 5 Tourist Places In Kerala

Tips for visiting Kerala in May

• Compare deals and discounts on various hotels and resorts before booking.
• Though flight prices are low at this time, it’s better to book at least two months in advance.
• Wear light cotton or linen clothes with sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable footwear with socks, preferably hiking shoes or sneakers.
• Carry two bottles of water with you at all times as the heat can cause dehydration (do not buy and litter plastic bottles).
• Carry light snacks with you that you can consume between meals.
• Afternoons can be quite hot in summer in Kerala. Try and explore as much as you can early morning and late evening.
• Carry an umbrella. Kerala weather in May can be unpredictable.

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All set to visit Kerala in May? Now all you have to do is browse our Munnar tour packages, pick the one that suits you best, and go explore! Happy tripping!