Rainy season in Kerala is the most refreshing and enlivening season in God’s Own Country. Rains breathes new life into its lush vegetation and natural bounty! Learn what all you can do here during the monsoon while taking basic precautions.

Chasing The Monsoon by by Alexander Frater is an account of the author’s experience following the Indian monsoon through its unpredictable cause through India. Starting from the rainy season in Kerala in the south and moving northward, Frater explores the transformative impact of the monsoon on various regions and their inhabitants. His journey is filled with personal anecdotes, historical contexts, and vivid descriptions that bring to life the unique cultural and meteorological phenomena of India. The book blends humor, adventure, and insightful observations, making it a delightful read for anyone fascinated by the interplay of nature and human culture. This is a must read book if you want to understand about the rainy season in Kerala.

When is the rainy season in Kerala?

Rainy Season in Kerala starts in June.

June to September marks the rainy season in Kerala and is generally characterized by frequent showers, torrential rain, and drizzles. However, it doesn’t rain constantly in Kerala during the monsoon. You’ll experience frequent showers interspersed with several sunny afternoons and cool mornings, allowing you to engage in sightseeing and other activities.

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Even though the humidity is at its peak, the refreshingly cool showers keep the temperatures comfortably low, adding a dreamy mist to the whole landscape! The temperature in Kerala during the rainy season ranges from 20°C to 35°C with cool weather and strong winds.

Schools reopen all across the state as it welcomes its first spell of showers after a scorching summer! The intoxicating scent of wet earth mingled with the delicious aroma of fried snacks fills the air!

The scenery of lush green landscapes, colorful umbrellas moving around, and little kids sailing paper boats in puddles is sure to melt your heart!

Hill stations like Munnar are met with rejuvenating showers and heart-warming views of dew-draped tea estates! Browse our customized Munnar tour packages and experience the joy of monsoon in Kerala!

The rainy season in Kerala is generally of two major categories – Southwest Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon.

Types of  Kerala monsoon

Southwest Monsoon (Edavapathi)

Duration: June – August

It falls in the middle of the Edavam month as per the Malayalam Calendar and is characterized by a few thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall averaging at 2,000 to 4,500 mm.

Mostly affecting regions like Munnar, Wayanad, and Idukki, it’s the most important time for paddy cultivation and plantations of tea, coffee, spices, and rubber.

It may not be a good time to visit Kerala courtesy of the heavy rainfall and the chances of landslides in hilly regions and floods around riverside destinations.

Northeast Monsoon or (Thulavarsham)

Duration: Mid-October – November

Kerala receives 400-700 mm rainfall on average during this post-monsoon period, affecting mostly the regions around Trivandrum, Kasargod, and Kanyakumari.

Northeast Monsoon is infrequent, light, and usually accompanied by really humid afternoons and evening drizzles. Thunderstorms and cyclones are restricted to coastal regions. If you wish to visit the beach, keep a tab on weather conditions and exit at the first sign of rain!

It’s a crucial time for replenishing groundwater levels and reservoirs, greatly aiding hydroelectric power generation! It also boosts the cultivation of crops like vegetables, lentils, and pulses.

Waterfalls flow in full force and the frequency of rainfall declines, making it a great time for exploration and sightseeing! It’s the perfect season to visit hilly regions like Munnar and Wayanad and take a backwater cruise in Alleppey and Kumarakom.

Reasons to visit Kerala in the rainy season

Since the past few years, people have shown more interest in relishing Kerala’s rains than ever, giving a major boost to monsoon tourism in Kerala! Many tourists now prefer to take a trip to Kerala in the monsoon rather than the peak season of winter.

There are several perks of visiting Kerala in the rain.

Other than visiting hill stations like Munnar and Vythiri, exploring Kerala’s lush environs refreshed by the rain, cruising the backwaters, and visiting the waterfalls, there are many experiences to enjoy in the rainy season in Kerala.

Here are some you must include in your Kerala monsoon itinerary!

1. Ayurvedic wellness & Spa

Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the world-renowned science of holistic healing and healthy living. Guess what! Monsoon is the perfect time to indulge in it!

The rain makes the air cool, dust-free, and excessively humid. This in turn opens the body’s pores and facilitates the absorption of herbal oils and Ayurvedic concoctions according to Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners. Ayurvedic therapy in Kerala is most effective and enjoyable during this time.

Much of Kerala’s medicinal flora is abundantly available in the monsoon, further promoting the importance of Ayurvedic treatments during this time.

ALSO SEE – 10 Best Spas in Munnar– Ayurveda spas and luxury hotel spas

Most of Kerala’s renowned Spa centers and Ayurvedic resorts roll out package deals and offers during this time for a variety of treatment programs and Spa therapies.

Mid-June to mid-August marks the “Varsha Rithu” in Kerala. The weather conditions in this period are perfect for Ayurvedic Spa and other holistic treatments like

• Abhyangam therapy
• Ilakkizhi (Patrasweda) therapy
• Panchakarma therapy
• Udwarthanam therapy
• Ksheeradhara therapy
• Thakradhara therapy

and more.

Note: People from around the world flock to Kerala in monsoon for Ayurvedic therapies. Most of its wellness retreats and resorts get fully booked in winter itself. We urge you to book in advance if you wish to experience the magic of Ayurveda in the monsoon!

2. Lush, refreshingly green landscapes!

Kerala’s landscapes are lovelier when it rains!

The rain-kissed Western Ghats, fiercely cascading milky waterfalls, dark clouds, low-hanging mist over its mountain peaks, gorgeous sunsets, and dew-draped plantations of tea and spices are just a few of the treasures of Kerala monsoon that attract photographers, filmmakers, and couples!

Kerala is most green and clean in the rainy season! The air is fresher and cleaner, the water is sweeter, and the colors of Kerala’s flora are more saturated! Even when it’s not raining, the beads of dew covering all foliage sparkle in the sunlight and create the most spectacular scenery!

ALSO SEE – Top 15 Must Visit Munnar Tourist Places

You can occasionally spot herds of deer and elephants stepping out to enjoy the showers, a sight that will surely melt your heart! You can even spot peacocks dancing during or before it rains!

Male peacocks fan out their vividly colored feathers, drumming them in synchronized beats to attract females in what is often called the “dance of love”! For the best views of dancing peacocks, visit the Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary in Chulanur village, Palakkad district.

3. Rain sounds – Natural ASMR for good sleep!

The steady rhythm and pitter-patter of rain are categorized as “pink noise”. Research proves that these sounds synchronize brain waves and produce melatonin, a calming and stress-reducing hormone that aids sleep.

It just means that the pleasantly melodious sound of falling rain helps you sleep better. And what better environment than Kerala’s natural surroundings and refreshing drizzles to help you relax and sleep, right? You certainly won’t get that in the noisy cities you live in!

4. Picturesque waterfalls!

Waterfalls are at their majestic best during the rainy season in Kerala. The state has hundreds of gorgeous, high-elevation waterfalls that flow in full force in the rains. Waterfalls like Athirappilly, Vazhachal, Palaruvi, Cheeyappara, Attukad, Thusharagiri, Meenmutty, and Soochipara are some of the best ones to witness during this time!

The fierce flow, milky white texture, and refreshed surrounding foliage of waterfalls in monsoon are a sight to behold! Wayanad, Vythiri, Thekkady, Athirappally, and Munnar are the best places to visit in Kerala in monsoon for their waterfalls!

ALSO SEE – Top 8 Munnar Waterfalls

While many of these are easy to reach from the main road, some might require an easy hike through the forest. Make sure you’re accompanied by a guide in such cases as the terrain can be slippery and dangerous.

Athirappilly Falls is the most magnificent sight in the rain! Seen and heard from miles away, this enormous 80-foot-tall waterfall is equivalent to Niagara Falls in North America in terms of its size, height, beauty, and popularity!

5. Rainy road trips!

It’s super enjoyable to drive in the hilly regions of Kerala like Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi, Vagamon, and Thekkady, but with extreme caution!

The rain cleans the roads, refreshes the surrounding foliage, and infuses the cool air with the intoxicating aroma of tea! If you don’t wish to drive, you can hire an open Jeep to tame the winding and palm-flanked roads of Kerala while the cool breeze tickles your face!

ALSO SEE – Madurai to Munnar- Distance, How to Reach & Best Road to Travel

Self-driving tours are gaining immense popularity in Kerala, especially in the monsoon season. Many people visit Kerala in the rain to enjoy driving on its winding roads! It’s the perfect choice for a spontaneous trip as it allows more flexibility and more control over the areas you cover and stops you take.

And the best part is that the prices of rental vehicles and accommodation are the lowest in the off-season in Kerala! Read the next point to find out more about this.

6. Economical & uncrowded Stays and Attractions

The major perk of Kerala travel in the rainy season is that it’s less expensive and roomy since most people don’t visit during this time.

There are fewer people around. Fewer crowds guarantee

• More privacy
• Less traffic
• Secluded tourist spots
• Empty beaches and backwaters
• Shorter queues at ticket counters

Off-season also guarantees economical travel, since:

• Hotel rooms roll out huge discounts and deals on rooms and services.
• Flights are cheaper.
• Train tickets cost next to nothing.
• Even local transport like taxis and tuk-tuks charge less.
• Food costs less in most places.
• Handicrafts and local goods are available at subsidized rates.

To avail of these benefits, an increasing number of tourists have started traveling to Kerala in July-September instead of other months. And with these perks, they also get to enjoy refreshing rain, beautiful views, and a cool climate!

7. Tea plantation tours

Strolling through the tea, coffee, or spice plantations of Kerala under the tingling cool rain and amid the sweet scent of wet earth is, hands down, the most romantic and adventurous experience you’ll have here!

All you need to do is carry an umbrella and wear the right shoes to avoid slipping, and nothing can stop you from experiencing the lush, refreshing beauty of the aromatic tea plantations of Munnar and Wayanad!

ALSO SEE – Top 5 Munnar Tea Estates That Are A Must-Visit For All

It’ll also be a great time for clicking stunning landscape pictures of the tea gardens! You can also get yourselves clicked while you stand in the middle of the garden holding colorful umbrellas!

You’ll cherish this filmy experience for the rest of your life!

8. Monsoon is the perfect time to enjoy hot Kerala cuisine!

Steaming hot Kerala food is most enjoyable in the cool, rainy weather of Kerala! Nothing beats the joy of having a cup of tea and a plate of hot dosas and idlis while it’s pouring outside!

Kerala restaurants serve all kinds of spicy and tangy Malabari cuisine that you can enjoy while watching the soothing rain.

ALSO SEE- Top 10 Famous Food in Munnar to try with Delightful Local Tips

You can also stop by a local tea stand or street food kiosk for a steaming cup of tea and a plate of freshly prepared banana fritters, appams, and parippu vada, the locals’ preferred snacks in the rainy season in Kerala.

9. Kerala houseboat cruises

Thanks to low fares and fewer crowds, houseboat cruises in Kerala are more enjoyable and scenic during the monsoon season.

Book a houseboat cruise on the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom or Alleppey and enjoy the Kerala rain while lounging in your floating house lavishly!

ALSO SEE – Kerala Houseboat Packages

Your houseboat cruise in Alleppey will take you through scenic backwaters past charming villages, ancient churches, lush paddy fields, and swaying palms. In Kumarakom, you’ll be sailing the Vembanad Lake covered in pink water lilies!

Regardless of where you embark on a scenic houseboat tour, you’re bound to have a peaceful and joyous experience amplified by the soothing rhythm of the falling rain!

10. Snake Boat Races in Kerala

Snake boat races are an integral part of Kerala’s rich tradition and culture, and most of them are organized during the monsoon season to commemorate major events in history.

They are organized on a massive scale and attract a large influx of people each year, especially the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race of Alleppey, which is held on the second Saturday of August every year, and is attended by celebrities and renowned personalities from around the country!

Other races include the annual Champakkulam Boat Race held on the Pamba River in June-July and the Aranmula Boat Race (August-September) held in a section of the same river that flows through the Aranmula town.

Witnessing the excitement and competitive spirit that unfolds during these grand boat races is a unique experience in Kerala!

11. Leisure trip at its best!

Kerala monsoon is perfect for a leisure trip for peace and relaxation away from the city’s chaos and clutter!

You can simply sit on the verandah of your hotel or homestay gazing at breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and valleys while sipping a steaming cup of tea or coffee!

ALSO SEE – 15 Best Munnar homestays for an Authentic Holiday

Watching the rain in Kerala’s lush environment will be the most relaxing thing you do to rejuvenate your mind and cleanse your body of worldly burdens!

Listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops on leaves and trees while lying back on a planter’s chair with a good book and cup of tea will give you the most calming sensation!

Kerala rainy season tips & guidelines

• Pack essentials like an umbrella, extra pairs of clothes, and waterproof covers for electronic equipment and documents.
• Keep a tab on the weather forecast, traffic updates, and local news at all times.
• Keep a tab on local news for warnings on heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and landslides.
• Pick a travel route that’s well-known and safe. Avoid unpaved roads and dirt trails.
• Do not drive in foggy conditions or at night, especially in hilly areas.
• Opt for well-rated hotels and resorts that have a good safety rating, proper drainage, and backup power.
• Carry mosquito repellent, ointment for leech bites, a flashlight, and a power bank.
• Book Ayurvedic resorts and treatments in advance.
• Wear water-resistant and sturdy hiking shoes with long socks to avoid leech bites.
• Hire a local and experienced guide for forest hikes, treks, waterfall visits, and plantation tours as they can be dangerous to tread without supervision.

What better place than Kerala to enjoy the perfect combination of refreshing showers, cool weather, lush green surroundings, fascinating views, sizzling food, relaxing spa massages, and a hot cuppa to keep you company, isn’t that right?

With budget-friendly hotels, low airfare, and fewer crowds, the rainy season in Kerala is the perfect time for a holiday where you can calm your senses and rejuvenate your spirits! Now all you have to do is reach out to us at Munnar Holidays and we’ll help you plan a rejuvenating escapade in Kerala in the monsoon!