Climate of Kerala, India

 Climate, Rainfall

Kerala is known as God’s own state, it is a state that experiences wonderful climate. The state owns highlands, cool mountains, green rolling hills,water surrounded lowlands and coastal plains. The state experiences 120-140 rainy days.65% of rain occurs from June to August and the rest from September to December. Kerala receives rain from South west monsoon as well as from Northeast monsoon. Iddukki district in Kerala receives the highest rainfall during monsoon season with more than 5000mm of rain per year. On the whole, Kerala experiences humid equatorial tropical climate.

Kerala enjoys three major seasons – summer, monsoon and winter.

Summer begins in March and ends in May, and winter begins around November and remains until February. Monsoon season in Kerala comes twice a year. Southwest monsoon, from June to August, is the main rainy season. And Northeast monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, comes around October-November.

Between the two monsoon seasons, the temperature remains cool in most parts of Kerala.

It is a tropical land with, generally, pleasant climate. But the climate differs from place to place. While the high mountainous regions remain cool throughout the year, the plains and coastal areas experience hot and humid climates. Also, you can expect occasional showers any time during the year.

Kerala Summer Season (March – June)

The summer season in Kerala begins towards the end of February. The weather is humid in the plains and coastal areas. The temperature remains high throughout the day, even in the night. The average maximum temperature hovers around 35°C, and the minimum temperature is around 28°C.

In the hills, however, it is cool and pleasant. And intermittent rains, with lightning and thunder, are common.

Kerala Monsoon Season (July – August and October – November)

Kerala enjoys two monsoon seasons. And one of them begins by the end of June. This is known as the south west monsoon and it is the main rainy season in Kerala. While the weather remains humid during this time of the year, cool breeze from south-west and refreshing showers replace the scorching Sun.

The south west monsoon or Edavappathy is characterised by torrential rains. The rivers are full of water, and the entire region gets a lush green cover. The average maximum temperature during the season is 30°C, and the minimum temperature is around 20°C. This monsoon season goes away by mid-August, leaving a pleasant weather with occasional rainfall.

Kerala monsoon season returns in October with heavy downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightning. It is the retreating monsoon season, and it is known as the north east monsoon or Thulavarsham. And even with heavy rainfall, the days remain hot and humid.

The average maximum temperature is 35°C, and the minimum revolves around 28°C during the north east monsoon season. It lasts until the beginning of December.

Kerala Winter Season (December – February)

The temperature starts falling during the latter part of November, as the north east monsoons recede. Although the temperature in Kerala doesn’t vary much during seasons, it is cooler during the winter months. Humidity levels are low and so are the chances of rainfall.

The average maximum temperature is 28°C, and the minimum is around 18°C.

In the mountainous regions, the maximum averages at around 25°C, and the minimum is around 10°C. It is cold during the morning and evening hours, and the temperature may fall further during the nights.