I visited Kerala during the summer once (late May), and honestly, it was a very different experience compared to the usual monsoon or winter trips people recommend. Let me break it down like a fellow traveller would:
🌞 The Pros (Why Summer in Kerala Can Be Special)
Fewer Crowds – Most tourists avoid summer, so the popular spots like Munnar, Alleppey backwaters, and Kovalam beaches felt quieter and more relaxed. I didn’t have to wait in long queues for houseboats or jostle for space at viewpoints.
Better Deals – Hotels and resorts drop their prices in summer. I managed to book a 4-star stay in Alleppey at almost half the peak-season cost. Great if you’re budget-conscious.
Ayurvedic Treatments – Locals told me summer is actually the best season for Ayurveda because your body pores open up in the heat, making therapies more effective. I tried a short rejuvenation massage in Thekkady, and it felt amazing after a day of sightseeing.
Hill Stations Still Pleasant – While the cities like Kochi and Trivandrum were hot and humid, hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad were much cooler, especially in the evenings. Perfect escape from the heat.
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🔥 The Cons (What You Should Be Ready For)
The Heat is Real – In the cities and coastal areas, daytime temperatures can touch 35–38°C with high humidity. Sightseeing in Fort Kochi or Trivandrum during mid-day felt draining, so I had to plan outings early mornings and late evenings.
Not Ideal for Beaches – I love beaches, but in summer, the sand gets too hot by noon, and you can get sunburnt quickly. Even Kovalam, which is usually breezy, was tough to handle at mid-day.
Pre-Monsoon Showers – By late May, Kerala starts getting sudden evening showers. They cool things down, but if you’re out sightseeing, it can mess up plans unless you carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Wildlife Spotting Is Limited – I went to Periyar Tiger Reserve, but many animals stay deeper in the forest during the hot months, so spotting is trickier compared to cooler seasons.
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✨ My Takeaway
Summer in Kerala is not for everyone. If you’re okay with the heat and plan smart (early mornings for sightseeing, afternoons for rest or spa, evenings for walks), you’ll enjoy the peace, cheaper stays, and authentic experiences without the crowd. But if you’re not a fan of humidity, then October–March is definitely the safer bet.
For me, I loved the quiet houseboat ride in Alleppey at sunset—the backwaters were almost empty, and the breeze made me forget it was summer at all. 🌅
