The Climate of Kerala

Kerala’s climate is broadly tropical and humid, moderated by its proximity to the coast.

The climate is also heavily influenced by the seasonal heavy rains brought by the monsoon. But its mountains which line the interior mean a larger variety of climate than on other tropical coasts.

While a night spent up in the mountains may be cool and even showery, just a few hours below will almost always be the baking heat.

Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm and approximately 7,030 crore m³ of water. Kerala's rains are mostly the result of seasonal monsoons. As a result, Kerala has 120 to 140 rainy days per year.

The winter runs from December to the end of February, the summer starts in February and continues until May, when the monsoons begin. In summers, most of Kerala is prone to gale-force winds, storm surges, and torrential downpours accompanying dangerous cyclones coming in off the Indian Ocean.

The South West Monsoon starts in late May and lasts until September, drenching and buffeting the state as it sweeps eastward from the Lakshadweep Sea. There is a second, smaller monsoon from October to early December, which comes from the northeast. Kerala’s average maximum daily temperature is around 36.7 °C and the minimum is 19.8 °C.

Winter Season in Kerala: Winter in Kerala starts with the end of the northeast monsoons i.e. from the later part of November lasting till the middle of February. During this season temperature is comparatively low but as mentioned earlier it does not vary much from other seasons. In the highlands of Kerala, where the climate is cool throughout the year, winter temperatures often fall below 10°C. Winter season in Kerala witnesses the lowest amount of rainfall.

Temperature during Winter in Kerala:	Maximum : 28°C Minimum : 18°C
Average Rainfall during the season :	25 mm

Summer Season in Kerala: Towards the end of February temperature starts climbing and this marks the beginning of summer in Kerala. Relatively higher temperature, low rainfall and slightly humid weather are the characteristics of the summer season in Kerala. When compared to other Indian states where temperature soars to over 40°C, summers in Kerala are cool and pleasant, thanks to the Western Ghats which prevent the dry northern winds from entering the state and the Arabian sea for the cool breeze that blows towards the land providing it with a moderate temperature. Erratic rains accompanied by lightening and thunder is another feature of the season. Starting from March, summer season continues till the end of May or the beginning of June and is concluded with the outset of monsoons.

Avg Temperature during Summer in Kerala:	Maximum : 36°C Minimum : 32°C
Avg Rainfall during the season :	135 mm

South West Monsoon in Kerala : Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala. This season ( Edavappathi - as the rains starts by the middle of the Malayalam month Edavam ) begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds. The next few months are periods of torrential rain. Lying on the windward side of the Western Ghats and being the first state to be hit by the monsoon winds, Kerala receives copious rainfall. Almost 85% of the rains received in Kerala is contributed by the monsoons. The slopes of the Western Ghats are among the places in India which receives the highest amount of rain. Most of the rivers of Kerala are fed by the monsoons. The southwest monsoon in Kerala lasts till the end of September

Average Temperature during this season :	Maximum : 30°C Minimum : 19°C
Average Rainfall during the season :	2250 - 2500 mm

North East Monsoon in Kerala: Also known as the Retreating Monsoon or the Reverse monsoons, northeast monsoon hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains ( Thulavarsham - as it rains during the Malayalam month of Thulam) are in the months of October and November and sometimes lasts till December. Heavy afternoon rains accompanied by thunder and lightening is the main characteristic of the season. Days are warm and humid but there is not much variation in temperature.

Average Temperature:	Maximum : 35°C Minimum : 29°C
Average Rainfall during the season :	450 - 500 mm

Climatic condition of the Earth has been changing over the past few year. This global change in weather have their effect on Kerala as well. The information provided here is based on the details available over the past 50 years.

Average monthly rainfall in Kerala
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul
Rainfall (mm)	14.6	16.6	36.1	110.9	252.6	653.2	687.2

Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
404.7	252.3	270.7	158.6	45.9

Climate and Tourism

Pleasant and equable climate of Kerala attracts a number of tourists each year. Winter and summer (November to May) are the peak tourist seasons. A cruise in the houseboats on the backwaters of Kerala, or experiencing the beauty of sunset over the Arabian sea from Kovalam beach during summer and boating in the Thekkady lake, or trekking the highlands of Kerala during winter, are for sure, going to be never to forget experiences. But for those, who really want to enjoy the day under the cloudy sky, and feel the bracing scent of the wet soil, revitalizing the body, mind and soul, monsoons are for you.

Monsoon tourism in Kerala is gaining more popularity year after year. Monsoon tourism allows tourists to explore the intrinsic beauty of Kerala with a feel of adventure. Government of Kerala and Kerala turism department is promoting Monsoon Tourism in Kerala.