Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
Yes, December is one of the best months to visit Kerala. Kerala, the so-called God’s Own Country, is one of the most beautiful places in India, with lush backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, and scenic hill stations that attract visitors year-round.
It has a great combination of nature and culture with a warm and pleasant climate, vibrant celebrations, and a variety of outdoor activities to offer to the travelers. Be it cruising the backwaters, relaxing on the beaches or learning the Kerala traditions, December will be a memorable experience of travelling.
Weather in December
December falls in Kerala’s winter season, which lasts from November to February. This month has a cool and comfortable climate unlike the hot summer or heavy rains of monsoon. Daytime temperatures usually range from 23°C to 30°C, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The humidity is lower compared to the monsoon months, making the weather more comfortable for travelers, especially for travelers who wish to explore beaches, backwaters, or hill stations such as Munnar and Wayanad.
Festivals and Events
It is also the season of festivities in Kerala during December. Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala, especially in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, where churches and streets are beautifully decorated. You will be able to attend midnight masses, markets, and cultural shows. Moreover, the renowned Cochin Carnival is held in December, which is accompanied by parades, music, dancing, and food festivals, adding a rich cultural flavor to your trip. To a good number of tourists, visiting Kerala during the month of December is a way of experiencing not only nature but also its culture.
Activities and Attractions
The cool weather in December allows visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences:
- Backwaters: A houseboat tour in Alleppey or Kumarakom is particularly pleasant during the month of December. The warm climate ensures you can sit on the deck, enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine and observe life running along the waterways without having the inconvenience of the heat and heavy rains.
- Beaches: Kovalam, Varkala and Marari are some of the well-known beaches in Kerala, which are vibrant in December. It is the ideal time to sunbathe, enjoy the Arabian Sea, or try water sports such as surfing and parasailing, as the weather is clear and sea conditions are generally calmer than during the monsoon.
- Hill Stations: The mist-covered hills of Munnar and Wayanad are especially scenic in winter. Tourists have the opportunity to stroll through large tea fields, to hike up to observation points to have panoramic views, and have relaxing evenings in small resorts. The cool breeze in December makes walking and exploring nature more pleasant than in other seasons.
- Wildlife: In Thekkady, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and other wildlife reserves provide great chances to see the elephants, deer as well as various birds. The mild climate encourages animals to venture out into the open and thus makes the safarians and boat tours in the sanctuaries even more fruitful.
Travel Tips
- Early Bookings: The month of December is the peak tourist season in Kerala due to the favorable climate and the festival. Flights, hotels and most importantly houseboats in Alleppey or Kumarakom will get booked in a short time. In order to prevent stress at the last moment, it is preferable to book several weeks or even months in advance.
- Costs: Because of high demand, accommodation, guided tours, and transportation are usually more expensive in December. Travelers ought to make their budget and compare to get the best deals.
- Dressing: Kerala is very comfortable during the day and the coastal regions are not very hot hence light clothes made of cotton are most appropriate. But when traveling to hill stations such as Munnar or Wayanad, you should make sure to bring clothing such as a light sweater or a jacket because evenings and early mornings may be considerably colder.
- Health and Essentials: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a pair of comfortable walking shoes in case you are going exploring the beaches or doing some trekking. Moreover, bottled water is advisable and insect repellent can also come in handy in case you are travelling to back waters or even wildlife parks.
With these tips in mind, visitors can enjoy a stress-free holiday in Kerala this December and experience the very best the state has to offer.
