Kerala in March: weather and travel tips

Stunningly sited between the lush mountains of the Western Ghats and a coastal plain that’s rich with rivers, lagoons and canals, Kerala is a scenic 550km stretch of India’s southwest coast. If you’re thinking of heading here just outside the peak tourist season, read on to find out about the weather in Kerala in March, along with detail on what to expect of crowds and costs.

What’s the weather like in Kerala in March?

The weather in Kerala in March is hot, with evenings that remain balmy. You can also expect around nine hours of sunshine, and 12 hours of daylight.

Air and sea temperatures in Kerala in March

The weather in Kerala in March sees an average temperature of 29ºC, with average highs of 32ºC and average lows of 24ºC.

For context, the weather in Kerala in April sees an average daily maximum of 33ºC and an average low of 26ºC, while July — the coolest month of the year in Kerala — sees an average daily maximum of 30 ºC and an average low of 24C.

Meanwhile, the sea temperature in Kerala in March is a blissful 29ºC — perfect for making the most of the area’s best beaches.

Average rainfall in Kerala in March

In March, Kerala experiences an average of 40mm of rainfall across five days.

For context, April sees around 100 mm fall across an average of 6 days, while the July monsoon season sees rainfall on an average of 22 days.

Inspired to visit Kerala? Browse our customisable India itineraries to kickstart your dream trip.

Is March a good time to visit Kerala?

Those in the know often say the winter season that runs from September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. 

At this time, the weather in Kerala is more comfortable than the increased heat and humidity that comes in April, with far less rain than you’ll see in the main monsoon season that runs from June through to August.

In addition, March sits outside the peak tourist season of December to February.

Not set on Kerala? Read up on the weather in India in March.

What about the crowds and cost?

As mentioned above, March sits outside Kerala’s peak tourist season that runs from December to February. 

As a result, the crowds have dropped off, which means you’ll have more space to enjoy the region’s amazing temples, or to explore its wilder side, including a host of incredible waterfalls.

For the same reason, you’re also likely to find Kerala is a little cheaper during this month — peak season months mean paying peak prices for accommodation, and these tend to drop off in March.

Not sure when to visit? Arm yourself with info on when to go to India around the year.

Ready for your dream trip to Kerala?

If you’ve decided to visit Kerala, before booking you trip, take time to take inspiration from our customisable India itineraries, which take the hassle out of planning and booking.

Here we highlight a few itinerary ideas:

• Kerala: God’s Own Country: spanning 11 unforgettable days, this itinerary takes in the lush greenery of tea plantations, colourful spice markets and plantations, a houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters, before winding up with days on leisure on the beach.
• Magical Kerala: from being enchanted by the intense tropical greenery of the Kerala backwaters and enjoying a relaxing cruise on a converted rice barge, to visiting fragrant spice plantations and spotting local wildlife, this 7-day itinerary is chef’s-kiss captivating.
• Unmissable India: taking in a wealth of India’s cultural treasures — exquisite forts and temples, fabulous food and atmospheric cities — as you journey through the Golden Triangle, this immersive adventure will see you wind up in the lush southern backwaters of Kerala.

To kick-start your adventure, talk to one of our local experts.

Festivals and events in Kerala in March

Before booking your trip to Kerala in March, check the dates of a few notable annual festivals.

Arattu Festival 
 

Observed in the month of Meenam (March-April), the vibrant Arattu Festival is celebrated in Janardhana Swamy Temple. It lasts for ten days and involves dazzling elephant processions, displays of silk umbrellas and all-night kathakali dances. 

Arattu itself is a ceremonial procession for Lord Vishnu, which marks the end of the festival. 

Gajamela Festival

Held in Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple in the Kollam area, the Gajamela Festival sees up to fifty elephants paraded in tribute to the goddess Bhadrakali.

This procession is the climax of a 10-day celebration marked by cultural events.

If you're still looking for options for your spring trip, also explore our list of the best holiday destinations in March.

Tips for travelling to Kerala in March

Read on for a few tips that might just make your March trip to Kerala all the more rewarding.

What to pack for Kerala in March

Considering the average temperatures in Kerala in March, you’ll want to pack lots of light clothing, and to come armed with items to protect you from the sun — SPF lotion, a sun hat, cover-ups and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

If you’re planning to visit temples, you’ll need cover-ups for that too. 

And don’t forget to bring decent walking shoes to take you from exploring temples, to wandering wonderful waterfall landscapes.

Book a wildlife-watching excursion

March is a good month to spot wildlife in Kerala, so do yourself a favour and book a guided tour in the company of a local expert.

Planning your March trip to Kerala

Before booking your trip to Kerala, take a look at our customisable India itineraries to start planning your perfect trip, or talk to one of our local experts to forgo all the hassle of planning and booking. 

You might also want to read the in-depth The Rough Guide to South India and Kerala.

Travelling further afield? Get yourself The Rough Guide to India and read up on the best things to do in India.