Kerala, often called God’s Own Country, is one of the most beautiful places in Southern India. With its green landscapes and calm backwaters, it’s the perfect destination to relax and refresh your mind. Winter is the best time to visit Kerala, as the pleasant weather makes your holiday even more enjoyable. Here, you can explore shimmering backwaters, sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and ancient temples. The warm climate is a great escape from the freezing cold, giving you the chance to spend cozy moments in a houseboat with your partner, family, or friends.
11 Best Places to Visit in Kerala This Winter (2025)
Discover some of the top destinations to explore in Kerala during the winter season. Enjoy a peaceful holiday with your loved ones surrounded by lush green landscapes, calm backwaters, and the beauty of nature.
Kochi – The Lively Port City
Kochi is one of the best places to enjoy winter in Kerala. This coastal city beautifully blends history with charm. From the famous Fort Kochi and the iconic Chinese fishing nets to Portuguese and Dutch-era houses and traces of the British Raj, Kochi has a vintage feel that travelers love. December is the perfect time to visit, as the city comes alive with the grand year-end carnival. You can witness bike races, beach football, fire shows, swimming competitions, and colorful floor art during this 10-day festival.
Best Restaurants: Mary’s Kitchen, Mosaic
Where to Stay: Sea Lagoon Health Resort, Radisson Blu Kochi
How to Reach: Fly directly to Cochin International Airport
Things to Do: Join the year-end carnival, relax at Cherai Beach
Munnar – A Scenic Hill Station
Munnar is one of Kerala’s most loved hill stations, known for its rolling tea gardens, misty valleys, and cool mountain air. It’s the perfect escape during winter, offering both peace and adventure. You can trek along scenic trails, sip a hot cup of tea at the Tata Tea Museum, or admire the beautiful waterfalls tumbling down the hills. With its old-world charm and stunning landscapes, Munnar is a must-visit for nature lovers and wanderers alike.
Best Restaurants: Hotel Sri Nivas, Copper Castle
Where to Stay: Munnar Tea Country Resort, Tea Valley Resort
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 125 km away
Things to Do: Enjoy tea at Tata Tea Museum, explore trekking routes, see the waterfalls
Alleppey – The Venice of the East
Alleppey, also called the Venice of the East, is one of the best places to enjoy Kerala’s famous backwaters. Staying in a traditional houseboat here is a magical experience, letting you wake up to calm waters and lush greenery all around. You can also see the beautifully decorated snake boats, which are a major attraction. A visit to Alleppey gives you the chance to explore village life, soak in Kerala’s culture, and enjoy the peaceful charm of the waterways.
Best Restaurants: Harbour Restaurant, Cafe Katamaran
Where to Stay: Lake Canopy, Lake Palace Resort
How to Reach: The nearest airports are Cochin International Airport (75 km) and Trivandrum International Airport (150 km)
Things to Do: Stay in a houseboat, explore the backwaters, experience local culture
Wayanad – The Land of Paddy Fields
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a serene destination often called The Land of Paddy Fields. With its lush mountains, coconut palms, paddy fields, and winding roads, this place is pure bliss for nature lovers. You can trek to the beautiful Chembra Peak, visit the cascading Meenmutty Falls, explore the ancient Jain temples, or head to the historic Edakkal Caves. Wayanad is the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural charm.
Best Restaurants: Wilton Restaurant, Jubilee Restaurant
Where to Stay: LakeRose Wayanad Resort, Vistara Resort
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode, about 100 km away
Things to Do: Trek to Chembra Peak, visit Meenmutty Falls, explore Edakkal Caves
Kozhikode – Relax on the Beaches
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. This is the place where Vasco da Gama first landed in India at Kappad Beach. Today, Kozhikode is famous for its vibrant culture, including elephant parades, percussion performances, and the colorful Theyyam rituals. The calm beaches, like Kozhikode Beach and Kappad Beach, are perfect for unwinding while enjoying the sea breeze and stunning sunsets.
Best Restaurants: Hotel Paragon Restaurant, Hotel Rahmath
Where to Stay: Grand Plaza Suites, Copper Folia
How to Reach: Kozhikode has its own airport, Kozhikode International Airport, about 28 km from the city center
Things to Do: Relax at Kozhikode and Kappad beaches, watch the sunset, experience cultural events
Thekkady – Gateway to Periyar National Park
Thekkady is a paradise for wildlife lovers, and winter is the best time to see it in full bloom. The highlight here is the famous Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, sambars, gaurs, leopards, and even the majestic tiger if you’re lucky. Go on a jungle safari, take a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, or experience the colorful Garudan festival at the local Kali temples. Thekkady offers the perfect mix of adventure and cultural charm.
Best Restaurants: Grandma’s Cafe, Ebony’s Cafe
Where to Stay: The Elephant Court, Monsoon Retreats Eco Stay
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 136 km away
Things to Do: Wildlife safari in Periyar National Park, boat rides on Periyar Lake, attend the Garudan festival
Kovalam – Beach Lover’s Paradise
Kovalam is one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations, especially during winter. With its pleasant weather, it’s the perfect time to go beach hopping and explore popular spots like Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Hawah Beach. December is also great for trying surfing and other water sports. Rent a scooter to explore the town at your own pace, and don’t miss a stop at the popular German Bakery for a tasty treat by the sea.
Best Restaurants: German Bakery
Where to Stay: Taj Green Cove Resort, The Raviz Kovalam
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, just 15 km away
Things to Do: Surfing, scooter rides, beach hopping, dine at the German Bakery
Kumarakom – Serene Backwaters and Scenic Views
Kumarakom is a peaceful getaway that looks even more beautiful in winter thanks to its pleasant weather. It’s one of the best spots in Kerala to enjoy a relaxing houseboat ride, soak in the natural beauty, and spend quality time outdoors. Couples especially love Kumarakom for its romantic backwaters and scenic charm. Don’t miss a visit to the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or take a trip to Pathiramanal Island for a memorable experience surrounded by nature.
Best Restaurants: The Waterside, Lime Tree
Where to Stay: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Paradise Resorts
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 85 km away
Things to Do: Houseboat rides, visit the bird sanctuary, explore Pathiramanal Island
Idukki – Hills, Backwaters & Wildlife
Idukki is a charming hill station in Kerala that looks even more magical in winter. Famous for its backwaters and lush greenery, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful getaway. Travelers can go on sightseeing tours, take houseboat rides, and explore the region’s rich flora and fauna. With its cool weather, rolling hills, and serene backwaters, Idukki is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Best Restaurants: Pappens, Hotel Shayadri
Where to Stay: Palette Hill View Resort, Ragamaya Resort & Spa
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 67 km away
Things to Do: Sightseeing, houseboat rides, explore nature and wildlife
Vagamon – A Peaceful Escape with Adventure
Vagamon is the perfect hill station for anyone looking to escape the chaos of city life. Surrounded by rolling hills and a calm atmosphere, it’s a great spot to relax and soak in nature’s beauty. But Vagamon is not just about peace—it’s also a paradise for adventure lovers. Paragliding here is one of the most popular activities, especially in December when the weather is just right. The mix of serene landscapes and thrilling experiences makes Vagamon a must-visit in winter.
Best Restaurants: The Green House Restaurant, Chillax Vagamon Hotel
Where to Stay: The Teadale Vagamon, Holiday Vagamon
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 75 km away
Things to Do: Paragliding, trekking, adventure sports
Silent Valley – A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Silent Valley National Park, tucked away in the Nilgiri Hills, is one of Kerala’s hidden gems and a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. Home to a wide variety of rare plants and animals, this pristine forest is best explored during winter when the weather is cool and pleasant. The chances of spotting elephants are higher, and the mist-covered peaks and thick greenery make the park even more magical. It’s the perfect spot for wildlife lovers seeking peace and adventure in nature.
Best Restaurants: Nearby options include Browncup Cafe
Where to Stay: Treetop Resort, Beech Valley Homestay Attapadi (near the park)
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 117 km away
Things to Do: Wildlife spotting, nature walks, photography
Weather in Winter in Kerala
Kerala, located along the Malabar Coast with nearly 600 km of Arabian Sea shoreline, enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year. Since it lies close to the equator, the climate remains fairly steady without extreme temperature changes. During winter, the average daytime temperature ranges between 27°C and 29°C, with highs of about 29°C–33°C and lows of 23°C–25°C. This pleasant weather makes winter the best time to enjoy Kerala’s sandy beaches, lush greenery, and scenic backwaters. No wonder travelers flock here year-round, with winter being the most comfortable season to explore.
Closing Thoughts
Winter is truly the best time to experience the beauty of Kerala. From the calm backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom to the misty hills of Munnar and Vagamon, every corner of this southern paradise offers something unique. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the forests of Thekkady, a cultural touch in Kochi, or simply a peaceful escape by the beaches of Kovalam, Kerala has it all.
With its pleasant winter weather, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions, Kerala makes for a blissful holiday destination in 2025. So, pack your bags and set out to explore God’s Own Country for memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs Related to Winter in Kerala
Yes, winter (October to February) is the best time to visit Kerala. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring beaches, backwaters, and hill stations without extreme heat or humidity.
During winter, Kerala experiences mild and comfortable weather. Daytime temperatures usually range between 27°C to 29°C, while nights are slightly cooler at 23°C to 25°C.
Some of the best activities include houseboat rides in Alleppey and Kumarakom, trekking in Munnar and Wayanad, beach hopping in Kovalam, and wildlife safaris in Thekkady and Silent Valley.
Yes, December is one of the busiest months in Kerala as the weather is ideal and several festivals and carnivals take place, especially in Kochi and Kovalam.
Light cotton clothes are ideal as the weather is warm, but carry a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings in hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and Vagamon. Don’t forget sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and swimwear for beach and backwater activities.
Kerala is not only known for its backwaters and natural beauty but also for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Influenced by coconut, spices, and rice-based dishes, Kerala food is a treat for every traveler. Some of the most popular dishes you must try include:
Idiyappam with Curry – Soft string hoppers served with spicy curries.
Puttu and Kadala Curry – Steamed rice flour cylinders with grated coconut, paired with black chickpea curry.
Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala-Style Sambar – Crispy dosa roasted in ghee, served with tangy sambar and chutneys.
Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry) – A flavorful chicken fry with Kerala spices.
These dishes reflect the authentic taste of Kerala and are a must-try for food lovers visiting God’s Own Country.
