Kerala has two monsoons and a long, warm summer, so timing makes a huge difference to your trek. Here is how the year looks from a trekker's point of view.
December to February: peak season
Dry, cool and clear. Mornings in Munnar can touch single digits, and the famous sea of clouds is most likely now. This is also when the Agasthyarkoodam trek opens, usually from mid-January to mid-February. Weekends book out early, so plan two to three weeks ahead.
March to May: summer
Hot in the plains but pleasant in the high ranges if you start before sunrise. Rhododendrons flower in Munnar's high hills. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms can arrive in the afternoon in May, so aim to be down by lunch.
June to September: southwest monsoon
Lush, dramatic and wet. Waterfalls like Athirappilly are at their most powerful, but many forest trails close, rocks become slippery and leeches are everywhere. If you trek, choose short, well-known routes with an experienced guide and check closures the same morning.
October to November: post-monsoon
Our favourite secret window. The hills are still green, the falls are full, and the crowds have not arrived. The northeast monsoon can bring evening showers, so pack a rain jacket. In some years, Neelakurinji blooms in the high ranges around this time; in late 2026 it has been reported around Meesapulimala.
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- Clouds below you: December–January, Munnar
- Waterfalls: August–October, Athirappilly and Thrissur forests
- Toughest classic: mid-January–mid-February, Agasthyarkoodam
- Green and quiet: October–November, Wayanad and Vagamon
Whatever the month, pack using our Kerala trekking checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for trekking in Kerala?
December and January are the favourites: cool, dry and clear, with the best chance of a sea of clouds in Munnar. October, November and February are also excellent.
Can I trek in Kerala during the monsoon?
Some short treks run in the monsoon, but many forest trails close and paths get slippery with leeches. Go only with an experienced group and follow Forest Department closures.
When is the Agasthyarkoodam season?
It opens for about four weeks between mid-January and mid-February, with online booking through the Forest Department.
