India, Asia

Kerala in August

Rain starts to ease. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Onam can make it memorable.

TradeoffsMonsoon easing, highs near 84F (29C)

Kerala backwaters, India — KeralaPhoto: Hans A. Rosbach, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Kerala. Rain starts to ease. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Onam can make it memorable.

Weather: Monsoon easing, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Kerala

August is still monsoon season, but the rain usually starts to ease as the month goes on, with highs near 84F (29C) and more dry breaks between showers. The seas stay rough, so beaches are for looking, not swimming. Prices remain low, and the landscape is lush. Two big events can make the month: the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and, in some years, Onam.

August suits festival fans, repeat visitors and travelers who are fine with some rain in exchange for low prices and real local celebrations. It is a mixed month, not a safe bet. For guaranteed dry weather and beach time, wait for November.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Usually on the second Saturday of August, snake boats with more than 100 rowers race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Book gallery tickets in advance.

Onam in some years

When Onam falls in August, you can see flower carpets outside homes and join a traditional sadya feast served on a banana leaf.

Backwaters in full flow

Canals and lakes are brimming after the rains, and houseboat rates are still well below winter prices.

What to pack for August

A packable rain jacket for passing showers
Quick-dry clothes and sandals
A hat and sunscreen for the boat race grandstand
A dry bag for your phone and camera

Our timing tip

Confirm the boat race date on the official site before booking, since it has occasionally moved, and stay in Alappuzha the night before to avoid race-day traffic.

Book Kerala for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kerala
Opens a hotel search for Kerala in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Kerala
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Kerala
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kerala for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Usually the second Saturday of August

Snake boats with more than 100 rowers race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Book gallery tickets in advance.

Onam

August or September, in the Malayalam month of Chingam

Kerala's harvest festival: flower carpets, the huge Onam feast (sadya), and boat races. Many businesses close for a few days.

Things to do in Kerala

Full guide

Houseboat on the backwaters

An overnight cruise from Alappuzha or Kumarakom. Choose a licensed operator and avoid the most congested stretches near Alappuzha in peak season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

Walk the waterfront at sunset to see the Chinese fishing nets. The Paradesi Synagogue closes on Fridays and Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Tickets and tours →

Munnar tea country

Stay a night or two among the tea estates. Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri tahr, usually closes in February and March for calving.

Tickets and tours →

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady

Boat rides and guided walks. Tigers are rarely seen; elephants, bison, and birds are common. Book boat tickets online.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Varkala cliffs

Beach and cliff-top cafes. Swimming is only safe in the dry season; monsoon seas are dangerous.

Tickets and tours →

A Kathakali performance

Short shows for visitors in Fort Kochi include the elaborate makeup session before the performance.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Choose November or February for dry-season weather at lower prices than the December and January peak.
Book houseboats on the quieter Kumarakom side of Vembanad Lake, or choose a day cruise on the smaller canals by canoe or kettuvallam.
In Munnar, visit viewpoints and tea museums early in the morning, before the weekend traffic from Kochi arrives.
Avoid Christmas to New Year for houseboats and beach hotels unless you book months ahead; prices can double.

Know before you go

During the monsoon (June to September), swimming at beaches is dangerous and often banned, and some hill roads close due to landslides.
Eravikulam National Park usually closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season, roughly February to March. Check the dates before planning a visit.
During Onam, many shops and offices close for several days, though hotels and tourist services stay open.
Many Hindu temples in Kerala do not allow non-Hindus inside. Check before visiting and dress conservatively.