India, Asia

Kerala in December

Peak season. Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time, especially for houseboats and beach hotels.

BestDry and warm, highs near 88F (31C)

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

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Peak season. Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time, especially for houseboats and beach hotels.

Weather: Dry and warm, highs near 88F (31C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Kerala

December is peak season. Days are dry and warm, with highs near 88F (31C), calm seas, and cool, clear mornings up in Munnar. Everything is open, from beach shacks at Varkala to boat rides in Periyar. It is also the busiest and most expensive month, and prices on houseboats and beach hotels can double between Christmas and New Year.

December suits families on school holidays and anyone who wants the best weather and does not mind paying for it. Book early. If you are flexible, the first two weeks are calmer and cheaper, and late November or February gives similar weather for less.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Christmas in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi's old churches and lanes are decorated for the season, and the waterfront at sunset by the Chinese fishing nets is lively.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale opening

In years it runs, the Biennale usually opens in December across heritage buildings in Fort Kochi. Check before you go.

Theyyam nights

The ritual season is well underway in north Kerala, a good add-on for families with older kids who can handle a late night.

Perfect houseboat weather

Dry, calm days make an overnight backwater cruise easy. Consider the quieter Kumarakom side of Vembanad Lake.

What to pack for December

A warm layer for chilly Munnar nights
Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for churches and temples
Mosquito repellent for evenings

Our timing tip

Book houseboats and beach hotels months ahead for Christmas to New Year, or travel in the first half of December for better rates.

Book Kerala for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kerala
Opens a hotel search for Kerala in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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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.
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Tours and tickets in Kerala
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kerala for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Usually opens in December and runs to about March or April, held roughly every two years

India's largest contemporary art exhibition, in heritage buildings across Fort Kochi. Check whether it is running in your year.

Theyyam season

Roughly late October or November into May

Ritual dance performances in village shrines in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts, often all night.

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.

Kerala in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Kerala?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Peak season. Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time, especially for houseboats and beach hotels.

What is the weather like in Kerala in December?

Dry and warm, highs near 88F (31C).

Is Kerala crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Kerala; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Kerala in December?

Kochi-Muziris Biennale (usually opens in december and runs to about march or april, held roughly every two years); Theyyam season (roughly late october or november into may).