India, Asia

Kerala in February

Excellent for the backwaters and beaches. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar usually closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season.

BestDry, highs near 90F (32C), humidity building

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

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Excellent for the backwaters and beaches. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar usually closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season.

Weather: Dry, highs near 90F (32C), humidity building
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Kerala

February stays dry and sunny, with highs near 90F (32C) and humidity slowly building by the end of the month. The backwaters and beaches are in excellent shape, and crowds and prices dip a little from the January peak. One catch: Eravikulam National Park in Munnar usually closes this month for the Nilgiri tahr calving season.

It is a strong pick for families, couples and first-timers who want reliable weather with a bit more breathing room. If seeing the tahr at Eravikulam is high on your list, come in January instead. If you want the lowest dry-season prices, early February is the sweet spot.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Peak Theyyam months

Theyyam performances continue across north Kerala shrines. Staying a night near Kannur lets you catch an all-night ritual without a long drive.

Biennale in its stride

If the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is on in your year, February is a calmer time to see it than the opening weeks.

Houseboats with space

Rates on Vembanad Lake soften a little after January, and the quieter Kumarakom side is easier to book.

What to pack for February

Light, loose layers for sticky afternoons
A reusable water bottle and electrolyte packets
Sandals that slip off easily for temples and homes
A light sweater for Munnar evenings

Our timing tip

Check the Eravikulam closure dates before building a Munnar day around it, and plan the tea estates, Top Station or Mattupetty instead if it is shut.

Book Kerala for February.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kerala
Opens a hotel search for Kerala in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Kerala?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Excellent for the backwaters and beaches. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar usually closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season.

What is the weather like in Kerala in February?

Dry, highs near 90F (32C), humidity building.

Is Kerala crowded in February?

Kerala is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Kerala in February?

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).