India, Asia

Kerala in January

Ideal weather across the state. Theyyam season is underway in the north, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs in years it is held.

BestDry and sunny, Kochi highs near 89F (32C)

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Ideal weather across the state. Theyyam season is underway in the north, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs in years it is held.

Weather: Dry and sunny, Kochi highs near 89F (32C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What January is like in Kerala

January is Kerala at its easiest. Days are dry and sunny, with Kochi highs near 89F (32C), cool mornings in the Munnar tea hills, and calm, full backwaters. The beaches at Varkala and Kovalam are safe for swimming. It is also high season, so houseboats, beach hotels and hill resorts are busy and priced near their top.

This month suits almost everyone: families wanting beach time, first-time visitors doing the backwaters, hills and Fort Kochi loop, and anyone who wants certainty about the weather. If you want the same conditions for less money and fewer people, look at late November or February instead.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Theyyam in the north

Theyyam season is in full swing in the Kannur and Kasaragod villages. Performances often run through the night, so ask your hotel for that week's shrine schedule.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale

In years it is held, the Biennale fills heritage warehouses across Fort Kochi with contemporary art. Check whether it is running before you go.

Clear mornings in Munnar

Dry air means long views over the tea estates. Eravikulam National Park is usually still open in January, before the calving closure.

Swimming weather on the coast

The sea at Varkala is at its calmest, and cliff-top sunsets are reliable most evenings.

What to pack for January

A light fleece for early mornings in Munnar
Breathable cotton clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples and churches
High SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
Mosquito repellent for evenings on the houseboat

Our timing tip

Book your houseboat and Munnar stay well ahead, and aim for the second half of January when the New Year rush has cleared.

Book Kerala for January.

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 January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Kerala?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Kerala. Ideal weather across the state. Theyyam season is underway in the north, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs in years it is held.

What is the weather like in Kerala in January?

Dry and sunny, Kochi highs near 89F (32C).

Is Kerala crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Kerala in January?

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).