India, Asia

Kerala in March

Heat and humidity rise, but the hills are pleasant. Crowds and prices ease.

GoodHot and humid, highs near 91F (33C)

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Kerala. Heat and humidity rise, but the hills are pleasant. Crowds and prices ease.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 91F (33C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Kerala

March turns hot and humid on the coast, with highs near 91F (33C) and sticky afternoons in Kochi and Alappuzha. Rain is still rare. The hills of Munnar and Thekkady stay pleasant, and both crowds and prices ease as the high season winds down. Eravikulam National Park is usually still closed for tahr calving early in the month.

March works well for travelers who plan around the heat: backwaters and Fort Kochi early and late in the day, and more nights in the hills. Beach lovers can still swim. If you struggle in humidity or want everything open, February is the better bet.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Last weeks of the Biennale

In Biennale years, the exhibition usually wraps up around March or April, so this can be your last window to see it in Fort Kochi.

Theyyam without the crowds

The ritual season continues in the north, and fewer tourists make the trip up to Kannur now.

Cooler nights in the hills

Munnar and Thekkady sit high enough to feel fresh while the coast bakes. Spend an extra night among the tea estates.

What to pack for March

The lightest breathable clothes you own
A small towel or cooling cloth for humid afternoons
Oral rehydration salts
A light layer for hill-station evenings

Our timing tip

Do outdoor sightseeing before 10am and after 4pm, and spend the middle of the day on a shaded houseboat deck or in the hills.

Book Kerala for March.

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Opens a hotel search for Kerala in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in March

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Kerala?

March is a good month to visit Kerala. Heat and humidity rise, but the hills are pleasant. Crowds and prices ease.

What is the weather like in Kerala in March?

Hot and humid, highs near 91F (33C).

Is Kerala crowded in March?

Crowds in Kerala are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Kerala in March?

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).