India, Asia

Kerala in September

Monsoon tails off. Lush landscapes, low prices, and sometimes Onam.

TradeoffsShowery, highs near 85F (29C)

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

The straight answer

September is a month of real tradeoffs in Kerala. Monsoon tails off. Lush landscapes, low prices, and sometimes Onam.

Weather: Showery, highs near 85F (29C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What September is like in Kerala

September is the tail of the monsoon. Showers still come, often in short bursts, with highs near 85F (29C), but there are more bright spells than in midsummer. The hills and paddies are deeply green, crowds are low and prices stay near their yearly bottom. Seas can still be rough, so check conditions before swimming.

It suits travelers who want green landscapes, quiet sights and lower rates, and who can live with some rain. Onam sometimes falls this month and is a real draw. Families wanting beach days and certain weather should hold out for November to February.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Kerala this month.

Onam celebrations

In years when Onam lands in September, towns fill with flower carpets, feasts and boat races. Some shops close for a few days, but hotels stay open.

Lush tea country

Munnar's slopes are at their brightest green, and the waterfalls along the hill roads are running strong.

Quiet Periyar

Thekkady sees few visitors, and boat rides on the lake are easier to book than in winter.

What to pack for September

A light rain shell
Leech socks or long socks for forest walks in Thekkady
Quick-dry trousers and shirts
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Aim for the second half of September, when rain is usually lighter, and check whether Onam falls in your dates since some businesses close for a few days.

Book Kerala for September.

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

What's on in September

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.