Climate of Kerala
Kerala, the land surrounded by the pristine waters of the
Arabian Sea , has an equable climate that varies from season to season. The presence of the
Western Ghats on the eastern side of the state and across the path of the southwest monsoon creates an important climatic zone with copious rainfall on the windward side and a dry belt on the lee eastern side.
The Climate of Kerala can be clasified roughly into three categories. The summer which lasts from March to May followed by the southwest monsoon spell lasting until the middle of October and then the northeast monsoon taking over the relay, lingering on till the month of February.
Seasons
The year is divided into three seasons. From February to May it is hot, with the summer temperature ranging from 24 – 33 degree Celsius. The south-west monsoon begins in June and continues till the full moon in October or November. In this season, there is fairly good rainfall without intermission. It is followed by fair weather during December – January, with the temperature ranging from 22 – 28 degree Celsius.
The high season lasts from December to May. Some times in March or April there may be thunder storms with rains, but this may not last long. Then the weather become very sultry. In the mountain ranges, there is heavy fog from April.Overall, Kerala has a tropical (moderate and balanced) climate throughout the year.
Tropical weather
Kerala enjoys balmy weather almost all through the year, it is neither too cold in the winter months nor too hot in summer. The best time to visit Kerala is from November - February, when the air is breezy, and on some mornings there is a light mist. Light woollens may be required in the hills in the evenings and early mornings.
The warmer months are March-May and September-October, when the flowers are out and nature is at her best. Mid-May to August is the monsoon period, and one can except a wet time. In addition, June is also a windy month. Onam, the harvest festival falls during the month of August/September.
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Climate chart of Kerala (temperature ° C)
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Max. Temperature
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30
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31
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32
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34
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34
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30
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29
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29
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30
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30
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30
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31
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Min. Temperature
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22
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23
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24
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25
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25
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24
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23
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23
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23
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23
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23
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22
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Avg. days with rainfall
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1
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1
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3
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7
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10
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17
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14
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9
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8
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12
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9
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4
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