Kerala in April: weather and travel tips

Split between the forested mountains of the Western Ghats inland and a coastal plain of rice fields, lagoons, rivers and canals, the Indian state of Kerala stretches along India’s southwest coast. Scenic and stacked with cultural attractions that draw a range of traveller types around the year, if you’re thinking of heading here during the region’s shoulder season, read on to find out about the weather in Kerala in April, along with detail on what to expect of crowds and costs.

What’s the weather like in Kerala in April?

In a word, the weather in Kerala in April is hot. In fact, April is one of the hottest months in Kerala, with average maximum temperatures around the 33ºC mark.

April sits in the area’s summer season, falling between the dry winter season, and before the very wet main monsoon season that runs from June through to August.

That said, bear in mind that this region sees rain around the year — if you visit Kerala in April, it’s highly likely you’ll experience some downpours.

Inspired to visit? Browse our fully customisable India itineraries. 

Air and sea temperatures in Kerala in April

The weather in Kerala in April sees an average daily maximum of 33C and an average low of 26ºC 

For comparison, July — the coolest month of the year in Kerala — sees an average daily maximum of 30 ºC and an average low of 24ºC.

Meanwhile, the sea temperature in Kerala in April is a balmy 30ºC — ideal for enjoying its best beaches.

Average rainfall in Kerala in April

Compared with the preceding months, the weather in Kerala in April sees an increase in rainfall. Around 100 mm falls through the month across an average of 6 days.

For context, January and February experience rain on around five days, while the July monsoon season sees rainfall on an average of 22 days.

Looking for more options for your holiday in April? Find the perfect holiday destination with our top suggestions.

Is April a good time to visit Kerala?

Sitting in shoulder season, April is a good time to visit Kerala if you want to avoid the big crowds and costs of peak season (December to February), and if you don’t mind it hot and humid, with some rain.

April is also a month that sees Kerala host some truly spectacular festivals (more on that below), and a good time to visit to view elephants. During this hot month, they’re easier to spot cooling off in the water.

Not set on Kerala? Read up on the weather in India in April.

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting hot and humid outside the peak tourist season, visiting Kerala in April means smaller crowds and lower costs.

Just be aware that the humidity means many visitors head for the cooler hills — if you’re planning to do the same, book early to bag your preferred place to stay.

Not sure when to visit? Arm yourself with info on when to go to India around the year.

Ready for your dream trip to Kerala?

Before taking the plunge and booking you trip to Kerala, take inspiration from our customisable India itineraries. They take the hassle out of planning and booking, leaving you free to enjoy counting down the days to your trip of a lifetime.

Here we highlight a few ideas to whet your appetite:

• Kerala: God’s Own Country: spanning 11 unforgettable days, this itinerary takes in the lush greenery of tea plantations, colourful spice markets and plantations, a houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters, before winding up with leisurely days on the beach.
• Magical Kerala: from being enchanted by the intense tropical greenery of the Kerala backwaters and enjoying a relaxing cruise on a converted rice barge, to visiting fragrant spice plantations and spotting local wildlife, this 7-day itinerary is chef’s-kiss captivating.
• Unmissable India: taking in a wealth of India’s cultural treasures — exquisite forts and temples, fabulous food and atmospheric cities — as you journey through the Golden Triangle, this immersive adventure will see you wind up in the lush southern backwaters of Kerala.

For more info, or to kick-start your adventure, talk to one of our local experts.

Festivals and events in Kerala in April

In good news for culture vultures, April is a great time to visit Kerala as this month sees the region host many festivals.

Vishu

Marking the beginning of the Malayalam calendar year, Vishu is a major Hindu festival in Kerala.It’s also a harvest festival, and an auspicious time that sees families gather special items ahead of the day so they’re the first thing they see on Vishu itself.

New clothes are worn, special food is eaten at feasts, temples are visited and fireworks are set off.

In 2024, Vishu will be celebrated on 14^th April.

Thrissur Pooram 

Celebrated in the city of Thrissur, Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular temple festival that’s often hailed “the mother of poorams”.

It’s marked by temples showcasing elephants decked out in elaborate colourful adornments, and the kudamattom ceremony that sees displays of dazzling parasols. Another highlight is the ilanjithara melam — a mesmerising performance of traditional instruments.

Tips for travelling to Kerala in April

Read on for a few easy tips to help you make the most of your April trip to Kerala.

What to pack for Kerala in April

Given that temperatures in Kerala can rise to a scorching-hot 33°C in April, you’ll want to pack light, breathable clothing.

Related to the heat, don’t forget to pack plenty of sun lotion, a sun hat and a water bottle.

You might also want to bring a light raincoat, and shoes that are suitable for walking on the wilder side in (sometimes) wet conditions. 

Don’t miss cultural attractions

Alongside planning your trip to take in the festivals outlined above, be sure to factor in time to see some of Kerala’s most amazing temples.

With April sitting outside the peak tourist season, you’ll have a better experience exploring the likes of the awe-inspiring Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and the enchanting Mannarasala Nagaraja temple in Alappuzha.

Walk on the wilder side

While in Kerala in April, don’t pass up the chance to soak up the region’s lush landscapes, including some of the most breath-taking waterfalls in India. 

From cascading torrents to gentle cascades, visiting the best waterfalls in Kerala offers everything from mindful relaxation to all-out exhilaration.

Planning your April trip to Kerala 

If you’ve decided to take a trip to India, browse our fully customisable India itineraries to start planning your perfect trip, or talk to one of our local experts to forgo all the faff of planning and booking. 

You might also want to read the in-depth The Rough Guide to South India and Kerala.

Travelling further afield? Get yourself The Rough Guide to India and read up on the best things to do in India.