Kerala feels especially beautiful in December. The monsoon begins to ease, the hill stations turn cooler, and the backwaters become calmer, making it one of the most comfortable times to visit. With pleasant weather across the hills, backwaters, and beaches, it’s easy to see why many Indian travellers plan their Kerala holiday during this season.
If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Kerala in December, this guide covers the top destinations, weather conditions, the best things to do, itinerary ideas, and practical travel tips to help you plan your holiday.
Why Visit Kerala in December?
- The weather is at its most comfortable. The Northeast Monsoon has ended, so there is hardly any rain and the humidity is much lower than usual.
- Hill stations actually get cold. In Munnar and Wayanad, nighttime temperatures can drop to 10 to 15°C, which is unusual for Kerala and perfect for anyone looking for a true "sweater weather" experience.
- Tea gardens are at their most beautiful. In Munnar, the plantations turn a deeper green just after the rains end, before the dry season fades the colour by February or March.
- Christmas and New Year bring special events. Kovalam, Kochi, and Fort Kochi host beach festivals, church gatherings, and New Year's Eve celebrations that you won't find at any other time of year.
- Coastal towns stay warm but not too hot. In Kovalam and Varkala, temperatures are usually between 24 and 31°C, so it's perfect for the beach without the intense heat you get in April or May.
- Wildlife is easier to spot. Cooler, drier weather in Wayanad and Thekkady makes animals more active, so you have a better chance of seeing them on safaris and boat rides through the reserves.
Kerala Weather in December
In Kerala, you can experience three different climates just by driving a few hours from one place to another. Thus, knowing the Kerala weather in December ahead of time makes packing a lot easier.
Region | Temperature | Best For |
Munnar | 10°C to 20°C | Tea gardens, trekking |
Wayanad | 15°C to 25°C | Wildlife, nature walks |
Kochi | 23°C to 31°C | Sightseeing, history |
Alappuzha | 24°C to 30°C | Houseboats, backwaters |
Kovalam | 24°C to 31°C | Beaches, New Year |
It's recommended to carry a light jacket if you're heading to the hills; evenings there can dip low enough for sweaters.
Coastal Kerala stays warm throughout December, making it one of the best times to enjoy the beaches. It's such a reliable window for the best places to visit in Kerala in December.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December?
Hills, beaches, backwaters, and coastlines are the spots you will find in Kerala. So, choosing a mix of two or three can give shape to a well-curated Kerala holiday. Here are ten spots worth building your itinerary around, starting with the hills and working down to the coast.
Munnar
Munnar often secures top spots in the list of best tourist attractions in Kerala. After the monsoon, the tea plantations look especially lush in December. The cool weather makes hiking and sightseeing much more enjoyable. Walking through a tea garden in the early morning, while mist still covers the hills, is an experience you could plan your whole day around. It’s no surprise that Munnar is one of the most searched places to visit in Kerala in December.
- Best for: Trekking, tea estate walks, honeymoon stays
- Time needed: 2 days
- Must visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point
- Things to do: Tea estate walk, Tata Tea Museum, Top Station
Wayanad
Also known as Kerala's green paradise, Wayanad is a great place to visit in December if you enjoy trekking and spotting wildlife. Most of the crowds are fond of this place due to the Chembra Peak trek, and the Edakkal Caves that are especially popular now. The cool weather of December makes hiking here much easier than summer.
- Best for: Adventure travellers, nature photographers
- Time needed: 2 days
- Must visit: Chembra Peak, Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to do: Edakkal Caves, spice plantation walk, Soochipara Falls
Thekkady
Thekkady is the third hill station in this list, also known for its Periyar National Park. It is viewed as one of the best places to visit in Kerala in December because nature is in full blossom and the temperature wouldn’t be humid or hot. Spice plantations adorn this town from all sides, offering a mixed view of greenery where locals are engaged in their daily work.
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, spice tours
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Must visit: Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice plantations, Mangala Devi Temple
- Things to do: Bamboo rafting, jungle trek, an evening Kathakali show
Alappuzha
Alappuzha has backwaters as its main highlight, on which cruises full of folks sail through the canals and Vembanad Lake. December offers the best environment to fully enjoy a houseboat ride through the backwaters, with clear skies and calm water.
Most cruises offer an exquisite experience by offering overnight stay convenience, where freshly cooked meals are served. Due to the highly favourable environment of December, many people plan their Kerala holiday in this very same season. So, it's better to book at least a few days ahead.
- Best for: Houseboat cruises, couples, slow travel
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Must visit: Punnamada Lake, Marari Beach
- Things to do: Overnight houseboat, a smaller canal boat ride through the villages
Tribe Travel Tip: Choose an overnight cruise over a day tour if your schedule allows. Sunset and early morning on the backwaters look completely different from the middle of a busy afternoon.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is blessed with natural beauty, which appears fully in paddy fields, coconut forests, and mangrove backwaters. Its location is near Vembanad Lake. Taking a backwater cruise and having an engrossing birdwatching experience is possible here, especially for those visiting the bird sanctuary during migratory season.
If you want two different backwater experiences, pairing Kumarakom with Alappuzha is a great idea. Together, they make a strong combination for places to visit in Kerala in December.
- Best for: Bird lovers, quiet backwater stays
- Time needed: 1 day
- Must visit: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island
- Things to do: Shikara ride, Ayurvedic massage at a lakeside resort
Tribe Travel Tip: Book your Kumarakom shikara ride for early morning or late afternoon. The light is softer then, and birds near Pathiramanal Island are more active, so you get better sightings and cooler weather for the ride.
Kochi
Originally, Kochi was called Cochin. Its name has changed, but it still sits in the same spot, in the Ernakulam area. Kochi is still counted among India’s most vital seaports. It is one of the easier places to visit in Kerala in December if you're getting around without a car. In this month, the weather becomes mild and dry, which is why walking around is a real pleasure.
- Best for: History lovers, casual sightseeing
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Must visit: Chinese fishing nets, Fort Immanuel, St. Francis Church, Jew Town
- Things to do: Mattancherry Palace, Chinese fishing nets at sunset, a Kathakali show
Varkala
Varkala is a quieter, cliffside spot compared to Kovalam. It offers beautiful views, with cliffs overlooking the sea, which is rare to see in many Indian destinations. On the edge of the cliffs, cafés take care of visitors' appetite and hunger. Evening is the best time to visit, as the sunset views and calm atmosphere can be enjoyed everywhere. This makes Varkala a peaceful choice among places to visit in Kerala in December.
- Best for: A calmer beach stay, sunset views
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Must visit: Varkala Cliff, Janardhanaswamy Temple, Kappil Beach
- Things to do: Cliff walk with a coffee stop, swim at Papanasam Beach
Kovalam
Kovalam stays warm and sunny through December. At a walkable distance, you can visit three different beaches from this place. If you feel the need for relaxation, then don’t forget to detour to Ayurvedic spas here. Also, Kovalam is the hotspot for most of Kerala's coastal festivities. This explains why it stays one of the busiest places to visit in Kerala in December.
- Best for: Beach holidays, relaxation, New Year celebrations
- Time needed: 1 day
- Must visit: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach
- Things to do: Ayurvedic massage, evening walk between the coves
Athirappilly Falls
Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala; people often call it “Niagara of India”. With water plunging about 80 feet along the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, it creates a spectacular roar that can be heard from a distance. This fall doesn’t seem to change its powerful, bursting rhythm even in December. The nearby Sholayar forest is also a great spot for birdwatchers, as four endangered hornbill species live in the area. This makes Athirappilly Falls a unique place to visit in Kerala during December.
- Best for: Waterfall views, short day trips from Kochi
- Time needed: Half a day
- Must visit: Athirappilly Falls, Vazhachal Falls
- Things to do: Walk down to the viewpoint, look out for hornbills
Vagamon
Often known as the Scotland of Asia, Vagamon lies on the border of Idukki and Kottayam. Tea plantations, rolling meadows, and pine forests shape the overall look of this place. It remains peaceful and away from usual tourist crowds. What's popular here is paragliding. The cool December weather makes it a perfect destination for every type of traveller. It's a quieter pick among the places to visit in Kerala in December, but one worth the detour.
- Best for: Offbeat hill stays, paragliding, quiet walks
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Must visit: Vagamon Meadows, Pine Forest, Kurisumala
- Things to do: Paragliding over the meadows, camping overnight
Quick Comparison Table
Destination | Best For | Days Needed |
Munnar | Couples, tea gardens | 2 |
Wayanad | Wildlife, trekking | 2 |
Thekkady | Wildlife, spice tours | 1 to 2 |
Alappuzha | Houseboats | 1 to 2 |
Kumarakom | Birdwatching | 1 |
Kochi | History | 1 to 2 |
Varkala | Beaches, sunsets | 1 to 2 |
Kovalam | Beaches, New Year | 1 |
Athirappilly Falls | Waterfalls | Half a day |
Vagamon | Offbeat hills | 1 to 2 |
Use this table to quickly match your travel style to the right places to see in Kerala in December before building out a full itinerary.
Things to Know Before Visiting Kerala in December
- Bring clothes you can layer. While the coast stays warm, places like Munnar and Vagamon in the hills can get chilly at night, so you’ll want a jacket.
- Reserve your houseboat and hotel in advance. December is peak season, so Kerala houseboat cruise slots and hill station hotels fill up fast, especially around Christmas and New Year.
- Visit tea gardens in the morning for the best experience. The light is gentle, and you can still see mist over the plantations.
- Prices go up in December. Flights, hotels, and houseboats all cost more than during the quieter monsoon season, as most travellers book early for this time of year.
- Crowds are biggest around Christmas and New Year. For a quieter visit, try coming in the first half of December.
Before You Go
The best places to visit in Kerala in December offer something for every kind of traveller, from misty hill stations and peaceful backwaters to sunny beaches. With pleasant weather across the state, December is one of the ideal months to experience Kerala at its best. Plan a route that combines a hill destination, a backwater stay, and a coastal getaway to enjoy the region's diverse landscapes. If you'd like a hassle-free holiday, the travel experts at Holiday Tribe can help create a personalised itinerary based on your dates, preferences, and budget.
