Because of the land’s nearness to the sea and the presence of the fort like Western Ghats on the east Kerala has been bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate through out the year. Kerala receives copious rain (average 3000 mm a year) each year. The temperature in Kerala normally ranges from 28° to 32° C on the plains but drops to about 20° C in the highlands. The year can be divided into 4 seasons – Winter, Summer, South-West Monsoon and North-East Monsoon.
Winter : Winter in Kerala starts with the end of the northeast monsoons i.e. from the later part of November lasting till the middle of February. During this season temperature is comparatively low. Winter season in Kerala witnesses the lowest amount of rainfall.
Summer : Towards the end of February temperature starts climbing and this marks the beginning of summer in Kerala. Relatively higher temperature, low rainfall and slightly humid weather are the characteristics of the summer season in Kerala. In recent years temperatures have been soaring high and April 2010 saw temperatures of even 42° C. Erratic rain, accompanied by lightening and thunder, is another feature of this season. Starting from March, summer season continues till the end of May or the beginning of June and is concluded with the outset of monsoons.
South West Monsoon : Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala. This season begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds. The next few months are periods of torrential rain. Lying on the windward side of the Western Ghats and being the first state to be hit by the monsoon winds, Kerala receives copious rainfall. Almost 85% of the rain received in Kerala is contributed by the monsoons. The slopes of the Western Ghats are among the places in India which receives the highest amount of rain. Most of the rivers of Kerala are fed by the monsoons. The southwest monsoon in Kerala lasts till the end of September.
North East Monsoon : Also known as the Retreating Monsoon or the Reverse monsoons, northeast monsoon hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds in the months of October and November and sometimes lasts till December. Heavy afternoon rain accompanied by thunder and lightening is the main characteristic of the season. Days are warm and humid but there is not much variation in temperature.
Pleasant and equable climate of Kerala attracts a number of tourists each year. Winter and summer (November to May) are the peak tourist seasons. But for those, who really want to enjoy the day under the cloudy sky, and feel the bracing scent of the wet soil, revitalizing the body, mind and soul, monsoons are for you.