Field notes
Kerala in March: Weather, Things to Do & Travel Tips
Kerala in March sits in a useful window for travel planning. The kerala in march weather things to do question comes up often because March combines dry conditions, accessible hill stations, open beaches, and backwater routes — all at the same time. Coastal temperatures run 28°C–34°C. Munnar stays at 15°C–25°C. Crowds from the December–January peak have started to ease, and hotel rates follow.
Is March a good time to visit Kerala?
March is a good time to visit Kerala. The first two weeks carry peak-season energy with manageable heat. After mid-March, crowds thin and hotel rates drop. Beach zones, hill stations, and backwaters are all accessible, making March one of the more flexible months for Kerala travel.
Kerala in March covers three distinct travel zones: the coast, the backwaters, and the hill stations. Each zone behaves differently in March, but all three remain fully functional for travel. That combination is not available in every month.
The shoulder season begins around the third week of March. At that point, Alleppey houseboat operators start offering better rates. Munnar resorts have more availability. Kovalam beach hotels drop their minimum-stay requirements. For Indian families whose school holidays fall in late February or early March, this timing works particularly well.
One clarification worth making: Thrissur Pooram, the large temple festival many travelers associate with Kerala, falls in April or May — not March. Travelers planning around that event need to adjust their dates.
Related: Best Time to Visit Kerala — Full Seasonal Guide
What is the weather like in Kerala in March?
Kerala in March has warm, dry weather across most of the state. Coastal areas like Kovalam and Alleppey see temperatures of 28°C–34°C. Hill stations like Munnar stay cooler at 15°C–25°C. Humidity is low compared to the monsoon months of June–September.
March falls within Kerala's dry season window. The India Meteorological Department records average March rainfall in Kerala at under 40 mm for most districts — significantly lower than the 200–300 mm monthly averages during the June–August monsoon period.
According to IMD climate normals, Kerala's coastal districts receive an average of 30–40 mm of rainfall in March, compared to over 250 mm in July. Pre-monsoon showers typically begin only in late April or May.
| Region | Daytime Temp (°C) | Humidity Level | Best Activity Type for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal (Kovalam / Varkala) | 28°C–34°C | Moderate (55–65%) | Beach, water sports, sunset walks |
| Backwaters (Alleppey / Kumarakom) | 27°C–33°C | Moderate (60–70%) | Houseboat stays, canoe rides, village visits |
| Hill Stations (Munnar / Wayanad) | 15°C–25°C | Low (40–55%) | Trekking, tea estate walks, wildlife trails |
| Northern Kerala (Kozhikode / Kannur) | 28°C–33°C | Moderate (55–65%) | Heritage walks, beach visits, cuisine trails |
How does Kerala's March weather compare to December and April?
December is cooler and drier, with coastal temperatures around 24°C–30°C. March is warmer by 3°C–5°C on average. April pushes into pre-monsoon territory, with temperatures crossing 35°C on some coastal days and humidity rising noticeably. March sits between these two extremes — warmer than December but more comfortable than April.
For hill stations, the difference is smaller. Munnar in December and March both offer clear skies and cool evenings. April in Munnar can feel hazy before the first rains arrive.
What should I pack for Kerala in March?
- Light cotton or linen clothing for coastal and backwater zones
- One light jacket or fleece for Munnar and Wayanad evenings, where temperatures drop to 15°C–18°C
- Sunscreen with SPF 50+ — UV index in March runs high across Kerala
- Comfortable walking shoes for hill trails and heritage towns
- Waterproof sandals for houseboat boarding and beach walks
- Insect repellent for forest areas like Periyar and Wayanad
Related: Andaman in March — Beach Travel Guide and Packages
What are the best things to do in Kerala in March?
The best things to do in Kerala in March include houseboat stays in Alleppey, wildlife safaris at Periyar, trekking in Munnar and Wayanad, and beach time at Kovalam or Varkala. March's dry conditions make outdoor and water-based activities more reliable than in monsoon months.
- Alleppey Houseboat Stay: Alleppey (Alappuzha) is Kerala's houseboat hub. Standard houseboats cost ₹8,000–₹15,000 per night in March; premium options run ₹18,000–₹25,000. The backwater network stays calm and navigable through the month.
- Periyar Wildlife Safari: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary sits at 900 m elevation in Thekkady. March is dry season, which pushes animals toward the lake and water sources. Wildlife sighting probability for elephant, gaur, and sambar deer is higher in March than in wetter months.
- Munnar Tea Estate Walks: Munnar sits at 1,600 m. March mornings are clear, making tea estate walks and viewpoint treks comfortable before midday heat builds.
- Kovalam and Varkala Beach Time: Both beaches remain suitable through most of March. Water conditions are generally calm. Late March sees rising heat, so morning beach time is more comfortable than afternoon.
- Wayanad Trekking: Wayanad's forest trails are open in March. Chembra Peak and Banasura Sagar Dam are accessible. Temperatures stay at 22°C–30°C during the day.
- Kozhikode Heritage Walk: Kozhikode (Calicut) has a compact old town with Portuguese-era architecture and a well-known seafood market. March weather makes walking the streets manageable.
Which Kerala activities are best suited to early March vs. late March?
Early March (1–15 March) suits beach activities, houseboat stays, and wildlife safaris. Crowds are still present but manageable. Late March (16–31 March) suits hill station visits and trekking. Crowds thin, prices drop, and the hills stay cooler than the coast.
What wildlife can you see at Periyar in March?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in March offers sightings of Asian elephants, Indian gaur, sambar deer, and wild boar near the Periyar Lake. Leopard sightings are rare but recorded. The dry conditions reduce vegetation cover, which improves visibility from the boat safari route.
Are Kerala beaches good in March?
Kovalam and Varkala beaches are good through mid-to-late March. Sea conditions are calm. Water temperature sits around 27°C–29°C. After the third week of March, daytime heat on the sand increases. Morning visits between 7 AM and 10 AM are more comfortable than afternoon sessions.
Related: Kerala 7-Day Itinerary — Day-by-Day Planning Guide
How crowded and expensive is Kerala in March?
Kerala is moderately busy in early March due to lingering peak-season demand. After the second week, tourist numbers drop noticeably. Hotel rates in Alleppey and Munnar typically fall 15–25% compared to December–January. Flight fares from Indian metros also ease after the first week of March.
The price drop window in Kerala typically opens around 10–15 March. This aligns with the end of the main winter tourist season and the departure of most foreign visitors. Indian domestic travelers, particularly families, continue visiting through late March due to school holiday schedules.
| Category | Dec–Jan Peak Price (approx.) | March Price (approx.) | Approximate Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alleppey Houseboat (standard, per night) | ₹14,000–₹18,000 | ₹8,000–₹13,000 | Down 15–25% |
| Munnar Resort (3-star, per night) | ₹5,500–₹8,000 | ₹4,000–₹6,500 | Down 15–20% |
| Kovalam Beach Hotel (mid-range, per night) | ₹6,000–₹10,000 | ₹4,500–₹7,500 | Down 20–25% |
| Periyar Boat Safari Permit (per person) | ₹300–₹400 | ₹300–₹400 | No change |
Flight fares from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Cochin or Trivandrum drop 10–20% after the first week of March compared to December–January peaks. Booking 3–4 weeks in advance still secures better fares than last-minute purchases.
Related: Kerala Honeymoon Packages — Houseboat and Hill Station Combinations
What travel tips should you know before visiting Kerala in March?
Before visiting Kerala in March, book houseboats and hill-station stays at least 3–4 weeks in advance for early March. Carry light cotton clothing and sunscreen for coastal areas. Carry a light layer for Munnar evenings. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa are available for most foreign nationals.
The booking lead time matters more for early March than late March. Alleppey houseboats and Munnar resorts fill up faster in the first two weeks. After 15 March, availability opens up considerably.
- Book Alleppey houseboats 3–4 weeks ahead for 1–15 March travel; 1–2 weeks is usually enough for late March
- Carry cash for smaller homestays and local transport in Wayanad and Periyar areas
- Hire a local guide for Periyar forest treks — entry without a guide is not permitted on certain trails
- Trains between Trivandrum, Kochi, and Kozhikode book out early; reserve rail tickets at least 30 days ahead
- Taxis between Kochi and Munnar take approximately 4 hours; shared cabs are available but less frequent after 2 PM
What documents do foreign travelers need for Kerala in March?
Foreign nationals from 166+ countries can apply for an Indian tourist e-Visa online before travel. The standard tourist e-Visa allows a 30-day stay. Visa-on-arrival is available at select airports including Cochin International Airport. Travelers should apply at least 4 business days before departure.
How many days are enough for a Kerala trip in March?
A 5-night trip covers one zone well — either the backwaters, the coast, or the hills. A 7-night trip allows two zones, such as Alleppey plus Munnar. A 10-night trip covers all three zones comfortably without rushing between locations.
Related: South India Tour Packages — Kerala and Beyond
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's Kerala packages cover March departures across all zones — coast, backwaters, and hills. Our consultants can match your travel dates to the right combination of stays and activities. Pricing adjusts based on early March vs. late March availability.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323