Kerala in May: Weather, Places to Visit, Festivals & Travel Tips

Kerala in May: A Complete Guide For A Trip

Buckle up for your next summer getaway in God’s Own Country as you visit Kerala in May with your friends and family. Situated on the eastern coastline of India, Kerala has some of the country’s most stunning destinations that are famous for their natural beauty. The state, which is popular around the world for its beautiful backwaters, lush greenery, and vibrant cultural traditions, reflects a dreamy ambience in May. Even with peak summer revealing itself, the weather remains comfortable and pleasant for exploring hilly destinations, vast tea plantations, and the backwaters.

The list of places to visit in May in Kerala ranges from the hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad to the backwaters of Alleppey. Cosy temperatures make Kerala a lush green paradise with fewer crowds, offering a peaceful retreat away from the rush of daily life. You can simply relax amidst the mesmerising natural landscape or go on adventures like hiking, wildlife safaris, and water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkelling. Kerala tour packages offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure sports in Kerala, including curated itineraries for hill stations, backwaters, and coastal destinations, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your preferences.

Another factor that makes May a great time to visit Kerala is the wide range of festivals that are organised in this month. Travellers can attend the grand Thrissur Pooram festivities, Edathua Perunnal at Edathua Basilica, and Kannambra Vela celebrations this month. Through this, you can experience a cultural insight into the region and get a chance to interact with the local traditions as well.

So, with Thrillophilia, choose the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and adventure as you explore Kerala in May.

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Essential Information About Kerala in May

01

Why Visit Kerala in May?

Lesser crowds: May marks the low season for tourists in Kerala, which means you can explore the best places to visit in Kerala during May month.
Comfortable weather: Temperatures in May range below 35 degrees Celsius, making it pleasant to visit Kerala’s hill stations, backwaters, and tea plantations.
Cheaper accommodations and flights: Get heavy discounts and amazing deals at top hotels and resorts and even for air travel as it is the low season.
Privacy at Ayurvedic resorts and other attractions: Since visitors are fewer, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala, tea plantations, backwaters, and even beaches in Kerala.
Numerous festivals: Get a golden chance to attend festivities like Vishu and Thrissur Pooram during this month.

02

Kerala Weather In May

Kerala weather in May is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C.
The humidity is high during this time, and frequent showers bring over 200mm of rainfall across 15 to 20 days. This makes it the perfect time for a honeymoon trip to Kerala, offering romantic getaways in lush and serene destinations.
Thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Sea temperatures stay around 30°C, making it ideal for water sports in Kerala like kayaking and boating.
Despite the rain, Kerala enjoys over seven hours of sunshine daily. The lush green landscapes and fewer tourist crowds make May a great time to explore Kerala's natural beauty and cultural attractions.

03

Festivals in Kerala in May

1. Thrissur Pooram: Witness the biggest and most famous Pooram festival or temple in Kerala as you visit Thrissur in May. With more than a hundred elephants dressed up in jewels, the festival is marked by fireworks and vibrant music and dance performances a must include in Thrissur tour packages.

When to attend – This year, Thrissur Pooram will be held on May 6, 2025

2. Edathua Perunnal: One of the greatest celebrations of Alleppey, Edathua Perunnal is an annual festival held at Edathua Basilica. During a Kerala group tour, you can enjoy this grand celebration of St George, who is believed to protect locals from snakes, is celebrated on this day with a grand feast and ritualistic prayers.

When to attend – Held from April 27 to May 7 every year.

3. Kannambra Vela: One of Kerala’s iconic harvest festivals, Kannambra Vela celebrations in Palakkad mark the end of summer festivals in the region. Elephant pageantry, fireworks, dance and music welcome the Goddess at Palakkad’s Sree Kurumba Temple in this event.

When to attend – This year, Kannambra Vela will be held on May 24, 2025

Best Adventurous Activities In Kerala

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Unique Boat Tour Experience in Calicut

$ 18.31 $ 14.64

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$ 40.89 $ 38.54

2D/1N
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Camping And Cycling Tour In Wayanad

$ 36.20

04

What to Pack for Kerala in May?

Light, breathable clothes: Go for cotton and linen clothing to stay comfortable in the heat and humid weather of Kerala. The best fits include loose-fitting T-shirts, shorts, tank tops, and shirts.
Waterproof shoes: Pack waterproof shoes or flip-flops if you plan to visit the Kerala backwaters or go on treks.
Swimwear: For lounging on the beach or swimming in the seas, remember to pack your swimwear.
Rain protection: While chances of rainfall are minimal, it is advised that you carry an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
Insect repellent and other medications: Carry a good-quality insect repellent and your essential medications for exploring Kerala’s places to visit in May.

05

Tips for visiting Kerala in May

To make the best out of the shoulder season discounts, compare hotel prices online before booking your preferred stay.
Although flight tickets are lowly priced in this period, book them in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Pack light cotton and linen clothing along with sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the best places to visit in Kerala in May like tea plantations in Munnar and hiking trails.
Carry water and light snacks to keep yourself protected from the summer heat.
Explore the attractions during morning or evening hours as afternoons tend to be slightly hotter in May.

Places to Visit in Kerala in May

06

Munnar

Munnar, a picturesque hill station, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in May. Known for its sprawling tea plantations, Munnar's cool climate offers a refreshing retreat from the heat. The tea gardens are in full bloom, creating lush green vistas perfect for photography.

Places to Visit: Key attractions included in places to visit in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and the serene Mattupetty Dam. May is an ideal time for trekking to Echo Point, where you can experience natural acoustics.

Places to Shop: The town's vibrant markets sell local spices and handmade crafts, adding a cultural touch to your trip to Munnar.

07

Alleppey

If Kerala’s backwaters fascinate you, Alleppey is among the top places to see in Kerala in May. The waters are clean and peaceful, with a few houseboats and bamboo rafts gliding along the serene landscape. You can enjoy a memorable houseboat cruise along the backwaters, and even spend a night on board the boats. On overnight cruises, you can also enjoy fresh meals, try fishing, and experience the local culture of the region.

Places to visit in Alleppey- our Alleppey tour packages can help you explore the famous Alleppey Beach, Punnamada Lake, and Pathiramanal Island here.

Spiritual places in Alleppey- You can also visit spiritual attractions like the Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Temple and St Andrew’s Church here.

08

Wayanad

Commonly known as the ‘Ooty of Kerala’, Wayanad is a beautiful hill station in Kerala located on the Western Ghats. On your Wayanad trip, you can witness the lush green beauty of the surroundings, waterfalls, misty hills and a wide range of wildlife.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad- The most famous wildlife reserves here are Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pakshipathalam Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can witness elephants, tigers, leopards, and various species of birds, reptiles, and insects.

Places to visit in Wayanad- Some of Wayanad’s top attractions you must visit are Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Soochipara Falls, and Banasura Sagar Dam.

Adventure activities- Lined with dense forests and tall hills, Wayanad is also known for its vast range of adventures like river rafting, ziplining, trekking, and mountain biking.

09

Thekkady

Discover the amazing biodiversity of Kerala as you visit Thekkady, which is best known for the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Being one of the famous places to visit in Kerala in May, the reserve is home to Asian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, king cobras, and Malabar hornbills. Travellers can spot these incredible animals and birds during safaris by canoes, jeep rides, elephant rides, and bamboo rafts on the Periyar River here.

Other Places to visit in Thekkady-

Chellarkovil View Point- You can enjoy unparalleled views of tea plantations on your visit to this viewpoint with our Thekkady tour packages.
Elephant Camp- Here you can indulge in a bathing session with these majestic animals
Philip’s Natural Honey and Bee Farm- If you wish to learn about the honey-extracting methods, you can pay a visit here.
Green Park Spices Plantation- You can visit this place if you wish to add a touch of Keralan spices to your kitchen.

10

Kovalam

Admire the charming beauty of Kerala’s beaches as you plan a calming retreat to the seaside destination of Kovalam, topping the list of best places in Kerala to visit in May. The crescent-shaped beaches lined with peaceful waters of the Arabian Sea are perfect for a leisurely beach day.

In addition to water sports in Kovalam and activities, rejuvenating Ayurvedic spas and Yoga sessions are another highlight of Kovalam that are best enjoyed in the secluded atmosphere of May.

Spiritual centre of Kovalam- The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most famous spiritual temple here, and it is a revered place for travellers all over the world.

Places to visit in Kovalam- You can visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Hawa beach, Karamana River, Vellayani Lake, and Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple here. An excursion to Kerala arts and crafts village with Kovalam tour packages can also offer a great cultural experience to all.

11

Varkala

Gear up for an unforgettable beach experience in Kerala by including Varkala in your summer travel itinerary. The destination is known for its rugged cliffs that rise to a height of more than 40 metres, making it a favourite among adventurers. In addition, you must attend a spa session in the renowned Ayurveda homes and Yoa centres, and enjoy the traditional methods of inducing relaxation, calmness, and overall well-being of every individual.

Adventure activities- You can go jet skiing, parasailing, swimming, kayaking, mangrove forest kayaking, and banana boat riding, and try several other adventures with our Varkala tour packages.

Places to visit in Varkala- Places like Ponnumthuruthu Island, Bekal Fort, and Kappil Lake are considered to be the best places to visit in Varkala offer a worthwhile insight into the cultural demography of the region and its people.

12

Kochi

Kochi, also known as Cochin is a bustling port city that blends history with modernity. Offering warm weather and a wide range of activities, Cochin becomes a top attraction to visit in Kerala in May. The iconic Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi , which must be included in Kochi tour packages.

Places to Visit in Kochi: Explore the historic Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, which reflect Cochin's rich cultural tapestry. Cochin's scenic backwaters and serene beaches provide a perfect escape from the summer heat.

Activities: May is a great time to enjoy a Kathakali performance, showcasing traditional dance and drama, while the city's bustling markets, like Jew Town, offer unique shopping experiences.

13

Thrissur

Indulge in the cultural vibrance of Kerala with a visit to Thrissur, the famous cultural capital of the state. The destination is known for the iconic Pooram celebrations, the most famous of which is the Thrissur Pooram festival.

Spiritual places in Thrissur- Temples like the Vadakkumnathan Temple, Guruvayoor Temple, and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple are the top spiritual places to cover with Thrissur tour packages.

Places to visit in Thrissur- The Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Athirappilly and Vazhachal Waterfalls, and Kerala Kalamandalam are other popular highlights of places to visit in Thrissur. Alongside these, Our Lady of Dolours Basilica and Chettiyangadi Hanafi Juma Masjid are also popular.

Beaches of Thrissur- Vilangan Beach and Chevakkad Beach.

14

Vagamon

Vagamon, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a serene hill station famous for its lush meadows and rolling hills. In May, Vagamon's landscapes are vibrant and inviting, making it a prime destination for nature lovers. The Vagamon Pine Forest offers a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and picnics.

Places to Visit: The meandering streams and picturesque waterfalls, like Maramala Waterfalls, enhance the region's charm. Adventure seekers can enjoy paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing.

Festivals to Attend: Vagamon also hosts the Kurisumala Festival, which showcases local traditions and culture, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

15

Ponmudi

Ponmudi, a serene hill station in Thiruvananthapuram district, is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Kerala in May. Known for its winding roads and mist-covered hills, Ponmudi offers a cool retreat with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C.

Places to Visit: Key attractions include the stunning Meenmutty Falls and the Golden Valley, where you can enjoy the serene ambience and natural beauty. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering sightings of diverse flora and fauna.

Outdoor Activities: Ponmudi's pleasant weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, bird watching, and exploring lush tea estates.

16

Lakkidi

Lakkidi, a charming hill station in Wayanad, is a perfect destination to visit in Kerala in May. Renowned for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather, Lakkidi offers lush green landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints. The Lakkidi Viewpoint provides panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Places to Visit: The Pookode Lake, with its boating facilities and serene surroundings, is a popular spot for families. Nature enthusiasts will love the Thusharagiri Waterfalls and the dense forests teeming with wildlife. May's mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, makes Lakkidi an ideal spot for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

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Periyar National Park

Experience the wonders of Periyar National Park! Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, this biodiverse sanctuary offers a captivating blend of wildlife and pristine landscapes. Embark on thrilling jungle safaris and encounter majestic elephants, tigers, leopards, and diverse avian species roaming freely in their natural habitat. Discover lush forests, shimmering streams, and cascading waterfalls as you trek through its verdant trails.Boating on the tranquil Periyar Lake provides a unique opportunity to spot wildlife congregating at the water's edge. As a responsible eco-tourism destination, the park promotes conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.Whether you're an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene retreat amidst nature's bounty, Periyar National Park promises an unforgettable and enriching experience in the lap of pristine wilderness.

More Kerala Attractions

Kumily, thekkady Pandikuzhi, thekkady Mangla Devi Temple, thekkady Periyar Lake, thekkady Green Park Spices, thekkady Mullaperiyar Dam, thekkady Chellarkovil Viewpoint, thekkady Samudra Beach, kovalam Vadakkunnathan Temple, thrissur St. Angelo Fort, kannur Deepa World Spices and Ayurveda Plantation, thekkady Neyyar Dam, kovalam Muzhappilangad Beach, kannur Palakkayam Thattu, kannur Kannur Lighthouse Rock Cut Cave Temple, kovalam Dolours Basilica, thrissur Kovalam Beach Halcyon Castle, kovalam Kovalam Art Gallery Light House Beach, kovalam Shakthan Thampuran Palace, thrissur Murikkady, thekkady Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint, thekkady Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, thrissur Vilangan Kunnu, thrissur Marine Drive Kochi Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, thrissur Punnathur Kotta, thrissur Nehru Park, thrissur Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, munnar Varkala Beach Athirappilly Waterfalls, thrissur Artificial Off Shore Coral Reef, kovalam Kerala Kalamandalam, thrissur Echo Point, munnar Attukad Waterfalls, munnar Pothamedu View Point, munnar Eravikulam National Park, munnar Tata Tea Museum, munnar Thrissur Zoo And State Museum Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park, munnar Kundala Lake, munnar Marayoor Dolmens, munnar Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, munnar Carmelagiri Elephant Park, munnar Charpa Falls, thrissur Chinnakanal Waterfalls, munnar Chokramudi Peak, munnar Chembra Peak, wayanad Mattupetti Indo Swiss Farm, munnar Banasura Sagar Dam, wayanad Fort Kochi Jatayu Earth Center, kerala Sevenmallay Tea Estate, munnar Kuruva Island, wayanad The Bamboo Factory, wayanad Jain Temple, Sulthan Battery, wayanad Pookode Lake, wayanad Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, wayanad Edakkal Caves, wayanad Lakkidi View Point, wayanad Meenmutty Waterfalls, wayanad Neelimala View Point, wayanad Kozhikode Beach, calicut Thirunelli Temple, wayanad Idukki Arch Dam Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary Mananchira, calicut Ashtamudi Lake, kollam Ilaveezha Poonchira, idukki Thangassery Light House, kollam Soochipara Waterfalls , wayanad Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, calicut Phantom Rock, wayanad Kollam Beach Bamboo Forest, wayanad Thirumullavaram Beach, kollam Valayanad Devi Temple, calicut Keezharkuthu Falls, idukki Kollam Adventure Park Tree House Stay, munnar Bekal Fort, kasaragod Chain Tree, wayanad Hill View Park, idukki Anandavalleswaram Temple, kollam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Thalikkunu Shiva Temple, calicut Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, kollam Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, wayanad Thusharagiri Waterfalls, wayanad Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls, kollam Photo Point, munnar Beypore Beach, calicut Vandanmedu, idukki Palaruvi Falls, kollam Srikanteshwara Temple, calicut

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Kerala Reviews

11 July 2019

Naresh Rajendran Camping at Top Station, Munnar

Excellent

It Was an Awesome Trip To Munnar , Pros: Traveling On Month Of July (monsoon Season) Make The Place More Special . The Place Where The Camping Held Has Given Stunning Panoramic View Of The Western Ghats and the Valley of Theni. On Way To Campsite You Can Also have A Chance To Encounter With Wild Animals Which is also an Thrilling Experince. The Dinner and Breakfast Which Provided By the Tour Company Was Quiet Decent. Memorable Moments And FunFilled Trip Is Guarantee . Cons : Food are Really Expensive on Outside Of The Campiste Residency If You Are Planning A Other Activities Than Camping Beware Of The Activities You Pick bcoz In Some Places( Example :Elephant Safari,Etc..) They Charge You More Than It Deserve Since I Had Private Tour I Did Not Have Problem With Restroom Facilities (because Campsite Was Near The Building Of The Tour Company ) I havn't Seen Any Restroom On The Places Of Group Tour Camp So Please Enquire Before The Begging Of Your Camping. --- At Last One Line Decrption --- " Nature Always Wears The Colors Of The Spirits " Live In The Moments In Munnar Have A Good Life :)

+11

16 April 2015

Brajesh Jain Paragliding In Vagamon

Excellent

Paragliding was a an absolute delightful experience for me. it was my first time and intially it was a little scary but when you start your flight its amazing. also the pilot was really friendly and explaining me everything from important points about the place and his experience of flying. best parts was when he was doing stunts like flying 360 degree. it was a very memorable experience.

+8

04 November 2020

SHIVANI SHAH 7 Hills Full Day Trekking at Lakshmi Hills, Munnar

Excellent

Arun is really a gem of a person. He is very informative, really kind and soft spoken. He shared knowledge about tea plantation and Munnar history too. Arun is also a good photographer and he captures amazing shots. The view is lovely as fog passes by. Also the trek is amazing given the distance and route. Arun also managed to provide a light snack and lunch on our way and we spent a fantastic time. The seven hills Lakshmi trek is really beautiful way to look at beauty of Munnar. Highly recommended.

+4

11 October 2020

Sreejith AK Unique Boat Tour Experience in Calicut

Excellent

Ideal spot for family and friends to experience a complete riverside vacation at a very reasonable price.

+2

25 May 2015

Bheeshma Guha Kerala Tour Package for 5 days

Excellent

My money spent on this trip was totally worth it and i strongly recommend this as a holiday point for you.Especially i liked that ride on the houseboat, which is a typical and very famous tourist attraction in Kerala and you gonna love that too.

+2

19 February 2021

Sreerag Parayil Paragliding In Vagamon

Superb

Very good experience. Camera battery was weak and he hence our on air video was not fully captured.

28 January 2021

SABARI Hill-top Camping at Thangalpara Valley, Vagamon

Excellent

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip.The Jeep Safari was a very thrilling experience.The tent stay was perfect and the food was good.I would definitely recommend it for a group of friends ,looking for a weekend getaway.Kindly contact the host before reaching the campsite since network will not be available there.

21 January 2021

Vikash Bardia Wayanad Silverwoods Resort

Superb

Stunning view, great place, great staff, helpful BUT Cottages need some repair/maintenance Linens are old and worn out and FOOD isn't good at all. I would still rate a 4 star for its view, location, and friendly staff. TO the management, please work on the food at the least and also some maintenance of the room, linen, rest assured you have a great location to always cash on tourists across all seasons.

Bandhul Mahajan Farmhouse Bungalow Stay Experience in Wayanad

Excellent

We went to Wayanad for a family trip and booked this farmhouse from Thrillophilia at the best price as compared to other sites. The location of stay was nice, the scenic views from the room were amazing, The rooms were spacious, comfortable. The food served at the stay was so yummy, totally loved the food, they even arranged bonfire in the evening, it was a great experience.

Shashi Naik A quiet hideaway amidst the lush outdoors of Wayanad

Excellent

Recently I went to Wayanad with my friends and we booked this beautiful stay, the location of stay was amazing amidst the lush coffee estate. The rooms were comfortable & cozy, the food served at the stay was amazing, the staff was kind & helpful, proper precautions were taken for covid, We enjoyed the guided plantation walk & cycling tour.