Climate of Kerala

Kerala is one of the regions in India that receives the highest rainfall. The Southwest Monsoon arrives in Kerala first. The average annual rainfall is around 300 centimeters. Kerala receives the bulk of its rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon (Edavappathi); during this period, the average rainfall is up to 200 centimeters. Rainfall is heaviest in July. About 50 centimeters of rain falls on average during the Northeast Monsoon (Thulavarsham) season. An average of 40 centimeters of rainfall is also received as summer rain. Rainfall is lowest in January. In recent times, fluctuations have been observed in both the quantity and timing of rainfall in Kerala. The term 'Njattuvela' refers to the 'vela' (path or transit) of the 'Njayaru' (Sun). An agricultural calendar based on 'Njattuvela' systems existed in Kerala; this agricultural schedule was formulated by incorporating advance knowledge regarding rainfall and weather patterns.

Compared to other Indian states, Kerala lies closer to the equator. Kerala experiences the humid equatorial tropic climate. The temperature in Kerala normally ranges from 28° to 32° C on the plains but drops to about 20° C in the highlands. Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains from the southwest summer monsoon and northeast winter monsoon. Kerala's rainfall averages 2923 mm (115 in) annually. The term 'monsoon' came from Arabic word Mawsim. Neriamangalam (Ernakulam District) gets the highest average rainfall in the state. The district that gets lowest rainfall in Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. The highest rainfall district in Kerala is Idukki. Climate of Kerala can be divided into 4 seasons - Winter, Summer, South West Monsoon and North East Monsoon.

1. Winter

The Winter Season in kerala is from November last to the middle of February. The Winter Season in Kerala witnesses the lowest amount of rainfall.

2. Summer

When compared to other indian states, summers in Kerala are pleasant. Western Ghats prevent the dry northern winds from entering the state. Erratic rains accompanied by lightening and thunder is another feature of the season. The Summer Season in kerala is from March to the end of May.

3. South West Monsoon

South West Monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala. The season starts from end of May or early June till the end of September. The first state in India to receive rain from the Southwest Monsoon is Kerala. Most of the rivers of Kerala are fed by the monsoons. Rains starts by the middle of the Malayalam month Edavam is known as Edavappathi (Southwest Monsoon).

4. North East Monsoon

Also known as the Retreating Monsoon or the Reverse Monsoons. Rains during the Malayalam month of Thulam is known as Thulavarsham (Northeast Monsoon). The season is in October and November and sometimes lasts till December. 

Tsunami

The Kerala coast was significantly affected by the 2004 tsunami occured in Indian Ocean. In Kerala, about 176 people were killed and 1600 injured in the coastal belt. The maximum devastation was reported in the low coastal land of Kollam, Alleppey and Ernakulam districts, particularly a strip of 10 km in Azhikkal, Kollam district. Nearly 84,773 persons were evacuated from the coastal areas and accommodated in 142 relief camps after tsunami.

Monsoon Tourism

Government of Kerala and Kerala Tourism Department is promoting Monsoon Tourism. Winter and Summer (November to May) are the peak tourist seasons.