Imagine waking to mist rolling across emerald tea plantations, drifting through palm-fringed backwaters by houseboat, and ending the day beside the Arabian Sea as the sky turns gold. That is Kerala in December—cooler, greener and wonderfully inviting.
December is one of the best months to explore God’s Own Country. The weather is comfortable, wildlife experiences become more enjoyable, beaches enter their prime season and festive celebrations bring extra energy to towns such as Kochi. Kerala is also in its peak tourism period, so thoughtful planning and advance reservations make a noticeable difference.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family holiday or a peaceful solo escape, this guide covers the destinations, experiences and practical details that matter.
Kerala does not experience a harsh winter. Instead, December brings a gentler version of the state’s tropical climate.
Days along the coast are generally warm, while mornings and evenings are more comfortable. Hill stations such as Munnar and Wayanad can feel distinctly cool after sunset. Thekkady, for example, typically experiences winter temperatures between approximately 13°C and 25°C.
There is one detail travellers occasionally overlook: Kerala’s northeast monsoon can continue through December. Short showers are therefore possible, particularly during the beginning of the month. They rarely spoil an entire holiday, but carrying a compact umbrella is sensible.
In simple terms, expect:
Pleasant mornings and evenings
Warm afternoons near beaches and backwaters
Cooler nights in the Western Ghats
Relatively comfortable humidity
Occasional short-lived rain
Busy attractions during Christmas and New Year
December allows you to combine beaches, mountains, forests and backwaters without dealing with the intense heat of summer or the prolonged rain of the main monsoon season.
The monsoons leave Kerala refreshed. Tea gardens look vivid, waterfalls retain much of their charm and the forests of the Western Ghats feel especially alive.
December falls within the preferred season for several beaches. Marari Beach, for example, is generally at its driest and most inviting between December and March.
Christmas is widely celebrated across the state, with illuminated churches, decorated streets and special meals. Fort Kochi becomes particularly lively during the Cochin Carnival, an annual celebration held during the final weeks of December.
Kochi is more than an arrival point—it is a fascinating introduction to Kerala’s layered history.
Spend time wandering through Fort Kochi, where colonial-era architecture, old churches, art cafés and waterfront views sit comfortably beside everyday neighbourhood life. Visit the Mattancherry area, explore the historic streets around Jew Town and watch the Chinese fishing nets operate near the shore.
During the latter part of December, the Cochin Carnival fills Fort Kochi with cultural performances, competitions, fairs, rallies, food events and beach activities. Celebrations traditionally begin with a ceremony at the War Memorial and continue toward New Year.
Do not rush Kochi. Its charm is found as much in a slow café breakfast and an evening walk as it is in its monuments.
Munnar is the Kerala people picture when they dream of winding mountain roads and green hills disappearing into mist.
December mornings can be crisp, and evenings may feel surprisingly cold compared with the coast. Explore tea estates, visit a tea museum, stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surrounding valleys.
Eravikulam National Park, when open, is another major attraction. Entry and access can be regulated, so checking current conditions before travelling is worthwhile.
Pack a light jacket and allow at least two nights in Munnar. Arriving in the afternoon and leaving the following morning does not give the landscape enough time to work its magic.
Thekkady offers a refreshing change of pace after Munnar. Here, forested hills replace tea gardens, while spice plantations bring the aromas of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves into the journey.
A boat ride on Periyar Lake is popular, but wildlife sightings should be treated as a possibility rather than a guarantee. Nature walks and guided forest activities can provide a more intimate experience.
A well-conducted spice plantation tour is also worthwhile. Choose a reputable operator who focuses on the plants and local cultivation instead of turning the visit into a lengthy sales presentation.
Few experiences capture Kerala quite like a journey through the backwaters of Alappuzha.
A traditional houseboat moves past coconut groves, paddy fields, village homes and narrow canals where local life continues at an unhurried rhythm. An overnight cruise can be memorable, especially for couples and families seeking a slower experience.
However, a houseboat is not the only option. Travellers wanting closer access to narrow waterways may prefer a smaller canoe or shikara ride combined with a homestay. It can feel more personal and often offers better interaction with village landscapes.
Before booking an overnight boat, confirm:
The cruising route and duration
Whether air-conditioning operates all day or only at night
Meals included in the tariff
Private or shared boat arrangements
Safety equipment and registration
Recent photographs and genuine reviews
Kumarakom is a lovely alternative for travellers who prefer a peaceful resort stay beside Vembanad Lake.
The destination works particularly well for slow mornings, sunset cruises, Ayurvedic treatments and relaxed family time. Instead of constantly sightseeing, you can simply watch the light change over the water and listen to the sounds of the surrounding wetlands.
Varkala has a personality of its own. Its red laterite cliffs overlook a broad stretch of sea, while cafés, shops and guesthouses line the upper pathway.
December is ideal for enjoying the beach, walking along the cliff and watching the sunset. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, yet it is still possible to find quieter accommodation away from the busiest section.
Swim only in designated areas and follow the instructions of lifeguards because currents can be strong even when the sea looks calm.
Kovalam is one of Kerala’s best-known coastal destinations and a convenient choice for travellers departing from Thiruvananthapuram.
The lighthouse, curved beaches and plentiful hotels make it particularly suitable for families and first-time visitors. It can become crowded during the holiday period, so travellers looking for complete solitude may prefer Marari or a quieter stretch outside the main tourist zone.
Wayanad is ideal for travellers who want plantations, forest scenery and outdoor activities.
December’s cooler conditions are generally suitable for sightseeing and trekking, although access to particular trails or forest zones can change. Check local permissions rather than assuming every attraction will be available.
Because Wayanad is in northern Kerala, it is better treated as a separate journey or combined with Kozhikode and Kannur. Adding it to a short Kochi–Munnar–Alappuzha itinerary can result in too much time on the road.
Marari is a strong choice when your idea of a beach holiday involves hammocks, fishing villages and long, quiet walks rather than nightlife.
It also combines easily with Alappuzha. You can experience the backwaters first and then spend a night or two relaxing beside the sea before returning to Kochi.
The finest moments often arrive after the boat stops for the evening—the sunset, the stillness and a freshly prepared Kerala-style dinner.
A guided plantation experience adds context to Munnar’s scenery. You begin to understand how tea is cultivated and processed rather than seeing the hills only as a photograph.
A cultural performance can be an entertaining introduction to Kerala’s artistic traditions. Arrive early for Kathakali if the venue allows visitors to observe the elaborate makeup process.
Kerala is closely associated with Ayurveda, but quality varies. Choose a recognised centre, disclose any medical conditions and avoid treatments presented as instant cures.
Northern Kerala’s Theyyam season can offer remarkable ritual performances, particularly around Kannur and Kasaragod. Events take place at specific temples and dates can vary, so consult Kerala Tourism’s Theyyam calendar and confirm locally before building your itinerary around one.
A December journey deserves more than one standard restaurant order. Look for:
Appam with vegetable or chicken stew
Puttu with kadala curry
Kerala parotta with curry
Karimeen pollichathu
Fish curry prepared with kudampuli
Malabar biryani
Idiyappam with coconut milk
Banana chips fried in coconut oil
Payasam
Fresh seafood along the coast
If you are visiting during Christmas, local bakeries and traditional plum cakes are also part of the seasonal pleasure.
Kerala looks compact on a map, but hill roads and local traffic make journeys slower than many first-time visitors expect. A focused itinerary is therefore much more enjoyable than attempting to cover the entire state.
Check in near Fort Kochi and spend the evening exploring the waterfront, colonial streets and local cafés.
Travel through the changing landscapes toward Munnar. Stop at viewpoints and waterfalls where conditions allow, then enjoy a quiet evening in the hills.
Visit tea gardens, scenic viewpoints and selected local attractions. Keep part of the day unplanned so you can enjoy the mountain atmosphere without constantly watching the clock.
Drive to Thekkady and visit a spice plantation. Attend a cultural or martial-arts performance in the evening.
Enjoy an early nature activity if booked, then continue to Alappuzha for an overnight houseboat cruise or backwater homestay.
Travel south and spend the afternoon beside the sea. Walk along Varkala Cliff and stay for sunset.
Enjoy an unhurried breakfast before departing from Thiruvananthapuram.
This route closely reflects Kerala’s well-established Kochi–Munnar–Thekkady–Alappuzha–southern coast circuit.
If you have only five days, choose Kochi, Munnar and Alappuzha. With ten days, add Thekkady and two or three nights on the coast.
Pack for both tropical warmth and cool mountain evenings.
Bring:
Breathable cotton clothing
A light jacket or warm layer for hill stations
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Insect repellent
A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
Swimwear
A reusable water bottle
Modest clothing for temples and religious sites
Any necessary medicines
A waterproof pouch for electronics
Avoid overpacking. Laundry services are easy to find in most major tourist destinations.
December is peak season, and the Christmas-to-New-Year period is especially busy. Popular resorts, well-reviewed houseboats and experienced drivers can sell out well ahead of travel.
Reserve early if your dates fall between approximately 20 December and the first few days of January. Expect holiday supplements, minimum-stay conditions and higher transport costs during this period.
Before paying, request written confirmation of:
Final room category
Taxes and compulsory festive charges
Meal plan
Cancellation terms
Houseboat inclusions
Vehicle type
Pickup and drop locations
Child policies
A lower price is not always better if it leaves important details unclear.
Kerala has airports serving its central, southern and northern regions:
Kochi is convenient for Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha and Kumarakom.
Thiruvananthapuram works well for Kovalam and Varkala.
Kozhikode and Kannur are useful for northern Kerala and Wayanad.
Trains are excellent for many coastal journeys, while a private car is more convenient for hill stations. Buses are economical and extensive, but they may not suit travellers carrying substantial luggage or following a tight itinerary.
Do not judge road journeys by distance alone. A relatively short route through the hills can take several hours.
Kerala’s beauty is closely tied to fragile ecosystems and local communities.
Choose refillable bottles where possible, avoid littering, keep noise low around wildlife and do not encourage elephant rides or irresponsible animal interactions. When visiting villages or places of worship, ask before photographing people.
Selecting locally owned homestays, guides and restaurants can also help tourism revenue remain within the community.
Absolutely.
Kerala in December offers one of India’s most satisfying combinations of scenery, culture, food and relaxation. You can begin the morning among mist-covered tea plantations, spend the afternoon travelling through quiet backwaters and reach the coast in time to watch the sun disappear into the Arabian Sea.
The only real challenge is deciding how much to include. Resist the temptation to race across the state. Choose a balanced route, stay at least two nights in places you truly want to experience and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Kerala is at its best when the journey feels unhurried.
Let Travelicious Journeys design a Kerala holiday around your travel style—whether you want a romantic houseboat stay, a family-friendly tour, a relaxed beach break or a complete hills-and-backwaters experience.
Travelicious Journeys
Call or WhatsApp: +91 9090 99 6663
Website: www.traveliciousjourneys.in
+91 9090 99 6663
+91 9090 00 6663
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