Kerala in March feels like stepping into a postcard where the sun shines just right and every landscape looks freshly alive. If you are exploring Kerala tour packages this month, you will notice they are perfectly timed around the seasonal shift. Kerala weather in March usually ranges between 24°C and 34°C, with sunny days and slightly humid afternoons, especially in coastal areas. So, is Kerala hot in March? It’s warm, yes, but still manageable and travel-friendly compared to the intense heat of peak summer.
You’ll likely explore the cultural charm of Kochi, cruise through the calming waters of Alleppey Backwaters, and then escape to cooler hill stations like Munnar, where temperatures stay pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Nature lovers also get to enjoy wildlife and spice plantations around Thekkady, while beach destinations like Kovalam offer breezy evenings and scenic sunsets.
The best part? March in Kerala brings fewer crowds, clear skies, and uninterrupted travel plans. So, get ready to have a serene trip in the lush landscapes of Kerala.
Why Visit Kerala In March?
The Weather - (24°C and 34°C)
Kerala's weather in March is a delight! The weather is pleasant but not oppressive. It's the best time to visit Kerala the winter frost or the summer heat of other parts of the country. Imagine taking a leisurely stroll through tea gardens without breaking a sweat!
Awesome Beaches
You've heard about beaches in Kerala, right? Now is your chance to see them in the best season to visit Kerala. Whether you want to chill in a hammock or try water sports, March gives you sun-kissed days to do it all.
Cool Hills
March is the best season to visit Kerala’s hill station which provides an entirely distinct experience. The air is clean, the hills are lush, and the vibes are upbeat. In the highlands, March ensures that you will not freeze or roast.
Off The Beaten Path
For adventurers, offbeat places in Kerala like Vagamon or Poovar are less crowded in March, which makes it the best time to go to Kerala. These hidden gems offer unique experiences that you wouldn't find in any travel guide.
Festivals Galore
One of the best time to travel Kerala in March is extra special because of the festivals. Witness the colourful spectacle of temple festivals or local events. You become a part of the culture rather than just a tourist observing it. Key festivals include Attuvela Mahotsav, Kottangkulangara Chamayavilakku, Painkuni festival,
Backwater Bliss
When visiting Kerala, houseboat trips are a must. The backwaters are peaceful in March, and the experience is magical. Glide through tranquil water to glimpse a new aspect of existence.
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Places To Visit In Kerala in March
One of the best places to visit in Kerala in March is Alleppey, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East' is the hub of Kerala's backwaters. Think of picturesque canals, lagoons, and luxurious houseboats. The weather in Kerala in March complements the serene ambience of Alleppey.
Why Visit?
- Ideal for Houseboat Stays: Experience living on the water.
- Less Tourist Traffic: Enjoy the serenity with fewer crowds in March.
- Best Seafood: March is an excellent time for some fresh catches.
Things To Do
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Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Munnar is Kerala's gem of a hill station, known for its vast expanses of tea gardens and majestic landscapes. The Kerala climate in March is generally cool, combined with rolling green hills and mist covered valleys, makes it a paradise for nature lovers. Munnar, with a rich history rooted in the tea industry, offers visitors a tranquil retreat surrounded by the melodic chirps of exotic birds and the alluring scent of fresh tea leaves.
Why Visit?
- Pleasant Climate: Cooler than the plains and ideal for hikes.
- Tea Gardens: Learn about tea processing and enjoy fresh brews.
- Floral Beauty: Witness the exotic bloom of Neelakurinji flowers.
Things To Do
- Trekking
- Photography
- Tea-tasting
Thrissur is often called the "Cultural Capital of Kerala," and for good reason. Known for its festivals like Thrissur Pooram, this city is a celebration of art, history, and spirituality. It's a bustling hub where the past meets the present, offering travellers a rich blend of experiences. Whether it's ancient temples or dynamic performances, there are plenty of places to visit in Thrissur that make it a unique destination in Kerala.
Why Visit?
- Cultural Heritage: Watch traditional Keralite performances.
- Culinary Delights: Try authentic Keralite dishes.
- Ancient Temples: Visit some of Kerala's oldest temples.
Things To Do
Thekkady is a nature lover's paradise located in Kerala, renowned for the Periyar National Park. It's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. The lush green forests and the serene Periyar Lake make it an ideal destination for eco tourism activities like bamboo rafting and jungle safaris. March offers clear, dry weather for optimal wildlife spotting.
Why Visit?
- Wildlife Safaris: Get close to elephants, tigers, and more.
- Bamboo Rafting: For a unique view of the forest.
- Spice Plantations: Discover how your favourite spices are grown.
Things To Do
Kochi is where modernity meets tradition and is one of the must places to visit in Kerala in March. It's a bustling port city with skyscrapers alongside ancient fishing nets, colonial churches, and spice markets. Strolling around Kochi will offer you a multicultural experience, perfect for March.
Why Visit?
- Cultural Fusion: See Dutch, Portuguese, and Indian influences.
- Shopping in Kerala: Kochi is your go-to place for spices, antiques, and textiles.
- Seafood Galore: From fish to crab, relish an array of seafood delicacies.
Things To Do
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Dining
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Things to do in Kerala in March
Planning your trip to Kerala in March? Here are the amazing things to do in Kerala in March!
1. Houseboat Stay In Backwaters
Imagine yourself floating on calm waters with coconut palms swaying in the breeze. This is what you get when you book a houseboat in Kerala in March. You’ll be in the middle of nature’s paradise, enjoying authentic Keralan meals and serene vistas.
Why To Do It?
- Unmatched Relaxation: Being on the water is calming, and what better way to enjoy this than on a houseboat?
- Unique Experience: This is something uniquely Keralan that you shouldn’t miss.
- Natural Beauty: The backwaters are a world of their own, filled with flora and fauna to admire.
Places To Do It
When you’re in Kerala in March, how can you resist the allure of its underwater world? Scuba diving in Kerala offers an exotic experience featuring colourful fish, coral reefs, and even shipwrecks.
Why To Do It?
- Adventure: The thrill of exploring the underwater world is incomparable.
- Natural Beauty: Witness the vibrant marine life up close.
- Skill Building: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, scuba diving will help you build new skills.
Places To Do It
Kerala in March is warm which makes it, and what better way to relax than with an authentic Ayurvedic massage? With herbal oils and ancient techniques, it’s a rejuvenating experience, making it the best month to visit Kerala.
Why To Do It?
- Health Benefits: Ayurveda is proven to enhance physical and mental well-being.
- Relaxation: It’s a deeply calming experience.
- Cultural Experience: This form of treatment has been practiced in Kerala for centuries.
Places To Do It
4. Relish The Local Cuisine
When you’re in Kerala, how can you miss the sumptuous food? With coconut-rich curries and freshly caught seafood, restaurants in Kerala offer a unique gastronomic adventure.
Why To Do It?
- Taste Explosion: Kerala cuisine is rich in flavors and textures.
- Local Experience: Eating local is the best way to understand a place.
- Variety: From vegetarian dishes to seafood, there’s something for everyone.
Places To Do It
- Kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Alleppey
If you’re considering a Kerala trip in March, you have to spend some time on its magnificent beaches. Whether you like action-packed beaches or quiet retreats, Kerala in March has it all.
Why To Do It?
- Relaxation: Sun, sand, and sea—what more do you need?
- Adventure: Try water sports like parasailing or just take a long, refreshing swim.
- Scenic Beauty: Capture some amazing photographs against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Places To Do It
Kerala Weather in March - All You Need to Know
End of Winter: When planning the Kerala trip in March, you must know that the winters says goodbye to its mild winter. So, you'll find a pleasant blend of warm and cool weather.
Sunny Skies: If you love the Sun, March won't disappoint! But, always remember to pack some sunscreen.
Beach Time: The sea is usually calm, making it a great time for beach activities. Ever tried building a sandcastle? Now's your chance!
Waterfalls: While not as robust as in the monsoon season which is also the best season to visit Kerala, the waterfalls still offer a lovely sight.
Festivals: March is a festive time in Kerala. You might get to see some traditional dance forms and cultural activities.
Less Rain: Not a fan of getting wet? Good news! Kerala in March has fewer rainy days, so you can explore more without an umbrella blocking your view.
Boat Races: While the famous boat races mostly happen later in the year, you can still take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters.
Wildlife: This is a good time for wildlife spotting. Animals are often more visible as they come out to enjoy the less harsh climate.
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Festivals in Kerala in March
In March 2026, Kerala hosts several of its most significant cultural and religious festivals. These celebrations are primarily temple-based and feature grand elephant processions, traditional percussion music, and unique rituals.
Attukal Pongala (March 3,2026)
Known as the “Sabrimala of Women”, this festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram holds the record for the world’s largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Women prepare a sacred offering of rice and jaggery in earthen pots on the streets of the city.
Chinakkathoor Pooram (March 2-3, 2026)
Held at the Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy temple in Palakkad, it features a majestic parade of 33 caparisoned elephants accompanied by traditional percussion ensembles like Panchavadyam and Pandimelam.
Thirunakkara Arattu (March 24, 2026)
This is the grand finale of a 10-day festival at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam. The event features elephant processions and traditional folk arts like Mayilattam (peacock dance) and Velakali.
Arattupuzha Pooram (March 30, 2026)
Known as the “Mother of all Poorams”, it takes place at the Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple in Thrissur and is renowned for its assembly of a large number of deities from surrounding temples on caparisoned elephants.
Parippally Gajamela (March 8, 2026)
A Spectacular elephant pageantry at the Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple in Kollam, parading up to 50 elephants on the final day of its 10-day festival.
Attuvela Mahotsav (March 21, 2026)
A unique water carnival at the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple in Vaikom, Kottayam, where illuminated, brilliantly decorated replicas of temples are carried on canoes through the backwaters.
Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku (March 24-25, 2026)
A one-of-a-kind festival at the Kottankulangaru Devi temple in Kollam where men dress as women to perform rituals and carry traditional lamps in night-time procession.
Malanada Kettukazcha (March 27, 2026)
Celebrated at the Poruvazhi Malanada Temple in Kollam, which is unique for worshipping Duryodhana. It features massive, 70-80 ft tall decorated structures taken out in ceremonial parade.
Things To Carry To Kerala In March
- Light Cotton Clothes: Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. March is pretty warm, so stick to light fabrics. Ladies, those sundresses and flowy skirts are a great option. Think of light shirts and shorts!
- Flip Flops and Sandals: Kerala is home to some stunning beaches. And you know what beaches mean, right? Sand! Leave those leather shoes at home and opt for comfortable flip-flops or sandals.
- Sunscreen and Hat: The sun can be quite harsh in Kerala in March. So, a good sunscreen with high SPF is your skin’s best friend. Pair it up with a hat, and you’re golden!
- Reusable Water Bottle: You’ll be walking and exploring a lot. Stay hydrated without harming the planet. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up as you go!
- Camera and Binoculars: From capturing the serene backwaters to bird-watching in the forests, you won’t want to miss a thing. A camera is a must, and if you’re into wildlife, throw in a pair of binoculars too.
- Raincoat or Umbrella: Wait, what? Rain in March? Yep! Kerala’s weather can be unpredictable. A lightweight raincoat or a compact umbrella won’t take up much space but can save your day.
- Snacks: When you’re in between munching on delicious Kerala cuisine, keep some granola bars or nuts in your bag. You’ll need the energy to explore all the wonders the state has to offer.
- Basic Medicine Kit: It’s always good to be prepared. A basic medicine kit with essentials like pain relievers, antacids, and band-aids is a wise addition to your luggage.
- Local Map and Phrasebook: Sure, Google Maps is great, but having a paper map can be a lifesaver in areas with poor connectivity. A phrasebook will also help you communicate better with the locals.
- Adapters and Chargers: Different places, different plug types. An adapter is crucial if you want to keep your gadgets charged. Also, don’t forget your phone’s charger and maybe a power bank.
And there you have it! You’re now ready to enjoy everything that Kerala in March has to offer. From its luscious landscapes to its vibrant culture, this list will make sure you experience it all without a hitch. Happy travelling!
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