December is, for many travellers, the finest month to see Kerala — dry, comfortable weather, green hills, and a festive buzz along the coast. Here is an honest planning guide to Kerala in December: what the weather is like, what makes the month special, and how far ahead to plan.
What the weather is like in December
December falls in Kerala's dry, post-monsoon season, so you get clear skies and easy sightseeing. The coast and backwaters stay pleasantly warm at roughly the mid-20s to low-30s°C by day, while the hills are cool and often misty — Munnar can drop to single digits at night, so pack a light jacket for the high ranges.
Why December is special
It is peak season for good reason. The backwaters are glorious, the tea hills are crisp and clear, and the coast is in full festive swing. Kerala has one of India's largest Christian communities, so Christmas is celebrated warmly — churches, carols, stars, and cribs, especially around Fort Kochi, where the Cochin Carnival runs through the last week of the month and builds toward New Year.
Where to go in December
- Munnar — cool, clear tea country; the best hill views of the year. See our Munnar season guide.
- Alleppey & Kumarakom — calm, sunny backwaters, ideal for an overnight houseboat.
- Kovalam & Varkala — warm, dry beach days to finish a trip.
- Fort Kochi — heritage streets at their most festive.
How early to plan
Here is the one practical thing worth knowing: December is Kerala's busiest month, and the best houseboats and hotels — especially around Christmas and New Year — book out earliest. There is no need to rush, but we generally suggest confirming your dates a few weeks ahead so you get the stays and boat category you want rather than what is left. If your dates are flexible, early and mid-December are a touch calmer than the Christmas–New Year peak.
Popular December routes
Most December trips run 6 to 8 days across Munnar, Thekkady, and the Alleppey backwaters, often finishing on the coast. Our most-booked options are the Kerala Glimpse 6N/7D and the longer Kerala Exotic 7N/8D — both fully customizable, with current per-person pricing on each page. You can also compare package prices or browse all Kerala tours.
Plan your December trip
Tell us your dates and travel style and we will shape the route, stays, and houseboat around them. Start planning, and we are happy to talk it through on WhatsApp.
