December in Kerala is a season of clarity, calmness, and comfort. The monsoons have long retreated, leaving behind freshly washed landscapes, vibrant greenery, clear skies, and an atmosphere that feels almost handcrafted for travel. Whether you imagine slow-moving backwaters, mist-wrapped hill stations, cultural festivals steeped in ancient traditions, or coastlines that glow under soft winter light, Kerala in December offers all of it, without the humidity that usually accompanies tropical destinations.

Why December Is Kerala’s Finest Travel Month

December marks the beginning of Kerala’s true winter, mild, crisp, and comfortable. Unlike many parts of India, Kerala never gets severely cold; instead, it balances warmth and cool winds effortlessly. Skies remain clear, rainfall is rare, and the air feels cleaner.

This combination makes December an ideal time for nature exploration, cultural immersion, scenic photography, and long outdoor days. Daytime temperatures hover between 23°C and 30°C in the lowlands, while the hill stations can dip to 10°C at night. Another unique characteristic of December is its cultural calendar.

Kerala hosts numerous festivals during this period, temple rituals, classical performances, boat races, community fairs, and Christmas celebrations. These allow visitors to experience Kerala in a way that goes far beyond landscapes.

1. Explore the Backwaters at Their Most Serene

The backwaters of Kerala, particularly those in Alleppey, Kumarakom, and around Vembanad Lake, are internationally famous for a reason.

In December, the experience becomes even more delightful. The breeze is cooler, mosquitoes are fewer, and the waters remain calm and reflective. You can watch sunlight scatter across ripples, hear soft temple bells drifting through the air, and witness fishermen gliding past in narrow canoes.

A backwater cruise allows travellers to slow down. The pace of life is gentle here. Coconut palms lean over the water, children wave from the banks, migratory birds circle overhead, and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafts from traditional houses along the waterways.

Where to Experience the Best Backwaters

• Vembanad Lake for its openness and tranquil character
• Kumarakom for luxury stays and birdlife
• Alleppey’s narrow canals for authentic village scenery

What Makes Backwaters Special in December

The light is exceptionally soft in winter, creating ideal conditions for photography. Sunsets appear more golden, reflections on the water are sharper, and the morning mist creates a dreamy atmosphere. Whether you choose a day cruise or a houseboat stay, December ensures the most comfortable climate. Houseboats in December are equipped with air-conditioning, but often you will not even need it. 

2. Experience Kerala’s December Festivals and Cultural Events

Kerala’s festival calendar is unusually rich in December. Many of these celebrations involve temple rituals that date back centuries, featuring classical music, dance, chenda drumming, lamps, and processions. Visitors who appreciate culture and tradition will find this period exceptionally rewarding.

• Christmas Celebrations: Kerala is one of the best states in India to experience Christmas. Churches are decorated with lights, stars, and cribs.
  Choirs rehearse for weeks and perform beautifully arranged carols. Bakeries overflow with plum cakes, and midnight masses create a sense of unity and warmth. Kochi, Kottayam, and Thrissur are especially vibrant during this season.
• Guruvayur Ekadasi: One of the most important celebrations at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, this festival draws thousands of devotees throughout the night. The temple stays alive with rhythmic drumming, chanting, and elaborate lamp arrangements.
  Devotees walk barefoot from faraway distances to participate. Even for travellers who are not religious, the scale, discipline, and emotion of the event are striking.
• Vaikathashtami: Held at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, this major festival spans several days. The temple grounds fill with classical dance performances, traditional rituals, and processions featuring caparisoned elephants.
  As the sun sets, thousands of oil lamps transform the temple into a golden glow. It is a cultural spectacle that combines devotion, art, and community.
• President’s Trophy Boat Race: Unlike most boat races held during Onam, this competitive event is held in December at Kollam’s Ashtamudi Lake. Spectators witness long snake boats slicing through the water as rowers chant rhythmically in perfect synchrony. The excitement builds as crowds cheer, drums beat loudly, and the boats race in tight formation.

3. Stay in a Rainforest Resort in Wayanad

Wayanad in December feels peaceful, green, and misty. The forests are dense, the hills are often wrapped in early-morning fog, and the air is significantly cooler than on the plains. A stay in a rainforest resort here means being surrounded by tall trees, streams, birdsong, and occasional sightings of curious wildlife.

Why Wayanad is Perfect in December

• Cooler, clearer weather without monsoon interruptions
• No leeches, dry trekking paths, and safe forest trails
• Coffee plantations and spice gardens at their aromatic best
• Minimal rainfall but lush green scenery
  

Many travellers choose Wayanad specifically to disconnect. Resorts often provide balconies facing valleys, forest pathways for nature walks, and viewpoints for watching the hills change colours as the sun moves.

Must-Experience Highlights in Wayanad

• Edakkal Caves: These caves contain rock engravings estimated to be over 12,000 years old. The climb is moderately challenging, taking you through forests and open rock stretches. The view from the top is panoramic, and the prehistoric art gives you a sense of deep connection with human history.
  
• Rainforest Walks: Short guided trails take you under tall canopies where sunlight filters through in soft patches. The silence here is profound, broken only by bird calls and rustling leaves.
• Sunrise Over the Hills: The December sky in Wayanad appears extra clear. Watching the first rays illuminate the valleys below is one of the region’s most peaceful experiences.

4. Visit Munnar for Mist, Tea Gardens, and Cool Winds

Munnar is one of Kerala’s most adored hill stations, and December is arguably the best time to experience it. Temperatures often fall to around 10°C at night, bringing a refreshing chill. Days are pleasant, and the soft winter light enhances every shade of green in the rolling tea plantations.

Munnar’s charm lies not only in its scenery but also in the stillness of its mornings, the fragrance of tea leaves, and the presence of eucalyptus drifting through the air.

Experiences in Munnar Worth Seeking

• Tea Garden Walks: Guided walks take you through neatly lined tea bushes where you can observe workers hand-plucking leaves, learn about various tea grades, and understand the careful processing that gives tea its aroma and flavor.
• Tea Factory Tours: Munnar houses some of the oldest tea factories in India. Here, you can witness how leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, and dried. The transformation from green leaf to aromatic tea is a fascinating process.
• High-Altitude Viewpoints: December skies are clearer, giving breathtaking views from places like Top Station. Gentle breezes, deep valleys, and layers of mountains create a sense of openness and freedom.
• Plantation Bungalow Stays: Several old colonial-era bungalows in Munnar have been transformed into boutique accommodations. They offer fireplaces, wooden interiors, long verandas, and serene views.

5. Attend a Traditional Kathakali or Classical Arts Performance

Kathakali is one of Kerala’s most iconic art forms. With elaborate face paint, expressive gestures, powerful storytelling, and slow, intense movements, it is both theatrical and spiritual. December is a good month to watch Kathakali because many temples host night-long performances, and cultural centers schedule extended programs.

Understanding the storyline beforehand makes the experience richer. The colors used in the makeup are symbolic: green denotes noble characters, red represents aggression or evil, and black signifies forest-dwelling or mystical beings.

Visitors can often watch the performers prepare. The makeup session itself is an art form, taking hours of careful work.

In addition to Kathakali, Kerala also showcases Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and classical music concerts during December. Together, these reflect the state’s deep cultural heritage.

6. Enjoy Kerala’s Culinary Delights, With Some Caution

Kerala’s culinary scene in December is especially warm, aromatic, and satisfying. Seafood is fresh, spices are harvested, and seasonal produce is abundant. Meals often combine coconut, tamarind, green chilies, curry leaves, and a variety of local spices.

Dishes Worth Trying

• Fish curry cooked in earthen pots
• Duck roast from Kuttanad
• Beef fry with flaky parotta
• Prawn roast with caramelized onions
• Appam with vegetable or chicken stew
• Tapioca with spicy chutneys
• Fresh toddy from licensed shops
  

7. Pick the Right Travel Modes for December

Kerala’s narrow roads can get congested during peak season. Traffic tends to increase in December due to tourism as well as festival celebrations. While road travel is certainly possible, trains and flights often save time and offer more comfort.

Why Consider Trains or Flights

• Scenic railway routes
• No risk of mountain-road traffic jams
• Reliable schedules
• Faster connections between major cities

Road trips are more enjoyable within specific regions, such as inside Wayanad or among the plantations of Munnar, rather than long statewide journeys. Avoid late-night driving because many stretches lack proper lighting.

8. Places You Can Skip Without Missing Much

Not every destination shines during peak season. The following places may not offer the best experience in December:

• Fort Kochi While historically significant, the holiday season attracts large crowds. Prices rise, and the calm charm can feel diluted.
• Kovalam: Known primarily for its beach, but December crowds often reduce its appeal. Noise levels are higher, and the experience is less serene.
• Ponmudi: Although scenic, the region gets congested on weekends and holidays.
• Thenmala: Marketed as an eco-tourism destination, but the execution often feels dated.

Final Thoughts

Kerala in December offers a rare blend of beauty, culture, calm, and clarity. Whether you prefer slow journeys along the backwaters, refreshing days in cool hill stations, or immersing yourself in festivals that have existed for centuries, this month provides the best stage for it all. The landscapes are vibrant, the air feels lighter, and the cultural calendar is rich with experiences.

Every corner of Kerala holds a different story in December, whispered by the forests, mirrored in the lakes, echoed in temples, and celebrated in its cuisine. It is a time when the state feels renewed, confident, and generous with its beauty.

If your idea of travel includes depth, authenticity, and sensory richness, December in Kerala will leave a lasting, gentle imprint that stays long after the journey ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is December peak tourist season in Kerala?
  Yes, but the weather is excellent and never overwhelmingly crowded except in a few hotspots. Booking accommodations early is recommended. 
• Does Kerala feel cold in December?
  Hill stations can be chilly at night. The rest of the state remains pleasantly cool. 
• Are beaches safe in December?
  Generally, yes. Varkala and Cherai are good choices. Swimming conditions vary with tides, so always check local guidance. 
• Is Kerala suitable for solo travelers in December?
  Absolutely. Basic precautions are enough. Avoid very late hours in isolated areas. 
• Are temples open to all visitors?
  Most are, but modest clothing is expected. Footwear is not allowed inside temple premises. 
• Are boat races held in December?
  Yes. The President’s Trophy Race is a major event during this period. 
• Should I rent a car?
  Only if you are comfortable navigating narrow, busy roads. Trains are more convenient for longer distances. 
• What should I pack for Kerala in December?
  Light clothing for the plains, a warm layer for hill stations, comfortable walking footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a power bank.