Kerala in December is peak season for one reason: the weather is superb. But it is two different seasons in one suitcase. Expect hot, humid beach days around 31C in Kochi and Alleppey, and cold hill nights around 10 to 13C in Munnar. Pack light cotton for the coast, one warm jacket plus a shawl or sweater for the hills, one temple-appropriate outfit, sun protection, and a compact umbrella. That is the whole list, more or less.
Kerala Tourism puts the state average for winter (December to February) at a maximum of 28C and a minimum of 18C, and calls the season the most favourable for sightseeing. But state averages hide the only detail that matters for packing: the 3,000-meter difference between the coast and the Western Ghats. Long-term climate averages (Weather-2-Visit, compiled from 100+ years of records) show how wide the split is in December:
| Place | Typical day (Dec) | Typical night (Dec) | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | 22C | 13C, drops to ~10C in open spots | 97 mm, about 5 rainy days |
| Thekkady | 25 to 27C | 15 to 17C | low, around 3-4 days |
| Kochi | 31C | 22C | 42 mm, about 3 days |
| Alleppey | 31C | 23C | 57 mm, about 3 days |
| Kovalam | 30 to 31C | 22 to 23C | under 60 mm |
Kerala Tourism's own winter page warns that in the mountainous regions the minimum is around 10C, mornings and evenings are cold, and night temperatures can fall further. Humidity on the coast stays around 74 to 75%, so days feel warmer than the thermometer says. Days are short in December: sunrise is around 6:25 am and sunset around 6:05 pm IST. Plan Munnar sightseeing for midday, when the mist burns off and the temperature is kindest.
For a classic Kochi-Munnar-Alleppey-Kovalam loop, this covers everything without an overstuffed bag:
4 to 5 light cotton or linen tops and shirts, 2 to 3 shorts or loose trousers, one comfortable outfit for restaurants. Swimwear for Kovalam or Varkala beaches and resort pools. Cotton breathes in the humidity; synthetics cling.
One proper warm jacket or fleece, one sweater or shawl, one pair of jeans or long trousers, a scarf or beanie for early-morning viewpoints. Munnar mornings at 10C feel colder than they sound because of the damp air and wind. Add lip balm and moisturizer: hill air is dry, and Kerala Tourism lists both as winter essentials.
Walking sandals or floaters for the coast, one pair of closed shoes with grip for tea-estate trails and viewpoints. If you are trekking in Munnar, skip the flip-flops on estate paths, which stay muddy even in winter.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap or hat: December has about 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine, and the sun at hill altitude burns faster than on the beach. One compact umbrella covers both the occasional December shower (3 to 5 rainy days in the month) and beach sun. Kerala Tourism lists carrying an umbrella as a winter tip.
Mosquito repellent for the backwaters and evenings, hand sanitizer, a universal adapter (Indian sockets are Type C/D/M), chargers, a small torch for any pre-dawn viewpoint trip, and a dry bag or zip pouches for gadgets during boat rides. Pack light woolens, not heavy ones: heavy winter gear is overkill for Kerala, a point Kerala Tourism's own packing advice makes too.
Kerala's famous temples enforce a strict traditional dress code, and December visitors are caught out by this more often than by the weather. The rules are real and non-negotiable at the major temples:
Footwear is removed before entering temple premises everywhere. If a December itinerary includes temples at all, pack the saree or mundu from home rather than gambling on rental counters in the peak-season crowds.
December is peak houseboat season, and rates are at their annual high. Pack a light sweater or shawl for the deck after sunset: Alleppey evenings on the water feel cooler than the 23C average because of the breeze. Mosquito repellent matters on overnight cruises. Most boats have decent bedding, so no extra blankets are needed. And book early: December is the month houseboats sell out, which pushes prices up further. See our Alleppey houseboat price breakdown for the current 2026 rate bands.
Heavy winter jackets and thermal wear: unnecessary even in Munnar. Thick woolens: one fleece is enough. Hair dryers and irons: most mid-range hotels provide them. Worried-about-nothing packing like multiple party outfits: Kerala in December is an outdoors trip, and December's crowds mean you will want bag space for tea, spices, and chocolates bought in Munnar instead.
December is the costliest month to visit Kerala. Hotels and houseboats run at peak rates and sell out, so Kerala Tourism's top winter tip is to book tickets and accommodation in advance. Our Kerala-in-December budget guide shows what peak pricing looks like in 2026. On the cultural side, the Cochin Carnival runs through the last two weeks of December at Fort Kochi, and Christmas is celebrated widely across the state. If your dates include New Year, expect Kochi and Kovalam prices and crowds to spike further.
Yes. A warm jacket or fleece plus a sweater or shawl handles Munnar's 10 to 13C nights and 22C days. Full winter gear is overkill.
At beaches, resorts, and in cities, yes. Not inside major temples, which require traditional dress (saree for women, mundu for men). Carry a wrap or long bottoms for temple towns.
Rarely. Expect about 3 to 5 rainy days in the month, with totals under 60 mm on the coast and around 97 mm in Munnar. One compact umbrella is enough insurance.
Only in the hills. Munnar and Thekkady mornings need a jacket; the coast stays at 30C-plus by day. Light woolens, not heavy ones.
A light sweater for breezy evenings on the deck, mosquito repellent, swimwear is not needed on the boat itself, and the dry-bag pouch for your camera. Boats provide bedding.
Yes. Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur require it, and rentals near the temple cost more in peak-season crowds. Note that Padmanabhaswamy allows entry only to Hindus.
Last updated: October 2026
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