The short answer
When to go to Thekkady
November to February is the coolest, clearest season and the best for wildlife sightings on Periyar Lake. October and March to early April remain pleasant. The southwest monsoon from June to September brings very heavy, near-daily rain and mist that limits visibility for boat rides and treks, though the forest is at its lushest; it is best avoided by seniors who prefer dry, sure footing. (Climate figures are for Munnar, the nearest hill station with reliable data.)
Month by month
Thekkady weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 13°C | 18 mm | Cool, clear; best for wildlife viewing | |
| February | 24°C | 14°C | 29 mm | Comfortable and dry | |
| March | 25°C | 15°C | 47 mm | Warming, still pleasant | |
| April | 26°C | 17°C | 129 mm | Warm with rain building | |
| May | 26°C | 17°C | 189 mm | Rain increasing ahead of monsoon | |
| June | 24°C | 17°C | 420 mm | Heavy monsoon rain begins | |
| July | 22°C | 16°C | 583 mm | Wettest month; low visibility | |
| August | 23°C | 16°C | 364 mm | Still very wet and misty | |
| September | 23°C | 16°C | 210 mm | Rain easing, still lush | |
| October | 23°C | 16°C | 253 mm | Clearing skies; good for boating | |
| November | 22°C | 15°C | 164 mm | Comfortable and clear | |
| December | 22°C | 14°C | 64 mm | Cool, dry and scenic |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Thekkady seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, November and December
- January: Cool, clear; best for wildlife viewing
- February: Comfortable and dry
- November: Comfortable and clear
- December: Cool, dry and scenic
Good, with small trade-offs: March, April and October
- March: Warming, still pleasant
- April: Warm with rain building
- October: Clearing skies; good for boating
Possible, with planning: May and September
- May: Rain increasing ahead of monsoon
- September: Rain easing, still lush
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July and August
- June: Heavy monsoon rain begins
- July: Wettest month; low visibility
- August: Still very wet and misty
Useful answers
Best time to visit Thekkady: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Thekkady?
January, February, November and December are the best months to visit Thekkady, with March, April and October also good. November to February is the coolest, clearest season and the best for wildlife sightings on Periyar Lake. October and March to early April remain pleasant. The southwest monsoon from June to September brings very heavy, near-daily rain and mist that limits visibility for boat rides and treks, though the forest is at its lushest; it is best avoided by seniors who prefer dry, sure footing. (Climate figures are for Munnar, the nearest hill station with reliable data.)
Which months should I avoid in Thekkady with elderly parents?
June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy monsoon rain begins Wettest month; low visibility
When does it rain most in Thekkady?
July is the wettest month, with about 583 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 26°C.