Weather in Kerala in August

How August compares

August is the 11th warmest month of the year in Kerala and ranks 103rd of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Within India it is 1st of 2 (India in August). Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Kerala is 5.9°C warmer by day and 10.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Kerala peaks at 27.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.4°C or more. About 98% of days top 25°C. Nights average 24.1°C; one night in ten drops to 23.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 29.5°C (2015-08-31) and the coldest night 22.7°C (2011-08-14).

Rain in August

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 29 days with 1 mm or more, 357 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 2019 with 648 mm, the driest 2005 with 134 mm. Humidity averages 89%.

Sea temperature in August

The sea averages 26.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.0°C to 27.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:16 and sets about 18:43 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 91%.

Is August a good time to visit Kerala?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Kerala on our scoring are January, February, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm days, sticky nights

Kerala feels warmer than the daytime temperature alone suggests because humidity averages 89%. Highs of 27.3°C are not extreme, but the damp air can make walking and carrying bags feel more tiring. Nights average 24.1°C, so do not expect a cool evening to reset after a sticky day. Pack loose, lightweight clothes and choose accommodation with effective cooling if warm nights affect your sleep. August sits towards the cooler end of Kerala's year, but that is relative: this is still hot-weather travel, not the mild summer weather you might associate with home. Keep strenuous outdoor plans flexible and take breaks when the warmth feels wearing.

Rain is the main compromise

With about 29 rainy days, rain should be part of your plan rather than an occasional inconvenience. The figures do not tell you that it rains continuously, but they leave little basis for expecting a reliably dry holiday. Sunshine averages about 1 hour within 12.3 hours of daylight, so long days do not translate into long sunny spells. Bring a light waterproof, footwear that can cope with getting wet, and protection for your phone and travel documents. Leave room to change outdoor plans when conditions turn. August suits travellers who are comfortable with cloudy, wet days; it is less suitable if sitting outdoors in sunshine is the point of the trip.

Warm sea, but not dependable beach weather

The sea averages 26.5°C, warm enough for swimming without the initial chill of cooler water. That is a genuine advantage if you enjoy a dip, but it does not cancel out the rain and limited sunshine. Sea temperature tells you how warm the water is, not whether conditions are safe: check local advice before entering and do not treat the swimming verdict as a safety guarantee. Pack swimwear, but avoid making daily beach time the foundation of your holiday. Kerala in August makes more sense when swimming is an option you can take when conditions allow, rather than something you need every day.