Weather in Kerala in January

How January compares

January is the 4th warmest month of the year in Kerala and ranks 10th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within India it is 2nd of 2 (India in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Kerala is 22.5°C warmer by day and 21.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Kerala peaks at 29.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.0°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.3°C; one night in ten drops to 21.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 33.1°C (1998-01-30) and the coldest night 19.8°C (1993-01-06).

Rain in January

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 2 days with 1 mm or more, 9 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2005 with 44 mm, the driest 2008 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 76%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 28.2°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.7°C to 28.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:46 and sets about 18:22 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 40%.

Is January a good time to visit Kerala?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain. 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.

Expect heat by day and warmth after dark

Pack for summer rather than for mild spring weather. With 45% of days reaching 30°C, January still calls for loose, lightweight clothing and a slower pace around midday. Humidity averages 76%, so the heat may feel sticky, particularly when you are walking about. Put more active plans earlier in the day and leave room for shade and breaks when it feels hottest. Nights offer some relief, but an average low of 23°C means evenings are warm rather than crisp. If you struggle to sleep in warmth, prioritise a room with effective cooling rather than expecting the night air to do the job.

Dry weather and a sea that feels warm

January suits travellers who want outdoor time without frequently rearranging plans for showers. About 2 rainy days makes rain a relatively small concern, though it is not a promise of a completely dry stay. There are around 6.9 hours of sunshine within 11.5 hours of daylight, so expect useful sunny spells rather than uninterrupted sun. The sea averages 28.2°C, comfortably warm for swimming without a bracing entry. That makes time in the water appealing, although water temperature alone cannot tell you whether conditions are safe. Keep sun protection handy, and do not rely on a swim to feel dramatically cooler than the air.