Weather in Kerala in March

How March compares

March is the 1st warmest month of the year in Kerala and ranks 8th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Within India it is 2nd of 2 (India in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Kerala is 20.9°C warmer by day and 22.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Kerala peaks at 31.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 32.5°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 25.3°C; one night in ten drops to 24.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 34.2°C (2014-03-13) and the coldest night 22.2°C (2011-03-03).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 40 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2008 with 148 mm, the driest 1992 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 76%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 29.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 29.0°C to 29.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:32 and sets about 18:36 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 40%.

Is March a good time to visit Kerala?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, manageable rain and long sunny days. 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.

Hot days with little relief overnight

Kerala in March will feel markedly hotter than the UK: its average daytime high is 20.9°C above London's. Temperatures reach 30°C on 92% of days, so heat is the norm rather than an occasional bonus. With humidity at 76%, light, loose clothing and access to somewhere cool are sensible priorities. Keep more active plans for the cooler parts of the day and leave room for a shaded break around midday. Nights remain warm, so do not expect evenings to provide much cooling. If you prefer mild weather for spending long stretches outdoors, March's heat is the main reason to reconsider.

Plenty of sunshine, but allow for rain

March brings about 7.1 hours of sunshine a day, giving you plenty of scope for time outside without promising uninterrupted blue skies. There are about 8 rainy days, so a fully rain-free holiday is not something to rely on. Keep outdoor plans flexible and pack a compact umbrella or light waterproof rather than heavy rainwear that could feel uncomfortable in the heat. The useful balance here is sunshine with some rain, not cool or consistently dry conditions. March sits alongside January and February among Kerala's best months overall, but that is a reason to consider it, not a guarantee of clear weather throughout your stay.

A warm sea, not a cooling dip

The sea averages 29.4°C, making March a comfortable choice if cold water usually puts you off swimming. That warmth also means a dip may offer less relief from the heat than you expect. Sea temperature supports swimming, but it does not tell you about waves or currents, so follow local safety advice before entering the water. For a holiday built around relaxed time in and beside the sea, March makes sense. For a more active trip, balance outdoor time with shade and cooling breaks. Sun protection remains important, and the warm water is no reason to spend the hottest part of the day exposed.