Weather in Kerala in September

How September compares

September is the 10th warmest month of the year in Kerala and ranks 54th of 134 destinations we compare for September - see where else is hot in September. Within India it is 2nd of 2 (India in September). Against London's average high of 18.6°C in September, Kerala is 9.2°C warmer by day and 13.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in September

The typical September day in Kerala peaks at 27.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.9°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C. Nights average 24.2°C; one night in ten drops to 23.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest September day here reached 29.8°C (2014-09-25) and the coldest night 22.4°C (1994-09-19).

Rain in September

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 26 days with 1 mm or more, 272 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest September was 2007 with 497 mm, the driest 2002 with 61 mm. Humidity averages 88%.

Sea temperature in September

The sea averages 27.1°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.6°C to 27.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:15 and sets about 18:26 local time in mid-September. Average cloud cover is 84%.

Is September 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 evenings

The heat is fairly steady rather than extreme: average daytime highs are 27.8°C, and nights only ease to 24.2°C. Humidity of 88% is the bigger consideration, making this feel stickier than the temperature alone might suggest. Pack loose, lightweight clothing and choose somewhere with air conditioning if warm nights affect your sleep. A substantial evening cool-down is not something to count on, so a heavy layer is unlikely to earn its space in your bag. Keep strenuous outdoor plans flexible and take breaks when the heat feels tiring, particularly around midday. This suits travellers comfortable with humid warmth better than those seeking fresh evenings.

Plan around rain, not sunshine

With about 26 rainy days, rain needs to be part of the plan rather than treated as an occasional interruption. That does not establish how long each wet spell lasts, so neither an all-day washout nor a dependable dry afternoon is a sensible assumption. Keep outdoor plans movable and have an indoor alternative you would actually enjoy. A lightweight waterproof, footwear that tolerates getting wet and protection for your phone are practical choices. There are 12.1 hours of daylight, but only about 1.9 hours of sunshine, so long daylight hours should not be confused with clear skies. September is a poor fit if sunshine is the main reason for travelling.

Warm sea, but beach time needs flexibility

At 27.1°C, the sea is warm enough for swimming without the temperature being the main obstacle. That is a genuine plus if you dislike a chilly dip, but it does not cancel out the frequent rain or limited sunshine. Think of swimming as something to fit around conditions, rather than the basis of every day. Sea temperature alone does not tell you whether the water is safe, so follow local advice before entering. With a flight from London of about 11 hours, be clear about that trade-off before booking: September offers warm air and water, but not dependable sunbathing weather.