Kerala - Climate
Compared to other Indian states, Kerala lies closer to the equator. Yet Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate through out the year. This is because of the lands nearness to the sea and the presence of the fort like Western Ghats on the east. Kerala would have been a dry land because of the dry winds blowing from the north, but for the Western Ghats which prevent this wind from entering the land. Kerala receives copious rain (average 3000 mm a year )each year. The temperature normally ranges from 28° to 32° C (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 20° C (68° F) in the highlands. The Highlands of Kerala, which is an area of major tourist attraction, enjoys a cool and invigorating climate the year-round . Owing to its diversity in geographical features, the climatic condition in Kerala is diverse. It can be divided into 4 seasons - Winter, Summer, South-West Monsoon and North-East Monsoon.
Winter Season in Kerala : Starts with the end of the
northeast monsoons i.e. from the later part of November lasting till
the middle of February. During this season temperature is
comparatively low but as mentioned earlier it does not vary much
from other seasons. In the Highlands where the climate is cool
throughout the year, winter temperatures often fall below 10°C. This
season witnesses the lowest amount of rainfall.
|
Average Temperature during Winter : |
Maximum : 28°C Minimum : 18°C |
|
Average Rainfall during the season : |
25 mm |
Summer Season in Kerala : Towards the end of February
temperature starts climbing and this marks the beginning of summer
in Kerala. Relatively higher temperature, low rainfall and slightly
humid weather are the characteristics of this season. When compared
to other Indian states where temperature soars to over 40°C, summers
in Kerala are cool and pleasant, thanks to the Western Ghats which
prevent the dry northern winds from entering the state and the
Arabian sea for the cool breeze that blows towards the land
providing it with a moderate temperature. Erratic rains accompanied
by lightening and thunder is another feature of the season. Starting
from March, summer season continues till the end of May or the
beginning of June and is concluded with the outset of monsoons
|
Average Temperature during Summer : |
Maximum : 36°C Minimum : 32°C |
|
Average Rainfall during the season : |
135 mm |
South West Monsoons in Kerala : Southwest monsoon is the main
rainy season of Kerala. This season ( Edavappathi - as the rains
starts by the middle of the Malayalam month Edavam ) begins by
the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest
monsoon winds. The next few months are periods of torrential rain.
Lying on the windward side of the Western Ghats and being the first
state to be hit by the monsoon winds, Kerala receives copious
rainfall. Almost 85% of the rain is contributed by the monsoons. The
slopes of the Western Ghats are among the places in India which
receives the highest amount of rain. Most of the rivers of Kerala
are fed by the monsoons. The southwest monsoons lasts till the end
of September
|
Average Temperature during Summer : |
Maximum : 30°C Minimum : 19°C |
|
Average Rainfall during the season : |
2250 - 2500 mm |
North East Monsoons in Kerala : Also known as the Retreating
Monsoons or the Reverse monsoons, northeast monsoon is during the
return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains ( Thulavarsham
- as it rains during the Malayalam month of Thulam) are in the
months of October and November and sometimes lasts till December.
Heavy afternoon rains accompanied by thunder and lightening is the
main characteristic of the season. Days are warm and humid but there
is not much variation in temperature.
|
Average Temperature : |
Maximum : 35°C Minimum : 29°C |
|
Average Rainfall during the season : |
450 - 500 mm |
Climatic condition of the Earth has been changing over the past few year. This global change in weather have their effect on Kerala as well. The information provided here is based on the details available over the past 50 years.
