Plan your trip · Kannur
Best time to visit Kannur
The best time to visit Kannur is from October to March, when the rain has cleared, the sea is calmer and the heat is easier to handle. This is also when the Theyyam season is in full swing, with rituals at village shrines across the district.
April and May are hot and humid, and the monsoon from June to September brings some of the heaviest rain on the Kerala coast. The right time for you depends on whether you want beaches, Theyyam or quiet, green landscapes.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Warm, dry and pleasant — the peak season on the coast.
Pack: light, breathable clothes with a thin layer for the odd cool evening.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
Apr – Jun
Hot and humid by the sea — bearable early and late, sticky in between.
Pack: light cottons, a hat, sunscreen and swimwear.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Lush, green and dramatic — heavy rain and rough seas, with swimming off-limits and some boats and services scaled back.
Pack: a good rain shell or umbrella, quick-dry clothes and water-friendly footwear.
Plan a monsoon day →Best Month to Visit Kannur
October and November
The monsoon eases and the landscape is still green. The Theyyam season usually starts in October or November, and the first rituals of the year begin in village kavus.
December to February
The most pleasant months, with warm days, lower humidity and clear sunsets. This is peak time for Theyyam, and the best time for Payyambalam and Muzhappilangad.
March to May
It gets hot and very humid, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the early morning and evening. Theyyam continues, with many large festivals in these months, and the season usually ends by late May.
June to September
The monsoon brings heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Swimming is unsafe and beach driving may be restricted, but the countryside is at its greenest and prices are lower.
When Is Kannur Most Crowded?
Kannur is never as crowded as Kerala's southern tourist towns. Beaches fill up on weekend evenings and holidays, and popular Theyyam festivals draw big local crowds, especially from December to April. The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time for hotels.
For a quieter trip, visit on weekdays and go to the beaches and the fort earlier in the day.
Questions
Kannur — FAQ
What is the best month to visit Kannur?
December to February is the most pleasant time, with warm days, lower humidity and plenty of Theyyam rituals. October to March is the wider good season.
When is Theyyam season in Kannur?
The Theyyam season usually runs from about October or November to May, with many performances from December to April. The Muthappan temple at Parassinikadavu holds a Theyyam almost every day of the year.
Is it good to visit Kannur during the monsoon?
Only if you enjoy the rain. June to September brings very heavy rain and rough seas, so beaches are not safe for swimming. The countryside is green and quiet, and the daily Theyyam at Parassinikadavu continues.
How hot does Kannur get?
Kannur is warm all year, and March to May is the hottest and most humid time. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early mornings and evenings, and drink plenty of water.