Plan your trip · Kollam
Best time to visit Kollam
The best time to visit Kollam is from October to March, when the weather is warm but drier, the backwaters are calm and boat trips run most reliably. This is also when the tourist boat to Alappuzha usually operates.
April and May are hot and very humid. The monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rain, deep green scenery and Palaruvi Falls at its fullest, but some boat trips are cancelled on the wettest days. Choose your season by what you want most: easy sightseeing, waterfalls or the quietest prices.
❄️ 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.
Shines now: Ashtamudi Lake
Plan a monsoon day →Best Month to Visit Kollam
October and November
The south-west monsoon has ended, but the north-east monsoon can still bring afternoon showers. The palms are green, Palaruvi still has good water and the crowds are small. It is a good time for photos.
December to February
The driest and most comfortable months, with clear skies and calmer seas. This is the best time for the backwaters, Munroe Island canoe trips and sunsets on Kollam Beach, and also the busiest time for visitors.
March to May
The heat and humidity build, and afternoons can be tiring. Plan outdoor visits for early morning and evening. Palaruvi Falls runs low. Kollam Pooram is usually held in mid-April.
June to September
The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain, rough seas and swollen rivers. The scenery is at its greenest and Palaruvi Falls is at its most powerful, but canoe trips may be cancelled and the falls can close on very wet days. Onam usually falls in August or September.
When Is Kollam Most Crowded?
Kollam is never as crowded as Alappuzha or Kochi. It is busiest from December to January, especially around Christmas and New Year, and during Onam, when Kerala families travel and boats and trains fill up.
For a quieter trip, visit in October–November or February, and book canoe trips for early morning.
Questions
Kollam — FAQ
What is the best month to visit Kollam?
December to February is the most comfortable, with dry weather and calm backwaters. October and November are also good, with greener scenery and fewer visitors.
Is Kollam worth visiting in the monsoon?
Yes, if you do not mind rain. The palms and paddy are at their greenest and Palaruvi Falls is at its fullest, but some canoe and boat trips are cancelled on heavy-rain days and the sea is too rough for swimming.
When is the best time to see Palaruvi Falls?
From about June to January, during and after the monsoon, when the falls have the most water. In the dry months from February to May the flow drops sharply.
When does the Kollam to Alappuzha boat run?
The tourist boat usually runs in the cooler months, roughly December to March, and has been suspended in some years. Check with the State Water Transport Department or the tourist office in Kollam before you plan around it.