What to Wear in Kollam
Kollam is warm and humid almost all year, so what you wear matters more for comfort than for warmth. Light, loose cotton and linen clothes keep you cool on the lake, on the beach and walking through the old town, while a rain layer is essential during the monsoon.
You will also spend time on small boats and in canoes, so think about clothes that dry quickly and shoes you can get wet. For photos, the local cream-and-gold kasavu saree or a mundu with a kasavu shirt looks right at home against the palms and the water.
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What to Wear in Kollam During the Dry Season
From October to March the days are warm and mostly dry, with humid afternoons. This is the main travel season, and light, breathable clothes are all you need.
Best Dry Season Outfits for Kollam
- Loose cotton or linen shirts and T-shirts
- Light trousers, cotton palazzos or knee-length shorts
- Cotton kurtas or sundresses
- A light scarf or stole to cover your shoulders at temples and churches
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
What to Wear in Kollam During Summer
April and May are the hottest, most humid months. Plan to be out early and late, and dress for the heat.
Best Summer Outfits for Kollam
- Very light cotton or linen in loose cuts
- Sleeveless tops with a thin over-shirt for sun protection
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts for the drive to Palaruvi
- A cap or hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A spare top, as you will sweat a lot
What to Wear in Kollam During the Monsoon
The south-west monsoon usually arrives in early June and lasts until September, with more showers in October and November. Rain can be heavy and sudden.
Best Monsoon Outfits for Kollam
- A light rain jacket or poncho and a compact umbrella
- Quick-drying trousers, leggings or shorts
- Synthetic or thin cotton tops that dry fast
- Waterproof sandals or floaters
- A dry bag for your phone and wallet on boats
Best Colours to Wear in Kollam
Kollam's backdrops are mostly green palms, blue-grey water and sky. White, coral, turquoise and mustard yellow stand out well against them. At the Thangassery lighthouse, white or red matches the striped tower. For a traditional look, the cream-and-gold kasavu saree or mundu is the classic Kerala choice.
Footwear Tips for Kollam
Wear sandals or floaters that you can get wet and slip off easily. You will step in and out of canoes and boats, walk on sand and remove your shoes at temples. For Palaruvi Falls, choose shoes with good grip, as the rocks and forest paths are slippery, especially in the monsoon.
Questions
Kollam — FAQ
What should I wear for a canoe trip on Munroe Island?
Wear light, quick-drying clothes, a hat and sandals you can get wet. The canoes are small and low in the water, so expect splashes, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
What should I wear to temples in Kollam?
Wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. At many traditional Kerala temples men are asked to remove their shirts before entering and wear a mundu or dhoti, and women usually wear a saree, salwar or long skirt. Rules differ, so check at the gate.
Can I wear shorts in Kollam?
Knee-length shorts are fine on the beach, on boats and around your stay. In the old town, markets and places of worship, trousers, long skirts or a mundu are more comfortable and more respectful.
Do I need rain gear in Kollam?
Yes, from June to September and often into October and November. Carry a light rain jacket or poncho, an umbrella and a dry bag, as showers can come suddenly even on sunny days.
What is kasavu?
Kasavu is Kerala's traditional off-white cotton cloth with a gold border. It is worn as a saree by women and as a mundu by men, especially for Onam, weddings and temple visits, and it photographs beautifully against the backwaters.