Best Time To Visit Varkala > Weather, Temperature & Season

What is the best time to visit Varkala?

The best time to visit Varkala is from October to February. During the pleasant and dry season in Varkala, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C, exploring the town's beaches, cliffs, and cultural attractions is highly recommended. Winters offer colder air and a pleasant ambiance, enhancing the charm of this coastal village. However, it's crucial to note that winter months are bustling with higher accommodation prices and larger crowds. Summers, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, are not suitable for tourism. Monsoons can be budget-friendly, but peak months should be avoided due to heavy rainfall, which halts tourism until winter arrives.

Peak Season (November - February): During Varkala's peak season, from November to February, the town sees a surge in tourism due to pleasant winter weather and a vibrant atmosphere. Clear skies and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C make it ideal for exploring Varkala's beaches, cliffs, and cultural sites. However, the popularity of this season leads to larger crowds and higher accommodation prices, so planning and booking in advance is crucial. Despite the crowds, visitors can still enjoy local culture through various events, festivals, and activities, adding to the dynamic ambiance of Varkala during this time.

Off Season (June to September): During Varkala's off-season, from June to September, quieter streets, reduced tourist traffic, and lower accommodation prices contrast sharply with the peak season. Heavy rainfall rejuvenates the landscape, creating lush green surroundings, but outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather. Despite the peaceful ambiance, travelers should expect occasional disruptions such as transportation delays or closures of attractions.

Shoulder Season (October & March): During Varkala's shoulder season in October and March, visitors experience a balance of favorable weather and reduced crowds compared to the peak season. With pleasant temperatures and less rainfall, outdoor activities are enjoyable with fewer tourists. Accommodation prices are often more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious travelers, although availability may still be limited, underscoring the need for advance planning.

Monthly Weather in Varkala

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	32°/ 23°	2 days
February	33°/ 23°	3 days
March	33°/ 24°	9 days
April	33°/ 25°	15 days
May	33°/ 26°	18 days
June	31°/ 24°	26 days
July	29°/ 24°	22 days
August	28°/ 23°	27 days
September	29°/ 24°	22 days
October	30°/ 23°	26 days
November	31°/ 23°	19 days
December	32°/ 23°	7 days

Varkala Travel Packages

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Kerala Beach Package with Varkala & Kovalam

Varkala(2N) → Kovalam(3N)

$ 292

15% off

$248/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Scenic Kerala Retreat - Munnar to Varkala via J...

Munnar(2N) → Thekkady(1N) → Alleppey(1N) → Varkala(1N)

$173/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

4 Night 5 Day Tour Package for Kerala

Munnar(2N) → Varkala(1N) → Alappuzha(1N)

$163/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Unconventional Kerala Tour Package: Mararikulam...

Mararikulam(2N) → Kollam(2N) → Varkala(2N)

$353/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Best Budget Kerala Varkala, Alleppey, Kochi & T...

Kochi(1N) → Alleppey(1N) → Varkala(1N) → Trivandrum(1N)

$ 159

11% off

$140/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Kerala Honeymoon Special Including Varkala

Kochi(1N) → Munnar(1N) → Alleppey(1N) → Varkala(1N) → Trivandrum(1N)

$ 341

9% off

$308/person

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More about Best Time to Travel to Varkala

Varkala in Winter (October - March)

Once the monsoon ends after September, October sets the mood for winter in Varkala. As the season transitions, a slight decrease in the minimum temperature is experienced from 24°C to 21°C. Most of the day remains moderate (around 30°C), but the pleasant and dry climate allows tourists to explore all the attractions to the fullest. Thus, winters, from November to February, are deemed the best time to visit Varkala. The weather mostly remains balmy with clear skies drawing most tourists to the coastline for recreational and adventure activities. Varkala beach is seen bustling with activities like paragliding, jet skiing, parasailing, boating, swimming etc. Thiruvambad, Edava, Chilakoor and Kappil are also some more beaches that can be explored along with the Varkala Cliffs and Anjengo Fort.

Important pilgrim sites like the Saint Sebastian?s Pilgrim Church Moongode, Vishnu Temple, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid, Janardhanaswamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt etc. can also be visited. Some of the important festivals are also celebrated during this season that cannot be missed while there. Navratri is celebrated in October, Thrikarthika in November, Christmas & New Years in December/ January and the Annual Festival in February-March. Visiting during the winter season is, basically, the best time to explore and absorb the beauty, history, culture and the fun aspects of Varkala.

Varkala in Monsoon (July - September)

Varkala receives an average annual rainfall of about 550 mm, but there are weeks with torrential downpours that often play spoilsport. Monsoons being an off-season for tourists, is not always advisable to visit or explore the village. The month of July marks the beginning of the season, and it goes on till September every year, keeping the mercury levels between 24°C and 29°C which is quite pleasant. Therefore, most monsoon lovers are drawn to this part of the country. The regional festivals also attract many visitors on the occasion of Onam and Karkidaka Festival celebrated in July and August. But one needs to be aware that August is the wettest month of the season. July and September can also prove to be a good time for travellers on a smaller budget.

There is a considerable drop in the tariff and other expenses. Plus, the coastline transforms into a paradise when the regional flora thrives after a few showers making it one of the most scenic locations in the country. It can become an attractive and economic affair for those who find monsoons romantic and enchanting. Since Varkala is located on the coastline, it is always better to keep a closer watch on the weather forecast, go all prepped up with appropriate raingear and sometimes even let mother nature plan the day ahead. Visiting the beaches may not be possible when it is raining; however, those who make it to this beautiful little hamlet in Kerala during monsoons are sure to be mesmerised by its tranquil and refreshing ambience.

Varkala in Summer (April - June)

The summer season, which begins in March and lasts till June, is the least recommended time to visit Varkala. The maximum temperature hovers around 39°C and can even exceed 40°C during the peak months of April and May. March can be a little bearable in this part of the country, but the levels of humidity are high. The sun may also not seem as gentle to make exploring the hamlet any convenient. Many do visit for the 10-day long Arattu Festival which is held every year either in March or April. A visit to the Janardhan Swamy temple, which is also the venue for the festival is advisable. The traditional dance form - Kathakali is performed in its most authentic way and must not be missed when attending the festival.

Events in Varkala

Sivagiri Pilgrimage

30th December - 1st January

The Sivagiri Pilgrimage aims at helping pilgrims achieve a thorough spiritual and physical clean up by indulging in a 10 day purification process.

Arattu Festival in Janardhanaswamy Temple

12th March 2019 to 21st March 2019.

One of the most significant festivals in Kerala, the ten day Arattu festival is celebrated in the Janardhanswamy temple with elephant processions, ornamental silk umbrellas and all night kathakali dan (Read More)ces. The Arattu is more of a ritual than a temple festival. A grand procession, a ceremonial bath and serving of a sweet dish - Palpayasam; marks the festivities of the Arattu. Although it is celebrated twice a year in Kerala; March - April and October - November, it is held from 12th to 21st March 2019 in Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala.