Best Time to Visit Munnar: Best Season, Month & Visiting Time
While making travel plans for Munnar, one question comes into the mind of everyone, which is when to visit. The most popular hill station of Kerala is not only famous due to its scenic beauty, but the charm of the place also changes according to the season of Munnar. Planning your visit based on this factor can save you from a lot of hassle, as there is a very big chance that you end up having to deal with rain, fog and so on. This article aims to provide information regarding the best time to visit Munnar season wise, and some other tips to plan your visit accordingly.
Located in the Western Ghats, the hill station of Munnar boasts a cooler climate compared to other parts of Kerala due to its high altitude. Thus, this is one of the main reasons why Munnar is visited all year round rather than being popular only during a particular time. However, each Munnar season also has its advantages and disadvantages. Check the best month to visit Munnar here.
Best Time to Visit Munnar
It is possible to highlight the period between September and May as the most suitable one. Indeed, during this season, the hill station of Munnar experiences post monsoon weather, winter and early summer when the weather is rather stable and clear. To define Munnar’s best time to visit within this timeframe, one needs to consider personal preferences and goals of the Munnar trip.
Munnar in Winter: December to February
Winter is considered to be the best season to visit Munnar, which can be easily understood when you finally get there. Indeed, this season the days are warm and sunny. However, in the mornings and evenings the weather becomes chilly, with temperatures falling down to 10 degrees Celsius rather frequently. This is a period of a peak tourist season, thus, you should expect crowded viewpoints, tea estates, boat activities and so on, and increased prices on accommodation.
On the other hand, it is definitely worth visiting the place during this season, since you are guaranteed to enjoy beautiful views of all the main landmarks and sights in clear weather. Moreover, if you decide to visit Munnar during Christmas and New Year’s days, it would be very important to book the hotel rooms in advance, as the number of tourists reaches its peak. Usually, popular homestays and resorts get booked months ahead in advance, so last minute planning can only limit your options in case of such trips.
Munnar in Summer: March to May
Munnar summers are much less hot than summers in most parts of Kerala. That is exactly the reason why so many tourists choose Munnar during this time of the year to escape the heat from the coast. Temperatures are mostly between fifteen and twenty five degrees centigrade, allowing you to spend all day outdoors without feeling the coldness that is characteristic for the winter months.
Such seasons can be ideal for those families or travelers, who find the winter months too cold for their liking. There is plenty of activity going on, since the tea gardens are blooming, and most of the attractions are easily accessible for visitors. Though crowds will be slightly smaller than in December – February, it is still possible to experience peak season prices for accommodation, due to the nice weather in the region. Also, boating at Mattupetty and Kundala Lake is still available for those tourists who combine sightseeing with relaxation.
Munnar During Monsoon: June to September
Monsoon brings dramatic changes to Munnar, and depending on what you are looking for it can either be an advantage or something that you need to think about while planning your trip. It rains heavily in this region during the described time period, resulting in rich greens in the hills and appearance of several seasonal waterfalls, which cannot be found during other seasons of the year.
The drawback is obvious – roads will be rather slippery and visibility at the high viewpoints will suffer during the rains. Also, some trekking routes will be closed for safety. Sometimes, boating activities at Mattupetty and Kundala Lake will get suspended as well. Anyway, the monsoon in Munnar provides you with a unique and dramatic landscape of the region, with mist hanging above tea plantations and waterfalls in full swing.
Munnar in October and November: Post-Monsoon Season
After the rains, Munnar is experiencing probably the most underrated season of the year, when the region becomes the greenest in the whole India. Waterfalls in Munnar are still flowing actively, and the fresh air, refreshed by recent rains, will add to your experience. The temperature in Munnar is comfortable and ranges from sixteen to twenty four degrees centigrade.
This time of year also tends to have fewer crowds than during the peak of the winter season, making it easier to find places to stay and attractions which can be overcrowded during December and January. This makes it the perfect time for those travelers who are more interested in enjoying beautiful scenery than avoiding crowds.
Best Time to Visit Munnar Based on Your Travel Purpose
Travelers have different intentions and goals of visiting various destinations. And, of course, different seasons are ideal depending on the purpose of your trip. Here are some recommendations.
- Sightseeing and photography – you should choose winter as it guarantees you crystal-clear skies and better visibility on the viewpoints.
- Honeymoon and romantic trip – you will find great weather and less crowded places in October and November.
- Trekking and other activities outdoors – you should focus on the period of September-February when trails are stable.
- Budget traveling – it’s better to go during the monsoon as this time usually implies lower prices on accommodation.
- Family vacation with kids – you will enjoy warm weather and accessible attractions in summer.
- Weather and Temperature Conditions in Munnar During Different Seasons
Munnar Weather and Temperature Throughout the Year
Knowing about Munnar season time and climate is important for your preparations for the trip. In general, the following data can be distinguished.
- December-February: temperature ranges from ten to twenty two degrees Celsius, with cold mornings and warm afternoons.
- March-May: temperature varies from fifteen to twenty seven degrees Celsius, which is quite warm but not unpleasant because of the altitude.
- June-September: temperature is between eighteen to twenty five degrees Celsius, with high rains.
- October-November: temperature is sixteen to twenty four degrees Celsius, with gradually decreasing rains.
Because of the altitude, weather in Munnar is colder all year round compared to the rest of the state, which is what attracts people to the place independently of the time of the year.
Tips for Choosing the Best Time to Visit Munnar
Here are some recommendations to keep in mind to choose the ideal time for you.
- Do not plan your trip to Munnar during the last two weeks of December and the first week of January. This is the time Munnar sees many tourists.
- Before going to Munnar during monsoon time, check the recent weather forecasts as
- It is essential to look into the forecast before visiting the area in the monsoon period because the roads could become extremely bad rather fast.
- It is recommended to book accommodation a couple of weeks before visiting the area in the winter period, especially if the Munnar visiting time coincides with holidays.
- Layered clothing should be packed no matter which time of the year you visit as mornings and evenings tend to be colder than the daytime in the area.
- You can take into account the post monsoon period if you want to combine great weather with not that many tourists and low prices.
- If you travel with elderly people or young children, it is recommended not to visit the area during the peak weeks of monsoon season as sudden changes in weather can ruin the whole trip.
Therefore, there is no right time to visit Munnar as a lot depends on the preferences of travellers. People who prefer mountain views and beautiful sunrise in Munnar will definitely choose winter for their visits, whereas those people who like rain soaked landscapes will surely enjoy the monsoon season. Matching the season to your preferences will be the easiest solution.
FAQs
Q. Which is best, Munnar or Ooty?
The hill stations have different advantages as Munnar is famous for huge tea plantations and the possibility to visit wildlife, while Ooty attracts people with its colonial architecture and botanical gardens. It all depends on personal preferences.
Q. When Is the Peak Tourist Season in Munnar?
Munnar experiences peak season in December – February due to the pleasant weather and holidays like Christmas and New Year when a lot of people visit. The price and crowding level reach their peak during this period.
Q. Is Munnar Worth Visiting During the Monsoon?
Yes, for people who like lush nature and active waterfalls, monsoon season is a great option although it has its cons like rains, poor visibility in high viewpoints and the possibility of changing the schedule of your activities.
Q. Which month is best for Munnar?
October and November are generally considered the best months for Munnar as they offer good weather, post monsoon period and absence of crowds.
Q. Which season is best for a Munnar honeymoon?
Post monsoon months like October and November are the best time for honeymoons because of comfortable weather, less crowdedness and picturesque nature of Munnar.
Q. Is 2 days sufficient for Munnar?
It is sufficient time to see all of the main points of Munnar such as some points of view, the tour to the tea plantation and the waterfalls. The trekkers will probably need three to four days.
