Kerala features a tropical wet and maritime climate, classified primarily as Tropical Monsoon (Köppen Am) and Tropical Savanna (Köppen Aw). Because of its proximity to the equator and the ocean, temperatures remain relatively stable year-round, typically ranging between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) in the plains, though the hill stations like Munnar are significantly cooler.
The state receives abundant rainfall, averaging about 3,000 mm (118 inches) annually. This is driven by two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (Edavappathy) from June to August, which brings heavy, continuous downpours, and the Northeast Monsoon (Thulavarsham) from October to November, characterized by evening thunderstorms. The best time to visit is generally between September and March, when the weather is drier and more temperate. Natural disasters primarily include seasonal flooding and occasional landslides in the highlands.