Though closer to equator, the diversity of the geographical features of this tropical state has resulted in a correspondingly diverse climate. The High Ranges in the Western Ghats have a cool climate throughout the year, while the plains are warmer and humid. The average level of annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states.

 
Warm, sunny, pleasant, cool, misty, rainy … Kerala sees a combination of all of these throughout the year. Essentially, the state enjoys a moderate climate all through, without stretching to extreme winters or unbearable summers. Being a coastal state, the air remains humid. Kerala is a relatively small state, and the drive from one spot to another is not exhaustingly long. Interestingly, its geographical layout is such that while you enjoy misty views and cool breeze in the hills, just a short drive away could take you to a warmer, sunny spot.

The bountiful monsoon in Kerala gives a refreshingly beautiful look to the place, layering it with sense of calm, while also drowning it in grey, intense thunderous nights. The state experiences two monsoons: the South West monsoon-which starts from June to August end-and the North East monsoon or the retreating monsoon which pours down during the October-November months.

Kerala is blessed with two monsoons, the South West monsoon or Edavappathi (so called because the rain starts in mid (paathi) Edavam(the Malayalam month)- which lasts from June to August -end and the North East monsoon or the retreating monsoon which occurs during October-November. Locally called Thulavarsham (so named because it is the varsham (rain) that falls in the month of Thulam) this second spate of rain lasts for one month. Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala. This season which begins by the early June witnesses periods of torrential rain. North East Monsoon which is also known as the Retreating Monsoon or the Reverse monsoon arrives in Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November and sometimes last till December. Heavy afternoon rains accompanied by thunder and lightning are the main characteristic of the season. Days are warm and humid but there is not much variation in temperature.

 Hot and humid best describes the Kerala summer, but it is far more pleasant compared to the extreme summer seasons seen in other states. Summer showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning are a common feature of the summers here. The average temperature in Kerala is a maximum of 34 degrees and a minimum of around 20 degrees.
Winter in Kerala starts with the end of the northeast monsoons i.e. from the later part of November lasting till the middle of February. During this season temperature is comparatively low but it does not vary much from other seasons. But in the highlands of Kerala, where the climate is cool throughout the year, winter temperatures often fall below 10°C. By the end of February, temperature starts rising. Relatively higher temperature, low rainfall and slightly humid weather are the characteristics of the summer season in Kerala. When compared to other Indian states summer in Kerala is cool and pleasant, thanks to the Western Ghats which prevent the dry northern winds from entering the state and the Arabian Sea for the cool breeze that blows towards the land providing it with a moderate temperature. Summer rains accompanied by lightning and thunder is another feature of the season. Starting from March, summer season continues till the end of Mayor the beginning of June and is concluded with the outset of monsoons.
The annual range of temperature is comparatively low in Kerala. The coastal areas record a maximum temperature of 32 degree centigrade and a minimum of 22 degree centigrade. The interiors record a maximum of 37 degree centigrade during summer. In the coastal area it is hot and humid during April-May while cool during December-January.