Kerala Climate & People

Compared to other Indian states, Kerala lies closer to the equator. Yet Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate through out the year. This is because of the lands nearness to the sea and the presence of the fort like Western Ghats on the east. Kerala would have been a dry land because of the dry winds blowing from the north, but for the Western Ghats which prevent this wind from entering the land.

Kerala receives copious rain (average 3000 mm a year )each year. The temperature normally ranges from 28° to 32° C (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 20° C (68° F) in the highlands. The Highlands of Kerala, which is an area of major tourist attraction, enjoys a cool and invigorating climate the year-round . Owing to its diversity in geographical features, the climatic condition in Kerala is diverse. It can be divided into 4 seasons - Winter, Summer, South-West Monsoon and North-East Monsoon.

Winter Season 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 as mentioned earlier it does not vary much from other seasons. In the Highlands where the climate is cool throughout the year, winter temperatures often fall below 10°C. This season witnesses the lowest amount of rainfall.

Summer Season in Kerala : Towards the end of February temperature starts climbing and this marks the beginning of summer in Kerala. Relatively higher temperature, low rainfall and slightly humid weather are the characteristics of this season. When compared to other Indian states where temperature soars to over 40°C, summers in Kerala are 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.

Erratic rains accompanied by lightening and thunder is another feature of the season. Starting from March, summer season continues till the end of May or the beginning of June and is concluded with the outset of monsoons

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