A place as beautiful and perfect as Wayanad does not need a perfect time to visit. The pleasant cool breeze of this divine abode draws travelers all through the year. Its mist covering mountains, lush green forest, spice plantation, waterfalls, and the wide range of flora and fauna simply makes Wayanad a captivating destination. Although Wayanad has a fantastic climate there are times when there is fluctuation in the climate and temperature. To help you plan better let’s take a quick look into when is the best time to visit Wayanad.
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A Peek Into Wayanad Tourism
Wayanad is a beautiful hill station perched at the base of the Western Ghats in the north-eastern part of Kerala state. It was formed in 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala borrowing parts of the area from the districts of Kozhikode and Kannur. Wayanad is the only district in Kerala that shares its borders with two neighboring states Karnataka (Bandipur) and Tamil Nadu (Mudumalai). The green heaven is settled among the mountains at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100 m.
Wayanad is a popular vacation spot that combines history, nature, and culture seamlessly. The historic temples, picturesque tea plantations, estates, woodlands, caves and natural life, all together contribute to make it a stunning location.
Book Now: 3-Day Wayanad Tour from Bangalore
Best Time To Visit Wayanad: Weather At A Glance
Wayanad has a fantastic climate all through the year. However, to meet different travel preferences, here’s a detailed guide to the month by month weather conditions that will help in picking the best time to visit Wayanad for a perfect journey.
Summer Season – March to May (20°C – 34°C)
Summers in Wayanad are generally warm and humid during the afternoons, however mornings and evenings are pleasant due to the cool breeze coming in from the adjoining forest. You can expect a lot of crowd in Wayanad during this time as a large number of tourists from different parts of South India come here to beat the heat. If you enjoy the outdoors, summer is the best time to visit Wayanad as the clear skies and gentle air make for the perfect time for camping and hiking trips. Chances of seeing the animals and birds are also higher during this season.
Packing List: Bring along Sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, light and airy cotton clothing.
What To Expect
- Humid weather, sunny days and cool evenings
- Occasional showers towards end of May
- Peak Season, hence large crowds
- Costlier stays
Things To Do In Summer Season
- Rejuvenate your mind and body with an Ayurvedic spa.
- Take a guided tour of the tea & rubber plantations in Wayanad.
- Get on a boat ride on the picturesque Pookode Lake.
- Attend summer festivals.
Book Now: Wayanad Wildlife Heaven from Bangalore
Monsoon Season – June to September (24°C – 32°C)
The monsoon season in Wayanad witnesses heavy rainfalls accompanied by landslides and thunderstorms. Monsoon season is the time when Wayanad is at its best. The lush greenery, waterfalls, and lakes due to heavy rainfall makes the place very stunning. This is the time when everything looks green and fresh, however it is not the best time to visit Wayanad because of the substantial amount of rain it receives. Most of the activities are canceled during this time of the year. If you are just looking for a relaxed time while enjoying the landscapes, it is still a good time to visit.
Packing List: Pack an umbrella, light clothing, mosquito repellent, windcheater, rain proof footwear and protective plastic casing.
What To Expect
- Torrential Rainfall
- Lush green surroundings
- Off season, hence lesser crowd
- Stays available at discounted rates
Things To Do In Monsoon Season
- Witness the cascading waterfalls in their full glory.
- Attend festivals & cultural events.
- Relax and enjoy nature.
Winter Season – October to February (12°C – 25°C)
Winters can get really cold with Wayanad temperatures dropping to 10°C between December to February. The chilly and mystic environment creates a sense of magic, making it the ideal place to visit for honeymooners. Cool winds during the winter months brings down the outside temperature, hence makes it the perfect time to go exploring the nature reserves, sightseeing, bird watching and to explore the wildlife. December to February are the peak winter months which attract many tourists. Everything is generally expensive during this season as it’s one of the best time to visit Wayanad.
Packing List: Pack warm clothes, socks, a long jacket, moisturizer and lip balm.
What To Expect
- Chilly weather with fog
- Drop in temperature in Wayanad
- Budget friendly stays
Things To Do In Winter Season
- Visit Thirunelli Temple and Neelimala View Point.
- Go rafting at Kuruva Island.
- Explore the wonders of Edakkal Caves.
- Go on a thrilling trek to Chembra Peak.
- Video making, and photography.
Top Places To Visit In Wayanad
Chembra Peak – 34.6 km from Wayanad
Kuruva Island – 29.0 km from Wayanad
Banasura Sagar Dam – 27.5 km from Wayanad
Pookode Lake – 25.6 km from Wayanad
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – 30.5 km from Wayanad
Edakkal Caves – 16.8 km from Wayanad
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls – 35.4 km from Wayanad
Paingatteri Agraharam – 26.2 km from Wayanad
Sulthan Bathery – 16.4 km from Wayanad
Lakkidi Viewpoint – 29.4 km from Wayanad
How To Reach Wayanad
District of Wayanad is well connected by all modes of transportation.
By Road: You can either take a road trip in your own vehicle or hire a cab. There are also KSRTC buses that will take you to Wayanad.
By Rail: As Wayanad does not have a railway station, it is best to take a train to the nearest railway station (Mysore or Calicut Railway Station).
By Air: Same goes with the airways too, take a flight to either Mysore or Calicut airport. Then take a cab or bus to Wayanad. Calicut is only 65 km away from Wayanad and 130 km from Mysore.
Suggested Reads: Best Resorts In Wayanad
The Wayanad weather is what makes it the most outstanding holiday destination. Be it summer, winter or monsoon season, you just cannot go wrong with Wayanad Kerala. We hope our guide to the best time to visit Wayanad will help you plan your visit to this dream destination successfully.
FAQs
No matter what time of the year it is, Wayanad has something for everyone. Tourists looking to explore the wildlife should avoid the summer season. For people looking to relax and enjoy nature, monsoon is the ideal time. Ideally winter is the best season to experience all of Wayanad.
2 to 3 days is a good time to explore the main attractions of Wayanad. Again the purpose of visit and budget can influence the number of days required.
Monsoon months from June to September receive a lot of rain and this in turn leads to landslides. Moving around and exploring the place is not possible during harsh monsoon rains. If you are looking at spending some time with nature just by relaxing in a resort, a visit during the rainy season can be recommended.
Chembra Peak which is at a higher altitude is one of the coldest places in Wayanad. One can experience chilly temperatures throughout the year and the views from above are breathtaking.