Weather in Alleppey

About Alleppey

Narrow backwater canals wind through palm groves where water and sky blur, silence broken only by the slap of water against boat hulls and the call of water birds. Houseboats with thatched roofs glide past villages of raised houses and fishing nets; fishermen cast Chinese nets from platforms. The Venice of the East's waterways are less crowded south of the main town.

Country

India

Best months to visit

January

Currency

INR

Language

Malayalam, English

Things to do in Alleppey

Overnight houseboat cruises through palm-lined backwater canals and lagoons Kayaking through narrow backwater channels past villages and wildlife Visiting the 16th-century Alleppey Lighthouse and seafront promenade Attending the annual Nehru Boat Race (August) with traditional snake boats Shopping the bazaar for Kerala spices, coir, and coconut products Eating appam, stew, and fresh fish curry at waterside homestays and shacks

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

February

32C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

March

32C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

April

32C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the heart of Kerala's backwaters, a network of lagoons, canals and rice paddies best explored aboard a converted rice-barge houseboat with a thatched roof and your own crew cooking fresh Kerala food on board. Drifting past coconut groves, village life along the banks and birdlife on the water at sunset gives a completely different rhythm to travel — measured in the slow churn of the boat's engine rather than miles covered.

Best areas to stay in Alleppey

Alleppey Town

The main town with the boat jetty, beach, and a base for arranging houseboat and canal trips.

Punnamada

The lake area just outside town famous for the annual Nehru Trophy snake boat race and most houseboat departures.

Kumarakom

A quieter backwater village nearby with a bird sanctuary and a more low-key houseboat scene.

Marari Beach Area

A relaxed coastal stretch a short drive from Alleppey, good for combining backwaters with beach time.

Getting to Alleppey

✈

Flights

The nearest airport is Cochin (Kochi), around 1.5-2 hours away by road, with good domestic and international connections.

⏱

From London

From Cochin, allow around 1.5-2 hours by road or a similar time by train.

🚕

Getting around

Houseboats and shikara boats are the main way to explore the backwaters; auto-rickshaws cover the town itself.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Alleppey?

November to February offers the most comfortable weather for houseboat trips; the lush green backdrop just after the monsoon (Sept-Oct) is also striking.

How long should a houseboat trip be?

An overnight trip (one night, two days) is the most popular, giving time to cruise the main lake and quieter canals plus a sunset and sunrise on the water.

Is it better to book a shared or private houseboat?

Private houseboats offer more flexibility and quieter routes away from the busiest channels, though shared options are more budget-friendly for solo travellers or couples.

What food is served on houseboats?

Fresh Kerala meals are typically included, featuring fish curry, vegetable thoran, and rice, cooked on board by the crew using local ingredients.

Is Alleppey only about houseboats?

No — the town itself has a beach, a historic lighthouse, and canal cruises by smaller shikara boats for those who don't want an overnight stay.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

An overnight houseboat trip was the highlight of our whole Kerala trip — drifting past villages, watching the sunset over the lake, and eating fresh fish curry cooked on board.

Priya M. · December 2024

★★★★★

So peaceful after the busier cities. Our crew were lovely, the food was excellent, and waking up on the water with mist over the paddies was magical.

Steve R. · January 2024

★★★★☆

Booked a private houseboat which let us avoid the busiest channels. A shorter day cruise would also be a good option if an overnight feels like too much.

Reshma T. · November 2023