Kochi (Cochin) sits on India’s Malabar Coast at 9.97°N latitude, giving it a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am) with two distinct monsoon seasons. The city averages 3,000 mm (118 inches) of rain per year, temperatures stay between 23°C and 33°C (73–91°F) year-round, and humidity rarely drops below 60%. The southwest monsoon (June to September) delivers 80% of the annual rainfall, while the northeast monsoon (October to December) brings lighter but still significant rain. For more details, see our best time to visit Kochi guide.
Kochi Weather in January
January is Kochi’s driest and most comfortable month. Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F) and nights dip to 22°C (72°F). Rainfall totals just 23 mm (0.9 in) across 2 rainy days. Humidity hovers around 62%. Sea temperature is 28°C (82°F), making it the best month for beach days at Cherai and Fort Kochi. Expect 9 hours of sunshine daily. This is peak tourist season, so book hotels and houseboats 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For more details, see our things to do in Kochi guide.
Kochi Weather in February
February stays dry and warm. Highs reach 32°C (90°F) with lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is just 26 mm (1.0 in) over 3 days. Humidity rises slightly to 65%. Sea temperature holds at 28°C. Sunshine averages 9 hours. It is the last fully dry month before pre-monsoon humidity builds. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale often runs through February, bringing art crowds. Bookings remain tight; the Ernakulam Shiva Temple festival sometimes falls in this month. For more details, see our Kochi travel tips guide.
Kochi Weather in March
March marks the start of Kerala’s hot season. Daytime temperatures climb to 33°C (91°F) and nights stay at 25°C (77°F). Rainfall increases to 39 mm (1.5 in) over 4 days as pre-monsoon showers begin. Humidity jumps to 68%. Sea temperature warms to 29°C (84°F). Sunshine drops to 8 hours. The heat and humidity make midday sightseeing uncomfortable. Visit attractions before 11:00 or after 16:00. Hotel prices ease slightly from the January/February peak.
Kochi Weather in April
April is Kochi’s hottest month. Highs hit 34°C (93°F) and lows stay at 26°C (79°F). Rainfall rises sharply to 95 mm (3.7 in) over 8 days as pre-monsoon thunderstorms become frequent. Humidity peaks at 70%. Sea temperature reaches 30°C (86°F). Afternoon heat is intense. The Vishu festival (Kerala New Year) falls in mid-April. Many restaurants and shops close for the holiday. Hotel rates drop to shoulder-season levels.
Kochi Weather in May
May is the transition to monsoon, with oppressive humidity. Highs reach 33°C (91°F) and lows stay at 26°C (79°F). Rainfall nearly triples from April to 283 mm (11.1 in) over 15 days. Thunderstorms build through the month. Sea temperature remains 30°C. The southwest monsoon usually arrives in the last week of May. By month end, daily downpours are likely. Hotel rates are at their lowest, but many beach shacks and outdoor restaurants close. It is the worst month for sightseeing.
Kochi Weather in June
June is the first full monsoon month. Temperatures drop slightly to 29°C (84°F) high and 24°C (75°F) low. Rainfall explodes to 686 mm (27.0 in) over 24 days. It rains almost daily, often in heavy bursts lasting 2 to 4 hours in the afternoon. Sea is rough and beaches are closed. Humidity stays at 84%. Sunshine drops to 4 hours. Ayurvedic resorts promote monsoon packages at 30 to 50% discounts. The season appeals to wellness travelers despite the rain.
Kochi Weather in July
July is the wettest month of the year. Highs stay at 29°C (84°F), lows at 24°C (75°F). Rainfall reaches 693 mm (27.3 in) over 26 days. The southwest monsoon is at full strength. Humidity is 86%. Sea temperature is 27°C (81°F) but swimming is unsafe due to rough conditions. Flooding in low-lying areas of Ernakulam is possible during heavy spells. Fishermen stay ashore. Outdoor attractions are limited. This is the low season for tourism; you will find the lowest airfares and hotel rates of the year.
Kochi Weather in August
August is slightly drier than July but still very wet. Highs are 29°C (84°F) and lows 24°C (75°F). Rainfall eases to 493 mm (19.4 in) over 23 days. Monsoon intensity decreases after mid-month. Humidity remains at 85%. The Onam festival (Kerala’s biggest celebration) often falls in August or early September depending on the Malayalam calendar. Snake boat races on the backwaters draw crowds regardless of rain. Hotel rates stay at monsoon lows.
Kochi Weather in September
September sees the monsoon tail end. Highs climb to 30°C (86°F) and lows to 24°C (75°F). Rainfall drops to 303 mm (11.9 in) over 19 days. Rain becomes less frequent but can still be heavy when it arrives. Humidity eases to 82%. By late September, the weather pattern shifts toward the northeast monsoon. Tourist numbers start to recover. Onam sometimes falls in early September, drawing domestic travelers.
Kochi Weather in October
October brings the northeast monsoon, a lighter rainy season. Highs are 31°C (88°F) and lows 24°C (75°F). Rainfall totals 269 mm (10.6 in) over 15 days. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but mornings are often sunny. Humidity sits at 80%. Sea temperature is 28°C. Tourist numbers increase, especially after the second week. The Kochi carnival season preparations begin. Hotel rates rise from monsoon lows but stay below winter peaks.
Kochi Weather in November
November is the transition back to dry season. Highs stay at 31°C (88°F) and lows at 24°C (75°F). Rainfall drops to 131 mm (5.2 in) over 9 days. The northeast monsoon weakens through the month. Humidity falls to 74%. Sea temperature is 28°C. By mid-November, the weather is reliably good for outdoor activities. Tourist season begins in earnest. Book flights and hotels 3 to 4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
Kochi Weather in December
December is the second-driest month after January. Highs reach 31°C (88°F) and lows dip to 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is just 33 mm (1.3 in) over 3 days. Humidity drops to 65%. Sea temperature is 28°C. Sunshine averages 8 hours. The Cochin Carnival at Fort Kochi runs through the last week of December culminating in the New Year’s Eve burning of the Papanji effigy. This is peak tourist season. Hotels and houseboats book out completely by early December, especially for Christmas and New Year dates.
Kochi Weather Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm/in) | Rain Days | Humidity | Sea Temp (°C) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 23 / 0.9 | 2 | 62% | 28 | 9 |
| Feb | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 26 / 1.0 | 3 | 65% | 28 | 9 |
| Mar | 33 / 91 | 25 / 77 | 39 / 1.5 | 4 | 68% | 29 | 8 |
| Apr | 34 / 93 | 26 / 79 | 95 / 3.7 | 8 | 70% | 30 | 7 |
| May | 33 / 91 | 26 / 79 | 283 / 11.1 | 15 | 73% | 30 | 6 |
| Jun | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 686 / 27.0 | 24 | 84% | 28 | 4 |
| Jul | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 693 / 27.3 | 26 | 86% | 27 | 4 |
| Aug | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 493 / 19.4 | 23 | 85% | 27 | 5 |
| Sep | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 303 / 11.9 | 19 | 82% | 28 | 6 |
| Oct | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 269 / 10.6 | 15 | 80% | 28 | 6 |
| Nov | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 131 / 5.2 | 9 | 74% | 28 | 7 |
| Dec | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 33 / 1.3 | 3 | 65% | 28 | 8 |
