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Thiruvananthapuram, widely called Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala and a coastal city with a tropical monsoon climate that holds 27°C or more every month of the year. Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats’ foothills, it runs hot and humid through all seasons, with two distinct monsoons, the heavy southwest monsoon from June to August and a lighter northeast monsoon in October and November, and a reliably dry, sunny high season from December to February. Before booking, read the best neighborhoods guide to decide between the Fort, Palayam and the coastal strips. Days peak around 33°C in March and April and the sea stays swimmable at 27-30°C year-round.
Welcome to Thiruvananthapuram
A city of about 1 million people, Trivandrum is one of south India’s main travel hubs, framed by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at its old core and fanned out along the coast to the famous Kovalam Beach 16 km south. Most arrivals land at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), just 6 km from the centre, then split their time between the temple-and-palace quarter around East Fort, the museum and park district of Palayam, and the three crescent beaches of Kovalam. Use the month-by-month weather data below to pick your travel window, then dive into the specialist guides.
Weather at a Glance in Thiruvananthapuram
Temperatures barely move across the year: January lows of 23°C rise to a March-April high of 33°C, then fall back to 23-24°C the next January. Rainfall is the real variable, falling from about 20 mm in January to a 350 mm peak in June and July, then easing through the winter. Annual rainfall totals about 1,800 mm, driven by the southwest monsoon, and relative humidity sits between 70% and 85% in every season.
Seasonal Snapshot in Thiruvananthapuram
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 23-32°C, dry and sunny with 20-45 mm monthly rain, the peak travel season and best beach weather.
- Summer (Mar-May): 25-33°C, hot and humid with rising pre-monsoon showers, cheapest of the dry months.
- Southwest Monsoon (Jun-Aug): 24-30°C, 280-350 mm rain per month, heavy daily downpours, the Ayurveda and low-rate season.
- Northeast Monsoon (Oct-Nov): 24-31°C, 180-270 mm intermittent rain that clears by late November.
The Best Guides for Thiruvananthapuram
Plan your whole trip with these focused guides. Start with the Thiruvananthapuram weather by month breakdown for exact temperatures and rain, then use the best time to visit guide to lock your window.
The things to do list covers the temple, museums and beaches in detail, and the events and festivals calendar tracks Onam and the Pongala.
Location and Climate Setting in Thiruvananthapuram
Trivandrum sits at 8.5° north latitude on Kerala’s southwest coast, roughly 90 km from the southern tip of India at Kanyakumari. The Western Ghats rise behind the city and intercept the southwest monsoon, which is why the surrounding region is among the wettest in India, while the coastal strip itself stays warm and sea-moderated. Inland day trips climb quickly into cooler hill stations like Ponmudi at 915 m and the Agasthyamalai peaks.
Quick Facts About Thiruvananthapuram
- Best beach months: December to April, when the sea is calm at 27-30°C and skies are clear.
- Warmest month: April, with a 33°C average high and stifling humidity.
- Coolest month: July, at 24-29°C, but also the wettest at 350 mm of rain.
- Wettest months: June and July, monsoon peak at about 350 mm each.
- Sunshine: 9 hours a day in January and February, dropping to 4 in July.
- Sea temperature: 27-30°C year-round, no cold-water season.
Before booking, use the where to stay guide for hotel picks by area and the travel tips and FAQ for transport, tipping and safety basics.
Suggested Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram
A central five-star with a rooftop pool and multiple restaurants in the business quarter. Best for business and comfort-focused travellers. Check rates and availability
The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel
A cliff-top Kovalam resort with panoramic sea views, two pools and a spa. Best for honeymooners and beach-resort stays. Check rates and availability
Hotel Paradise Kovalam
A front-line Lighthouse Beach property with simple air-conditioned rooms and balconies. Best for budget travellers wanting sea views. Check rates and availability