Weather in Kochi

Find out what weather awaits you in Kochi! This section features current weather reports and forecasts to help you plan your day.

Kochi, located in India, is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate. The air temperature here remains high and fairly stable throughout the year, with average values fluctuating between 25.8°C and 28.6°C. This means travellers can expect warm weather regardless of the season, with minimum night temperatures rarely dropping below 23°C and daytime highs reaching 27-31°C.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Kochi's climate: dry and wet. The dry season usually falls in January and February, when rainfall is minimal (about 1 mm) and the number of rainy days is low. From March to April, there is a transitional period with a gradual increase in rainfall and rainy days.

The rainy season (monsoon) is most pronounced from May to October. Significant rainfall occurs during these months (10-16 mm per month), and the number of rainy days reaches a maximum, especially from May to August, when it can rain almost daily. November and December are transitional months when rain intensity gradually decreases, giving way to drier weather.

The temperature regime in Kochi remains consistently warm throughout the year, which is typical for the tropical climate of India. The annual range of average temperatures is small: from 25.8°C in August to 28.6°C in April. The hottest months are usually March and April, when the average daytime temperature reaches 28.5-28.6°C, and maximums can rise to 31.3-31.5°C. Relatively "cool" months, if one can term them so for the tropics, are considered July and August with average temperatures around 25.8-25.9°C, although even at this time night temperatures rarely drop below 24°C.

The summer period in Kochi, covering the months before the monsoon (March, April) and the monsoon season itself (from May to September), is characterized by high temperatures and significant humidity. Daytime heat in March and April can be quite intense. The so-called "winter" season, which falls on the period from November to February, brings the most comfortable weather in terms of the combination of temperature and humidity. Although temperatures remain high (averaging 26.5-27.6°C), this is the driest time of the year. Nights in January can be the freshest of the year, with an average minimum temperature of around 23.6°C, providing pleasant coolness after a hot day.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Kochi are generally small, which is typical for coastal tropical areas. The difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature is usually between 3°C and 6°C. The largest diurnal temperature variations are observed in drier months, such as January, February, and December, when the air is less humid. At the peak of the monsoon season (June-August), this difference is minimal, contributing to a sensation of constant warm and humid weather both day and night.

In Kochi, there is a clear division of the year into dry and wet seasons, which determines the nature of precipitation. Snowfall is uncharacteristic for this tropical region, and all precipitation falls as rain. The driest months are January and February, when rainfall is minimal – only about 1 mm per month, and there are only 6-7 rainy days. At this time, rains are rare and likely very insignificant.

The period with the highest amount of rainfall falls on the months from May to August. June and July stand out as the wettest in terms of rainfall volume, reaching 16 mm per month, followed by May and August with 15 mm. However, despite these seemingly low total volume figures, rain frequency during this period is maximal. For example, in July it rains almost daily (31 rainy days), and in May and June – about 30 days a month. This suggests that rains can be frequent but perhaps not always intense, or short-lived, given the total rainfall volume.

Transitional periods are also noticeable in the annual precipitation cycle in Kochi. March and April mark a gradual increase in humidity: about 2 mm of precipitation falls in March with 16 rainy days, and in April rainfall increases to 6 mm, while the number of rainy days rises to 27. After the peak of the wet season, a gradual decrease begins in September in both rainfall volume (from 10 mm in September-October to 7 mm in November) and the number of rainy days. December is significantly drier, with 2 mm of precipitation and approximately 11 rainy days, heralding the arrival of the dry season.

When planning a trip to Kochi, remember that a warm tropical climate awaits you all year round. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking, as exploring the city on foot is a pleasure. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will also be your faithful companions, protecting you from the bright sun, especially during the dry months from January to February when the sky is mostly cloudless.

From May to October, the monsoon season arrives in Kochi, bringing frequent rains. During this period, it is extremely important to carry a reliable umbrella or a light raincoat. Quick-drying clothes and perhaps a spare pair of shoes or waterproof sandals will be a very practical choice. Although the temperature remains high, the increased humidity can feel quite intense, so loose clothing will help you feel more comfortable. Particularly intense precipitation and the maximum number of rainy days occur between May and August.

Even during transitional months, such as March-April or November-December, when rainfall decreases, short-term rains are still possible. Therefore, a light umbrella may come in handy at this time as well. In general, the principle of layering is not as relevant for Kochi due to consistently high temperatures, however, a light wrap or shawl may be useful in the evening or in air-conditioned rooms. The main thing is to focus on comfort in hot and potentially humid weather.