What to know about an August Vacation in South India

Photo by: Chittoor Kottaram by CGH Earth

If you are considering an August vacation in South India, you may be wondering if it’s a good time to visit. This post will examine the weather, costs, crowds and special events in detail to help you decide if August is the best time for you to vacation in South India.
 

What is the weather like in South India in August?

August is part of the extended monsoon season in South India. While the rains do come down a bit relative to June/July, there still are frequent showers. In coastal Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa the temperature will be cool and humid. 

Among the best times, rains receding and climate vary favourable. Lots of events too

The rains are unpredictable and do cause minor inconveniences. However sightseeing is possible as it does not rain throughout the day. The below graphic will give you an idea of the weather throughout the year. 

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in August

The crowds in August are certainly less than the peak periods but more than that of the main monsoon months of June and July. It is also part of the extended season when travellers from the Arab Nations explore Kerala in its beauty. The rest of South India has lower flow from long distance travellers and more of local travel filling in the season. The prime attraction is the Nehru Trophy Boat race in Alleppey which attracts crowds in droves. So expect rates for Alleppey on the important dates to be high in an otherwise discounted season.

A relatively inexpensive time with the advantages of a shoulder season and lots of events too

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, August is a relatively inexpensive time to visit Kerala and South India in general. However the prices of hotels at the venue of major events will certainly skyrocket. 

 

The flight rates to South India for the month of August are amongst the lowest in the yearly cycle. There will be a small push for international flights from the Arab nations but domestic flights will remain cheap and you will get good discounts if you plan early enough. 
 

Are there any special events, festivals or reasons to go to South India in August?

For the locals, August is a month of celebrations with the rains subsiding slightly. This is a happening time in South India. Below we have listed some events you could seriously consider if you are planning a visit in August.
 

Goa in August

Dudhsagar Trek

Come the monsoons and the Dudhsagar trek is the biggest attraction for adventure lovers. Trek your way along the rail line with forest canopy and rail way tunnels. The Dudhsagar waterfalls set in the dense forest is among the most exquisite sights. A lot of opportunities for adventure lovers and shutterbugs here.

Best time: July-Oct

Ganesh Chathurthi

This hindu festival involves the unique tradition of worshiping clay idols of Lord Ganesha and then immersing the idols in the sea. The clay idols come in various sizes and are intricately painted. The ‘Aarti’ carried out twice a day is a unique indian spiritual experience.

Location: Goa & Mumbai

Estimate date: End August – Mid Sept

Kerala in August

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Fiercely competitive and arguably the most celebrated snake boat race in Kerala. Imagine the electrifying atmosphere when 120 odd men on a single boat race with pride of their villages riding on them. Multiple small races with a display of different types of boats and exhibitions races make this event an absolute must experience.

Venue: Finishing Point, Punnamada Lake

Location: Alleppey, Kerala

Estimate date: 2nd Saturday of August

Athachamayam

Athachamayam loosely translated as Royal parade on Atham day marks the beginning of the 10th day Onam festival in Kerala. There isn’t a more colourful start to celebrations with decorated elephants, 50 odd floats, musicians and traditional art forms on display.

Venue: Thripunithura pathways

Location: Outskirts of Kochi, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Payippad Boat race

This yet another spectacular boat race of Kerala which has the largest participation of snake boats after Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This event is unique as it is the only 3 day water festival in Kerala and is marked by impressive colourful water pageants.

Venue: Payippad lake

Location: Near Harippad, Alleppey, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Thiruvonam Feast

This temple is the venue behind the myth of Onam. A feast which features the famous ‘Onasadya’ is the day’s speciality. It is a one of a kind community organised activity with 10000 people participating every year.

Venue: Thrikakkara Temple

Location: Kochi, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Pulikali or Tiger Dance

In one of the quirkiest traditions of Onam, you will see hundreds of men dressed up as tigers, dancing & pouncing to the beat of drums. The street procession generates a great deal of excitement with playful tigers hiding from gun wielding hunters.

Venue: Swaraj Round

Location: Thrissur, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Aranmula Boat race

Unlike other boat races, rather than being a contest the event is predominantly religious. Traditionally dressed rowers are cheered by groups of singers and exuberant crowd. Even the boats are decorated like it is a festival not a race.

Venue: Pampa river, Aranmula

Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthita, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Have you been to South India in August? How was your experience? If there is something that we have missed or needs updates, feel free to drop a comment. Our intention is to provide the most useful/updated resources for travel planning in this part of the world. Join the conversation with your suggestions for travellers in our comments section below.

This article is part of our month-by-month analysis to help you determine the best times to visit Kerala and South India in general. Check out these links for the other months covered in this series here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December.