What to know about an October Vacation in South India

Photo by: Kerala Tourism

Factoring in the weather and crowds, October is one of the best months to visit South India. Let is explore this in detail in this post below.
 

What is the weather like in South India in October?

Kerala is blessed with a very pleasing and enjoyable climate in October. The rains have subsided and a pleasant winter is taking shape. Tamil Nadu will have slight rains with the northeast monsoon sliding in. Vacationers also start moving to Goa with the cooler climate and clear skies throughout the day.

Tamil nadu has slight rains, Kerala has a pleasing and enjoyable climate with clear skies

The below graphic will give you an idea of the Kerala weather throughout the year. 

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in October

October marks the beginning of the peak travel season to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa. The crowds gradually start flowing in from the European nations, Australia and USA and other parts of the world. This is also a month of local celebrations like Navarathri (Dusserah/Dasara) and so there will be a spike in domestic tourists as well. 

A gradual rise in room rates starts, special local festivals like Navarathri spikes domestic travel

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, October month sees the gradual rise in prices for Kerala and South India in general. Expect a small hike in tariffs for the last week of October.

 

The Navarathri celebrations are likely to cause a small hike in flight rates for the last two weeks of October so be early to book in case you are travelling during this time. Other parts of the month you are likely to get better fares for rail and airplane tickets.
 

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

October is the month of Navrathri- meaning nine days of worship to nine forms of Goddess Shakti/Devi. Gujarat, West Bengal and Karnataka celebrate this with maximum vigour while the celebration appears in various forms in all parts of India.

Karnataka in October

Mysore Dasara

This is most extravagant festival of Mysore. The 10 day long festivities are marked by illumination of the Palace, procession with elephants, performing arts, doll shows and wrestling competitions. This time attracts travellers from all over the globe to Mysore.

Location: Mysore, Madikeri and famous Karnataka cities

Estimate date: End Sept – End October

Kerala in October

Soorya Dance & Music Festival

Organised by one of the biggest cultural societies in Asia, this event attracts the most renowned in the field of dance, music and many other arts. This is a place to experience classical Indian if you are interested in art forms and theatre of any kind.

Location: Tagore Theatre, Thiruvanathapuram

Estimate date: 10 days in early October

Thripurnitura Temple Festival

This is among the bigger temple festivals in Kerala. Besides the elephant processions a lot of programmes involving folk arts of kerala and classical arts of South India are organised during the festival

Venue: Poornathrayesha Temple

Location: Near Outskirts of Kochi city

Estimate date: End October – Early November depending on local calendar

Have you been to South India in October? 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, August, September, November and December.