Kollam in December
Kerala, India
Go in December — peak season means calm backwaters, warm days (22–30°C), and the Munroe Island canoe network is at its best, though book ahead.
Peak crowds
December is one of Kollam's busiest months. The score rates conditions — weather, access, value — not how many people you'll share them with. Kerala backwater destination busiest post-monsoon (Nov–Feb) when waters are calm; monsoon (Jun–Aug) discourages boating.
December in Kollam is the operational peak — quiet Kerala backwaters at their most expensive. Daytime 23-30C, nights 21-22C, rainfall under 30mm, Ashtamudi Lake at 25C. The Christmas-NYE corridor (December 22 to January 5) sees rates run 1.8-2.2x the November baseline (lower spike than Alleppey or premium Kumarakom): Raviz Resort Kollam hits ₹22-32k, Holiday Inn Express ₹10-15k, Nani Hotel Kollam ₹5-7k. Munroe Island canoe trips at peak — community-run schedule sees 3-4 daily slots from village jetty. Kollam-Alleppey SWTD cruise daily 10:30am at full capacity (often sells out 24-48 hours ahead through peak week). Houseboat overnight cruises ₹15-25k non-AC, ₹25-40k AC, peak-week 50 percent uplift. Kollam Junction railway at peak capacity. Cochin International Airport 150km north (3-3.5 hours by NH-66). Lock hotels 4-5 weeks ahead from October. The first three weeks of December (before December 22) are the better-value window — peak weather minus peak rates and gridlock.
Why December scores 10.0/10
Weather
Peak season. 22-30C, dry. Christmas-NYE rates 1.8-2.2x. SWTD cruise daily.
PEAK ALERT · JANUARY
Kollam is at its best in January.
Save it to your shortlist and we'll help you catch January before it fills up.
What to do in Kollam this December
- 1Ashtamudi Lake luxury houseboat
- 2Munroe Island premium canoe
- 3Alleppey cruise full experience
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Holiday travellers
- ✓Peak-season enthusiasts
- ✓Honeymoon couples
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0/10 | Peak window. 23-31C, dry. Ashtamudi Lake calm. Kollam-Alleppey 8-hour SWTD cruise daily. |
| February | 10.0/10 | Driest month. 24-32C. Munroe Island canoe trips at year-best. SWTD cruise daily. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Last cool month. 25-33C. Hotel rates slide 20 percent. SWTD cruise daily. |
| April | 6.0/10 | Pre-monsoon heat. 27-34C, humidity 80 percent. Munroe canoes dawn-only. Vishu Apr 14. |
| May | 4.0/10 | Pre-monsoon plus arriving squalls. 28-34C, humidity 85 percent. Hotel rates at year-low. |
| June | 4.0/10 | SW monsoon. 25-30C, 600-700mm rain. Cruising in 6-8 hour deluges grim. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. 25-29C, 700-800mm rain. SWTD cruise reduces. Munroe canoes closed. |
| August | 4.0/10 | Monsoon plus Onam. 25-29C, 500-600mm rain. Onam Aug 25 (verify 2026). Munroe canoes still closed. |
| September | 6.0/10 | Monsoon retreat. 25-30C, 350-400mm rain. SWTD cruise rebuilding. Munroe canoes reopen Oct 1. |
| October | 8.0/10 | Season opens. 24-30C, 200-250mm late-monsoon spillover. Munroe canoes reopen. |
| November | 10.0/10 | Peak builds. 23-30C, rainfall under 50mm. Ashtamudi at year-best. Hotel rates 20 percent below Dec. |
| Decemberviewing | 10.0/10 | Peak season. 22-30C, dry. Christmas-NYE rates 1.8-2.2x. SWTD cruise daily. |
What to pack for December
- ▸Light layers for evening coolness
- ▸Sun hat and glasses
- ▸Water shoes
- ▸Camera equipment
- ▸Waterproof bag for activities
Nearby in Kerala scoring high in December
How to reach Kollam
Airport
Trivandrum International (TRV) — 70km
Rail
Kollam Junction
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