Chilly & foggyWinter
5–17 °C
Chilly and foggy. Nights can touch freezing, so pack heavy woollens.
Kodaikanal Weather
Check today’s temperature, then plan around the Kodaikanal climate with month-by-month guidance, rain and fog notes, and the best seasons to visit.
See live weatherLive weather
Kodaikanal Temperature Today
See the current reading and the next 15 days below. Hill conditions shift fast, so a quick check on the morning you travel saves surprises.
KODAIKANAL NOW
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15 day forecast
Forecast data from Open-Meteo. For official warnings, see the India Meteorological Department. Page by the Cottages Kodaikanal team. Last updated 29 October 2026.
Daytime readings sit well below the plains, and the gap widens after sunset. Expect a drop of several degrees between afternoon and night, even in April. Humidity climbs with the mist, so a calm 12 °C can feel colder than the number suggests. Dress in layers you can add or remove, and treat the forecast strip as a guide rather than a promise, since showers can arrive within the hour.
Quick answer
When Should You Go?
Short answer: go in April or May for green hills and highs near 22 °C, or in December and January for cold, foggy mornings. Expect heavy rain from June to October.
Best months
April and May
Green, sunny and pleasant at 11–22 °C. These are also the busiest weeks, so book early.
Think twice
June to October
Heavy rain and mist suit waterfalls and quiet stays better than sightseeing.
Coldest
December and January
Cold mornings, fog and nights near 5 °C. Perfect for a cosy cottage.
AltitudeAbout 2,100 m
Average temperature20.8 °C
Yearly rainfallAbout 2,630 mm
Winter lowsNear 5 °C
Climate
Kodaikanal Climate at a Glance
Cool air is the reason most people come. At about 2,100 m, the town stays mild while the plains below swelter. Rain falls in most months, and the short dry spell does little to change that.
Best months: April and May
Pleasant, green and sunny, with the warmest days around 22 °C.
°C
Average annual temperature
20.8 °C across the year.
mm
Rainfall
About 2,630 mm a year. October is wettest and January is driest.
days
Rainy days
May has the most (25.4). February has the fewest (6.4).
hrs
Sunshine
March is brightest at 9.5 hours a day. January is dimmest at 5.5.
Three numbers explain most of the experience. The yearly average of 20.8 °C keeps days comfortable, the rain total decides how misty the views look, and sunshine hours show which months give clear photographs. Read them together before you lock in dates.
Seasons
Kodaikanal Weather by Season
Three seasons shape every trip. Pick the one that matches the holiday you have in mind.
Chilly & foggyBest seasonSummer
Up to 22 °C
The hills turn green and sunny, ideal for boating, walks and sightseeing.
Heavy rainMonsoon
June to September
Heavy rain, mist and full waterfalls. Roads run slower, so plan indoor time.
Planning
Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
The right month depends on who is travelling and what they want to see. Use these quick picks, then open the month guide below.
Sightseeing
April and May bring clear views and mild days.
Couples
Choose December to February for cold mornings, or June to September for mist and quiet cottage stays.
Family
April, May and school holidays are the best time to visit Kodaikanal with family. Book early.
Crowds matter as much as temperature. April, May and Christmas week fill quickly, with higher room rates and slower roads. Travellers who prefer space often pick early February, March or September, when the hills are quieter and prices ease.
Combining the trip with Ooty? Read the comparison below.
Month wise
Kodaikanal Weather Month by Month
Tap a month for details. Temperatures are approximate ranges, not daily readings.
| Month | Temperature | Rain | Crowd | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5–19 °C | Driest | Medium | Cold, clear |
| February | 6–20 °C | Fewest rainy days | Low | Good |
| March | 9–22 °C | Low | Medium | Sunniest |
| April | 11–22 °C | Light showers | High | Best |
| May | 12–22 °C | Most rainy days | Peak | Best |
| June–July | 12–20 °C | Heavy | Low | Wet |
| August–September | 12–20 °C | Heavy | Low | Wet |
| October | 11–20 °C | Wettest | Low | Wet |
| November | 8–19 °C | Moderate | Medium | Fair |
| December | 5–17 °C | Light | Peak | Cold, festive |
Best season
Kodaikanal Weather in May
Planning a Kodaikanal trip in May? Expect green hills, flower show crowds and short afternoon showers.
- Temperature
- About 12–22 °C
- Rain
- Most rainy days of the year, in short bursts
- Fog
- Mist builds in the evenings
- Crowd
- Peak. Book 3–4 weeks ahead.
- What to do
- Kodai Lake, flower show, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks
- Verdict
- Worth it if you book early and carry a light raincoat.
Cold and festive
Kodaikanal Weather in December
Kodaikanal in December means cold mornings, thick fog and a lively Christmas and New Year crowd.
- Temperature
- About 5–17 °C
- Rain
- Light, with clear spells
- Fog
- Heavy at dawn, often gone by mid-morning
- Crowd
- Peak around Christmas and New Year
- What to do
- Lake walks, bonfire evenings, viewpoints once fog lifts
- Verdict
- Great for cosy stays. Book well before Christmas.
Best season
Kodaikanal Weather in April
Summer arrives in April, with clear days and mild evenings before the May rush.
- Temperature
- About 11–22 °C
- Rain
- Light afternoon showers
- Fog
- Occasional, mostly late evening
- Crowd
- High, easing compared with May
- What to do
- Boating, cycling, Bryant Park, Green Valley View
- Verdict
- The easiest month for first-time visitors.
Monsoon
Kodaikanal Weather in June and July
The monsoon turns the hills misty, green and quiet. Waterfalls run full, though views come and go.
- Temperature
- About 12–20 °C
- Rain
- Heavy and frequent
- Fog
- Common through the day
- Crowd
- Low, so stays cost less
- What to do
- Waterfalls, cafes, slow scenic drives
- Verdict
- Best for waterfalls and savings, not long viewpoint days.
Driest month
Kodaikanal Weather in January
Crisp mornings and clear viewpoints define the driest month. Pongal adds local festivities.
- Temperature
- About 5–19 °C
- Rain
- Driest month of the year
- Fog
- Morning fog, then sun
- Crowd
- Medium, higher in the first week
- What to do
- Trekking, valley views, Pongal celebrations
- Verdict
- A strong pick for clear skies and trekking.
Compare
Ooty vs Kodaikanal: Weather and Best Time
Both are cool hill stations, but they feel different underfoot. Munnar adds a third option.
| Kodaikanal | Ooty | Munnar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Misty, calm, lake and cliffs | Cooler, busier town | Green tea-estate air |
| Best months | April–May, December–January | April–May, October–November | September–March |
| Monsoon | Heavy, misty | Heavy | Very heavy |
| Crowds | Peak in May and December | Peak in April–May | Peak in December |
Visiting both? April–May or December–January suits the two hill stations best. Book rooms and cabs early.
Conditions
Kodaikanal Rain, Fog and Frost
Rain
About 2,630 mm falls through the year, so carry a raincoat from June to October.
Mist and fog
Mist peaks at dawn and dusk and sits thickest on lake and viewpoint roads. Plan sightseeing for mid-morning.
Frost and snowfall
There is no snowfall, but frost can form on the coldest nights in December and January.
June to October
Kodaikanal Monsoon Travel Guide
Off season means quieter viewpoints and kinder room rates.
Roads
Ghat roads slow down in heavy rain and fog. Start early, avoid night driving and check road status first.
Waterfalls
Flows peak between July and September. See the waterfalls guide.
Stays
Rooms cost less and are easy to find. Ask for a valley view and a heater.
Landslides are rare but possible on the ghat roads during the heaviest spells, so confirm the route with your driver or host before you leave.
Calendar
Kodaikanal Events and Festivals by Month
Dates shift each year, so confirm before booking.
JAN
Pongal
Harvest festival with celebrations in town and nearby villages.
MAR
Panguni Uthiram
A temple festival in the Tamil month of Panguni.
MAY
Flower show and summer festival
The year’s biggest event, held at Bryant Park. Expect peak crowds.
Pack
What to Wear and Pack for Kodaikanal
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Heavy jacket and woollens
- Cap, gloves and socks
- Moisturiser
Summer (Mar–May)
- Light layers and a jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Walking shoes
Monsoon (Jun–Oct)
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Shoes with good grip
- Spare clothes
Plan
Plan Your Stay: Cottages, Tour Packages and Cabs
Cottages Kodaikanal matches your dates to the right stay. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for December and May; monsoon rooms are easier to find.
Coming from afar? See how to reach Kodaikanal.
FAQ
Kodaikanal Weather FAQ
Quick answers before you pack.
What is the weather in Kodaikanal today?
The live widget at the top of this page shows the current reading and the next 15 days. Mornings are usually cool and misty, afternoons mild, and evenings cool quickly, so keep a jacket handy.
What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
April and May suit most travellers, with green hills, sunshine and highs near 22 °C. December and January work if you enjoy cold mornings and cosy stays. Book either window three to four weeks ahead.
Is Kodaikanal cold in December and January?
Yes. Kodaikanal weather in December brings nights near 5 °C and fog until mid-morning. Days are clearer and calmer, so layers work better than one heavy coat. A heater in your room helps.
Does it snow in Kodaikanal?
There is no snowfall. Frost can form on the coldest December and January nights, and mist is common all year, which sometimes makes mornings look wintry. Pack woollens and expect a damp chill rather than snow.
Which months have the most rain in Kodaikanal?
Heavy rain falls from June to September. October records the greatest rainfall, and May has the most rainy days. January is the driest month, so it suits travellers who want clear viewpoints.
What should I wear in Kodaikanal?
Choose heavy woollens, a cap and gloves from December to February. Light layers with a jacket suit March to May. From June to October, add a raincoat and shoes with good grip.
Is Kodaikanal safe in the monsoon?
Yes, with care. Roads run slowly in heavy rain and fog, so travel in daylight and check conditions first. Cottages Kodaikanal can help with cabs and rooms that suit the monsoon season.
Planning around the weather?
For current weather, stays or travel facilities, call or message us and we will help you pick the right dates.