The short answer
When to go to Sabarimala
For the fullest pilgrimage atmosphere, the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season runs from mid-November to mid-January, with Makaravilakku around 14 January; expect heavy crowds and strict booking. For gentler weather and shorter queues, the monthly opening days in February to April suit families and older visitors better. June to October is wet and the trail is slippery; the monsoon accounts for most of the region's rain.
Month by month
Sabarimala weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | — | Main-season peak: Makaravilakku crowds; drier weather but very heavy footfall | |
| February | — | — | — | Monthly opening days; calmer queues and one of the drier months | |
| March | — | — | — | Monthly opening days; warming up, calmer than winter peak | |
| April | — | — | — | Vishu opening; hotter, humid climb, early start essential | |
| May | — | — | — | Monthly opening; pre-monsoon showers possible; humid | |
| June | — | — | — | Southwest monsoon: heavy rain, slippery trail, river high | |
| July | — | — | — | Monsoon peak; trail and ghats can be hazardous | |
| August | — | — | — | Monsoon continues; Karkidakam-month opening, but wet and slippery | |
| September | — | — | — | Monsoon easing; Chingam opening; showers still likely | |
| October | — | — | — | Northeast monsoon rains begin; Tulam opening; showers | |
| November | — | — | — | Mandalam season begins mid-month; busy, book virtual queue early | |
| December | — | — | — | Mandalam season: heavy crowds, cooler forest air |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Sabarimala seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February
- February: Monthly opening days; calmer queues and one of the drier months
Good, with small trade-offs: January, March, April, November and December
- January: Main-season peak: Makaravilakku crowds; drier weather but very heavy footfall
- March: Monthly opening days; warming up, calmer than winter peak
- April: Vishu opening; hotter, humid climb, early start essential
- November: Mandalam season begins mid-month; busy, book virtual queue early
- December: Mandalam season: heavy crowds, cooler forest air
Possible, with planning: May, September and October
- May: Monthly opening; pre-monsoon showers possible; humid
- September: Monsoon easing; Chingam opening; showers still likely
- October: Northeast monsoon rains begin; Tulam opening; showers
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July and August
- June: Southwest monsoon: heavy rain, slippery trail, river high
- July: Monsoon peak; trail and ghats can be hazardous
- August: Monsoon continues; Karkidakam-month opening, but wet and slippery
Useful answers
Best time to visit Sabarimala: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Sabarimala?
February is the best month to visit Sabarimala, with January, March, April, November and December also good. For the fullest pilgrimage atmosphere, the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season runs from mid-November to mid-January, with Makaravilakku around 14 January; expect heavy crowds and strict booking. For gentler weather and shorter queues, the monthly opening days in February to April suit families and older visitors better. June to October is wet and the trail is slippery; the monsoon accounts for most of the region's rain.
Which months should I avoid in Sabarimala with elderly parents?
June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Southwest monsoon: heavy rain, slippery trail, river high Monsoon peak; trail and ghats can be hazardous