Winter Chill Intensifies in Munnar and Wayanad as Temperatures Dip

Munnar: Winter temperatures are dropping sharply in Munnar, Kerala’s most popular hill destination, with the mercury touching eight degrees Celsius on Thursday morning. Although the cold season typically begins in November, this year’s northeast monsoon and a severe cyclone kept the region wet until last week. Even though the past two days were sunny, morning temperatures had remained around nine degrees Celsius.

On Thursday, the chill deepened as the temperature dipped to eight degrees. Last year, Munnar recorded nine degrees on December 6, before plunging to two degrees on December 24, leading to frost formation in several pockets.

Tourist locales near Munnar, including Suryanelli and Kolukkumalai on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, are witnessing spectacular mist-laden mornings. Clouds spreading like cotton over the hill ranges offer breathtaking views to visitors arriving to watch the sunrise. With the festive Christmas–New Year season approaching, a sharp increase in tourist arrivals is expected.

In Wayanad, another favourite destination for nature enthusiasts, the winter chill is also gaining strength. While cold conditions usually set in by mid-November, this year winter arrived only in the first week of December. Areas such as Vaduvanchal, Chundale, Vythiri and Ambalavayal are experiencing more intense cold.

In Vaduvanchal, mist blankets the area as early as 3 PM. Mornings remain the coldest across the district, though the chill eases by 10 AM when the sun breaks through, only to return by late afternoon. With the Christmas holidays nearing, officials expect a surge in visitors seeking to experience Wayanad’s winter charm.