Kannur travel guide
Cultural city
Kannur, a vibrant coastal city in Kerala, is known for its historical forts, serene beaches, rich Theyyam traditions, and scenic backwaters offering a blend of culture and natural beauty.
Best time to visit Kannur
Nov–Mar is the best time: mostly dry, with Theyyam performances at village shrines. Apr–May is hot, and Jun–Oct is wet, with very heavy rain from Jun to Aug.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | best | 22–34 °C | 0 mm | medium | Dry and sunny; Theyyam season is on; good for forts and beaches |
| February | good | 23–34 °C | 0 mm | medium | Dry and hot by afternoon; Theyyam season continues |
| March | good | 25–35 °C | 15 mm | low | Dry but hot and humid; Theyyam season continues |
| April | mixed | 26–35 °C | 50 mm | low | Hot and humid, with the first thundery showers |
| May | mixed | 26–34 °C | 220 mm | low | Thunderstorms and heavy showers build up before the monsoon |
| June | avoid | 24–31 °C | 950 mm | low | Monsoon at full strength; very heavy rain most days; sea unsafe |
| July | avoid | 23–30 °C | 880 mm | low | Very heavy rain on most days and a rough sea |
| August | avoid | 23–30 °C | 540 mm | low | Heavy rain on most days and a rough sea |
| September | mixed | 24–31 °C | 270 mm | low | Rain eases to showers but the sea stays rough |
| October | mixed | 24–32 °C | 300 mm | low | Thundery showers continue; the tourist season has not yet begun |
| November | good | 24–33 °C | 110 mm | low | Showers end and Theyyam performances start at village shrines |
| December | best | 22–33 °C | 25 mm | medium | Dry and clear; Theyyam season under way; busier around New Year |
How many days to spend in Kannur
One day covers St. Angelo's Fort, Arakkal Palace Museum and Payyambalam Beach. Three days add Parassinikkadavu with its Snake Park, plus Thalassery or Madayippara.
How to reach Kannur
- By air: Kannur (CNN) — 26 km, about 35–55 min by road. Calicut (CCJ) is the other airport option
- By train: Kannur (CAN) — 0 km, about 5–10 min by road. In the city centre; many long-distance trains stop here
- By road: From Kozhikode — 93 km, about 2–3 h. Nearest big city, to the south
Getting around
Autorickshaws and city buses cover the town, and taxis are available. Parking is hard in the centre, so leave the car and take an auto. Walking suits the beach side better than the busy centre.
Food to try in Kannur
- Arikkadukka — Stuffed mussels, sold by most local food vendors
- Thalassery biryani — Malabar-style biryani from nearby Thalassery, a regional favourite
- Kappa and fish curry — Tapioca with spicy fish curry, a local favourite
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Kannur?
Nov–Mar is the best time: mostly dry, with Theyyam performances at village shrines. Apr–May is hot, and Jun–Oct is wet, with very heavy rain from Jun to Aug.
How many days are enough for Kannur?
1–3 days. One day covers St. Angelo's Fort, Arakkal Palace Museum and Payyambalam Beach. Three days add Parassinikkadavu with its Snake Park, plus Thalassery or Madayippara.
How do I reach Kannur?
By air: Kannur (CNN) — 26 km, about 35–55 min by road. Calicut (CCJ) is the other airport option. By train: Kannur (CAN) — 0 km, about 5–10 min by road. In the city centre; many long-distance trains stop here. By road: From Kozhikode — 93 km, about 2–3 h. Nearest big city, to the south.
Plan your Kannur trip
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.