Kovalam is a picturesque beach town fronted by the Arabian Sea, located just a few miles away from Thiruvananthapuram city's center in Kerala. Having a coastline of more than 10.5 mi/17 km and three beaches separated by rock outcrops, Kovalam is a famous destination for both local and foreign visitors.
Characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, the area has no distinct seasons, which means that the average temperature is around 93.2 °F/34 °C, while the minimum is around 69.8 °F/21 °C with up to 90% humidity during the monsoon season, from June to November.
The Light House Beach is the biggest beach of the three and located on the southern side of the coast. Famous for its beautiful lighthouse standing on a high rocky ridge, the beach attracts many tourists and water sport enthusiasts, as it is rapidly becoming one of the hot spots in India for surfing.
You have to choose your time well in order to enjoy surfing in South India. During the monsoon season, from May to October, the weather is rainy with strong onshore winds and huge waves. The best time for advanced and intermediate surfers to play is before or after the Monsoon season when the rivers run dry, the roads are open and the winds die down. From September to April the spot offers regional classic wave quality that takes both right and left directions with fast and powerful speed.
The size of the swell starts working from 5 ft/1.5 m to 10 ft/3 m and more, while the best tide position is mid to high tide. For beginners, the best time to visit is from December to January, so as to avoid the powerful waves. At this time of year, the weather is sunny and the sea is at it’s bluest while the waves range between 1 ft/ 0.30 m to 3 ft / 0.90 m high, ideal period to book lessons and enjoy the great weather conditions.
There are schools operating on the spot and providing lessons, gear rentals and repairs. The atmosphere on the beach is great and you will see many locals practising yoga early in the morning, before they ride the waves. Note that the beach can get ultra crowded during weekends and be careful of the rip currents and extreme rain showers.
