The monsoon is a vital weather phenomenon for Kerala, marking the beginning of India's rainy season. The southwest monsoon typically arrives in Kerala around June 1, but variations occur due to climatic changes. This article explores the monsoon arrival dates in Kerala from 2009 to 2025, analyzing early and delayed onsets and their implications. 
Why Kerala Monsoon Arrived Early in 2025? Full Data Since 2009


When Does the Monsoon Usually Reach Kerala?  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers June 1 as the official monsoon onset date for Kerala. However, the actual arrival can vary by several days due to atmospheric conditions.  

Factors Influencing Monsoon Arrival 

  • Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) – Warmer Indian Ocean waters can accelerate monsoon winds.  
  • Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) – A tropical weather pattern affecting monsoon progression.  
  • El Niño & La Niña – These Pacific Ocean phenomena can delay or enhance monsoon rains.  

Monsoon Arrival in Kerala (2009–2025)  

Below is a year-wise breakdown of monsoon onset dates in Kerala over the past 16 years: 
 
 Kerala Monsoon Arrival Dates (2009-2025)

Monsoon Arrival in Kerala (2009-2025)

Year Monsoon Arrival Date Early/Delayed
2009 May 23 Early (9 days)
2010 May 31 Early (1 day)
2011 May 29 Early (3 days)
2012 June 5 Delayed (5 days)
2013 June 1 On time
2014 June 6 Delayed (6 days)
2015 June 5 Delayed (5 days)
2016 June 8 Delayed (8 days)
2017 May 30 Early (2 days)
2018 May 29 Early (3 days)
2019 June 8 Delayed (8 days)
2020 June 1 On time
2021 June 3 Delayed (3 days)
2022 May 29 Early (3 days)
2023 June 8 Delayed (8 days)
2024 May 30 Early (2 days)
2025 May 24 Early (8 days)

Key Observations  

  • Earliest Monsoon Arrival: May 23 (2009)  
  • Most Delayed Monsoon: June 8 (2016, 2019, 2023)  
  • 2025 Monsoon: Arrived on May 24, the second earliest in 16 years.  

Why Did the 2025 Monsoon Arrive Early?  

The 2025 Kerala monsoon arrived on May 24, eight days before the usual date. Possible reasons include:  
  • Strong Arabian Sea winds pushing moisture earlier.  
  • Favorable MJO phase enhancing cloud formation.  
  • Weak El Niño conditions, allowing faster monsoon progression.  

Impact of Early or Delayed Monsoon  

  • Agriculture: Early monsoons benefit crops, while delays can cause water shortages.  
  • Power Supply: Hydroelectric dams rely on monsoon rains for optimal function.  
  • Economy: Tourism and farming sectors are directly affected by monsoon timing.  
The Kerala monsoon is crucial for India’s climate cycle, and its arrival varies yearly. While June 1 remains the official onset date, fluctuations are common. The 2025 monsoon arriving on May 24 continues a trend of early monsoons in recent years, possibly due to changing climate patterns.  
For real-time monsoon updates, follow the India Meteorological Department (IMD) or trusted weather forecasting platforms.

Ratnakar Hota

Journalist

Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. For many years, he has written extensively about various tiger reserves and forest areas of Odisha. His writings primarily focus on tiger conservation, ecological balance, and collaborative efforts with local communities.