Monsoon 2026: Why Kerala is the first state in India to receive the rains

After weeks of scorching summer heat, dark clouds, cool winds and the smell of rain-soaked earth signal the arrival of one of India's most-awaited seasons, the monsoon.

For many, it is a much-needed respite after months of bearing with the heat. But do you know which state receives the rainfall first?

The answer is Kerala.

Marking the beginning of India's rainy season, the Southwest Monsoon officially reached Kerala on June 4, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

So, what makes Kerala the gateway for the monsoon in India? The answer lies in a fascinating mix of geography, wind patterns and climate science.

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Monsoon arrives in Kerala, signals start of rainy season

The Southwest Monsoon usually reaches Kerala around June 1 every year. It then moves gradually towards the north and typically covers the entire country by mid-July. According to the latest IMD forecast, Kerala is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.

At present, the monsoon has covered Kerala, Mahe and the entire Lakshadweep region. It has also advanced into parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea.

The IMD said weather conditions remain favourable for further advancement into the central Arabian Sea, Goa, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The monsoon is also expected to progress into the northeastern states over the next two to three days.

Why does Kerala receive the monsoon first?

The answer lies in geography and atmospheric science.

During summer, large parts of northern India heat up significantly, creating a low-pressure area over the region. At the same time, the southern Indian Ocean remains relatively cooler, leading to the formation of a high-pressure zone.

Air naturally moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. As winds travel from the southern Indian Ocean towards India, they carry large amounts of moisture from the surrounding seas.

After crossing the equator, these winds are affected by the Earth's rotation. This phenomenon is known as the Coriolis effect.

Due to this effect, the winds bend towards the right and move towards the Indian coastline, carrying moisture-rich air that later turns into rainfall.

Kerala's unique location makes it the gateway

Kerala's location makes it the first landmass to face these southwest monsoon winds. Since the state lies directly along the Arabian Sea coast, it naturally becomes the entry point of the monsoon into India.

This is why meteorologists closely monitor Kerala every year to officially declare the onset of the monsoon season.

Kerala not only receives the monsoon first but also experiences intense rainfall during this period.

One major reason is the Western Ghats mountain range. When moisture-laden winds hit these mountains, they are forced to rise. As the air rises, it cools and condenses into clouds, resulting in heavy rainfall. This process is known as orographic rainfall.

Combined with the large amount of moisture carried by monsoon winds, this leads to torrential rain across many parts of the state.

Why does the monsoon arrival date change every year?

Although the normal date for the onset of the monsoon over Kerala is June 1, its arrival can vary from year to year due to several climatic factors.

This year, the monsoon arrived three days later than usual.

As per IMD, one of the major influences on monsoon behaviour is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a global ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that affects rainfall patterns around the world.

Scientists often link year-to-year changes in monsoon rainfall to such large-scale climate systems.

Best places to visit in Kerala during Monsoon

Kerala, popularly known as the 'God's Own Country', becomes extremely beautiful during the monsoon. The rain-washed greenery adds to the serene nature of the land. Some of the key places that people can visit to have some of the best monsoon experiences in Monsoon include Athirappilly for waterfalls, Munnar for rolling hills and tea gardens, Wayanad for adventures lovers and Allepey Backwaters for peaceful houseboat cruises.