As temperatures continue to plummet and frost carpets the landscape, Munnar in Kerala’s Idukki district is witnessing a sharp surge in Christmas-New Year tourist arrivals, along with hours-long traffic congestion.
Chenduvarai recorded the lowest temperature at -1°C on Saturday (December 27, 2025). According to data from the United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation, Letchmi recorded 2°C, and Silent Valley recorded 3°C, matching the previous seasonal low of -1°C at Sevenmallay on Dec. 20.
Low temperature and frost lead to loss for tea sector in Munnar
Climate experts noted that the hill station has experienced an early winter this year. While temperatures typically drop to sub-zero levels during the last week of December or the first week of January, the mercury began falling as early as the second week of December this year. As a result, a thick layer of frost now carpets the grassy knolls and valleys.
The early onset of winter has given a significant boost to Munnar’s tourism sector.
