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Kerala gets two monsoons: the south-west monsoon from about June to September, and the north-east monsoon around October and November. Running in light rain can be pleasant, since it’s cooler. Heavy rain, flooding and lightning need more care.
Watch your footing
- Shorten your stride and slow down on wet surfaces. Painted road markings, metal covers and tiles get very slippery.
- Avoid running through standing water: it can hide potholes, open drains and debris.
- On trails, choose shoes with good grip and expect mud.
Lightning
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be a risk. Stop running and get indoors or into an enclosed vehicle. Avoid open grounds, beaches, hilltops and standing under isolated trees. Wait until the thunder has stopped for a while before heading out again.
Floodwater and leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water and soil contaminated by animal urine, and Kerala sees cases every monsoon. To reduce your risk:
- Avoid wading or running through floodwater and muddy waterlogged areas.
- Cover cuts and scrapes before running, and wash your feet and legs after wet runs.
- See a doctor if you develop fever, muscle pain or headache in the weeks after contact with floodwater, and mention the exposure.
Follow advisories from the Kerala Health Department during monsoon.
Gear for the rains
- A light running rain jacket (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab) or simply a quick-drying shirt. In warm rain, many runners prefer just getting wet.
- A cap keeps rain out of your eyes.
- Anti-chafe balm (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab) on feet and anywhere clothing rubs. Wet skin chafes and blisters easily.
- A waterproof phone pouch (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab).
- Stuff wet shoes with newspaper and dry them at room temperature. Two pairs to rotate helps.
When to stay indoors
On days of very heavy rain, red alerts or flooding, skip the run. A treadmill session, a strength workout, skipping or stair climbing will keep your fitness ticking over. Missing a few days won’t undo months of training.
Plan your season
Many Kerala races are scheduled outside the heaviest monsoon months. Use the rainy season to build easy mileage and strength, ready for the race season. See upcoming events.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to run in the rain?
Light rain is generally fine with care on slippery surfaces. Avoid running in thunderstorms, heavy downpours and floodwater.
How can runners avoid leptospirosis?
Avoid floodwater and waterlogged areas, cover cuts, wash after wet runs, and see a doctor if you get a fever after contact with floodwater.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are returning from injury, talk to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new training plan. Read our editorial policy.
Ashkar is a marathoner and Procam Slam achiever, having completed all four Procam International races in a single season. Ashkar writes KeralaRunners’ training guides, combining race experience with published research and guidelines. Health topics are checked against the evidence; see our editorial policy.
