The weather in India in December is pleasant throughout most of the country. Low humidity, moderate temperatures, pleasant weather, and minimal rainfall are typical of this month. It is no wonder, then, that the second coolest month in India, December, is the peak tourist season in India.
December is a great month to travel across India as you can find good weather throughout.
Weather in India in December
December marks the onset of winter in India. It is one of the coldest months in India, yet most of the country remains pleasantly warm and rarely experiences low temperatures or snow. December temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country. The gorgeous climate throughout India makes December the peak season for tourists.
Best places to visit in India in December
Since most of India has a pleasant and warm climate in December, you can visit practically anywhere in the country during this time. Some of the best places to visit in India in December are the Golden Triangle comprising the Red Fort in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Western Ghats, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa.
Misty mountains in Munnar- Photo Credit 4769654_640
North India in December
December temperatures in North India further vary according to the regions. The far north of the country, including Leh and Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand get extremely cold. Most years, you can find snow in December in a few places in Kashmir, Shimla, and Manali.
The cities of Delhi and Agra do not get snowfall, but it gets pretty cold. If you are used to a cold climate, you can explore the popular Golden Triangle in India in December. Visit the Red Fort in Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Hawa Mahal in the Pink City, Jaipur. At India Someday, we offer customized trips to the Golden Triangle, where you can add or subtract locations from the route according to your requirements.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, the snow capped mountains of Himalayas and Uttarakhand are ideal for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg in Kashmir and Auli in Uttarakhand are popular spots for skiing.
Galdan Namchot, or the Tibetan Lunar New Year, is celebrated in the second week of December in Ladakh. Locals perform folk dances, prepare traditional dishes and families and loved ones eat together.
Mount Abu in Rajasthan hosts the Winter Festival in December every year. The festival displays the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan.
The Kumbhalgarh Festival takes place in Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan in December. It is a 3-day cultural festival with classical folk music and dances.
If you like the cold, North India is the perfect place to explore in December.
For a fabulous route idea through Gujarat, check this trip that one of a traveler did through us.
Explore Further: Unveiling the Top 20 Destinations in Northern India
Learn About: The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan
Learn More: India Travel Essentials for US Tourists
The weather can get pretty cold up in the mountains and you’re liking to find snow almost everywhere.
South India in December
In South India in December, the average temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. In the mountainous regions of Coorg, Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad, they are as low as 17 degrees Celsius. The rainfalls retreat by this time and the climate is pleasant for exploration.
The coastal areas of Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala witness clear skies and gentle sea breezes, perfect for a relaxing vacation. However, since December is peak season in India, you can expect large crowds on the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam in Kerala. If you want to get away from the chaos, you can visit Marari Beach, 45 minutes away from Alleppey.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, connecting Ooty and Mettupalayam, offers a scenic journey through the tea plantations and provides a nostalgic glimpse into the colonial past of South India.
Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy is a festival usually celebrated in the second week of December in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. The festival celebrates the old culture of Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, the Margazhi Festival displays classical music and dance performances.
In Karnataka, the Hampi Utsav unfolds the rich history and architecture of the region. Christmas is celebrated on a large scale in Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala. See our route recommendations for Kerala here.
Here are some route suggestions for two weeks and four weeks in South India.
See Also: Best Seasons to Visit Kerala
Kerala experiences very pleasant and warm weather making it ideal to plan a trip.
Eastern India in December
Eastern India has a moderate winter in December, with cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar enjoying daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The pleasant weather is ideal for exploring historical landmarks, national parks, sanctuaries, and the cultural heritage of the region.
If you love nature, you can visit Darjeeling or embark on a cruise along the Sundarbans to find the elusive Bengal tiger. The Konark Dance Festival in Odisha also happens in December, celebrating classical dance forms against the backdrop of the magnificent Sun Temple.
Western India in December
December is dry and mostly pleasant in Western India, making it perfect to explore cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad. The December temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Visit the deserts of Rajasthan and explore the intricate architecture of the forts and palaces of Jaipur.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are lush green in December. For trekking enthusiasts, there are many trekking routes and trails along the Western Ghats, where you can encounter dense forests, waterfalls, and wildlife along the way.
Gujarat celebrates Rann Utsav in December, a cultural extravaganza showcasing traditional art, craft, and music of the region, making it one of the most popular seasonal tourist destinations.
The Feast of Francis Xavier is celebrated with a fair and a large meal in Goa.
Western Ghats
North East India in December
December in Northeast India is a mix of climates – the Himalayan foothills see chilly temperatures while the plains are mild and pleasant. Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal have temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making them ideal tourist destinations.
Visit the misty hills of Meghalaya and the tea gardens of Assam, making the northeast an intriguing destination for travelers.
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in the first week of December in Nagaland. It displays the tribal heritage of the region through traditional dances, music, and indigenous crafts.
Central India in December
Central India has a pleasant and dry climate in December, great to explore the heartland of the country. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Some of the places you can visit in Central India in December are Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can visit Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, home to a number of tigers. The historical city of Khajuraho is famous for its intricately carved temples. From a domestic airport, you get direct flights to Khajuraho. For international flights, the nearest airport is Delhi.
Tiger spotting – Photo Credit – Vincent van Zalinge.
Islands of India in December
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are beautiful in December. The dry climate means pristine beaches and turquoise waters, an excellent time for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beachcombing.
Havelock Island is one of the best beaches in Asia. The diverse marine life, including vibrant coral reefs and exotic fish offers a mesmerizing underwater experience. Explore the historical Cellular Jail in Port Blair or unwind on the secluded beaches.
Lakshadweep is pleasant in December, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and water sports on the pristine beaches of the island.
However, December sees an influx of tourists, so you can expect crowds wherever you go.
White sand, beautiful mangroves paired with crystal clear waters. An idyllic place – Credit: Sankara Subramanian
Also Read: Best Time of the Year to Visit India
Culinary Delights
No journey through India is complete without savoring the diverse culinary offerings from the different regions of the country. December brings with it many seasonal delicacies, differing from region to region. Dig in some warm and flavorful meals like piping hot paranthas with butter in Amritsar, or the traditional Rajasthani thali in Jaipur. Try the seafood platters on the east coast and the west coast, or the spicy curries of Central India.
Authentic Roti – Sabzi. North Indian special – Photo Credit – Amirali Mirhashemian
Tips to keep in mind
Book well in advance
December is the peak season for tourists in India, and thanks to the many, many festivals happening around this time, tickets and accommodations tend to get booked quickly. So we would recommend that you book well in advance.
Pack appropriate clothing
When you visit India in December, you need to pack according to the region you are visiting, since the December weather is different in different parts of India. In the northern areas, pack some winter wear like woollen clothes or shawls and scarfs. In the coastal areas and the south, you can pack a thin coat or thin jacket for the slightly cooler nights.
Plan your trip around a festival or an event
We would always suggest you to plan a trip around a festival or an event happening in India during the time. It is the best way to take in the culture and traditions of the region. India celebrates many festivals and events in December, so make sure you attend at least one of them.
Respect local traditions
When you go to any place as a traveler, tourist, or guest, it is important to respect their local traditions. Indians are very welcoming of guests, but please respect their laws and customs.
Embarking on a journey through India in December unfolds a tapestry of diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and delightful climates. Whether you seek adventure in the snow-capped mountains, cultural immersion in historical cities, or a tropical escape on pristine beaches, India in December offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. So, pack your bags, and let the enchanting allure of India captivate your senses as you explore the wonders of this incredible country.
Temperatures tend to drop in North India in December so keep in mind to pack all your thick clothes – Photo Credit Pradip Pal.
For more detailed information about Weather in India in December, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!
About Harsh Sonawala
Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
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