India in December: Weather, Tips, and More
A trip to India in December offers you a distinct experience depending on the regions you visit. Be amazed by the highlights of Gujarat and the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Go skiing in the snowy mountains of Manali and take part in North India's interesting cultural fairs. Explore Kerala, a perfect Christmas destination with its many Christian influences. With the tourist season kicking off, India in December will provide you with a wonderful vacation experience.
- Kenny
- From England
India Weather in December
The average temperature in India in December is 21°C during the day and 8°C during the night, making it one of the best times to visit. As winter in India begins, brace yourself for the onset of cold weather conditions in the majestic Himalayas, setting the stage for a truly captivating experience. Mountain towns including Manali get snowfall, making them great skiing destinations. But India’s weather in December varies depending on the place you visit. Places like Goa, Mumbai, and Kerala, for instance, are still warm, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 32°C. Expect fog conditions in Delhi and the Golden Triangle region during this time.
Read our travel guide on the best time to visit India for a seasonal outline of the country.
Weather in India in December - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 23 | 18 | 36 | 39 | 37 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 27 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 11 | 15 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 65 | 74 | 65 | 97 | 103 | 99 | 94 | 92 | 92 | 88 | 81 | 70 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 45 | 52 | 59 | 72 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 76 | 67 | 56 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 74 | 180 | 173 | 117 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
| Nov | Dec | Jan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 27 | 21 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 13 | 8 | 7 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 81 | 70 | 65 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 56 | 47 | 45 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 10 | 23 |
Why Visit India in December
December is a peak tourist season in India when many international and domestic travelers tour to spend the Christmas vacation. Despite prices skyrocketing and prominent tourist destinations such as Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa getting congested, the cold climate in India in December and the opportunities for exhilarating outdoor activities are too tempting to ignore.
Below is a list of reasons why a visit to India in December is a great idea.
- Perfect for outdoor ventures: With the days cold and dry in most parts of the country, December is an excellent month to see the country’s cultural and historical hotspots. The country’s weather is also great for city sightseeing tours and trekking cruising and skiing. A plethora of adventures awaits you in India in December.
- Festivals in December: For those seeking a festive environment in India, there is no other time better than December. While many Christian communities celebrate Christmas in December, locals in Goa commemorate the Feast of Francis Xavier honored by a massive fair.
- Cultural events: Rann Utsav of Gujarat is another interesting event to check out where you can enjoy a lively carnival with folk music and dance performances. Also, witness the Mount Abu Winter Festival in Rajasthan and the Kumbhalgarh Festival, the perfect amalgamation of culture, art, and entertainment.
- Best all-around conditions: Many tourists regard December as the best month to visit India as it provides the best all-around weather, with beautiful scenery and mild temperatures.
- Overdose of fun: Towards December, India becomes more party-oriented and joyous with food, wine, and nightlife. From insane trance parties to organized all-nighters to the Sunburn Festival, Goa hosts some of the greatest parties in December.
Where to Go and What to Do
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Mumbai, Kerala, and Kashmir are just a few of the best places to visit in India in December. Embark your journey from Mumbai, the most dynamic city in India, and head to Goa to experience its lively beaches and Portuguese churches. Visit the famous Taj Mahal in Agra and then proceed to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the holy city of Varanasi and the Jain temples in Gujarat. Delve into Rajasthan's regal splendor as you visit the desert forts of Jaisalmer, and Udaipur's lake palaces.
If you do not mind the crowd, December is a fantastic month to visit Kerala which will be in full bloom following the monsoon season. Get a taste of authentic Keralan cuisine as you take a tour of its magnificent backwaters on traditional wooden houseboats. Do not miss a chance to witness the traditional Theyyam performances in Kerala. Alternatively, you can also trek the snow-capped mountains in Kashmir and unwind at the charming lakes of Jammu. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or a thrilling adventure, there are plenty of things to do in India in December.
Go through our guide on how many days to spend in India for inspiration.
With its broad range of landscapes, rich culture, unique experiences, and undeniably excellent cuisines, India makes an all-around and versatile tourist destination. Decked out for the holidays, India has a lot to offer its visitors in December. Get inspired with our packaged tours to India in December or contact one of our local travel experts to get a customized itinerary to India specially crafted to fit your needs and interests.
