December marks the beginning of winter across most of India, bringing crisp air, pleasant sunshine, and some of the year’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you want snowy mountains, warm beaches, or vibrant festivals, India offers a wide range of options that fit every travel style. This guide highlights the best places to travel in December in India, with practical details on weather, experiences, crowds, and tips to help you choose the right destination.
Why December is One of the Best Months to Travel in India
December is considered peak travel season in India for several reasons:
1. Comfortable Weather:
Most destinations offer mild to cool temperatures, making sightseeing easier than in the summer or monsoon months. Hill stations welcome fresh snowfall, while coastal regions stay warm and perfect for beach holidays.
2. Festive Atmosphere:
Christmas, New Year, winter carnivals, music festivals, and cultural fairs bring a cheerful mood to major cities and tourist hotspots.
3. Holiday Breaks:
School vacations and year-end office leaves make December an ideal time for families, couples, and solo travellers.
4. Great Variety:
From snow-covered mountains to sunny islands, India offers a wide range of environments in December, allowing you to pick a destination that fits your climate preference and trip style.
Best Hill Stations to Visit in December in India
Manali
Weather in December:
0°C to 10°C, with frequent snowfall in areas like Solang Valley.
Best Things to Do:
• Snow activities at Solang
• Rohtang Pass (if accessible)
• Old Manali cafes
• Hot springs in Vashisht
Who It’s Best For:
Snow lovers, honeymooners, adventure seekers.
Travel Tip:
Roads may get slippery—keep buffer days in your itinerary.
Shimla
Weather in December:
3°C to 12°C, occasional snowfall.
Best Things to Do:
• Walk around Ridge & Mall Road
• Visit Kufri for winter sports
• Toy train ride from Kalka
• Jakhoo Temple trek
Who It’s Best For:
Families, couples, first-time winter travellers.
Travel Tip:
Book hotels early; December is one of Shimla’s busiest months.
Auli
Weather in December:
-2°C to 10°C, solid chances of early snowfall.
Best Things to Do:
• Skiing (best in late December)
• Ropeway from Joshimath
• Trek to Gurson Bugyal
Who It’s Best For:
Skiers, nature lovers, honeymoon couples.
Travel Tip:
Stay in Joshimath if Auli hotels get too expensive.
Gulmarg
Weather in December:
-4°C to 7°C, snow-covered slopes ideal for skiing.
Best Things to Do:
• Gondola ride
• Skiing & snowboarding
• Winter photography
• Snow treks
Who It’s Best For:
Winter sports fans, photographers, premium travellers.
Travel Tip:
Carry proper winter gear; temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Tawang
Weather in December:
-5°C to 10°C, dry cold with chances of snow.
Best Things to Do:
• Tawang Monastery
• Sela Pass
• War Memorial
• Cultural villages
Who It’s Best For:
Offbeat travellers, culture explorers, road-trip lovers.
Travel Tip:
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for entry to Arunachal Pradesh.
Best Warm & Beach Destinations in December
Goa
Weather in December:
20°C to 30°C, dry and perfect for the beach.
Best Things to Do:
• Beach hopping
• Water sports (Calangute, Baga)
• Christmas celebrations in Old Goa
• Night markets & beach clubs
Who It’s Best For:
Beach lovers, partygoers, groups, couples.
Travel Tip:
December is peak season—book stays at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Weather in December:
23°C to 30°C, clear skies and calm seas.
Best Things to Do:
• Scuba diving in Havelock
• Radhanagar Beach sunset
• Snorkelling at Elephant Beach
• Cellular Jail Light & Sound show
Who It’s Best For:
Honeymoon couples, divers, families.
Travel Tip:
Permits for some islands are required; check availability before planning.
Kerala (Varkala / Alleppey)
Weather in December:
22°C to 32°C, pleasant coastal winter.
Best Things to Do:
• Backwater houseboat (Alleppey)
• Cliff-side cafes (Varkala)
• Ayurveda massages
• Beach walks
Who It’s Best For:
Relaxation seekers, families, slow travellers.
Travel Tip:
Christmas and New Year rates are higher along the coast.
Gokarna
Weather in December:
19°C to 32°C, warm but breezy.
Best Things to Do:
• Beach treks
• Om Beach & Kudle Beach
• Water sports
• Yoga retreats
Who It’s Best For:
Budget travellers, backpackers, peaceful beach holidays.
Travel Tip:
If Goa feels crowded, Gokarna is a quieter alternative.
Best Places for Culture & Festivals in December
Jaipur
Warm days and cool evenings make sightseeing easy. Enjoy traditional markets, forts, and vibrant food scenes.
Highlights:
Amber Fort, City Palace, local bazaars, light shows.
Udaipur
December is one of the best months to explore Udaipur’s lakes and palaces.
Highlights:
Boat rides, City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort, winter sunsets.
Kolkata (Christmas & New Year)
Park Street transforms during Christmas, offering lights, performances, and iconic bakeries.
Highlights:
Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, themed markets.
Varanasi
Cooler weather makes riverfront walks more comfortable.
Highlights:
Ganga Aarti, winter boat rides, local food, temples.
Best Places for Adventure in December
Rishikesh
December is a good month for rafting with its clear skies and lower crowds.
Activities:
Rafting, ziplining, trekking, Ganga-side camping.
Spiti Valley
A challenging yet rewarding winter destination.
Activities:
Snow drives, village stays, photography, monasteries.
Note:
Accessible only for experienced travellers due to extreme cold.
Jaisalmer
The Thar Desert offers pleasant winter temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
Activities:
Dune bashing, camel safaris, tent stays, folk shows.
Meghalaya
December is one of the driest months, making it ideal for exploring nature.
Activities:
Living root bridges, waterfalls, Mawlynnong, Cherrapunji treks.
Places to Avoid in December in India (If Any)
• High Himalayan passes such as Rohtang, Kunzum, and Zoji La—often closed due to snowfall.
• Remote Ladakh roads—extreme cold and limited connectivity.
• Upper Spiti if inexperienced—not suitable for beginners.
• Certain North-East routes may experience fog and reduced visibility.
Quick Comparison Table
| Destination | Temperature (Dec) | Best For | Budget Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manali | 0°C–10°C | Snow, adventure | 8k–20k |
| Goa | 20°C–30°C | Beaches, nightlife | 12k–30k |
| Auli | -2°C–10°C | Skiing, honeymoon | 15k–35k |
| Jaipur | 10°C–26°C | Culture, food | 10k–25k |
| Andaman | 23°C–30°C | Diving, luxury | 25k–50k |
| Jaisalmer | 9°C–26°C | Desert camping | 12k–25k |
| Meghalaya | 10°C–20°C | Nature, trekking | 12k–28k |
Choose Your Destination by Travel Style
For snow lovers:
Manali, Auli, Gulmarg, Tawang
For beach lovers:
Goa, Gokarna, Andaman, Varkala
For honeymoon:
Auli, Udaipur, Andaman, Kerala
For budget travellers:
Gokarna, Rishikesh, Meghalaya, Jaipur
For adventure:
Spiti, Rishikesh, Gulmarg, Meghalaya
For family trips:
Goa (South), Jaipur, Shimla, Alleppey
5-Day December Travel Packing Checklist
Clothing:
• Layered winter wear (for hills)
• Light cotton + one jacket (for beaches)
• Thermals for temperatures below 5°C
Essentials:
• Sunscreen
• Power bank
• Personal medicines
• ID proofs
• Travel-size toiletries
Extras:
• Woollen cap & gloves
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof shoes (for snow areas)
• Camera or phone with good battery backup
FAQs
1. Where is snowfall in India in December?
Snowfall is common in Auli, Gulmarg, Manali, Tawang, and upper Shimla regions.
2. Is December a good time to visit Goa?
Yes, it is the best month for beach weather, festivals, and nightlife.
3. Which is the cheapest place to travel in December in India?
Rishikesh, Gokarna, Meghalaya, and Jaipur are affordable options.
4. Can we visit Ladakh in December?
Only if you’re experienced. Roads are blocked, temperatures drop below -20°C, and travel needs strong preparation.
5. Is Andaman good in December?
Yes, December has calm seas, sunny skies, and ideal diving conditions.
6. What is the best honeymoon destination in December in India?
Auli, Andaman, Kerala backwaters, and Udaipur are top choices.
7. Which hill station is best in India in December?
Auli for skiing, Manali for snow, Shimla for easy access.
8. Is December good for trekking in India?
Yes, especially in Meghalaya, Rishikesh, and some lower Himalayan trails.
9. Which beach is better in December—Goa or Gokarna?
Goa for nightlife and events; Gokarna for quieter beaches.
10. Is December peak season in India?
Yes, expect higher prices and earlier bookings for popular destinations.
Final Summary
December is one of the best months to explore India. Whether you’re looking for snow, sunshine, adventure, or festivals, there is a destination perfectly waiting for you. Choose based on your budget and travel style and let Question Miles be your travel guide.
