Best Places to Visit in India in December

December is one of the best times to explore India. Snow starts falling in the mountains, beaches stay warm, deserts feel pleasant, and festivals bring color to many towns and cities. This guide gives you simple and clear information on weather, places to visit, budgets, hotels, food, transport, and travel plans.

The content is easy to follow and useful for couples, families, solo travelers, and adventure lovers.

Weather in India During December

India has many types of weather in this month. You can choose your trip based on the climate you like.

North India

• Very cold
• Snow in hill stations
• Fog in plains
• Temperature: 0°C to 15°C

South India

• Warm sunshine
• Great for beaches
• Temperature: 18°C to 32°C

East India

• Cool and calm
• Great for mountains and rivers
• Temperature: 10°C to 25°C

West India

• Mild winter
• Best for deserts and forts
• Temperature: 12°C to 28°C

Temperature Chart for Popular December Destinations

Best Places to Visit in India in December

Below are the top locations for warm trips, snow trips, culture trips, and nature trips.

1. Goa – Beaches, Sunshine, and Festive Nights

Goa is lively and warm in December. The sea stays calm and perfect for water sports.

Why Goa is great

• Sunny weather
• Clean beaches
• Christmas events
• Good cafés and nightlife

Things to do

• Parasailing and jet skiing
• Visit Old Goa churches
• Sunset at Chapora Fort
• Night market at Arpora

Where to stay

• North Goa: Baga, Calangute, Candolim
• South Goa: Palolem, Agonda, Colva

Costs

• Stay: ₹1,000–₹15,000
• Bike: ₹350–₹600/day

2. Manali – Snow, Mountains, and Winter Views

Manali becomes cold and beautiful during December. Snow often falls near Solang Valley and Atal Tunnel.

Why people love Manali

• Early snow
• Adventure sports
• Cozy cafés
• Scenic roads

Hidden spots

• Hamta Valley
• Kais Monastery
• Jana Waterfall village

Stay areas

• Old Manali (quiet and scenic)
• Mall Road (central)

3. Auli – Ski Slopes and White Landscapes

Auli is known for skiing and great Himalayan views.

Things to do

• Ski lessons
• Ropeway ride
• Short snow walks
• Sunrise views

Stays

• GMVN lodges
• Clifftop Auli Resort

4. Jaipur – Forts, Palaces, and Pleasant Weather

Jaipur stays comfortable in December, making sightseeing easy.

Places to visit

• Amer Fort
• Hawa Mahal
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar

Activities

• Hot air balloon ride
• Early morning cycle tour
• Block printing workshop

5. Andaman Islands – Blue Sea and Peaceful Beaches

Andaman offers clear water and warm climate in December.

Best islands

• Havelock
• Neil
• Ross

Things to do

• Scuba diving
• Sea walk
• Snorkeling
• Mangrove kayaking

6. Rann of Kutch – White Desert and Cultural Evenings

The white desert looks magical under the moonlight.

Things to try

• Desert safari
• Cultural shows
• Local handicrafts
• ATV rides

Nearby spots

• Kala Dungar
• Lakhpat Fort
• Nirona Village

7. Meghalaya – Clear Rivers, Waterfalls, and Hills

Meghalaya is peaceful and green, with perfect weather for exploring.

Top attractions

• Dawki river
• Living root bridges
• Phe Phe Falls
• Mawlynnong village
• Laitlum Canyon

Trekking

• Double Decker Bridge
• Bamboo trail at Mawryngkhang

8. Udaipur – Lakes, Palaces, and Calm Weather

Udaipur is a favorite for romantic trips.

Things to do

• Sunset boat ride
• Ropeway ride
• Walk around Fateh Sagar Lake
• Cultural show at Bagore ki Haveli

9. Coorg – Green Hills and Fresh Coffee Aroma

Coorg is known for greenery, coffee farms, and calm weather.

Activities

• Coffee estate tours
• Abbey Falls
• Mandalpatti Jeep Safari
• Elephant camp

10. Gulmarg – Heavy Snow and Ski Adventure

Gulmarg gets deep snow and is perfect for winter sports.

Things to try

• Gondola ride
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snow biking

More Places You Can Consider

Hampi

Great for budget travel, heritage structures, and rock formations.

Gokarna

Ideal for calm beaches and peaceful stays.

Munnar

Tea gardens, gentle mist, and cool weather.

Diu

A simple, quiet beach alternative.

Tawang

Snowy mountains and monasteries.

Best Places by Traveler Type

Couples

• Auli
• Udaipur
• Goa
• Andaman
• Coorg

Families

• Jaipur
• Meghalaya
• Manali
• Ooty
• Jaisalmer

Solo Travelers

• Rishikesh
• Gokarna
• Meghalaya
• Goa

Festivals and Events in December

• Rann Utsav – Gujarat
• Hornbill Festival – Nagaland
• Christmas events – Goa and Kerala
• Sunburn Festival – Goa
• Mamallapuram Dance Festival – Tamil Nadu

Simple Itineraries

3 Days in Goa

Day 1: Baga, Calangute, water sports
Day 2: Old Goa, Panaji
Day 3: South Goa beaches

4 Days in Manali

Day 1: Old Manali
Day 2: Solang Valley
Day 3: Atal Tunnel
Day 4: Naggar Castle

7 Days in Meghalaya

Day 1: Shillong
Day 2: Laitlum
Day 3: Sacred Grove
Day 4: Cherrapunji
Day 5: Double Decker Bridge
Day 6: Dawki
Day 7: Mawlynnong

Hotel Cost Guide

Food Cost Guide

Transport Options

Flights

Prices rise near Christmas.

Trains

Morning fog may slow trains in North India.

Road Trips

Hill roads can get slippery. Desert roads are long but smooth.

Hidden Gems You Should Know

Turtuk (Ladakh)

A quiet village with beautiful landscapes.

Majuli (Assam)

A river island with rich culture.

Dhanushkodi (Tamil Nadu)

Clear water and peaceful shores.

Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim)

A high-altitude frozen lake.

Mawlyngot (Meghalaya)

A small, green tea village.

Packing Tips

Snow Places

• Thermals
• Woolen socks
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves
• Offline maps

Beaches

• Light clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Flip flops

Deserts

• Light woolens
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle

Daily Budget Guide

Low Budget

₹1,200–₹2,300/day

Mid Range

₹4,000–₹7,000/day

Luxury

₹15,000–₹40,000/day

FAQs

Which places are best for couples in December?

Auli, Udaipur, Goa, Andaman, Coorg.

Where does it snow in December?

Auli, Gulmarg, Solang, Sissu, Tawang.

Which places stay warm?

Goa, Andaman, Gokarna, Rameswaram, Pondicherry.

Which places are budget-friendly?

Hampi, Meghalaya, Rishikesh, Gokarna.

Is December good for wildlife trips?

Yes, Ranthambore, Gir, and Kaziranga are open.