December in India is the heart of winter, making it one of the most popular and pleasant months to travel across the country. With clear skies, crisp air, and festive celebrations, it's the perfect time to explore everything from snow-covered mountains to sunny beaches, desert festivals to cultural hotspots. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or heritage, December offers it all.
Excellent to Visit in December
Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer)
The desert chill is refreshing, and weather is perfect for sightseeing and fort visits, camel safaris, and cultural shows. Great for luxury and heritage stays during the winter season.
Photo by Aditya Siva on Unsplash
Goa
December is peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year. Expect great weather, buzzing beaches, festivals, and nightlife at its best. Early bookings are essential.
Photo by Sumit Sourav on Unsplash
Kerala (Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala)
Cool and green, December is perfect for houseboat cruises, hill escapes, and Ayurvedic retreats. Great month for honeymooners and family travel alike.
Photo by Mayur Nair on Unsplash
Himachal Pradesh (Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, Kufri)
Expect snowfall in higher altitudes and festive markets in towns. Ideal for skiing, snow play, and mountain retreats. Manali is especially popular during Christmas.
Photo by yash kiran on Unsplash
Uttarakhand (Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh)
Excellent for skiing in Auli, lake views in Nainital, and spiritual getaways in Rishikesh. December brings snowy charm and peaceful vibes to the region.
Photo by Angshu Purkait on Unsplash
Gujarat (Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, Ahmedabad)
The Rann Utsav is in full swing — enjoy the white desert under moonlight, cultural shows, and local crafts. Also a great time for lion safaris in Gir.
Madhya Pradesh (Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho, Orchha)
Cool and dry — ideal conditions for tiger safaris and exploring temples and forts. Combine wildlife and heritage in one trip.
Photo by Swapnil Modak on Unsplash
Karnataka (Hampi, Coorg, Chikmagalur, Gokarna)
Clear skies, cool air — explore UNESCO ruins, coffee plantations, and peaceful beaches. Coorg and Chikmagalur are ideal for romantic hill escapes.
Photo by Chaitanya Rayampally on Unsplash
Sikkim & North Bengal (Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong)
Crisp winter air, occasional snow in parts, and spectacular Himalayan views. Perfect for slow travel, monastery visits, and tea country experiences.
Photo by Gaurav Bagdi on Unsplash
Good to Visit in December (Slight Seasonal Watch)
Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari)
The north-east monsoon fades, and weather becomes pleasant. Great for temple tours, heritage walks, and exploring southern tips of India.
Photo by Brijender Dua on Unsplash
Delhi NCR
Ideal for winter sightseeing and heritage trails. Layer up as it can get chilly, especially at night. Air quality may fluctuate — check pollution levels before outdoor plans.
Photo by shalender kumar on Unsplash
Punjab (Amritsar, Patiala, Anandpur Sahib)
Foggy mornings, sunny afternoons. Excellent for cultural travel, Golden Temple visits, and hearty Punjabi food in winter warmth.
Andaman Islands
Dry and calm — perfect for scuba diving, island hopping, and sunset beach stays. One of the best beach getaways in December.
Photo by Nabil Naidu on Unsplash
Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang, Ziro)
Scenic, but temperatures drop sharply. Great for winter lovers, photographers, and offbeat travelers who can brave the chill.
Photo by Mayur More on Unsplash
Meghalaya (Shillong, Mawlynnong, Dawki)
Post-monsoon freshness with cool weather. Ideal for clear river views, village tourism, and cave exploration.
Photo by Shipon Karmakar on Unsplash
Fair – Monitor Conditions
Ladakh
Extremely cold and remote in December. Most routes are closed. Only recommended for experienced travelers or those arriving by flight for winter treks or chadar expeditions.
Photo by Hans-Jurgen Mager on Unsplash
Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow)
Mild winter during the day, but fog can affect visibility in early mornings. Suitable for cultural visits with flexible planning.
Photo by Jovyn Chamb on Unsplash
Mumbai & Coastal Maharashtra
Comfortable weather, but crowded with year-end events. Good for city breaks, festivals, and short beach stays.
Photo by Sid Saxena on Unsplash
Assam & Kaziranga
Kaziranga is open and beautiful, though early morning safaris can be cold and misty. Still a good time for wildlife tourism.
Summary Table
| Region/State | December Suitability | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Excellent | Forts, desert safaris, heritage hotels |
| Goa | Excellent | Parties, beaches, festivals |
| Kerala | Excellent | Backwaters, hill retreats, Ayurveda |
| Himachal Pradesh | Excellent | Snowfall, mountain towns, festive vibe |
| Uttarakhand | Excellent | Skiing, lakes, spiritual travel |
| Gujarat | Excellent | Rann Utsav, safaris, heritage circuits |
| Madhya Pradesh | Excellent | Wildlife, temples, history trails |
| Karnataka | Excellent | Coffee estates, beach escapes, ruins |
| Sikkim & North Bengal | Excellent | Monasteries, clear views, hill calm |
| Tamil Nadu | Good | Temples, heritage, culture |
| Delhi NCR | Good | Historical sites, museums, winter charm |
| Punjab | Good | Golden Temple, cultural food tours |
| Andaman Islands | Good | Diving, beaches, tropical stay |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Good | Winter mountain escapes |
| Meghalaya | Good | Rivers, caves, nature |
| Ladakh | Fair | Very cold, limited access |
| Uttar Pradesh | Fair | Fog risk, flexible sightseeing |
| Mumbai & Maharashtra | Fair | Events, coastal relaxation |
| Assam & Kaziranga | Fair | Safaris, cold mornings, beautiful parks |
Feature Image:- Photo by shalender kumar on Unsplash
