India in December
December: sun in the south, snow in the hills.
December is one of the best months to travel in India — almost the whole country is in season at once. Here is where the weather works, what the official temperatures say in °C and °F, where you may see snow, and what to plan around over Christmas and New Year. Written by a travel company based in the Himalaya.
- Sun Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan
- Snow Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala
- Book early Christmas–New Year weeks
- Checked 24 Oct 2026
Is December a good time to visit India?
Yes. December is one of the best months to visit India: the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and Rajasthan are dry with sunny days, Kerala and Goa are in peak season, and the Himachal hill towns such as Shimla often get snow. Nights in the north are cold and fog can slow mornings, and Christmas–New Year is busy — book early. Send us your dates for a quote.
Where to go in India in December
Almost every region a first-time visitor wants is in season in December. Pick sun, snow or both:
| Region | December weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi, Agra, Jaipur | Dry, sunny days; cold nights and morning fog | The Golden Triangle and the Taj Mahal — remember it is closed on Fridays |
| Rajasthan | Jodhpur averages 6–32 °C (43–89 °F); Jaisalmer’s season is November–March | Forts, the desert and lakes — our 12-day Rajasthan tour |
| Himachal hills | Cold; Shimla averages 4.8–13.1 °C (41–56 °F) with about 7 cm of snow in December | Snow in Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala; mountain views |
| Kerala | Peak season (November–February); mild and comfortable | Backwaters by houseboat, tea hills, Fort Kochi — our 8-day Kerala tour |
| Goa | Winter is Goa’s season for foreign visitors; Palolem is best November–February | Beaches and Old Goa — our Goa holiday guide |
| Tiger parks | Open: Corbett’s Dhikala zone from 15 November; central India’s reserves October–June | Morning and afternoon safaris — our tiger safari guide |
From Incredible India, IMD, Kerala Tourism, the Government of Goa and the Corbett Tiger Reserve, plus our planning experience. Weather varies year to year — confirm before travel. Checked 24 Oct 2026.
Snow in December: the Himachal hills
We are based in Himachal, so this is the question we hear most. Snow in December is likely in the hills but never certain. The India Meteorological Department’s long-term figures for Shimla:
Shimla’s district administration says nights in December–January fall to about 0 °C (32 °F) and asks visitors to book hotels early for Christmas and New Year. Snowfall is also common in winter in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Above Manali, Rohtang Pass closes from late November until about May, but the Atal Tunnel keeps the road to Lahaul open. More detail: Shimla in December and Manali in December.
Sun in December: the south and the desert
If you want warm days rather than snow, December is the start of the best stretch for these:
Kerala
Kerala Tourism names November–February as peak season and October–February as the best time for houseboat cruises; December–February is mild. Up in Thekkady it can drop to 13 °C (55 °F), so pack a layer. See our houseboat guide.
Goa
Goa’s foreign visitors come in winter, and Incredible India gives Palolem’s best months as November to February. Christmas and New Year are very busy — book early.
Rajasthan
Clear days and cold desert nights: Jodhpur averages 6–32 °C (43–89 °F) in December, and Incredible India gives Jaisalmer’s best time as November to March. A night at a desert camp needs warm clothes.
The Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are dry and comfortable by day. Morning fog can delay early starts and sunrise at the Taj, so we keep spare time in the plan. The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and is closed on Fridays.
Three sample December plans — or your own
A December trip often mixes two climates. These are starting points — we change them to fit your dates.
- Golden Triangle + snowDelhi, Agra and Jaipur, then up to Shimla and Dharamshala for mountain views and a chance of snow. Our India in 2 weeks itinerary shows the route.
- Golden Triangle + RajasthanAdd Jodhpur, Jaisalmer’s desert and Udaipur’s lakes — a classic winter loop by private car.
- Golden Triangle + the southFly from Delhi to Kerala or Goa for the warm second half of the trip — backwaters, tea hills or beaches.
- Tell us your datesWe reply with a route that fits December, a day-by-day plan and a US-dollar quote. A 20% deposit locks your dates and price.
What to plan around in December
Christmas–New Year crowds
The Christmas–New Year weeks are very busy in Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan and the hill towns. If those are your dates, book flights, hotels and your car early.
Fog and night driving
The UK FCDO advises: ‘Avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility.’ In December we plan daytime drives only and keep buffer time on long road days.
Cold mornings
North India is cold before sunrise and after dark, and the hills are colder still. Our India packing list covers layers for a winter trip.
Skiing and Kashmir
Gulmarg’s ski season usually starts around mid-December. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir except Jammu city, and the US State Department says ‘Do not travel’ to J&K except eastern Ladakh and Leh (advice checked 23 Oct 2026). Check the latest before you book — see our Gulmarg guide.
Before you go
Visa
Apply yourself only at the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in — beware look-alike sites that charge extra. We are not a visa agency. Our e-Visa guide walks through it.
Health
Cold and altitude in the hills affect some people. Consult your doctor before you travel, and see CDC or NHS Fit for Travel.
Your driver
With a private car, your driver’s name, photo and car number are shared with you before the trip, and our Himachal office is a phone call away. See our private car with driver.
Prices
December is high season, so most trips are quoted on request for your exact dates. The Golden Triangle has published prices:
| Option | From | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Your December trip in India | on request | Route, private car and driver, hotels with breakfast and guides as you choose — a day-by-day plan and US-dollar total before you pay |
| Golden Triangle — 4 days (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) | from US$299 | Per person, two sharing: private air-conditioned car and driver, hotels with breakfast, airport pick-up and drop, local guides at the main monuments |
| Golden Triangle — classic 6 days | from US$449 | Per person, two sharing: private air-conditioned car and driver, hotels with breakfast, airport pick-up and drop, local guides at the main monuments |
Prices are per person in US dollars, indicative for the season shown, and confirmed on your quote. Taxes included; international flights excluded.
Booking terms (20% deposit, 48-hour refund window) are stated once, under Plan it with a local.
Questions travellers ask
Is December a good time to visit India?
Yes, for most of the country. The Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa are all in season, and the Himachal hills often get snow. Plan for cold nights and morning fog in the north, and book early if you travel over Christmas and New Year.
Where is it warm in India in December?
Kerala and Goa are warm and in peak season, and Rajasthan has warm, sunny days — Jodhpur averages up to 32 °C (89 °F) — with cold nights. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are pleasant by day and cold in the early morning.
Does it snow in India in December?
Yes, in the Himalaya. The India Meteorological Department’s average December snowfall in Shimla is about 7 cm, and snowfall is common in winter in Manali, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Snow is never guaranteed on a given date.
How cold is North India in December?
Shimla averages 4.8–13.1 °C (41–56 °F) in December, with nights near freezing. On the plains days are mild but early mornings are cold and foggy. Bring warm layers, a jacket and a hat.
Is India crowded at Christmas and New Year?
Yes — the Christmas–New Year weeks are very busy in Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan and the hill towns. Book flights, hotels and your car early; Shimla’s district administration gives the same advice.
Is Goa or Kerala better in December?
Both are in season. Kerala suits backwaters, tea hills and culture; Goa suits beaches and a slower pace. Either pairs well with the Golden Triangle — tell us what you enjoy and we suggest the better fit.
Can I see tigers in December?
Yes, the parks are open. Corbett’s Dhikala zone opens from 15 November and central India’s reserves are best from October to June. Sightings are never guaranteed, and safari permits are booked through the official portals.
How do I book a December trip?
Send your dates, how many of you and what you’d like to see. We reply with a route, a day-by-day plan and a US-dollar quote. A 20% deposit locks your dates and price.
Planning India this December?
Your dates, how many days and whether you want sun, snow or both. We reply within two hours (9 am–9 pm IST) with a route and a US-dollar quote.
We usually reply within 2 hours, 9 am–9 pm IST (UTC+5:30). Email info@suzutravels.com if you don’t use WhatsApp.
Booking: A 20% deposit locks your dates and price. Full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of paying. Pay by card (Razorpay, international cards accepted) or PayPal; the balance is due before the trip.
Your message goes only to the Suzu Travels team in Himachal and is used only to answer your enquiry — we do not sell or share it. Privacy policy.
Keep exploring
Sources
- India Meteorological Department — climate of Shimla
- District Shimla (Government of Himachal Pradesh) — general information
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — Manali
- Incredible India — Jodhpur
- Incredible India — Jaisalmer
- Kerala Tourism — climate of Kerala
- Government of Goa — Department of Information & Publicity
- UK FCDO — India travel advice: safety and security (updated 7 Oct 2026)
- Corbett Tiger Reserve — official safari booking
- Taj Mahal — official visiting hours
- Indian e-Visa — official site
Written by the Suzu Travels team in Himachal Pradesh, India. Facts checked 24 Oct 2026. Prices, visa rules and road conditions change — we re-check this page regularly; ask us before you book.
