The best places to visit in December in India are Goa and the Andaman Islands for beaches, Gulmarg and Auli for snow, the Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav, Jaisalmer and Udaipur for Rajasthan's cool desert winter, the Kerala backwaters for houseboats, and Hampi and Pondicherry for history and slow travel. December is dry and pleasant across most of the country, but it's also peak season, so book early and travel before Christmas week if you're on a budget.
1. Goa
December is Goa's busiest month: the weather is perfect and the Christmas and New Year parties are famous. Prices peak in the last ten days of the month, so go in early December or stay in quieter South Goa beaches like Palolem and Agonda for better value.
2. Andaman Islands
Calm seas and clear water make December one of the best months for Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Book flights to Port Blair well in advance and use government ferries between islands; they cost far less than private ones.
3. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
If you want snow in December, Gulmarg is your best bet. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola early in the day before queues build, and stay down in Tangmarg to save on rooms.
4. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli has wide Himalayan views and is popular for skiing later in winter. Snowfall in December varies year to year, so check conditions before you go. Joshimath has cheaper stays than Auli itself.
5. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The salt desert turns brilliant white in winter, and the Rann Utsav festival runs through the season with a tent city, folk music and craft stalls. Tent city stays are expensive; stay in Bhuj and visit the Rann on a day trip, ideally on a full-moon night.
6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
December days are pleasant enough to explore Jaisalmer Fort and the havelis on foot. Spend a night in a desert camp near Sam or Khuri; simple camps cost a fraction of the luxury ones and include the same dunes and sunset.
7. Kerala backwaters
After the monsoon, Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom are lush and green. A shared or day houseboat cruise costs much less than an overnight private one, and the state ferry from Alappuzha to Kottayam shows you the backwaters for a few rupees. See TravelBudgetly's Kerala packages.
8. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi's temples and boulder-strewn landscape are best explored in the cool months. Rent a bicycle or moped and cross to the Virupapur Gaddi side for cheap guesthouses.
Where does it snow in India in December?
Your best chances of snow in December are Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand, and higher parts of Himachal such as Solang Valley near Manali and Kufri near Shimla. Snowfall isn't guaranteed and varies by year, so check the forecast a week before you travel.
How to travel in December on a budget
- Book early. Flights and trains fill up fast for Christmas and New Year.
- Go before 20 December. Prices often jump in the last ten days of the month.
- Pick the quieter alternative. South Goa over North Goa, Bhuj over the Rann tent city, Tangmarg over Gulmarg.
- Take overnight trains. You save a night's stay.
Want it planned for you? Compare December packages on TravelBudgetly and earn cashback on your booking. Our Meghalaya package is another great December pick for cool weather and waterfalls.
FAQs
Which is the best place to visit in December in India?
Goa for beaches, Gulmarg for snow, the Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav, and Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Udaipur) for pleasant sightseeing weather. The best choice depends on whether you want snow, sun or culture.
Where can I see snow in India in December?
Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand, and Solang Valley near Manali are your best chances. Snowfall varies, so check forecasts first.
Which places are cheap to visit in December?
Hampi, Pondicherry, Udaipur and Jaisalmer are affordable in December if you stay in hostels or guesthouses. Goa and the Andamans cost more because it's peak season.
Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
Yes. The monsoon is over, the backwaters are green and the weather is warm and mostly dry.
Is December too crowded to travel in India?
The last ten days of December are the busiest. Travel in the first half of the month for lower prices and fewer crowds.
