India weather in December is one of the biggest reasons many people choose this month to visit the country. It is mostly dry, not too hot in many places, and much easier to handle than the summer or monsoon season. For many travelers, December feels like the “sweet spot” of the year for exploring India.
This blog will explain India weather in December in simple words, talk about the best cities to visit, and guide you through India Online Visa and basic visa requirements. By the end, you should feel clear and confident about planning your trip.
Why India weather in December is special
India weather in December is usually cool to warm, with much less rain than the monsoon months. In most parts of the country, the heavy rains have gone, and the sky is clearer. The air also feels lighter because humidity is lower, especially compared to the summer and rainy season.
December is the beginning of winter in India. But “winter” in India does not mean the same thing everywhere. In some places in the north, mornings and nights can be very cold. In the south and along the coasts, India weather in December feels more like a pleasant spring or mild summer day, with warm sunshine and light breezes.
Because the climate is so friendly for travel, December is also peak tourist season. This means more visitors, higher prices in famous cities and beach areas, and busy markets and attractions. If you want to enjoy India weather in December in comfort, it is smart to plan and book early.
North India: cool days and cold nights
In North India, India weather in December is usually cool during the day and cold at night. Cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and other northern destinations often have daytime temperatures in the range where you can walk around comfortably in light layers. But once the sun goes down, you will need a warm jacket or sweater.
Fog is also common in the early mornings, especially around Delhi and the plains near the Ganges River. This fog can cause delays to flights and trains, so it is wise to keep some buffer time in your travel plans. Still, when the sun comes out, the sky is often clear and blue, and it becomes very pleasant to visit monuments, gardens, and markets.
For many travelers, this type of India weather in December is perfect for exploring historical sites like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, or the Taj Mahal. You do not sweat like in summer, but you also do not face extreme snow or ice in the big cities.
Rajasthan and the desert charm
Rajasthan is one of the best regions to enjoy India weather in December. Famous cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer see dry, sunny days with comfortable temperatures. You can climb fort walls, walk through palaces, and wander old streets without feeling too hot.
Nights in the desert can be quite cold. If you plan to stay in desert camps near Jaisalmer or go on a camel safari, you will definitely need warm clothes, caps, and maybe gloves. Still, many travelers love this feeling of sitting around a campfire under a clear desert sky.
India weather in December in Rajasthan also makes it a good time for cultural festivals, folk performances, and romantic boat rides on Udaipur’s lakes. The mix of cool evenings and sunny days creates a very special atmosphere.
Beaches and coastal cities: warm and sunny
If you are dreaming of warm sand and the sound of waves, India weather in December along the west and south coasts will make you happy. Goa is one of the top choices in this month. Days are usually hot but not extreme, nights are comfortable, and rain is very rare. The sea is usually calm enough for swimming and water sports.
Other coastal cities like Mumbai and parts of Kerala also enjoy pleasant India weather in December. The high humidity of the monsoon drops, and the air feels much more comfortable. This makes it easy to walk along sea promenades, enjoy rooftop cafes, or sit outdoors in the evenings.
Because of Christmas and New Year celebrations, many beach destinations are extremely popular in December. Hotels, guesthouses, and flights often sell out fast. If you want to enjoy India weather in December by the beach, try to book your stay weeks or even months in advance.
Hill stations and Himalayas: winter magic
For people who love mountains and cold weather, India weather in December in the hill stations and Himalayan regions can feel magical. Towns like Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, and some higher places in Kashmir or Uttarakhand may see snow or at least frosty mornings and icy nights.
However, this type of India weather in December also needs more preparation. Roads to high-altitude areas can sometimes close due to heavy snow. Hotels may feel very cold if they do not have strong heating. You will need proper winter clothes: thermals, thick jackets, woollen caps, scarves, and good shoes.
If you like a softer winter experience, you can choose lower-altitude places such as Dharamshala or Rishikesh. There, India weather in December is cool but usually not extreme, with fresh air and beautiful mountain views without deep snow.
Southern India and Kerala: soft winter and green views
In South India, India weather in December is generally warm, gentle, and less humid. States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka experience something like a mild winter. Daytime temperatures often feel like a pleasant summer day, while nights are cooler but not cold.
This kind of weather is great for visiting Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat, walking through tea gardens in Munnar, or exploring cultural cities like Kochi and Madurai. Many families and older travelers choose southern India in December because the temperatures are easy on the body, and outdoor sightseeing becomes more enjoyable.
If you like nature, soft sunshine, and relaxed travel, India weather in December in the south might be the best match for you.
What to pack for India in December
Because India weather in December changes so much from north to south, your packing should match your route:
- For North India and hill stations: Carry warm layers, including a heavy jacket, sweaters, thermals, gloves, socks, and closed shoes.
- For Rajasthan and central India: Light clothes for daytime, a light or medium jacket for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes.
- For Goa and southern India: Light cotton clothes, shorts, dresses, sandals, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen; maybe a thin jacket for evening.
Whatever your plan, remember that India weather in December can still surprise you. A light scarf, an extra layer, and a small umbrella or rain jacket can be helpful if there is unexpected wind, fog, or a short shower.
India Online Visa: what it is
To enjoy India weather in December, most foreign visitors need a visa. For many nationalities, the easiest option is India Online Visa, often called the e-Visa. This is an electronic visa that you apply for on the official website before you travel.
India Online Visa has different types, such as e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Medical. For holidays and sightseeing, you will choose the e-Tourist option. You normally need:
- A passport that is valid for at least six more months from the date you apply
- A clear scan of the passport’s main page
- A recent passport-style photograph in digital form
You also fill in an online form with your personal details, travel plans, and answer some basic security questions.
Validity, entry rules, and timing
India Online Visa can be offered with different validity periods, such as one-year or longer tourist e-Visas for some nationalities. Often, these allow multiple visits within the validity period, but there may be a maximum number of days you can stay in each visit or per year. You should always check the current rules on the official site, because visa policies can change.
Some e-Visas count validity from the date of arrival, while others count from the date of issue. In many cases, you must arrive in India within a certain time after your e-Visa is approved. At immigration, you need to show a print or clear digital copy of your e-Visa approval (also called ETA), and your fingerprints and photograph may be taken.
If you want to enjoy India weather in December, it is wise to apply for India Online Visa well before your travel dates. Many travelers apply a few weeks in advance. Do not wait for the last minute, in case there is any delay or extra information needed.
How to apply safely for India Online Visa
Here are simple steps to follow for India Online Visa:
- Go only to the official Indian visa website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra service fees.
- Fill in your details carefully. Make sure your name, passport number, and date of birth match your passport exactly.
- Upload your photo and passport scan as per the size and format mentioned on the site.
- Pay the visa fee online using the accepted payment methods.
- Wait for the approval email and download or print the e-Visa document.
Keep a printed copy in your hand baggage. Also, save a copy on your phone. When you reach India, show this e-Visa at immigration along with your passport.
Final tips for a perfect December trip
To make the most of India weather in December and your India Online Visa:
- Plan early: December is a busy travel month inside India, so book flights and hotels in advance.
- Choose your climate: If you like cold, go for the north and mountains. If you like warmth, choose the south and coasts.
- Check local forecasts: Even though India weather in December is usually stable, it is still good to look at the forecast a few days before you travel.
- Keep copies of documents: Always carry copies of your passport, e-Visa, travel insurance, and bookings.
India weather in December offers something for every kind of traveler: cool mornings in old cities, golden sunsets in the desert, sunny days on the beach, and misty mountains in the north. With simple planning and a smooth India Online Visa process, your December trip to India can be one of the most memorable journeys of your life.