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Best Places to Visit in India in December
India in December refers to the travel planning window when domestic and international tourists select destinations based on winter weather, school holidays, and year-end availability. The best places to visit in India in December span beach islands, desert forts, hill stations, and backwater routes. The Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, enter their peak season in December with calm seas and no rainfall. This guide covers weather, costs, and suitability across the top destinations.
Which Indian destinations have the best weather in December?
The best weather for travel in India in December is found along the southern coasts and island territories. The Andaman Islands, Goa, Kerala, and Coorg all receive dry, clear conditions. Rajasthan offers cold nights but clear daytime skies. The Rann of Kutch hosts its annual festival during this period.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, December marks the driest month of the year for most peninsular and island destinations, with the northeast monsoon fully withdrawing from South India by late November.
The Andaman Islands record average temperatures between 23°C and 30°C in December. Rainfall is negligible. Sea conditions in the Bay of Bengal stabilise after October, making December ideal for water activities.
Rajasthan, located in northwest India, records temperatures between 5°C and 25°C in December. Nights in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur can drop below 8°C. Daytime sightseeing is comfortable.
Coorg, located in the Karnataka hills, stays between 10°C and 20°C in December. Mist covers the coffee estates in the mornings. The roads remain accessible throughout the month.
| Destination | December Temperature Range | Rainfall Risk | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman Islands | 23°C – 30°C | Very Low | High (peak season) | Beach, snorkelling, diving, families |
| Goa | 20°C – 32°C | Very Low | Very High (Christmas–New Year peak) | Beach parties, nightlife, short breaks |
| Rajasthan | 5°C – 25°C | Negligible | Moderate to High | Heritage tours, camel safaris, families |
| Kerala | 22°C – 33°C | Low | Moderate | Houseboats, wildlife, couples |
| Coorg | 10°C – 20°C | Low | Moderate | Hill stays, trekking, couples |
| Rann of Kutch | 10°C – 25°C | Negligible | Moderate (festival crowds) | Rann Utsav festival, cultural tourism |
Related: Andaman tour packages
Why is December the peak season for Andaman Islands?
December is the peak season for the Andaman Islands because the Bay of Bengal transitions to calm, low-wind conditions after the monsoon exits. Sea visibility for snorkelling reaches 15–20 metres. Ferry services run on full schedules. Hotels and resorts operate at maximum capacity from mid-December through January.
The Andaman Islands, an archipelago of over 570 islands in the Bay of Bengal, receive their driest and calmest weather between November and February. The India Meteorological Department classifies this period as the post-monsoon dry season for the islands.
What is the sea condition in Andaman in December?
Sea conditions in December are calm with wave heights typically below 1 metre near the main islands. Water visibility for snorkelling and scuba diving reaches 15–20 metres at sites like North Bay and Elephant Beach. Boat transfers between islands operate without weather-related cancellations during this month.
Which Andaman islands are open to tourists in December?
Port Blair, the administrative capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serves as the entry point for all tourists. Havelock Island, officially named Swaraj Dweep, is accessible by government ferry in 2 hours or private speedboat in 1 hour from Port Blair. Neil Island, officially named Shaheed Dweep, is quieter than Havelock and suits couples and slow-travel itineraries. Some tribal reserve islands remain closed to tourists year-round under government protection orders.
Related: Andaman tour packages and best time to visit Andaman Islands
What are the top places to visit in India in December for beach holidays?
The top beach destinations in India for December are the Andaman Islands, Goa, the Kerala coast, and Lakshadweep. All four are in dry season during December. Andaman and Lakshadweep require advance permits or entry permissions. Goa has the highest flight frequency but also the highest hotel price premiums in December.
| Destination | Approx Package Cost per Person (INR) | Flight Availability from Metro Cities | Permit or Entry Requirement | Ideal Trip Duration | Who It Suits Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman Islands | ₹25,000 – ₹80,000 | Direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore | No permit for Indian nationals to main islands; Restricted Area Permit for some outer islands | 5–7 nights | Families, couples, first-time island travellers |
| Goa | ₹15,000 – ₹60,000 | Very high frequency; direct from all metros | None | 3–5 nights | Groups, short-break travellers, nightlife seekers |
| Kerala Coast | ₹18,000 – ₹55,000 | Direct to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram from most metros | None | 4–6 nights | Couples, families, wellness travellers |
| Lakshadweep | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Flights via Kochi only; limited seats | Entry permit required for all tourists; separate permit for foreigners | 4–5 nights | Divers, couples, low-crowd seekers |
How does Andaman compare to Goa for a December beach trip?
Goa experiences its highest annual tourist footfall in December, particularly during Christmas and New Year week. Hotel prices in Goa during 24–31 December can be 40–60% higher than November rates. The Andaman Islands also see peak pricing in December, but the overall crowd density is lower than Goa. Andaman offers water activities like scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides that are not available at most Goa beaches. Goa suits short 3–4 night trips. Andaman works better for 5–7 night itineraries with island-hopping.
Is Lakshadweep accessible for Indian tourists in December?
Lakshadweep is accessible for Indian tourists in December, but entry requires a permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration. The permit application process takes 7–15 working days. Flights operate only via Kochi, and seat availability is limited. Advance booking of 60–90 days is standard for December travel. Package costs are higher than Andaman due to limited accommodation inventory on the islands.
Related: Andaman Beach packages and Goa tour packages in December
Which destinations in India are best for a December family holiday?
The best destinations in India for a December family holiday are the Andaman Islands, Rajasthan, and Kerala. All three align with the school holiday window, which typically runs from 25 December to 1 January, with some schools closing from 20 December. Each destination offers child-friendly activities and family accommodation options.
The Andaman Islands offer glass-bottom boat rides at North Bay Island, beach camping at Corbyn's Cove, and snorkelling at Elephant Beach on Havelock Island. These activities suit children above 6 years of age. The calm sea conditions in December make water activities safe for families.
Rajasthan, located in northwest India, offers fort visits in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, along with camel safaris in the Thar Desert. Daytime temperatures between 18°C and 25°C are comfortable for outdoor sightseeing with children.
Kerala backwaters become fully navigable by houseboat after the northeast monsoon exits in late November. A one-night houseboat stay on the Alleppey backwaters is a practical family activity. Wildlife safaris at Periyar Tiger Reserve are also available in December.
What activities are available for children in Andaman in December?
Children in Andaman in December can do glass-bottom boat rides, beginner snorkelling with life jackets, banana boat rides, and beach walks. The Cellular Jail light-and-sound show in Port Blair is suitable for older children. Sea walking is available for children above 10 years at some operators near Port Blair.
Related: Andaman Family packages and Kerala backwater houseboat packages
How much does a December trip to Andaman cost from major Indian cities?
A December trip to Andaman costs between ₹25,000 and ₹80,000 per person for a 5-night package including flights, accommodation, and transfers. Flight prices from Delhi and Mumbai to Port Blair range from ₹8,000 to ₹18,000 return in December. Flights from Chennai and Kolkata are shorter and typically cost ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 return.
Budget packages covering Port Blair and Havelock Island for 5 nights start at ₹25,000 per person. Mid-range packages with private speedboat transfers and 3-star hotels range from ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 per person. Premium packages with 4-star or resort accommodation on Havelock Island start at ₹65,000 per person.
December packages cost 20–30% more than the same itinerary in October or early November due to peak season demand. Booking 60–90 days in advance is recommended to secure both flights and hotel inventory at reasonable rates. Last-minute bookings in December carry a significant price premium and limited room availability.
Related: Andaman tour packages
What should travellers know before booking a December trip to Andaman?
Before booking a December trip to Andaman, travellers need to confirm permit requirements, ferry schedules, and accommodation availability. Indian nationals do not need a visa or permit to visit Port Blair, Havelock Island, or Neil Island. Some outer islands require a Restricted Area Permit, which tour operators can arrange.
Do Indian tourists need a permit to visit Andaman in December?
Indian tourists do not need a permit for the main tourist islands, including Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). A Restricted Area Permit is required for certain islands including Little Andaman and the tribal reserve areas. This permit is issued at Port Blair and tour operators handle the process as part of package bookings.
Ferry bookings for the Port Blair to Havelock Island route should be made at least 30–45 days in advance for December travel. Government ferries sell out quickly during peak season. Private speedboat operators have more availability but charge higher fares.
For packing, carry light cotton clothes for daytime and one light jacket for evenings. Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for boat transfers are practical items. Accommodation in Havelock Island books out 45–60 days ahead for the Christmas and New Year period.
Related: Andaman tour packages and Andaman itinerary for 5 nights 6 days
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
The Tripstor team handles Andaman bookings from flight to ferry to resort, including peak December availability.
We work with verified hotels on Havelock Island and Neil Island and can confirm December slots in advance.
Call us or browse our Andaman tour packages to check current December availability and pricing.
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