Best Places to Visit in December in India: Top 10 Winter Destinations
December is one of the most enjoyable months to visit India. Every state shines differently in winter, from snow-covered Himalayas to warm tropical beaches, royal deserts, and scenic hill stations. Our guide covers the best winter destinations, snow zones, activities, weather tips, and real traveler insights. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, solo adventure, or budget-friendly trip, here are the Top 10 Best Places to Visit in India in December.
TL;DR – Best Places to Visit in December in India
December is one of the best months to travel across India, offering everything from snow-covered hill stations to warm tropical beaches, royal deserts, and scenic hill towns. Here’s the quick summary:
- Himachal Pradesh: Best for snow lovers — Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Spiti & Dalhousie.
- Rajasthan: Perfect winter weather for Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Pushkar.
- Uttarakhand: Auli (guaranteed snow), Mussoorie, Nainital & Chopta for skiing and treks.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar turn into snowy paradises.
- Kerala: Warm, relaxing winter — Munnar, Alleppey, Varkala & Kochi.
- Goa: Best for Christmas–New Year parties, beaches, nightlife & water sports.
- Gujarat: Rann Utsav, Gir National Park & Dwarka temples shine in December.
- Sikkim: Peaceful winter views — Gangtok, Gurudongmar Lake & Yumthang Valley.
- Andaman: Ideal for tropical island lovers — Havelock, Neil Island & Port Blair.
- Uttar Pradesh: Pleasant for heritage & spiritual tours — Agra, Varanasi, Ayodhya & Lucknow.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in India in December
1. Himachal Pradesh — Snow Paradise of North India
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best winter destinations in India, especially for those who want snowfall, adventure sports, cozy cafes, and scenic landscapes. December brings fresh snow to places like Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Spiti, and Dalhousie, turning the mountains white and magical.
Top Places to Visit in Himachal in December
| Location | Sightseeing | Activities | Snow Chance |
| Shimla | Mall Road, Christ Church, Kufri | Ice skating, Toy train, Mall Road walks | ★★★★☆ (High in Kufri) |
| Manali | Solang, Old Manali | Skiing, Snow scooters, Paragliding | ★★★★★ (Solang/Sissu guaranteed snow) |
| Dharamshala | McLeod Ganj, Dalai Lama Temple | Triund trek, Yoga retreats | ★★★☆☆ |
| Kufri | Fun World, Nature Park | Skiing, Tobogganing | ★★★★★ |
| Dalhousie | Khajjiar | Trekking, Snow walks | ★★★★☆ |
| Spiti Valley | Key Monastery | Winter photography | ★★★★★ (extreme) |
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Must-Visit for Snow in December
- Manali – Solang Valley / Atal Tunnel / Sissu
- Kufri (near Shimla)
- Auli (near HP border)
- Spiti (early December)
- Dalhousie–Khajjiar
Traveler Review
“Crossing the Atal Tunnel in December and suddenly entering a snowy Sissu valley felt unreal.” — Swati Sharma, Delhi
2. Rajasthan — India’s Royal Winter Escape
Rajasthan is among the best states to visit in India in December thanks to its cool temperatures, vibrant culture, royal heritage, and desert adventures. Winter makes sightseeing comfortable and ideal for exploring forts, palaces, and golden sand dunes.
Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan in December
| Location | Sightseeing | Activities |
| Jaipur | Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal | Balloon ride |
| Udaipur | Lake Pichola, City Palace | Boat rides |
| Jaisalmer | Sam Dunes | Camel safari, Camping |
| Jodhpur | Mehrangarh Fort | Zip-lining |
| Pushkar | Brahma Temple | Camel rides |
Traveler Review
“Camping in Sam Sand Dunes under the December moon was magical.” — Ayesha Q., Mumbai
3. Uttarakhand — Winter Treks, Lakes & Skiing
Uttarakhand is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, snow, spirituality, and scenic lakes. The state becomes chilly, and places like Auli, Chopta, and Mussoorie offer snow and winter fun.
Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in December
| Location | Sightseeing | Activities | Snow |
| Auli | Gorson Bugyal | Skiing | ★★★★★ |
| Nainital | Naini Lake | Boating, Ropeway | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mussoorie | Gun Hill | Cable car | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chopta | Tungnath | Trekking | ★★★★☆ |
| Rishikesh | Lakshman Jhula | River rafting | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Must-Visit for Snow
- Auli (guaranteed)
- Chopta/Tungnath
- Munsiyari
Real Visitor Experience
“We learned how to ski in Auli in December — the snow was perfect, and the meadows looked like Switzerland!”
— Arnav & Swati, Gujarat
4. Jammu & Kashmir — Heaven Wrapped in Snow
J&K is one of India’s most romantic December destinations. Cities like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar turn snowy white, offering breathtaking winter landscapes.
Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir in December
| Location | Highlights | Activities | Snow |
| Gulmarg | Gondola | Skiing, Snowboarding | ★★★★★ |
| Pahalgam | Aru Valley | Trekking | ★★★★★ |
| Sonamarg | Frozen Glacier | Walking tours | ★★★★★ |
| Srinagar | Dal Lake | Shikara | ★★★★☆ |
Tourist Review
“Gulmarg in December had powdery snow everywhere. The Gondola ride felt like flying over clouds.”
— Mitali Jain, Pune
5. Kerala — Warm Winter Escape
If you prefer warm weather, Kerala is ideal. December offers clear skies, calm backwaters, green hills, and refreshing beaches.
Best Places in Kerala in December
| Location | Highlights | Activities |
| Munnar | Tea Gardens | Tea tours, Trekking |
| Alleppey | Backwaters | Houseboats |
| Kochi | Fort Kochi | Food tours |
| Kumarakom | Bird Sanctuary | Boating |
| Thekkady | Periyar | Wildlife safari |
| Wayanad | Edakkal Caves | Trekking |
| Varkala | Cliffs & Beach | Yoga |
| Kovalam | Lighthouse Beach | Surfing |
Real Visitor Experience
“Our Alleppey houseboat stay in December was relaxing, breezy, and absolutely scenic.”
— Joseph D., Bengaluru
6. Goa — Beaches, Parties & Festive Vibes
Goa becomes the most vibrant place to visit in India in December with beach parties, Christmas lights, flea markets, and perfect weather.
Best Places to Visit in Goa
| Region | Best Spots | Activities |
| North Goa | Baga, Anjuna | Water sports, Clubs |
| South Goa | Palolem, Colva | Relaxation, Scenic beaches |
| Panaji | Fontainhas | River cruise |
| Old Goa | Basilica | Heritage tour |
| Vasco | Bogmalo | Beach walks |
Traveler Review
“December sunsets at Arambol were magical!” — Nora T., Solo Traveler
7. Gujarat — Rann Utsav in Winter
The most well-known winter attraction in Gujarat, the iconic Rann of Kutch, peaks in December.
Best Places in Gujarat in December
| Location | Highlights | Activities |
| Kutch | White Desert | Rann Utsav |
| Gir | Asiatic Lions | Safari |
| Dwarka | Temples | Pilgrimage |
8. Sikkim — Frozen Lakes & Peaceful Hills
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Sikkim has snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, and serene mountains.
Best Places in Sikkim
| Location | Highlights | Activities |
| Gangtok | Viewpoints | Ropeway |
| Lachen | Gurudongmar Lake | Valley tours |
| Lachung | Yumthang Valley | Snow views |
9. Andaman & Nicobar Islands — Tropical Winter Escape
If you want to escape the cold and enjoy sunshine, beaches, and turquoise waters, Andaman is the best place in India to visit in December. The weather is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and island hopping. Places like Havelock, Neil Island, and Port Blair offer calm seas, clean beaches, and memorable sunsets, perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Best Places in Andaman
| Location | Highlights |
| Havelock | Radhanagar Beach |
| Neil Island | Coral reefs |
| Port Blair | Cellular Jail |
10. Uttar Pradesh — Heritage & Spiritual Journeys
Uttar Pradesh becomes a pleasant and comfortable place to visit in December, making it ideal for exploring India’s most iconic historical and spiritual destinations. Winter is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal, wander through Varanasi’s ghats, explore Lucknow’s Mughal architecture, or enjoy Ayodhya’s newly developed temples and religious sites. A great pick for families, culture lovers, and history enthusiasts.
Best Places in Uttar Pradesh
| Location | Highlights |
| Agra | Taj Mahal |
| Varanasi | Ganga Aarti |
| Ayodhya | Ram Temple |
| Lucknow | Mughal heritage |
FAQs About Best Places to Visit in December in India:
1. Which state is best to visit in December for snow?
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Jammu & Kashmir
2. Where is guaranteed snowfall in December?
- Auli
- Manali (Solang/Sissu)
- Gulmarg
- Sonamarg
3. Best warm destinations in December?
- Goa
- Kerala
- Andaman
4. Best romantic winter destinations?
- Auli
- Gulmarg
- Udaipur
- Havelock Island
