South Asia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across South Asia in December.
Country Weather in December
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 32° | 19° | 2 mm | high | Warm |
| Pakistan | 21° | 7° | 9 mm | low | Cool |
| Bangladesh | 26° | 14° | 11 mm | moderate | Mild |
| Afghanistan | 7° | -5° | 23 mm | low | Cold |
| Nepal | 19° | 5° | 13 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Sri Lanka | 31° | 23° | 156 mm | very high | Hot |
| Bhutan | 14° | 0° | 6 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Maldives | 30° | 26° | 222 mm | very high | Hot |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Northwestern Drylands (Pakistan, Punjab & Rajasthan, Gujarat)
December delivers sharp, clear winter conditions with cold nights in northern Punjab and the deserts of Rajasthan; frost can occur in sheltered fields. Daytime sunshine is comfortable for exploration but evenings are cold enough for jackets and wool layers-campfires at desert camps are popular. Travel disruptions from fog are possible in river plains and transport can be delayed by reduced visibility, so plan extra time for early-morning transfers. Overall, winter is a strong season for photography and off-season travel deals.
The Indo‑Gangetic Plain & Bengal Coast (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Bangladesh)
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Nepal & Bhutan (Himalayan lowlands to high passes)
December brings shorter days and winter solidity to the high ranges: lower valleys (Kathmandu, Thimphu) are cool and clear, while high passes see fresh snowfall and many alpine routes close. Winter festivals and quieter tourist towns offer a different, low-traffic experience, especially for cultural visits and river-side explorations. Serious high-altitude travel is for seasoned winter mountaineers only; regular trekking is best limited to lower trails with adequate cold-weather gear.
Northeast India & the Eastern Himalaya (Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram)
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Peninsular India & the Western Ghats plus Sri Lanka (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra, Telangana, Sri Lanka)
December is high season along coasts and in hill stations: cool mornings and bright days attract visitors to Goa festivals, Kerala’s backwaters and Sri Lanka’s southern beaches. Nights in the Western Ghats are pleasantly cool and clear, while east-coast areas are less predictable if the northeast monsoon sets in early. Expect busy resorts and higher prices-reserve ahead for Christmas-New Year travel. Sun protection for daytime excursions and a warmer layer for nights in high-country locations are recommended.
Maldives & Lakshadweep (Indian Ocean atolls)
December is firmly within the dry season with steady trade breezes, warm seas and mostly sunshine-this is the busiest time for resorts and the best months for diving, surfing and beach holidays. Prices peak and popular resorts fill quickly over the holidays; book months in advance for Christmas-New Year stays. Nights are warm but comfortable; pack light clothing, evening layers for breeze and strong sun protection for daytime activities.