December is a peak travel month with dry weather across most of South Asia and holiday travel to beaches and hill stations. Northern plains are mild and ideal for sightseeing; high Himalayan areas are cold and often snowy.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 55-90°F / 13-32°CCrowds HighPrices High
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
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Average temperature across South Asia in December.
Where to Go in South Asia in December
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.
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.
Events & Festivals in December
Christmas
Celebrated in many countries with local variations, notable in Goa and coastal areas.
Planning a trip to South Asia?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
