Last updated November 2026. Season ratings and costs come from our own best time to visit data and trip budget calculator. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.
Where to go in India in December and January
Winter is when most of the country is at its best. The monsoon has gone, the plains have cooled down and the beaches are dry and sunny. The table below shows how each destination rates in the two months, with a sample cost for a 7-day mid-range trip for two people sharing a room and car.
| Destination | December | January | 7 days for two (mid-range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur) | Best | Best | $700–$1,450 |
| Goa | Best | Best | $810–$1,670 |
| Kerala (Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey) | Best | Best | $700–$1,450 |
| Agra (Taj Mahal) | Best | Best | $670–$1,380 |
| Varanasi | Best | Best | $600–$1,230 |
| Mumbai | Best | Best | $840–$1,740 |
| Andaman Islands | Best | Best | $910–$1,890 |
| Hampi | Best | Best | $560–$1,160 |
| Kolkata | Best | Best | $630–$1,300 |
| Delhi | Good | Best | $640–$1,330 (Dec), $740–$1,520 (Jan) |
Costs are planning ranges from our calculator at ₹88 to the US dollar, with two intercity trips included. They exclude international flights and visas. Change the destination, month and group size in the India trip budget calculator to get your own figure.
Best for a first trip: Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle
Clear skies and mild days make December and January the easiest months for forts, palaces and the Taj Mahal. Days are pleasant and nights are cold, especially in the desert, so pack layers. Our Golden Triangle itinerary covers Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and how many days in Rajasthan helps you extend it.
The main thing to plan around is fog. Late December and January often bring dense morning fog to Delhi, Agra and the northern plains, which delays trains and flights and can hide the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Leave buffer time between connections and visit the Taj later in the morning if the forecast is foggy. Delhi’s air is also at its worst in winter, so check our Delhi air quality by month guide if you are sensitive to pollution.
Best for beaches: Goa, Kerala and the Andamans
Goa is dry, warm and at its busiest. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks of the year, and popular places sell out, so book well ahead or come in early December or mid-January for lower prices. Our North Goa vs South Goa guide helps you pick a base.
Kerala offers backwaters, beaches and tea hills in comfortable weather, and the Andaman Islands have calm seas for snorkelling and diving. Both cost more in these months than at any other time, but the weather is reliable.
Best for culture: Varanasi, Kolkata, Hampi and Mumbai
Varanasi’s ghats are atmospheric in the winter mist, though mornings are cold and fog can delay trains. See our guide to the Ganga aarti and boat ride. Hampi’s ruins and boulders are far easier to explore in winter than in the heat, and Kolkata and Mumbai are both at their most comfortable.
Where to be careful in December and January
- Ladakh and Spiti: very cold, with most road access closed. Only go for a planned winter trip with a specialist.
- Hill stations (Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kashmir): cold, with snow possible. Good if you want a winter trip, but roads can close and views can be clouded.
- Delhi and the northern plains: fog and poor air quality, mostly in late December and January.
What to book early
- Hotels in Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan for 20 December to 5 January, when prices peak.
- Trains on popular routes. See how to book Indian train tickets as a foreigner and the booking date calculator.
- Tiger safaris, which sell out for the holiday weeks. See our tiger safari guide.
- Your visa. Check costs with the e-Visa cost calculator.
What to pack for winter in India
North India is colder than many visitors expect. Bring a warm layer and a light jacket for mornings and evenings in Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan and Varanasi, and proper winter clothing for the hills. The south and the beaches stay warm, so light clothing is enough there. Our India packing list and what to wear in India guide have the details.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit India?
Yes. December is one of the best months for most of India, including Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, Agra and Varanasi. It is dry and comfortable, but it is also peak season, so prices are higher and popular places are busy.
Is January a good time to visit India?
Yes. January has similar weather to December, with cool, dry days across the plains and warm beach weather in the south. Fog in the north can delay trains and flights, so allow extra time.
Where is it warm in India in December and January?
Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, Hampi and the Andaman Islands are warm in both months. Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and Varanasi have mild days and cold nights.
Which places should I avoid in India in winter?
Avoid Ladakh and Spiti unless you are on a specialist winter trip, as they are extremely cold and largely cut off by road. Hill stations are cold and can have snow and road closures.