#1Hot
Goa
- Day
- 31.7°C
- Sea
- 27.8°C
- Sun
- 7.7h
- Rain days
- 1
Your December weather guide
Weather in India in December
December is a good month for a warm coastal holiday in India, with average daytime temperatures of 30°C, nights around 22°C and sea temperatures of 28°C. Between Goa and Kerala, Goa suits travellers who want hotter days and less rain, while Kerala offers slightly gentler daytime heat but warmer evenings. Neither is a cool-weather choice, so plan for shade at midday rather than expecting comfortable conditions for being active throughout the day.
Long-term climate averages, not a forecast · 1991-2020
- Average daytime high
- 30.4°Cacross 2 destinations
- Average night-time low
- 22.3°Cafter dark
- Sea temperature
- 28.1°Cwarm enough to swim
- Rainy days
- 4days1 mm or more
India, month by month
Turn up the warmth
Warmest places in India in December
Ranked by average daytime high. The full comparison is in the table below.
#2Hot
Kerala
- Day
- 29.2°C
- Sea
- 28.5°C
- Sun
- 5.4h
- Rain days
- 7
India destinations ranked for December
All 2 places we track in India, ordered by daytime high.
December climate overview
Daytime highs across India in December run from 29.2°C (Kerala) to 31.7°C (Goa). In Goa about 100% of December days reach 25°C. Nights average 22.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Kerala fall to 22°C or below.
Rainfall in December
Expect around 4 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Goa the driest (1 days) and Kerala the wettest (7 days). The wettest December at Goa between 1991 and 2020 was 1993 with 57 mm; the driest was 1991 with 0 mm.
Sea temperature
The sea averages 28.1°C around India in December - warmest at Kerala (28.5°C). That is comfortable for swimming.
Sunshine and daylight
Around 6.6 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).
December against the rest of the year in India
December is the 6th warmest month of the twelve in India. It is 0.3°C warmer than November and 0.2°C warmer in January. The hottest month here is April (32°C) and the coolest July (27°C).
Which part of India in December?
- Most sunshine: Goa, 7.7 h a day.
- Driest: Goa, about 1 rainy days.
- Warmest sea: Kerala, 29°C.
- Hottest: Goa, 32°C by day.
- Coolest (better for walking and cities): Kerala, 29°C.
What to pack for India in December
Based on the averages: light, loose clothing and serious sun protection - midday highs sit around 30°C; swimwear - the sea is 28°C.
Similar weather elsewhere in December
Within 1.5°C of India's December daytime average: Bangkok (31°C, sea 27°C), Mombasa (30°C, sea 28°C), Ho Chi Minh City (30°C), Zanzibar (30°C, sea 29°C), Kololi (30°C, sea 24°C). See the full ranking for December.
Goa: hotter days and less chance of rain
Goa is the better fit if dry weather matters most to your December plans. With an average of 1 rainy day, rain is less likely to interrupt time outdoors than in Kerala, though that is not a guarantee of a completely dry stay. Daytime temperatures reach 32°C, so the main catch is heat rather than wet weather. Keep more active plans for the morning and leave room for shade or a break at midday. Nights average 21°C, offering more relief from the heat than Kerala. Pack light, breathable clothes; the 28°C sea also makes Goa a good choice if swimming is a priority.
Kerala: gentler daytime heat, but more rain
Kerala suits travellers who prefer slightly lower daytime temperatures and do not mind keeping outdoor plans flexible. Days average 29°C rather than Goa's 32°C, but this is still warm weather, not a reason to leave sun protection behind. The trade-off is rain: December averages 6 rainy days, so carry a light waterproof and have an indoor alternative when needed. Evenings offer less cooling than in Goa, with nights around 23°C; comfortable sleeping conditions are worth considering when choosing accommodation. The sea averages 28°C, matching Goa, so choosing Kerala does not mean accepting cooler water. Base the decision on daytime heat and tolerance for rain.
A little more detail
India in December FAQs
Plain answers, grounded in the averages.
Where is the hottest place in India in December?
Goa is the warmest of the 2 places we track in India in December with an average high of 31.7°C; Kerala is the coolest at 29.2°C.
Is the sea warm in India in December?
The sea averages 22°C or more at Goa (28°C), Kerala (29°C) in December.
How much warmer is India than London in December?
India's average daytime temperature is 30°C, compared with London's 8°C. That calls for a different packing approach: light clothes and sun protection rather than a winter wardrobe. Goa and Kerala also stay warm at night, so do not expect a London-like evening chill.
Is the sea warm enough for swimming in December?
Yes, sea temperatures average 28°C in both Goa and Kerala, which should feel warm for swimming. There is no temperature advantage to choosing either destination for the water alone. Sea temperature does not tell you about local swimming conditions, so check those before entering.
About these averages
ERA5-Land climate reanalysis via Open-Meteo (11 km grid), 1991-2020
Averages computed from daily values at 2 destination points.Records are the highest and lowest daily values in that 30-year period, not all-time records. These are climate averages, not a forecast for your trip. How we measure holiday weather
- Hot · 25°C+
- Warm · 20°C to below 25°C
- Mild · 15°C to below 20°C
- Cool · below 15°C