Winter is India's busiest travel season – and the most varied. Whether you want snowfall or sunshine, here are the best places for December to February.
For Snow
Gulmarg, Kashmir
India's ski capital. Reliable snow from late December to February. See our Kashmir in winter guide.
Manali and Sissu, Himachal
Easy to reach from Delhi; Solang and Sissu offer snow play. Read Manali in winter.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Skiing with Nanda Devi views. See the Auli guide.
North Sikkim and Tawang
Snow-covered Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point (subject to permits and roads), or Sela Pass in Arunachal. See Sikkim in winter.
For Sun and Beaches
Goa
Peak season, festive Christmas and New Year. See Goa for Christmas and New Year.
Andaman Islands
Calm seas, perfect for snorkelling and diving. See best time to visit Andaman.
Kerala
Backwaters, beaches at Varkala and Kovalam, and pleasant hill stations. See our Kerala 7-day itinerary.
For Deserts and Heritage
Rajasthan
Ideal weather for forts, palaces and desert camps. See the Rajasthan 7-day itinerary.
Rann of Kutch
The white salt desert during Rann Utsav – read our Rann Utsav guide.
For Wildlife
- Kaziranga for rhinos (opens around November)
- Gir for Asiatic lions – Gir safari guide
- Ranthambore and Jim Corbett for tigers
For Spiritual Journeys
Varanasi (pleasant weather and Dev Deepawali), Vaishno Devi in snow, and South India's temples. See our Varanasi guide.
Quick Picker
| You want | Go to |
|---|---|
| Snow + skiing | Gulmarg, Auli |
| Snow, short trip from Delhi | Manali |
| Beach party | North Goa |
| Quiet beach | Andaman, South Goa, Varkala |
| Desert | Jaisalmer, Kutch |
| Family-friendly | Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa |
Winter Packages
- Goa Christmas Luxury Escape – 2 Nights / 3 Days
- Goa Romantic Christmas & New Year – 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Goa Christmas & New Year Getaway – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Manali Christmas & New Year Adventure – 3 Nights / 4 Days from Delhi
- Udaipur Christmas & New Year Special – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Shimla & Manali Christmas Special – 5 Nights / 6 Days
Browse by region: Kashmir · Himachal · Goa · Rajasthan · Kerala
Related reading: New Year trip destinations in India · Best honeymoon destinations in India
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place in India to see snow in December?
Gulmarg, Manali (Solang/Sissu) and North Sikkim; snowfall is more reliable from late December.
Where is it warm in India in winter?
Goa, Kerala, the Andamans and most of South India.
Which is the best winter honeymoon destination?
Kashmir for snow, Andaman or Kerala for warmth.
Should I book winter trips early?
Yes – Christmas and New Year sell out by October.
Make the journey your own.
Explore itineraries inspired by the places in this guide.
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