Temperature in Goa in December

Our family holiday is being planned for early next year, we are double minded at the moment and think maybe we should go near the end of December, as we have heard that Christmas celebrations are fun there and it would be something good to see.

We would like to know what the temperature in Goa in December is like?

Do you think it is a suitable time to visit, minus the celebrations which may go on during the particular month?

 

Hi, @Aarush, welcome to the forum!

(Images from Shraddha Pandya, Freaky Traveller, Shahid, Deepak and Suresh Shastri)​

Overview

Goa might be the smallest state in the country but it remains an unparalleled favourite amongst local and foreign tourists. Perhaps this has to do with the state's vibrancy, its offerings of beaches and the numerous activities one can enjoy when in Goa. Thus, whether you're part of a group of friends, a solo traveller or even a member of a family, Goa is a suitable destination for you. Of course, part of planning for a trip for Goa is the timing, you need to know when is a good time to visit the beach destination, to fully maximise your vacation. Generally, the winter season is considered as the peak tourist season in Goa, extending from November to February. The remaining seasons, summer and monsoon, are considered as the off-peak tourist seasons in the state. In this guide, we would discuss the temperatures in Goa during December, whether it is a good time to visit the region and what the weather conditions would be like during this month.

Goa in December (Temperatures + Weather)

Month & Year	Average Low Temperature	Average Temperature	Average High Temperature
December 2014	21°C	26°C	32°C
December 2015	21°C	27°C	33°C
December 2016	22°C	28°C	34°C

December is a part of the winter season in Goa, which is quite shorter than the other seasons, from November to February. From the table above, you can see the temperatures in Goa for the last years during the month of December. As you can tell, temperatures are between 21°C to 34°C, if you'd combine the data from the last 3 years in the state. These are just estimates though, because usually, temperatures hover around the high 20°C to the low 30°C. Generally, we can classify the climate in Goa under the tropical wet climate, which means it has a particularly hot and humid climate all year round, with a very dry winter season.

For the year 2014, in the month of December, the temperatures in Goa can be seen in the above table. These data are for the state capital, Panjim, so there might be variations when it comes to the other areas of the state, but they would be little. The average low temperature is at 21°C while the average high temperature is at 32°C. On the other hand, average mean temperatures would be around 26°C. Night temperatures are generally lower, barely exceeding the 25°C mark. As compared to the other years, 2014 is considered as one of the coldest winter seasons in Goa. Also, cloudy days during this year average to around five days, with rainy days of about four.

For the year 2015, in the month of December, the temperatures in Goa can also be seen from the above table. The average low temperature is at 21°C as well, but the average high temperature went slightly up at 33°C. Mean temperatures are around 27°C so it is slightly higher as well. Night time temperatures are lower, around the 26°C mark. Cloud cover remained on the minimum side so tourists enjoyed maximum sun exposure during this year. Further, humidity is about 67% at its highest. Though there are some rainy days, they occurred mostly during early in the morning so didn't have much effect on tourist activities.

For the last year of 2016, in the month of December, the temperatures in Goa are also highlighted in the table. Average low temperatures are around 22°C while average high temperatures are around 34°C. As compared to the previous years, average low and average high temperatures are slightly on the higher side. Mean temperature is at 28°C so it's also on the higher side. Humidity is lower though, barely exceeding 60% in most days. During the start of the month, cloud covers are quite high, mainly because the region was still affected by the monsoon season. As the month goes on, until the very last days, cloud covers become more minimal. During the middle of the month, rain showers occurred as well, but they're mainly confined in the early mornings and early evenings.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Goa?

The general answer would be 'Yes', as evidenced by the data shown above and also the flock of tourists in the state during this month. December is one of the driest and coldest months, aside from the other winter months of November, January and February. The surge in tourists might be higher, but the pleasant climate, lower temperatures and calm seas, provide one with ample opportunities to enjoy the different beaches of Goa. Barring the festivities aside, Goa is at its best when you visit during the month of December.

Of course, it isn't without its consequences. During the month of December, prices for accommodations are on the higher side. You'd find this in hotel and resort websites, where there are different room rates according to the season. And since December is part of the peak tourist season, room rates are at its highest during this month. You also need to book quite in advance, at least a month prior to reaching Goa, or even earlier. This is because it's not unusual to find good hotels fully booked for the peak season, including December.

Core areas like Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach and even Palolem Beach can get very crowded during this month. The state capital, Panjim, owing to its rich heritage sites, may also be very crowded. But thankfully, there are more secluded beaches around the south that one can visit like Benaulim Beach, Betalbatim Beach, Polem Beach and more. Even the northernmost beaches like Querim Beach and Mandrem Beach can be less crowded.

An advantage with the month of December is the availability of water sports. Usually, all water sports are available during this month, venues are Baga, Candolim and Palolem. You also have tons of choices when it comes to restaurants and beach shacks as they are all open during this month. Of course, party places are also open and more lively during December. Flea markets are also good options, if you have explored most of Goa already, you can enjoy shopping for souvenirs in such places.

Conclusion

If you are okay with the crowds, then December is one of the best times to visit Goa. The winter season is considered as the most festive season, as well as the peak tourist season. With the lower temperatures, lesser cloud cover and overall, good weather conditions, you can enjoy your visit in Goa. The wide variety of food choices, plenty of accommodation options and fun adventures that one can do are other features of this month. So yes, December is definitely one of the best months to visit Goa. Good luck and have fun!