South India in December: Weather, Beaches, Backwaters & Hill Stations
Visiting South India in December has become increasingly appealing for those who enjoy calm weather, meaningful cultural experiences, and a pace that allows thoughtful travel. December marks the start of the region’s pleasant winter period, when temperatures drop to a comfortable range and natural surroundings appear refreshed after the monsoon retreat. Whether someone prefers coastal evenings, quiet backwater journeys, or cool mornings in the hills, December welcomes all types of winter holiday preferences.
What sets South India apart in December is the contrast it offers. On the same trip, one can experience warm and pleasant beach days, cool hill mornings, and quiet moments along the water canals of Kerala. For many visitors, this contrast is what makes the region special. Each destination has a unique December rhythm shaped by local culture, local produce, and regional winter traditions.
This guide brings together insights on weather in South India in December, major Beaches in South India, the most scenic Hill Stations in South India, and the backwaters that gain added charm in winter.
In this Blog
Understanding Weather in South India in December
Across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the weather stabilises beautifully in December, creating conditions that are ideal for travel. The air becomes noticeably drier, daytime temperatures remain pleasant, and evenings are cool enough to enjoy long outdoor hours without discomfort.
Temperature and General Climate
Coastal Areas (Mangalore, Kannur, Chennai, Puducherry)
Temperatures typically range between 22°C and 30°C, making the beaches extremely comfortable. Breezes pick up in the evenings, and daylight hours are bright without harsh heat.
Hill Regions (Coorg, Wayanad, Coonoor, Valparai, Ooty)
These regions enjoy cooler temperatures, usually between 12°C and 22°C, with mornings often beginning in a light, refreshing mist. December sunlight brings excellent visibility for scenic drives and photography.
Backwaters (Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam)
Backwater zones experience calm afternoons and cool evenings. Houseboat decks remain enjoyable throughout the day, and early mornings often feel crisp and quiet.
Why December Weather Is Special
December is often considered the best winter month for South India because:
- The monsoon has already nourished the landscape, leaving the environment lush, clean, and vibrant.
- Skies are clearer, allowing for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
- Outdoor activities such as nature walks, cycling routes, birdwatching, canoeing, and tea or coffee estate tours feel much more comfortable.
- Winter sunlight enhances colours in the hills and makes long-distance visibility extraordinary.
- It is a month of festivals, seasonal ingredients, and cultural events — adding richness to the travel experience.
A Regional Breakdown of December Weather
Kerala
Pleasant days and cooler nights define the month. The high ranges become especially attractive, while the backwaters experience soft breezes and gentle winter sunshine.
Tamil Nadu
Coastal belts around Chennai and Puducherry stay warm but not overwhelming. The Nilgiri hills maintain cool, crisp mornings ideal for scenic road trips and tea walks.
Karnataka
Kodagu (Coorg) and Chikkamagaluru remain cool throughout the day, while Udupi and Murudeshwar experience mild coastal winds.
Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam and the coastal districts enjoy bright days and comfortable temperatures — ideal for long beach outings.
Telangana
Clear skies and dry air make heritage walks around Hyderabad’s old quarters, Golconda Fort, and regional craft hubs especially enjoyable.
Beaches in South India for December
December gives the Beaches in South India renewed character. The sea becomes calmer, the sand cools down by late afternoon, and evenings stretch out in long, pleasant hours.
Marari, Kerala
Marari’s charm comes alive in December. The beach is serene even during peak season, with gentle waves and long sandy stretches. Many travellers enjoy slow mornings at homestays, winter seafood menus, and interactions with local fishing communities.
Kapu, Karnataka
The iconic lighthouse at Kapu becomes especially delightful to visit in December. Clear visibility allows far-reaching views of the Arabian Sea. The open beach attracts travellers who enjoy barefoot walks and long golden-hour photography sessions.
Auroville & Puducherry
The coastal stretch between Auroville and Puducherry hosts pottery studios, community cafés, wellness centres, and artisanal workshops. December’s pleasant climate makes these creative spaces even more inviting.
Visakhapatnam
Rushikonda, Ramakrishna Beach, and the submarine museum stretch create an enjoyable setting for sunrise walks, cycling, and beachside experiences. December offers light breezes and ideal daylight conditions.
Kanyakumari
December’s crisp horizons make sunrise and sunset from Kanyakumari exceptionally memorable. This is also one of the best months to take the short ferry rides to Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Hill Stations in South India for December
Cool mornings, wide open views, and winter traditions make the Hill Stations in South India particularly appealing in December.
Coorg
Coorg is one of the best hill stations in South India to visit in December, when the coffee harvest is in full swing and estates come alive with activity. Cool mornings, light mist, and long plantation walks make the region especially scenic. Visitors can explore coffee trails, enjoy freshly roasted blends, and soak in crisp winter air across Coorg’s rolling hills.
Coonoor
Coonoor feels fresh and vibrant in December, with tea gardens glowing under soft winter sunlight. The cool weather makes estate walks, tea factory tours, and valley viewpoints especially enjoyable. Local cafés introduce seasonal bakes, hill-grown herb teas, and winter specials, creating a cosy atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking quiet scenery, culinary experiences, and relaxed winter travel.
Wayanad
Wayanad’s December weather offers excellent visibility and pleasant temperatures, making its forest routes, spice gardens, and viewpoints incredibly scenic. Wildlife sanctuaries and heritage spots like Edakkal Caves feel more accessible and comfortable to explore. Misty mornings, gentle winter breezes, and peaceful hill roads make Wayanad a perfect winter escape for nature lovers and travellers seeking calm, immersive outdoor experiences.
Yercaud
Yercaud enjoys a light winter chill in December, ideal for scenic drives, lakeside strolls, and exploring forested paths. The hill town’s cafés highlight freshly roasted local coffee, while viewpoints offer clear, panoramic valley views. With mild weather, quiet roads, and a laid-back atmosphere, Yercaud becomes a peaceful and refreshing winter destination in South India.
Araku Valley
Araku Valley is especially captivating in December, with clear skies offering sweeping views of the Eastern Ghats. Winter temperatures make it comfortable to explore craft villages, tribal museums, coffee estates, and scenic hill drives. The valley’s cultural richness, combined with misty mornings and vibrant landscapes, creates a meaningful and picturesque winter getaway.
Backwaters of South India in December
The backwaters of South India in December take on a beautifully calm and photogenic character. With humidity at its lowest and temperatures comfortably cool, this is one of the best months to experience Kerala’s waterways. Winter sunlight softens the landscape, mornings carry a light mist, and the long stretches of interconnected lakes and canals feel more peaceful than at any other time of year.
Alleppey
Alleppey becomes especially inviting in December. Cool breezes drift through traditional houseboats, making daytime cruises comfortable and evenings pleasantly cosy. Seasonal dishes prepared with fresh fish, local rice, and winter vegetables elevate the culinary experience on board. The stillness of the canals, paired with clear winter skies, creates a serene setting for slow travel.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is one of the best backwater destinations in South India during winter. December brings thousands of migratory birds to Vembanad Lake, turning it into a haven for birdwatchers. Early morning canoe rides, framed by soft golden light, often become unforgettable moments for travellers. The calm lake surface makes photography and quiet observation incredibly rewarding.
Kollam
Kollam’s extensive backwater network feels exceptionally peaceful in December. Long, narrow canals run past coconut groves, traditional coir villages, and fishing hamlets, offering a close look at everyday life along the waterways. Winter temperatures make canoe journeys more immersive, while the scenic routes remain crowd-free and deeply calming.
Places to Visit in South India in Winter
South India offers a remarkably diverse set of places to visit in winter, each shaped by its own December rhythm. Cooler temperatures make outdoor travel comfortable, while festivals, wildlife sightings, heritage walks, and scenic drives become easier to enjoy. Whether you prefer history-rich landscapes, forested wildlife zones, or contemporary cultural events, winter unlocks some of the region’s most memorable experiences.
Heritage Circuits
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi’s sprawling ruins feel especially magical in December. Softer winter light highlights the details carved into ancient stone structures, and comfortable temperatures make long walks through the UNESCO site enjoyable throughout the day.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram benefits from the cool Bay of Bengal breeze in winter. Exploring its monolithic temples, cave sanctuaries, and seafront landmarks becomes much more comfortable during December’s mild coastal weather.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
December is the ideal month to explore Madurai’s massive temple complexes. With temperatures lower than the rest of the year, walking through the colourful corridors of Meenakshi Temple becomes a pleasant, unhurried experience.
Vijayawada & Warangal
Heritage sites in these regions often host cultural programs, craft exhibitions, and temple festivals during the winter months, giving travellers both historical depth and seasonal charm.
Nature-Focused Areas
Periyar, Kerala
Periyar becomes one of South India’s best winter wildlife destinations. December’s pleasant weather enhances boat safaris, increases wildlife sightings, and makes forest walks more enjoyable.
BR Hills, Karnataka
Winter mornings in BR Hills bring gentle mist, cool air, and excellent visibility. Light treks and forest drives feel refreshing, with frequent chances to spot wildlife.
Aralam, Kerala
Aralam’s trekking routes become clearer and more accessible in December. With sharp visibility and mild temperatures, it’s a rewarding destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Cultural & Artistic Spots
December is one of the richest cultural months in South India, bringing together festivals, exhibitions, and artistic celebrations that draw visitors from around the world.
Kochi Biennale
Held across Fort Kochi, the Biennale features installations, performances, and exhibitions that flourish beautifully in December’s pleasant weather.
Chennai Music Season
December marks the iconic Margazhi festival, where hundreds of Carnatic music concerts and classical dance performances take place across the city.
Mysuru & Hyderabad
Winter craft fairs in these cities spotlight regional artisans, handmade textiles, and traditional crafts, creating vibrant cultural spaces perfect for December travel.
Things to Do in South India During December
Winter Food Trails
Regional winter dishes to try:
- Pepper-infused soups in Coorg
- Banana leaf meals in Kerala
- Karimeen pollichathu and coastal curries in Mangalore
- Millet-based dishes in Tamil Nadu
Local Workshops
Pottery in Puducherry, handloom weaving in Andhra Pradesh, bamboo craft in Kerala, and local art sessions in the Nilgiris.
Night Beach Walks
Kannur, Pondicherry, Vizag, and Kovalam offer peaceful night strolls with gentle breezes.
Cycling Routes
Heritage routes in Hampi, seafacing routes in Vizag, and backwater paths in Alleppey.
Estate Experiences
Tea and coffee estates across the hills offer guided tasting sessions and harvest insights.
Festivals & Seasonal Events in December
December is one of the richest cultural months in South India:
- Margazhi Music Festival, Chennai – A celebration of Carnatic music and classical dance.
- Cochin Carnival – A vibrant event that lights up Fort Kochi with parades and performances.
- Mahabalipuram Dance Festival – Classical dance against the backdrop of rock-cut temples.
- Christmas & New Year Celebrations – Across Kerala, Pondicherry, and coastal Karnataka.
Choosing the Right Villa in South India for a December Holiday
Selecting the right villa is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning a December holiday in South India. Winter brings cool mornings, gentle breezes, and clear skies, making outdoor spaces, scenic sit-outs, and water-facing balconies especially valuable. Whether you prefer beaches, hills, backwaters, or culturally rich heritage towns, the region offers villas that elevate the season’s charm and create unforgettable winter moments.
Below is a detailed guide to choosing the perfect stay — along with handpicked StayVista villas that match each travel style.
The Secret Glen
Farview Suite Serenity
Farview Presidential Suite
Aashirwaad Villa
Crystal Homestay
Bask In The Greens
Udhbhava Kamala
Novera
The Lakeshore
South India in December offers a balance of comfort, culture, tranquillity, and scenic diversity. From calm beaches to misty hills, from slow backwater journeys to vibrant festivals, the month brings out the region’s most captivating qualities.
Visitors can enjoy a houseboat in Alleppey one day, drive into the hills the next morning, and end their trip with a coastal sunset—all within manageable distances. Add to this the gentle winter climate, seasonal foods, welcoming communities, and the availability of villas across landscapes, and December emerges as one of the finest windows to explore South India.
Article by Ruben Saha
Cover Image: Harsh Suthar via Pexels
