Goa in December: Weather, Stay, Festival, Events & More!

Goa is on the bucket list of every traveler. It has something for everyone- trekking, camping, water sports, street shopping, and yes, of course clubbing and partying!

It is flocked by tourists all around the year but December witnesses maximum footfall as the weather is extremely pleasant compared to the other months. It is the peak time of year when parties are in full swing and all the popular beaches are bustling with partygoers all night. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are when the party spirits peak in Goa in December. 

If you are planning to visit Goa this December, here is everything you need to know!

When is the best time to visit Goa?

Well, if you are a party freak you do not want to miss the last 2 weeks of December. It is that time when every nook and cranny is fully decked up and you get to witness why it is called India’s Nightlife capital.

But if you are on a budget travel, it is recommended to visit during December’s first week. This is the time when the prices are reasonable, all the activities are available, and the place is bursting with excitement to welcome the New Year.

Goan Weather in December- Humidity and Temperature

You can make the most of your Goa trip in December because the weather will be in your favor. Every day is a bright sunny day- it is warm enough to bask in the sun but not too harsh to give you the sun burns!

The average high is 33ºC during the daytime, perfect for sitting by the side of a beach, enjoying water activities, or just taking a leisurely walk soaking in the Goan charm.

At night the temperature drops to 21ºC, and you can enjoy the nightlife with pleasant beach vibes.

The average relative humidity is typically 54.2% so, it is best to pack light clothes and do not forget sunscreen!

Goa Staycation in December

For backpackers or anyone else traveling to Goa, opting for a train can not only cut down the traveling cost but they can also enjoy the charm of the Konkan region. The railway stations are well-linked to every part of the country making it a convenient option. There are regular trains to and from Goa and one can avail of taxi service to get to their hotels after reaching there. 

For people who want a quicker option, you can take a flight. There’s Dabolim Airport, 26 km away from Panaji. It is the main domestic as well as international aerodrome. AirAsia India, Air India, IndiGo, and JetAirways have regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Chennai, and Pune.
It also serves a few international destinations such as Muscat, Doha, and Copenhagen.

Again, taxi services are easily available from the airport anywhere in Goa.

And for those of you who want to go road-tripping like the trio in Dil Chahta Hai, the national highways are extremely smooth and you can steer your wheels through them while enjoying the scenic views.

Now that you know your travel options, here are some options for your stay:

If you are on a solo trip or backpacking, there are many dormitories even with air conditioning. 

Some people also prefer to sleep in shacks on the beaches to wake up to a beautiful sunrise! You also get beach-facing resorts and hotels but remember to book them well in advance. These places get sold out like hotcakes!

But if you are traveling with family or friends, you can opt for the luxury beach villa, Azara Beach House, in Candolim. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The spacious 5-bedroom villa is designed with modern aesthetics and adorned with coastal hues to create a unique ambiance for the guests. 

Located just 300 meters from the beach house is the Candomil Beach from where you can get all the vitamin sea! You can take a stroll and enjoy the beach vibes.

The property is also at a convenient location to visit some of the popular tourist places- Fort Aguada, Sinquerim Fort, Coco Beach, etc. 

Transportation: 

A short December weekend, say, 2 nights and 3 days will allow you to experience most of Goa. If you choose to get there by your car, then commuting to explore places is hassle-free. But if you have taken a flight, do not worry because Goa offers convenient chauffeur-driven luxury taxi services. You can either pre-book them or usually someone at the villa will help you get in touch with local transportation services.

Most of the transportation services agree to pick you up from Airports or pretty much any place in Goa. 

For people who want to drive by themselves, there are luxury self-drive cars in Goa. Cruise along the picturesque beaches or go on a long drive along the lush countryside in your comfort with the option of luxury cars. 

Food: 

Goa is known for its delectable cuisine. The cost depends on where you’d like to dine in. There are some great food options for even Rs.100/ head and some may go up to 500/ head. 

Goan fish curry or the Xitti Kodi as they call it, is the staple diet of every Goan. It is a must-try!

Some of the other dishes to try are ​​Prawn balchão- the traditional food of Goa, Poee is a kind of bread and is sold in every bakery. Sorpotel is another meat-made food (mutton, pork, or beef liver)- which is usually a breakfast dish in Goa. There are more dishes to try and it is best if you ask the restaurant chef for suggestions to experience true Goan food.

A well-planned budget to spend in Goa in December ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Festivals and Events In December 2023

Sunburn 2023

This needs no introduction but for the ones who do not know, it is the craziest EDM festival in Asia which attracts fans from more than 30 countries! It goes on for 3 days and happens at the end of December in Goa. It is held at the Vagator beach. It is an experience of unlimited fun- extravagant stages, ecstatic ambiance, and eccentric music! It is a lit event. 

The ticket pricing starts at around Rs.3000 and early booking is recommended given the popularity.

Dencedelic Presents Mezerg Live In Goa

Mezerg is a multi-talented instrumentalist and one of the most creative musicians performing at Noise Goa on December 1st. He is known for his acoustic performance and makes music with rhythms that range from funk to acid techno, improvising with keyboards for which he is popularly known.
So, get ready for a night of techno and electronic ecstasy at the Merzer live concert!

Serendipity Arts Festival 2023

For all the art aficionados, plan your trip around mid-December to witness India’s largest multidisciplinary arts festival! It is a 9-day festival with a key focus on supporting artists and creative expressions from the South Asian region. 

There is a diverse curation line-up that will recreate a visual vocabulary across the arts. Save the dates- it is happening between 15th- 23rd December in Panjim, Goa.

Shoonya The Festival of Nothingness

For those of you who are planning to visit Goa to rest and rejuvenate, the Shoony Festival is the one you must attend! This transformative experience features yoga, music, mindfulness, and eco-conscious living. 

It is happening in the picturesque backdrop of Colomb Beach at Palolem Beach. 

The 3-day (Dec 1- Dec 3rd) weekend retreat is organized to harmonize mind, heart, and body. 

R3SET 3.0 NYE

New Year’s Eve in Goa is all about eat, sleep, rave, repeat! Only there’s more of rave, repeat! Reset is performing this December 31st at Dream Beach, Goa and it is the biggest psytrance party. Kick off the year in high spirits and welcome 2024 with a bang.

Limited early bird tickets are available on their website priced at Rs.2500. Plan your trip and book them!

New Year Party On A Cruise

Where there’s a beach, there’s a cruise party! And what better than to welcome 2024 on a cruise? It’s all about dance, games, food, and booze! The 3 house cruise on the river Mandovi has a DJ playing the popular Hindi and English songs, Portuguese folk dance, and fireworks at midnight.
Partying on a cruise is the true Goa party experience to start the New Year. Tickers are priced at Rs.3999.

As the sun-kissed beaches come alive with a blast of parties in December, the air is filled with infectious energy that defines Goa’s legendary nightlife. For those seeking the thrill of party life or simply opting to stay in a scenic villa or resort this December, book your tickets!