December is one of the best months to visit Varanasi. The heat of summer is long gone, the crowds of Dev Deepawali have thinned out, and the city settles into calm, cool days that are perfect for walking the ghats and sitting through a long temple visit without breaking a sweat.
If you are wondering what to expect from Varanasi weather in December, here is the short version: cool mornings, mild afternoons, cold nights, and a good chance of fog if you are out early. Below is the full breakdown with temperatures, what to pack, and how the month compares to the rest of the season.
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Varanasi Temperature in December
Varanasi in December stays comfortably cool through the day and gets genuinely cold at night. Here is what the numbers usually look like.
| Time of day | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F) |
| Nighttime low | 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F) |
| Early December | Warmer, highs near 25°C to 26°C |
| Late December | Cooler, highs drop to around 22°C to 23°C |
Temperatures drop through the month, so the last week of December is noticeably colder than the first. On the coldest nights, especially near the end of the month, it can fall close to 8°C. On record, Varanasi has seen a December low of around 4°C on an unusually cold night, and a December high of around 33°C on an unusually warm day, but these are exceptions, not the norm.
Morning Fog in December
December is one of the foggier months in Varanasi. Dense fog is common in the early mornings, especially in the last two weeks of the month. This is worth planning around, since fog can delay flights, trains and even morning boat rides on the Ganga.
If you have an early flight or train out of Varanasi in December, it helps to build in extra buffer time. For the sunrise boat ride, fog usually clears by mid-morning, so a slightly later start on foggy days often works better than pushing through a 6 AM ride with zero visibility.
Chance of Rain
Rain is rare in December. Most sources put it at 0 to 1 rainy days for the whole month, with total rainfall under 10mm. If it does rain, it usually comes as one short spell rather than days of drizzle. This makes December a safe month to plan outdoor sightseeing without worrying much about your schedule getting washed out.
Sunshine and Daylight
December gets plenty of sun, generally 7 to 9 hours of bright sunshine a day. Afternoons are often pleasantly warm in direct sun, even while the air feels cool. This is the kind of weather that makes ghat-side walks and boat rides genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure.
What to Wear in Varanasi in December
Layering is the key to dressing right for this month, since mornings and evenings feel very different from the afternoon.
- Mornings and evenings: A jacket or heavy sweater, since temperatures can dip into single digits, especially late in the month.
- Daytime: A light sweater or full-sleeve shirt is usually enough once the sun is up.
- Nights: Thermals are a good idea if you are out for the Ganga Aarti or a late dinner, since the temperature drop after sunset is sharp.
- Footwear: Closed shoes are more comfortable than sandals, especially for early morning ghat walks.
- Extras: A scarf or shawl works well for both warmth and for covering your head at temples.
If you are heading to Kashi Vishwanath Temple or other shrines, keep in mind that modest clothing is expected regardless of the season.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Varanasi?
Yes. December sits right in the middle of Varanasi's best travel window, which runs from October to March. Compared to November, the weather is similar but the festival crowds from Dev Deepawali have cleared out, so temples, ghats and hotels are calmer. Compared to January, December is a touch warmer during the day, though both months bring cold nights and morning fog.
The main thing to plan around is the fog and the temperature drop after sunset. Otherwise, this is a comfortable month for full days of sightseeing, boat rides and walking through the old city lanes.
December Around Christmas and New Year
The last week of December, especially around Christmas and New Year, sees a rise in domestic tourists visiting Varanasi. Hotels near the ghats fill up faster and prices go up compared to earlier in the month. If your trip falls in this window, it is worth booking your hotel and cab well in advance rather than arriving without a plan.
What to Do in Varanasi in December
The cool weather makes this a good month for almost everything the city offers.
- Sunrise boat ride: Cool mornings make the ride pleasant, though check for fog first. See our boat ride price and booking guide for current rates.
- Ganga Aarti: Evenings are cold, so bring a jacket if you are watching from the ghat steps. Check our Ganga Aarti timing guide before you go.
- Temple visits: Comfortable temperatures make it easy to visit multiple temples in a day. See our guide to temples in Varanasi for a full list.
- Shopping in the old city: Cooler weather makes the narrow lanes around Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar much more comfortable to explore than in summer. Our things to buy in Varanasi guide has the full list.
- Sarnath day trip: A cool, dry day is ideal for walking around the stupas and museum grounds.
How December Compares to Other Months
| Month | Daytime high | Nighttime low | Rain | Crowd level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | Warm, 30°C+ | Mild | Low | Moderate |
| November | Warm to mild | Cool | Very low | High (festival season) |
| December | Mild, 22-26°C | Cold, 8-14°C | Very low | Moderate |
| January | Mild, similar to Dec | Cold, similar to Dec | Very low | Moderate |
For a full look at the earlier months, see our guides on Varanasi weather in October and Varanasi weather in November. For the bigger picture across the year, our best time to visit Varanasi guide breaks down every season.
Planning Your Trip Cost for December
December sits in peak season pricing for hotels, especially around Christmas and New Year. If you are budgeting for the trip, our Varanasi trip cost guide covers what to expect across budget, mid-range and comfort options.
Conclusion
Varanasi weather in December is cool, mostly dry, and comfortable for a full day of sightseeing, though mornings and nights need a jacket and you should plan around possible fog. It is one of the better months to visit, especially if you want the calm of winter without the heavy Dev Deepawali crowds of November.
