Goa in December: weather, events and what a villa costs
Updated 8 November 2026 by Ketan, Colva
December is Goa's driest, busiest month. IMD's normals give Panjim highs of about 33°C and lows of about 21°C, with rain on less than one day. Events include the Feast of St Francis Xavier on 3 December and the Serendipity Arts Festival from 13 to 20 December 2026. It is also the most expensive month for villas, so book early.
What is the weather like in Goa in December?
December in Goa is dry, sunny and warm by day, with cooler evenings. IMD's long-term normals give Panjim an average high of 32.9°C and an average low of 20.9°C in December. South Goa averages 13.3 mm of rain in the month, with rain on less than one day.
| Month | Panjim average high | Panjim average low | South Goa rain (mm) | South Goa rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 31.8°C | 24.0°C | 171.6 | 7.9 |
| November | 33.2°C | 22.6°C | 38.5 | 2.0 |
| December | 32.9°C | 20.9°C | 13.3 | 0.6 |
| January | 32.4°C | 20.2°C | 1.8 | 0.1 |
| February | 32.2°C | 20.7°C | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Source: IMD, Climate of Goa, Tables II and V. Temperatures are 1981 to 2010 normals at the Panjim observatory; rain is 1961 to 2010 normals for South Goa district. A rainy day has 2.5 mm of rain or more.
IMD notes that the gap between day and night temperatures is widest from November to March, 8°C to 12°C, because of dry winds from the land. Pack a light layer for evenings, early flights and scooter rides.
What events are on in Goa in December 2026?
December has a festival or feast most weeks. These are the dated ones for the 2026-27 season. In 2026, 3 December is a Thursday, the Serendipity Arts Festival runs Sunday to Sunday, 25 December is a Friday and 31 December is a Thursday:
- International Film Festival of India, 20 to 28 November 2026: the 57th edition, held in Goa, according to the National Film Development Corporation's call for entries. Goa Tourism says screenings and entertainment along the Panaji promenade are open to more than film delegates.
- Feast of St Francis Xavier, 3 December: Goa's patron saint, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where his relics have been kept since 1637. Goa Tourism says the feast draws thousands of pilgrims, with a nine-day novena before it and a fair alongside.
- Serendipity Arts Festival, 13 to 20 December 2026: the 11th edition, in Panjim, with visual arts, music, theatre, dance, craft and culinary programmes, PTI reported. Goa Tourism says its venues have included the Old Secretariat, the Old GMC complex and Campal Grounds, and that it is open to all ages.
- Christmas and New Year: the peak of the season. For 31 December, read our New Year 2026-27 villa guide, which covers confirmed events, music rules and traffic.
- Feast of the Three Kings, 6 January: at Cansaulim in South Goa, about 16 km from Margao. Goa Tourism says three boys dressed as the Magi ride down the hill to the chapel, and the feast closes the Christmas season.
Event dates change. Check the organiser's site in the week before you travel.
What do villas cost in December compared with the rest of the year?
December is the most expensive month for a Goa villa. On Airbnb's area pages, read on 8 November 2026, the December average was the highest of the year in every area we checked. These averages cover all villa sizes, so a large pool villa for a group will cost more.
| Area (Airbnb villa page) | Cheapest month | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Goa (all) | ₹14,096 (July) | ₹16,070 | ₹18,701 | ₹16,915 |
| South Goa (all) | ₹6,766 (June, July) | ₹8,458 | ₹11,747 | ₹9,304 |
| Colva | ₹5,826 (May) | ₹8,458 | ₹11,089 | ₹8,740 |
| Benaulim | ₹6,484 (June) | ₹7,330 | ₹10,807 | ₹9,210 |
| Majorda | ₹7,236 (June, July) | ₹9,304 | ₹14,378 | ₹10,713 |
Airbnb publishes only a monthly average, so price your exact nights: Christmas week and 31 December can sit well above it. For how much those dates add, and prices by bedroom count, read what a Goa villa costs per night.
When should you book a villa for December?
Book months ahead. Goa Tourism's own winter advice is to book well in advance because getting a stay at the last minute is tough in the peak season. Our New Year guide covers the minimum stays villas ask for over 31 December.
Before you pay a deposit for peak dates, read how to book a Goa villa directly and safely. Discounted listings that do not exist are a known trap: North Goa police said in January 2025 that one gang had likely targeted more than 500 people, as our guide to tourist scams in Goa explains.
Can you do water sports in Goa in December?
Yes. Goa Tourism says water sports such as scuba diving and parasailing are back in action in winter, and gives October to March as the season when the sea is calm. Buy tickets only at official counters: Goa's tourism department now lists buying water-sports or cruise tickets from unofficial counters among punishable nuisances.
North or South Goa in December?
Pick by what you want from the trip. The film festival and the Serendipity Arts Festival are in Panaji, in the middle of the state. The Feast of the Three Kings is in South Goa, and the South Goa villages have the lower villa averages in the table above. Compare the two in North Goa or South Goa for a villa holiday, or start with where to stay in South Goa. When you have chosen, see our villas with live December dates.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department: Climate of Goa (February 2019), Tables II and V and temperature chapter, checked 8 November 2026
- Akashvani News: NFDC invites entries for 57th International Film Festival of India, checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: IFFI, checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: Feast of St Francis Xavier, checked 8 November 2026
- ThePrint (PTI): 11th Serendipity Arts Festival to take place from December 13-20 (12 May 2026), checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: Serendipity Art Festival, checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: Feasts and Festivals in South Goa, checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: Winter Activities, checked 8 November 2026
- Goa Tourism: Patnem Beach (season and sea conditions), checked 8 November 2026
- Business Today: Planning a Goa trip? These beach activities could now land tourists with hefty fines up to ₹1 lakh (3 August 2026), checked 8 November 2026
- The Goan: Police nab cybercriminals for scamming over 500 with fake Goa hotel bookings (21 January 2025), checked 8 November 2026
- Airbnb: North Goa villa rentals (monthly average prices), checked 8 November 2026
- Airbnb: South Goa villa rentals (monthly average prices), checked 8 November 2026
- Airbnb: Colva villa rentals (monthly average prices), checked 8 November 2026
- Airbnb: Benaulim villa rentals (monthly average prices), checked 8 November 2026
- Airbnb: Majorda villa rentals (monthly average prices), checked 8 November 2026
Questions people ask
Is December a good time to visit Goa?
Yes, for weather. IMD's long-term normals give Goa less than one rainy day in December, with Panjim at about 32.9°C by day and 20.9°C at night. The trade-off is price and crowds: December is the most expensive month on Airbnb's villa averages for every area we checked.
Is Goa cold in December?
No. IMD's normals for Panjim give a December minimum of 20.9°C and a maximum of 32.9°C. January is the coolest month, with a minimum of about 20.2°C at Panjim. A light layer is enough for evenings near the sea or on a scooter.
When is IFFI in Goa in 2026?
From 20 to 28 November 2026, according to the National Film Development Corporation. It is the 57th International Film Festival of India. Goa Tourism says screenings and entertainment along the Panaji promenade are open to the public as well as to film delegates.
Is Goa expensive in December?
Yes. On Airbnb's villa pages, read on 8 November 2026, December is the most expensive month in every area we checked. The North Goa average was ₹18,701 a night in December against ₹14,096 in July, and Colva's was ₹11,089 against ₹5,826 in May.
Can you swim in Goa in December?
Yes, at beaches with lifeguards. Goa Tourism gives October to March as the season when the sea is calm, and says water sports such as scuba diving and parasailing are back in winter. Swim between the flags and buy water-sports tickets only at official counters.
When is the Feast of St Francis Xavier?
3 December every year, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where his relics are kept. Goa Tourism says the feast draws thousands of pilgrims, the nine-day novena before it is well attended, and a fair runs alongside.
Is Goa crowded in December?
Yes. Goa Tourism calls winter the start of the season and talks of a peak season rush, with IFFI and the Serendipity Arts Festival drawing visitors. Sunburn is not in Goa this year: its 2026 edition is at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on 18 and 19 December. A villa in a quieter village, away from the main beach roads, helps a family avoid the worst of it.
Information only, checked on the date above. Prices, rules and timings in Goa change; confirm with the venue or authority before you travel.