Things to Do in New Delhi in December

December Weather in New Delhi

23°C (73°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather with daytime highs of 23°C (73°F) and cool evenings at 8°C (47°F) - ideal for walking tours and monument visits without the scorching summer heat
Crystal clear visibility for photography at Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar due to minimal rainfall and low pollution levels from reduced construction activity
Peak season for Delhi's famous winter street food - vendors serve hot specialties like chole bhature, paranthas at Paranthe Wali Gali, and fresh jalebis that are perfect in cool weather
Wedding season brings colorful processions through Old Delhi streets, flower markets overflow with marigolds and roses, and evening cultural performances at venues like Kingdom of Dreams

Considerations

Dense fog between 6-10am can disrupt flight schedules and reduce visibility for early morning sightseeing - particularly affects December 15-31
Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation rates in December and advance booking required for quality hotels in Connaught Place and Khan Market areas
Air quality deteriorates in late December due to crop burning in Punjab - AQI often reaches 200-300, requiring masks for sensitive individuals

Best Activities in December

Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tours

December's cool mornings (8-15°C/47-59°F) make traversing the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid comfortable. The winter light creates perfect photography conditions for the Mughal architecture, and street food vendors are at their peak serving seasonal specialties. Crowds are manageable before 10am when fog lifts.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks 7-10 days ahead for morning slots (8-11am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Tours typically cost ₹1,500-2,500 ($18-30) including tastings. Look for certified Delhi Tourism guides with small group sizes under 12 people.

India Gate and Central Delhi Monument Tours

December's clear skies and 70% humidity create ideal conditions for exploring Rajpath, India Gate, and President's House. The winter sun provides excellent lighting for photography without harsh shadows. Evening visits (4-6pm) offer comfortable 18°C (64°F) temperatures perfect for picnics on the lawns.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work well, but guided tours (₹2,000-3,500/$24-42) provide historical context. Book 5-7 days ahead for sunset timing slots. Battery-operated vehicles available for elderly visitors at India Gate for ₹200-300.

Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens Nature Walks

December showcases Delhi's gardens at their finest - winter flowers bloom in Lodhi Gardens while the 16th-century Mughal architecture of Humayun's Tomb stands crisp against clear blue skies. Morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) make walking the 2.5 km (1.6 miles) of garden paths refreshing.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners. Gardens open sunrise to sunset. Photography tours cost ₹3,000-4,500 and should be booked 10-14 days ahead for golden hour slots. Combine both locations in a half-day tour.

Connaught Place Shopping and Food Tours

December evenings bring perfect weather for exploring CP's colonial architecture and underground Palika Bazaar. The circular market comes alive after 5pm when temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F). Winter brings seasonal shopping for warm shawls, leather jackets, and traditional wedding wear.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ₹2,500-4,000 including 8-10 tastings across multiple restaurants. Book 3-5 days ahead for evening slots. Shopping tours should focus on government emporiums for guaranteed quality. Avoid touts near metro stations.

Akshardham Temple Evening Light Shows

December's clear evenings provide perfect conditions for Akshardham's water and light show. The 45-minute multimedia presentation is comfortable in 12°C (54°F) evening temperatures. The temple's intricate stone carvings are beautifully illuminated against December's crisp night sky.

Booking Tip: Temple entry is free but water show tickets cost ₹300-500. Book shows 2-3 days ahead as December is peak season. Last entry 6pm, shows at 7:15pm and 8:15pm. No cameras allowed inside - secure lockers available for ₹50.

Qutub Minar Archaeological Complex Tours

The 73m (240ft) victory tower and surrounding 12th-century ruins are spectacular in December's golden winter light. Clear skies provide unobstructed views of the intricate Indo-Islamic carvings. Cool weather makes climbing the complex's elevated areas comfortable for all ages.

Booking Tip: Entry ₹600 for foreigners, ₹40 for Indians. Audio guides available for ₹200. Photography enthusiasts should book golden hour tours (₹3,500-5,000) 10-14 days ahead. The site requires 2-3 hours to explore properly.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Delhi International Arts Festival

Month-long celebration featuring classical music, dance performances, and art exhibitions across venues like NCPA and India Habitat Centre. December's pleasant evenings make outdoor cultural events particularly enjoyable.

December 24-25

Christmas Celebrations at Sacred Heart Cathedral

Beautiful midnight mass services and carol singing in New Delhi's premier Catholic church. The colonial-era architecture combined with winter decorations creates a magical atmosphere for both religious and cultural visitors.

December 31

New Year's Eve at Connaught Place

Delhi's biggest public New Year celebration with live music, food stalls, and fireworks. The circular colonial architecture provides a unique backdrop for festivities, though crowds exceed 50,000 people.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (47°F) but afternoons reach 23°C (73°F), so pack lightweight sweaters you can remove easily

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - December mornings have heavy dew making marble surfaces at monuments slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off marble monuments causes quick burns even in cool weather

Light scarf or dupatta - required for entering religious sites like Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, plus useful for pollution protection

N95 or KN95 masks - air quality deteriorates in late December with AQI reaching 200-300 from crop burning smoke

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively in Delhi's complex street layout

Cash in small denominations (₹50, ₹100 notes) - many street vendors and auto-rickshaws don't accept large notes or digital payments

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer - essential for street food exploration and after visiting crowded monuments

Warm jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 8°C (47°F) after sunset, especially during outdoor cultural events

Comfortable walking shoes - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring Delhi's spread-out monuments and markets

Insider Knowledge

Visit monuments between 11am-2pm when fog clears but before afternoon crowds arrive - locals avoid peak 3-5pm when tour buses dominate

Take the Airport Express Metro (₹60) instead of pre-paid taxis (₹400-600) - it's faster during December traffic and connects directly to Connaught Place

Book accommodations in Khan Market or Lodhi Road areas rather than Paharganj - better December air quality due to wider roads and fewer vehicles

Purchase a Delhi Metro Tourist Card (₹200 for 3 days) - December's cool weather makes metro stations comfortable and it covers all major attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking early morning (6-9am) outdoor tours without checking fog forecasts - visibility drops to under 50m (164ft) mid-December making sightseeing impossible

Wearing heavy winter coats all day - December afternoons reach 23°C (73°F) causing overheating, then being cold when temperatures drop 15 degrees at sunset

Not carrying masks for air quality - late December AQI often exceeds 200, but tourists underestimate the impact on breathing during outdoor activities