We know Goa is loved for its sun-kissed beaches, golden sand, tropical weather, and its summer-holiday vibes. But, the charm of Goa remains the same all through the year. In fact, one can have a gala time in Goa during winters as well. A lot more fun and festivities are waiting for you in winter.
If you have no idea about this then scroll down as we have included a detailed food and festival guide for your winter vacation in Goa.
Winters in Goa
Before you plan a trip to Goa in winter, keep your knowledge updated about the winter season here. Winters in Goa starts in November and stays till February. Being a coastal region, Goa doesn’t have chilling winters. The day temperature remains pleasant and hardly dips below 28 degrees Celsius. The night is cozy as the temperature remains anywhere between 15-18 degrees.
Even during winters, there is no fog. You’ll have ample sunlight and no rainfall during this time of the year.
While you’re planning to visit Goa in the winter, keep one thing in mind that the place will be crowded. People across the world come here to enjoy the merrymaking of Christmas and New Year. It’s hard to keep-up yourself away from various events and festivals happening in Goa during the winter season.
Because of this, you have to end up paying more for your Goa trip in winter. Hotels, cabs, flights, and everything else will be a little more expensive during winters. So, plan accordingly. Also, we would say to keep your trip minimum 3-4 days long to make most of it. During winter, something or other keeps on going and Goa and you should miss few nearby events because of time crunch.
Festivals in Goa That Will Make Your Winter Trip a Lifetime Event
Despite the higher cost, a winter trip to Goa is all worth it as there would be many festivals and events going on to give you a gala time. Here is a quick guide on them.
Sunburn Festival
All through the years, people wait for the Sunburn Festival. It’s the biggest event in Goa and attracts fun-lovers and travelers across the globe. If you’re an EDM concert lover then attending Sunburn Festival should be on your bucket list. Dopest music, wildest party, and never-ending fun are your takeaways from this festival.
Techno artists and music bands attend this festival and offer everything that one needs to be entertained. The event takes place at Vagator Beach every year and is a must-have while you’re in Goa during winters.
Usually, the festival begins in the December end and tickets are sold online as well.
Supersonic Festival
While Sunburn Festival will make your Goa trip a memorable one, Supersonic Festival is for those who need an extra dose of fun and entertainment. India’s famous DJ, NikhilChinappa, hosts this festival and is hard to miss. Various national and international artists give captivating performances at the festival.
Other than music, the sea-side food is also a major reason to attend this festival. It’s one of the greatest EDM events happening in India. The festival happens on Candolim beach. The festival happens in February and is the best place to enjoy the finest techno music.
Mando Festival
So, EDM and techno-music are not your things and need something cultural to keep you engaged? Well, don’t worry. Goa has something to offer you as well.
Mando Festival is one of the most famous festivals happening in Goa during winters that give you a glimpse of Goan culture from close. It’s a splendid dance performance show depicting the love theme perfectly. Men and women decked up in blue-colored costumes dance gracefully on the violin tune. This festival is happening for the past 30 years and has a huge fan following.
If you’re the kind of traveler that loves knowing the culture of the places you visit then nothing is better than the Mando Festival.
St. Francis Xavier’s Feast
Goa is so fun-filled that the religious events here are no less than a fair or festival. St. Francis Xavier’s Feast is one of them. Celebrated every year on December 3rd, this feast is observed to celebrate St. Francis Xavier’s commemoration. Centuries ago, St. Francis dies and was buried on this day and the feast is celebrated in his memory.
The churches of Goa are lit for this event and you will hear prayers everywhere. It may not have techno music and rap. Still, the event is fascinating and is worth witnessing.
Goa Sunsplash
Goa is heaven for music lovers and has a lot of options.
After Sunburn and Supersonic, we have the Sunsplash festival to recommend. It is the biggest reggae music festival in India and it is enough reason to be its part. While you’re attending this festival, get ready to explore various music genres and scenes at the festival. The white sand of Ashweam beach makes the festival a bit more enticing. Usually, the festival is conducted during the second week of January.
Tattoo Festival
Your Goa trip is not completed if you don’t get a tattoo. The tattoo craze in Goa is so high that there is a festival dedicated to it. Yes, you read it right. Goa hosts a one-of-its-kind Tattoo festival during winters where national and international tattoo artists showcase their talent. If getting a tattoo is on your bucket list then there is no better way than getting it done at a tattoo festival.
Goa Tribal Festival
Not every party or festival in Goa is about fun. Some are about culture as well. After Mando, Goa Tribe Festival is what we would suggest attending during your winter trip to Goa. The festivals happen in early January and showcase the indigenous Goan culture and heritage. The Goan tribe displays their artwork and handicrafts at the festivals. We bet you will surely get some amazing artifacts at this festival.
Food to Enjoy On Your Winter Trip to Goa
While you’re in Goa during the month of December and January, the Christmas and New Year vibes will hit you hard. You will get to see many authentic Portuguese-influenced delicacies on every nook and corner of Goa and we suggest not missing them.
Our first suggestion is Bebinca, a layer cake made from eggs, butter, and coconut milk.
Next, don’t forget to try Christmas dodal. It’s a festival special toffee-like sweet. For the love of curries, try vindaloo. Of course, we don’t have to tell you to try the seafood and sunset cocktails as everyone knows about them. During Christmas time, many restaurants and resorts offer Christmas special meals based on authentic English, European, and Russian culture. You can try them as well.
Pies and plum cakes from German bakeries, spread all over Goa, are a must try during winter as their tastes touch an all-time high during these festivities and you get to see new flavors.
Ending Notes
Goa is a place that never disappoints, be it summer or winter. This place is charismatic always. While you’re in Goa during winters, festivals like Sunburn, Supersonic, Mando, and many more will keep you hooked.
The festivities of Christmas and New Year give you a chance to try some authentic Goan and international cuisines. And when it is about staying, search for the best and cost-convenient hotels and travel packages, visit Goa.Biz. All in all, Goa will have different yet super exciting ways to make your trip memorable in winter.
