Goa experiences calm weather all year, but winters are special. In case you are not an Indian national or are confused, the winter duration continues from November to February in this beautiful land.
You would not feel cold in the daytime, as the temperature hovers around 30°C. However, during the nighttime, the temperature falls to 18°C. January is the coldest month of all of them. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Goa during these months, it indeed is a good idea.
Going for the first time and have no idea of what to do and make the trip memorable?
Well, read ahead, because it will help you out for sure.
Things to do in Goa during Winter Time
Be a Part of Celebrations and Festivities
There are perks of visiting Goa in this season. You will witness a slew of exciting parties from sunset to sunrise, making your trip memorable. New Year and Christmas celebrations are some of the most popular festivities you can enjoy while staying in Goa during winter times.
Not only Beaches but temples, churches, and old streets are also pleasant during these times. So, even if you do not like partying, Goa won’t be boring for you.
Visit Temples to Rejuvenate Your Soul
Goa is always a travel hub in India. Out of the hustle and bustle, Goa has some places of belief as well. Temples are one of the attractions in Goa. Some of the temples are:
- Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple
- Maruti Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple
- Mahadeva Temple
- Shri Shantadurga Temple
- Shri Damodar Temple
- Mahalia Temple
History buffs can also go out and explore the traces of Mahabharat to feel close to ancients.
Wander in the Bird Sanctuary
One of the best places to visit during winter is the Salim Bird Sanctuary, heaven for birds. In December, the Sanctuary on Charao Island is a vacation for Migratory as well as domestic birds. If you are among the nature lovers or bird enthusiasts seeking a respite in nature’s lap, then you must visit this place.
Treat yourself in Restaurants and Bars
Goa being the party-state, it is obvious to witness some of the best restaurants with an ambit of various combinations and options of local Goan flavors, Indian seafood, and international flavors all in together.
Goa restaurants have sea-facing places where you can enjoy dinner under the open air or stargaze with your partner, sipping great wine and international cuisines.
With a breathtaking view of the beach along with an amazing laid-back vibe, you will discover great seafood here. Goan cuisine and local food can be found at a modest price in various restaurants and at food points. So, do not miss a chance to enjoy delicacies.
Enjoy Amazing beach views
Goa is known for its relaxing beaches at a stretch. The beaches, either in the north or in the south of Goa! Enjoy and relax in the arms of the natural beauty, crazy, fun-loving crowds, shacks spread all through the beach, and water adventure at Baga, Candolim, Colva, Calangute, Agonda and Palolem beaches.
Beaches with a lively and fresh appearance with surprising blue-green waters are well-known and most visited. The time commitment for this one you have to invest around 4–5 hours, but it will be an amazing experience for you.
Budget-friendly Stay in Goa during winters.
No doubt, Goa will be most crowded and expensive during the New Year and Christmas evening duration, but there are few places where you can make your pre-booking and enjoy your stay.
Under Rs 2000 per night
If you are a bachelor or a solo traveler, you can easily get hostel beds in Goa for around 1k to 2k per night. Numerous hostels provide you with stay as well as food, and you can also customize them accordingly.
Above Rs 2000
You can go for private rooms in dorms or hostels that can cost you around Rs 2500 or above or below according to your requirement. If finding carefully, you will find cost-effective rooms in this range for more than 1 person too. For example, goa.biz hotel listing has amazing options for you.
Home Stay
If you are a group of people, you can book a beach-facing homestay and live as you want. It will cost you around 4k to 5k according to the number of rooms and amount of services. Homestay is good for families as well.
Hotels
If you want a luxury stay with your friends or families, there are various hotels according to your budget. These hotels allow two to four people in one room, and if you are with kids, they will give you special arrangements for that.
Before We Go: Plan to Follow COVID-19 Guidelines on Your Trip to Goa
Though COVID is still there but with precautions, visiting Goa and enjoying the vacations is possible and safe already. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels in Goa follow COVID guidelines and allow the visitors to enter.
It is better to get your both vaccine doses before you leave for Goa. Also, always wear a mask and keep a hand sanitizer with you, as you cannot enter a single place without a mask on.
If visiting the place with children, you need to be more cautious and ensure their well-being more. It is hard to avoid crowds in this historic vacation destination, therefore, please read all the government-released COVID guidelines before visiting Goa.