December is a great time to visit Surat, India, for several reasons:
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Weather: While the weather in Surat is generally mild throughout the year, December is particularly pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F. This makes it an ideal time to explore the city’s many attractions without having to worry about extreme heat or cold.
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Festivals and Events: December is a time of celebration in Surat, with several festivals and events taking place throughout the month. This includes the Surat International Kite Festival, which attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world and transforms the city’s skies into a kaleidoscope of color.
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Cultural Significance: December is a significant month for Surat, as it marks the anniversary of the city’s foundation. This is celebrated with various cultural events, performances, and exhibitions, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and traditions.
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Shopping: Surat is known for its vibrant shopping scene, and December is a great time to take advantage of end-of-year sales and discounts. Visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern fashion and electronics at Surat’s many markets and shopping centers.
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Cuisine: Surat is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which blends Gujarati, Parsi, and Mughal influences. December is a great time to sample the city’s many street food stalls and restaurants, which offer a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes.
Weather In Surat During December
The weather in Surat, India during December is typically mild and pleasant, with warm days and cool nights.
- Average temperature: The average temperature in Surat in December is 21°C (70°F), with highs of around 26°C (79°F) and lows of around 16°C (61°F).
- Rainfall: December is a relatively dry month in Surat, with an average of only 10mm of rainfall.
- Humidity: The humidity in Surat in December is moderate, averaging around 65%.
- Wind speed: The average wind speed in Surat in December is 10km/h (6mph).
Overall, the weather in Surat in December is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it is important to be prepared for occasional rain showers, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Things To Do In Surat In December
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Annual Gujarat International Trade Fair (GITF): Held from December 15 to December 31, this mega trade fair showcases the best of Gujarat’s industries, products, and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy a range of exhibitions, cultural performances, live concerts, and food stalls.
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Surat Diamond Festival: Surat is known as the diamond capital of the world, and this festival traditionally takes place every December to celebrate the city’s vibrant diamond industry. The festival features a glittering display of diamonds, jewelry shows, and exhibitions.
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International Kite Festival: While not exclusive to December, the International Kite Festival is a vibrant celebration that often takes place in the city during the winter months. The festival attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world and features a colorful display of kites of all shapes and sizes.
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Hajira Village Fair: Located 20 kilometers from Surat, this traditional fair is held annually in December. It features traditional Gujarati music, dance, and folk performances, as well as a variety of stalls selling local handicrafts, textiles, and delicacies.
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Christmas Celebrations: While not a major festival in Surat, Christmas is celebrated by the city’s Christian community. Churches hold special services, and there are festive decorations and markets in some areas of the city.
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New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Surat welcomes the New Year with fireworks, parties, and special events. Popular tourist spots like Dumas Beach and Hajira Beach often host New Year’s Eve parties with live music, food, and entertainment.
Tourism In Surat, India During December
During December, Surat bustles with activity as tourists flock to the city to witness the grandeur of the Surat Festival, held annually on the banks of the Tapi River. This vibrant festival showcases Surat’s rich cultural heritage through dance, music, art, and cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Gujarati folk dances like Garba and Raas, as well as contemporary performances by renowned artists. The festival also features a grand exhibition showcasing Surat’s renowned textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry.
Religious tourism also gains momentum in December with the celebration of Christmas. Surat’s churches, particularly the historic Kosad Catholic Church and the grandeur of the Surat Baptist Church, come alive with festive decorations and special services. Tourists can immerse themselves in the city’s Christian traditions and attend Christmas Eve masses or witness the lively processions, which are a beautiful display of Surat’s communal harmony.
Moreover, December marks the peak of the annual pilgrimage season to the nearby religious site of Hajira. Pilgrims from across India visit the Dargah of Hazrat Shahbaz Wali, a revered Sufi saint, seeking blessings and spiritual rejuvenation. Tourists can witness the elaborate rituals and ceremonies associated with the pilgrimage, gaining insights into the local religious practices.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Surat during December offers a chance to explore the scenic Surat Dumas Beach, known for its unique black sand. The beach bustles with activities like camel rides, horse-drawn carriage tours, and kite flying. Tourists can also savor delicious local delicacies prepared by street vendors lining the beach.
Overall, Surat in December is a kaleidoscope of cultural, religious, and natural attractions, providing tourists with a memorable and enriching experience.