What are the best countries to visit in December?? December is a great time to travel, whether you are looking for warm places to visit in December to escape the cold at home, or the best countries to experience Christmas festivities in, hot or cold, it’s just a great month to get away!
In this guide to where to go in December, I’ll cover countries that are unbeatable when it comes to Christmas festivities like Finland and Germany, but also warm countries to visit in December like Thailand and Mexico and countries that are full of life in December like the UAE, based on my experience of visiting many of these best countries in December!
One of my top tips for travelling in December is if you don’t need to go at the end during the Christmas and New Year period, then try to go early in the month to avoid the festive season crowds, school holiday crowds and therefore price increases! So let’s get into it!
1. FINLAND
Let’s start with one of the best places in the world you can visit in December for pure magic – Lapland in Finland! These days, flights to Lapland aka Rovaniemi Airport are very frequent and often inexpensive if you look outside of school holiday time. In fact, many people do an extreme day trip to Lapland for 24 hours! Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, turns the whole “visit Lapland in December” fantasy into something you can actually book with snowy scenery, husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and a real shot at the Northern Lights on a clear night.
If you don’t fancy Lapland, Helsinki’s Christmas markets and city in general offer a lovely December city break and a unique chance to experience very dark days and you can head into the Wilderness of Finland quite easily from Helsinki too!
2. GERMANY
For where to see the best Christmas markets in the world, Germany is the country to visit! Germany’s December weather is properly wintry, hovering around freezing with a good chance of snow in Bavaria and the south, which is exactly the backdrop you want for its legendary Christmas markets. Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, and Berlin all run sprawling Christkindlmärkte through most of the month, making this one of Europe’s most popular December travel destinations for mulled wine, wooden stalls, and festive lights.
Most markets open in the last days of November and run until December 23rd or 24th, so the first three weeks of December are the real window to catch them at full swing. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in the country, is worth planning a trip around on its own.
Related post: 3 Day Berlin Itinerary for your first visit
3. AUSTRIA
Another one of the best countries for Christmas markets is Austria as Vienna and Salzburg both lean hard into the Christmas market season. Austria’s cold Alpine winter, often accompanied by proper snowfall, gives the whole experience a storybook quality that’s hard to match elsewhere in Europe.
At the same time, ski season is opening up in resorts like Innsbruck and Kitzbühel, so this is a country where you can combine a festive city break with early season skiing in the same trip. For Christmas markets, aim for the first three weeks of December, since markets wind down by Christmas Day and for skiing, aim for later in the month.
4. SPAIN
One of the best all round countries to visit in December is Spain! Spain holds onto the heat in a few places, especially in the Canary Islands which people head to for some proper winter sun in Europe. Spain in December is far milder than its northern European neighbours, particularly in Andalusia in mainland Spain, where daytime temperatures often stay comfortable enough for sightseeing in a light jacket rather than a full winter coat (although locals will be in a winter coat!).
Spain is a good option for those who want a festive atmosphere without huge crowds and without the bitter cold like you get in Germany or Austria, with Madrid and Barcelona and other cities running smaller Christmas markets.
Related posts: Southern Spain Itinerary COMPLETE GUIDE – Short or Long Trip!
5. U.K
I can’t write a list on the best countries to go to in December and not include the U.K! December is a magical time of year in the UK with houses and streets lit up for the festive season. When it comes to Christmas markets and Christmas entertainment, London is full of markets and events but other cities like Edinburgh and Bath are also lovely to visit.
December in the UK is often quite mild compared to January so you can enjoy the cities and countryside with some beautiful blue sky and sunny days if you are lucky, and with the sun setting by 4pm you’ll often see some beautiful sunsets. If you want to get a feeling of the film The Holiday in December, you really can head to the Cotswolds or other villages like in the Peak District and enjoy cosy days out walking and with a fire back at your accommodation.
Related posts: 5 PRETTIEST Places to Visit in The Cotswolds!
6. AUSTRALIA
On the other side of the world and Christmas aside, if I had to choose one country that is truly the BEST Country in December, it has to be Australia! I’ve spent 2 Decembers in Australia and as the country comes back into summer, it comes alive again with sports events, days at the beach and al fresco dining, so much so that you actually forget Christmas is approaching, although you will see some decorations which is a novelty if you have always spent Christmas in a cold country!
Talking of Christmas, Christmas Day spent on the beach in Australia along with New Years’ spent waiting for fireworks in a warm temperature is an experience you should have once in your life I believe!
Sydney and Melbourne are ideal places to visit in Australia in December as well as the East Coast now that the humid and wet winter season has ended. If you fancy an epic road trip in December, think about road tripping the West Coast! The only place I’d avoid in Australia in December is the North where it’s better to visit in August in winter!
Related posts: Australia in the Off-Season: Top Winter Destinations
7. NEW ZEALAND
Another one of the top countries to visit in December because of the summer temperature and activities is New Zealand! New Zealand’s summer settles in through December, bringing warmer, more reliable weather and opening up its great walks and beach towns for the season ahead. Early in the month can still carry a bit of spring like unpredictability, so travellers chasing consistently good weather often do best from mid December onward.
It’s a quieter, more nature focused counterpart to Australia’s summer, with long daylight hours ideal for hiking, road tripping, and exploring the coastline without the crowds hitting their peak until closer to the New Year. Local school holidays begin around this time too, so book accommodation early if you’re travelling from mid December.
Related posts: Getting Around New Zealand: What Actually Works
8. EGYPT
December sits right in the middle of Egypt’s best travel season, with mild, dry days that are far more comfortable for exploring the Pyramids of Giza and cruising the Nile than the intense heat of summer making it one of the best places to go in December.
For some winter sun, Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh fill up with travellers chasing warmer temperatures and whilst temperatures are not super hot and not totally ideal for swimming and sunbathing, it’s a lot better than a lot of nearby destinations! Just pack some layers for the evenings when the temperature will drop.
9. UAE
The Gulf is ideal in December after the intense summer heat, the UAE has mild temperatures in December, which is exactly when the desert safaris, outdoor dining, and rooftop pools are beautiful to visit and do. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are consistently ranked among the best places to visit in December for guaranteed sunshine without the discomfort.
UAE National Day on December 2nd brings parades and fireworks across the Emirates, the Dubai Shopping Festival typically kicks off mid month, and New Year’s Eve at the Burj Khalifa is one of the most famous fireworks displays anywhere. With three major events packed into one month, December is arguably the UAE’s most exciting time to visit. You can also get a feeling for Christmas here if you want it, or quite easily ignore it, if that’s what you prefer!
Related posts: PERFECT 5 Day Dubai Itinerary! See the BEST of Dubai 5 Days!
10. SAUDI ARABIA
More and more people are visiting Saudi Arabia and it really is an up and coming destination. For where to travel in December for good weather and local festivities, Saudi Arabia is top of the list! Saudi Arabia in December brings a welcome drop in temperature, especially in Riyadh, the popular tourist area of AlUla and Mecca and Madinah for those who want to carry out the pilgrimage, making outdoor exploring far more comfortable than during the scorching summer months.
Riyadh Season, one of the largest entertainment festivals in the world, runs through much of the winter and fills the capital with concerts, theme parks, and cultural events that didn’t exist for tourists even a few years ago. December specifically is one of the liveliest months to catch it, alongside comfortable conditions for visiting AlUla’s ancient sites and performing Umrah.
Related posts: Riyadh Travel Guide For Tourists to Saudi Arabia!
11. INDIA
One of the countries I have spent the whole of December in is India. I spent the start of it in Rajasthan which is ideal for exploring the ancient cities, forts and temples now the winter months have started. If you want sunshine and an adventure, you can spend 1 to 2 weeks exploring the Golden Triangle of India and Rajasthan visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise in beautiful conditions.
If you fancy a beach holiday in December, I can’t recommend Goa enough! Goa is open again in December after the monsoon season with more beaches available to visit that you can even plan in for all holiday types and budgets. Further south than Goa is Kerala known as God’s country because of its beautiful and lush greenery. I spent the weeks leading up to Christmas on the beaches in Goa and Christmas Day with my friends on the iconic backwaters of Kerala and I couldn’t have been there at a better time of year. India is by far one of the best countries to visit in December!
Related posts: 2 Week South India Itinerary! A Goa & Kerala Itinerary!
12. SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka runs on two separate monsoon systems, and December is when that works firmly in your favour along the west and south coasts, including Colombo, Galle, and the island’s most popular beaches, as the dry season settles in and runs through March. It’s a different weather pattern to the island’s east coast, so location matters when planning a trip this month.
Whale watching season off Mirissa is also getting underway around this time, adding a wildlife focused reason to base yourself on the south coast with plenty of other beaches to visit too and safaris to see Elephants happening inland slightly. For a beach holiday with a side of adventure and mostly good weather promised, it doesn’t get much better than Sri Lanka in December!
Related posts: Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on Your First Trip & Travel Tips!
13. THAILAND
Another one of the countries I have visited a few times in December is Thailand having spent Christmas in Koh Tao and New Year in Koh Phangan home of the Full Moon party which is pretty much what the New Years part is! The thing about Thailand in December is that there are 2 distinct weather patterns between the 2 main sets of islands and whilst the Eastern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are popular for Christmas and New Year because of the fun they offer, the weather isn’t the best and we did experience a lot of day time rain!
The area and islands in the South West like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and nearby islands experience much better weather in December so this is where I’d recommend going. Do note though that this is one of the most popular times to travel to Thailand so costs and availability show in that.
Related posts: EPIC 2 Week Thailand Itinerary – North & South Islands!
14. PHILIPPINES
For one of the best countries in Southeast Asia to visit in December, head to the Philippines for good winter weather and a surprisingly unique take on Christmas Celebrations. The Philippines famously starts its Christmas season in September, but December is when it truly peaks, with cooler, drier weather. It’s often cited as having the longest and most enthusiastic Christmas celebrations anywhere in the world.
For an island hopping adventure and beach holiday, the best areas to visit in the Philippines in December are Palawan, home to the popular town of El Nido, Boracay, with it’s famous white beach and Bohol where you can visit the iconic Chocolate hills because the weather in these areas is mostly dry and cool, and the holiday season brings vibrant local festivals in December making it a great month to visit the Philippines!
15. MALAYSIA
Malaysia’s December weather really depends on which coast you’re on. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and the Cameron Highlands aka generally the west coast of the peninsula stay relatively dry and pleasant, and this is where you should focus a trip over the east coast and much of Borneo.
Due to the main religion in Malaysia being Islam, Christmas cultural festivities are relatively low key compared to some neighbours this time of year however for some, this is a big reason to visit! With great beach weather and comfortable (although still hot and sweaty) city weather, it’s a great place for a December holiday in Asia.
Related posts: 20 BEST Things To Do in Georgetown Malaysia!
16. COSTA RICA
For where to go in Central America in December, Costa Rica is a great country to visit! December marks the true start of Costa Rica’s dry season, known locally as verano, which runs all the way through April and brings long stretches of sunny days after the wetter months. It’s widely regarded as one of the best times of year to visit, particularly for wildlife watching along the Pacific coast.
Beyond the weather, December in Costa Rica has a relaxed, laid back holiday feel rather than one single blowout festival, with beach towns like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa filling up with both local and international visitors as the dry season gets underway. Booking early in the month can mean better rates before the Christmas and New Year rush pushes prices up.
17. MEXICO
Mexico is another one of the countries I’ve visit in December and highly recommend as one of the best countries to visit in December. We went for 1 week in early December flying into Cancun and spending a week working down the East Coast to Tulum, inland to the wonder of the world Chichén Itzá and finally the island we loved most, Isla Holbox.
December in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico offers dry and sunny days with hot but comfortable heat. This is a popular Christmas and New Year destination, especially for Americans and I can see why because you can celebrate Christmas on the beach and if that’s what you’re looking for too, then go for it! However if you want fewer crowds and a reduction in holiday prices, head there in early December like we did!
Related posts: 1 Week Mexico Itinerary! Yucatán Road Trip in DETAIL!
18. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic’s hurricane season officially wraps up on November 30th, which makes December one of the safest and driest months to visit, with warm, sunny days settling in across Punta Cana and the north coast. This shift into the dry season is exactly why December kicks off the island’s peak travel period.
Warm, reliable weather combined with the run up to Christmas and New Year gives resorts and beach towns a genuinely festive, high energy atmosphere. Early December offers the same great weather as the holidays with noticeably lower prices before the late month rush. For an all-inclusive winter sun holiday, the Dominican Republic is a great idea!
19. ST LUCIA
December marks the start of St Lucia’s dry season, and with the Atlantic hurricane season officially over on November 30th, this is exactly when the island settles into its warm, sunny, low rainfall stretch that runs through spring. It’s one of the more reliable answers to where to go in the Caribbean in December, with the iconic Pitons providing a dramatic backdrop for beach days, hiking, and boat trips along the west coast.
December 13th brings the Festival of Lights and Renewal, also marking St Lucia’s National Day, when Castries and towns across the island fill with candlelight processions, lanterns, bonfires, and fireworks in a tradition that blends Saint Lucy’s Day with local culture and community spirit. The days around this festival, alongside the run up to Christmas, are a genuinely festive window to visit, while early December offers the same great weather with a quieter, less crowded island before the holiday season peak sets in.
20. CHILE
For one of the best countries to visit in South America in December, Chile is a great place to go! Chile’s long, narrow geography means December weather varies wildly depending on where you are, but two extremes stand out. In the south, Patagonia’s summer trekking season is opening up around Torres del Paine, while up north, the Atacama Desert offers clear, dry summer nights that are exceptional for stargazing.
Neither region centres around one big local festival in December, but the appeal here is purely about timing the weather right, catching Patagonia before the January and February crowds arrive, and the Atacama’s skies at their clearest. It’s a strong pick for travellers who want dramatic scenery over festive crowds this time of year.
21. KENYA
For where to go in December in Africa, December in Kenya arrives just as the short rains begin to ease, leaving the Masai Mara and surrounding reserves lush, green, and noticeably quieter than during the July to October peak season. Wildlife is still very much active, and the greener landscape brings out excellent birdlife alongside the classic safari sightings.
The combination of good weather and fewer crowds compared to peak season makes Kenya in December a smart, under the radar time to book a safari. The window right after the short rains taper off, generally the first half of the month, tends to offer the best balance before the Christmas week rush hits lodges and camps.
22. ZAMBIA
December in Zambia is when Victoria Falls starts coming back to life after its driest, lowest water months, with the rains returning and the falls gradually building toward their most dramatic, thunderous flow. The surrounding landscape turns green almost overnight, giving the whole area a completely different character from the dry season.
This shoulder season also means fewer visitors than the busy July to October window, which suits travellers who don’t mind the odd afternoon shower in exchange for a quieter, more atmospheric trip. Local festivities are minimal this time of year, so the appeal is really about catching the falls and the bush in transition.
23. SOUTH AFRICA
Ending with one of the best! December is peak summer in South Africa, and nowhere shows that off better than Cape Town, where warm, sunny days set the stage for beach time, Table Mountain hikes, and long evenings along the Atlantic coast with plenty to do. Over in Kruger and other reserves, the rains bring a lush green season with excellent birdlife, similar to nearby Zambia.
South African school holidays kick in around mid December, and Cape Town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are among the most popular in the country, drawing huge crowds to the waterfront. Given that, early December offers the same brilliant summer weather with smaller crowds and better prices before the school holidays and festive season fully take hold so unless you want to visit for the festive period, try going earlier in the month.
FAQ December Travel
What is the best country to visit in December for warm weather?
For guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures in December, the Caribbean and Central America are hard to beat, with the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and St Lucia all moving into their dry seasons just as the Atlantic hurricane season wraps up.
Southern Hemisphere destinations like Australia, South Africa, and Argentina are also excellent choices, since December falls in the middle of their summer and Southeast Asia is hard to beat with the whole area having hot weather like Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, along with South Asia like India and Sri Lanka experiencing sunny days.
Where can I see snow or experience a white Christmas in December?
Finland is the classic choice, especially Lapland, where snow is virtually guaranteed and the Arctic setting delivers the full winter wonderland experience alongside a real chance of the Northern Lights. Germany and Austria are also strong picks, combining cold, often snowy weather with some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.
The main thing to note is that much of Europe doesn’t get snow until January time these days so it is harder to find a white Christmas destination.
Is December a good time to visit the Caribbean?
Yes, December is one of the best months to visit the Caribbean, since it marks the start of the dry season across most islands and comes right after hurricane season officially ends on November 30th. Destinations like the Dominican Republic and St Lucia see warm, sunny days and lower rainfall from this point through spring, making it a reliable window for beach travel.
How can I avoid the busiest and most expensive travel dates in December?
The final week of December, covering Christmas through New Year, is consistently the busiest and priciest time to travel almost everywhere on this list, from Egypt to Thailand to the UAE. Booking for the first two or three weeks of December instead usually means the same great weather and festive atmosphere, with noticeably smaller crowds and better rates.
I hope this helps you with the best countries to visit in December!
- For more of my travel guides at this time of year see:
- 22 BEST Countries to Visit in NOVEMBER – Good Weather Places To Go
- 33 BEST Places to Visit in Asia in December & January!
- 30 BEST Places to Visit in Europe in December – Christmas & non-Christmas Travel!
- 16 BEST Winter Sun Destinations in Europe & Nearby!