Where to travel in December
24 destinations in their season, out of 405 we track
Season-first: these are the places where December is genuinely one of the best months of the year — right weather, manageable crowds, the thing you came for actually happening. Not a list of places that are merely open.
Find my December tripBest overall
- Iguazú FallsArgentina · 31° · crowds 4/5
High temperatures and humidity return along with the start of the summer vacation influx late in the month. Water volume is powerful and boat tours are in high demand.
- VaranasiIndia · 23° · crowds 4/5
Crisp winter days and chilly evenings are ideal for temple visits and exploring the historic old city alleys.
- Las VegasUnited States · 15° · crowds 4/5
Cool weather dominates, with major holiday displays and the National Finals Rodeo drawing visitors. New Year's Eve brings massive crowds and peak pricing across the Strip.
- Los Glaciares & El ChalténArgentina · 16° · crowds 5/5
Longest daylight of the year with up to 17 hours of light, perfect for extended backcountry treks. Crowds surge around the holidays.
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- ViennaAustria · 5° · crowds 5/5
Christmas markets and holiday festivities make this a magical, albeit cold, time to visit. The city is beautifully decorated for the season.
- Foz do IguaçuBrazil · 31° · crowds 5/5
Holiday season begins with large international crowds, high heat, and roaring falls from summer rains.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Patagonia (Torres del Paine & El Chalten)Chile · 1° · crowds 5/5
Peak summer season starts with near 17 hours of daylight for extended trekking. High winds and packed trails define the holiday period.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.
- MedellínColombia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Medellin is renowned for its spectacular Christmas lights (Alumbrados Navidenos) attracting huge holiday crowds. Rainfall drops considerably toward the end of the month.
- Arenal and MonteverdeCosta Rica · 18° · crowds 5/5
Holiday crowds arrive for festive getaways amidst cooler highland temperatures and improving trail conditions. Cloud forests are misty and vibrant, requiring warm layers for the evening chill.
- Aswan & NubiaEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday travel brings heavy international and domestic crowds enjoying pristine, sunny winter conditions along the Nile.
- LuxorEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Perfect winter weather makes Luxor a top destination for holiday travelers. Expect high prices and busy sites throughout the month.
- GoaIndia · 34° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday season brings electric nightlife, Christmas celebrations, and major music festivals under ideal sunny weather. High accommodation rates and maximum crowd densities occur around year-end.
- Rajasthan (Delhi–Jaipur–Udaipur route)India · 23° · crowds 5/5
Chilly nights and crisp, sunny days make this one of the busiest months of the year. High holiday crowds and peak accommodation pricing apply throughout late December.
- Raja AmpatIndonesia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Holiday season brings peak visitor numbers and high demand for liveaboards and island homestays amid superb marine conditions.
- QueenstownNew Zealand · 19° · crowds 5/5
Summer holiday atmosphere with long daylight hours, bustling lakeside cafes, and festive celebrations.
- Khao Sok National ParkThailand · 29° · crowds 5/5
Rain drops significantly and cooler evening temperatures make jungle stays delightful. High demand leads to fully booked floating lake bungalows.
- Mae Hong Son LoopThailand · 30° · crowds 5/5
Peak travel period offering crisp, cool mountain mornings, clear panoramic views, and ideal riding conditions along the 1,864 curves.
- DubaiUnited Arab Emirates · 26° · crowds 5/5
Perfect weather and festive holiday celebrations make this a premier destination. Expect high demand and vibrant city life throughout the month.
- MiamiUnited States · 25° · crowds 5/5
Art Basel early in the month and holiday festivities attract global visitors with dry, warm, and sunny weather. High travel demand drives premium pricing throughout the city.
Beach in December
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- GoaIndia · 34° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday season brings electric nightlife, Christmas celebrations, and major music festivals under ideal sunny weather. High accommodation rates and maximum crowd densities occur around year-end.
- Raja AmpatIndonesia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Holiday season brings peak visitor numbers and high demand for liveaboards and island homestays amid superb marine conditions.
- DubaiUnited Arab Emirates · 26° · crowds 5/5
Perfect weather and festive holiday celebrations make this a premier destination. Expect high demand and vibrant city life throughout the month.
- Phú QuốcVietnam · 29° · crowds 5/5
Prime tropical weather with low rainfall, pleasant evenings, and flat, clear seas. Major influx of international travelers for Christmas and New Year holidays.
- Hainan IslandChina · 25° · crowds 4/5
Dry, mild, and sunny conditions draw large numbers of winter sun seekers. Sanya's coastal resorts and golf courses see high demand.
City breaks in December
- VaranasiIndia · 23° · crowds 4/5
Crisp winter days and chilly evenings are ideal for temple visits and exploring the historic old city alleys.
- Las VegasUnited States · 15° · crowds 4/5
Cool weather dominates, with major holiday displays and the National Finals Rodeo drawing visitors. New Year's Eve brings massive crowds and peak pricing across the Strip.
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- ViennaAustria · 5° · crowds 5/5
Christmas markets and holiday festivities make this a magical, albeit cold, time to visit. The city is beautifully decorated for the season.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.
Hiking in December
- Los Glaciares & El ChalténArgentina · 16° · crowds 5/5
Longest daylight of the year with up to 17 hours of light, perfect for extended backcountry treks. Crowds surge around the holidays.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Patagonia (Torres del Paine & El Chalten)Chile · 1° · crowds 5/5
Peak summer season starts with near 17 hours of daylight for extended trekking. High winds and packed trails define the holiday period.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.
- Arenal and MonteverdeCosta Rica · 18° · crowds 5/5
Holiday crowds arrive for festive getaways amidst cooler highland temperatures and improving trail conditions. Cloud forests are misty and vibrant, requiring warm layers for the evening chill.
- Aswan & NubiaEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday travel brings heavy international and domestic crowds enjoying pristine, sunny winter conditions along the Nile.
- LuxorEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Perfect winter weather makes Luxor a top destination for holiday travelers. Expect high prices and busy sites throughout the month.
- GoaIndia · 34° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday season brings electric nightlife, Christmas celebrations, and major music festivals under ideal sunny weather. High accommodation rates and maximum crowd densities occur around year-end.
Skiing in December
- Yellowstone & Grand TetonUnited States · -5° · crowds 2/5
Guided winter oversnow operations commence mid-month amidst dramatic snow-dusted geothermal features. Jackson Hole ski resort enters full operation with holiday visitors.
- Hohe Tauern National ParkAustria · -6° · crowds 4/5
Winter sports fully launch across the region alongside festive holiday traditions in valley villages. Sub-zero temperatures and snowy landscapes dominate the park.
- InnsbruckAustria · 7° · crowds 4/5
Festive atmosphere with famous Old Town Christmas markets set against snow-capped peaks. Ski resorts officially open for the winter holiday season.
- Canadian RockiesCanada · -10° · crowds 4/5
Magical winter wonderland atmosphere with holiday festivities and thriving ski slopes. Sub-zero temperatures and high holiday lodging prices prevail.
- Quebec City & CharlevoixCanada · -1° · crowds 4/5
Old Quebec transforms into a fairy-tale holiday destination with elaborate lights, Christmas markets, and toboggan runs. Ski resorts in Charlevoix open for the season amid reliable winter snowfall.
- Harbin & the Snow RegionChina · -10° · crowds 4/5
Harbin turns into a frozen wonderland as Ice and Snow World opens soft trials in late December. Ski resorts offer prime powder amid severe winter cold.
- French AlpsFrance · 9° · crowds 4/5
Winter ski season opens across all major domains with festive holiday markets and snowy village scenery. Prices and crowds surge during Christmas and New Year.
- DolomitesItaly · -7° · crowds 4/5
Ski resorts open early in the month alongside atmospheric South Tyrolean Christmas markets. High holiday influx begins around Christmas and New Year with sub-zero alpine conditions.
Road trips in December
- Los Glaciares & El ChalténArgentina · 16° · crowds 5/5
Longest daylight of the year with up to 17 hours of light, perfect for extended backcountry treks. Crowds surge around the holidays.
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Patagonia (Torres del Paine & El Chalten)Chile · 1° · crowds 5/5
Peak summer season starts with near 17 hours of daylight for extended trekking. High winds and packed trails define the holiday period.
- Aswan & NubiaEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday travel brings heavy international and domestic crowds enjoying pristine, sunny winter conditions along the Nile.
- LuxorEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Perfect winter weather makes Luxor a top destination for holiday travelers. Expect high prices and busy sites throughout the month.
- GoaIndia · 34° · crowds 5/5
Peak holiday season brings electric nightlife, Christmas celebrations, and major music festivals under ideal sunny weather. High accommodation rates and maximum crowd densities occur around year-end.
Nightlife in December
- Las VegasUnited States · 15° · crowds 4/5
Cool weather dominates, with major holiday displays and the National Finals Rodeo drawing visitors. New Year's Eve brings massive crowds and peak pricing across the Strip.
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.
- MedellínColombia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Medellin is renowned for its spectacular Christmas lights (Alumbrados Navidenos) attracting huge holiday crowds. Rainfall drops considerably toward the end of the month.
- LuxorEgypt · 25° · crowds 5/5
Perfect winter weather makes Luxor a top destination for holiday travelers. Expect high prices and busy sites throughout the month.
Culture in December
- VaranasiIndia · 23° · crowds 4/5
Crisp winter days and chilly evenings are ideal for temple visits and exploring the historic old city alleys.
- Perth & the West CoastAustralia · 29° · crowds 5/5
Summer arrives with hot, dry weather and festive holiday celebrations along the coast. High visitor volume around Christmas and New Year leads to peak accommodation rates.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- ViennaAustria · 5° · crowds 5/5
Christmas markets and holiday festivities make this a magical, albeit cold, time to visit. The city is beautifully decorated for the season.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.
- MedellínColombia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Medellin is renowned for its spectacular Christmas lights (Alumbrados Navidenos) attracting huge holiday crowds. Rainfall drops considerably toward the end of the month.
Nature & wildlife in December
- Iguazú FallsArgentina · 31° · crowds 4/5
High temperatures and humidity return along with the start of the summer vacation influx late in the month. Water volume is powerful and boat tours are in high demand.
- Los Glaciares & El ChalténArgentina · 16° · crowds 5/5
Longest daylight of the year with up to 17 hours of light, perfect for extended backcountry treks. Crowds surge around the holidays.
- SydneyAustralia · 26° · crowds 5/5
Festive atmosphere culminates in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and world-renowned New Year's Eve harbor fireworks. Accommodation rates reach annual highs.
- Foz do IguaçuBrazil · 31° · crowds 5/5
Holiday season begins with large international crowds, high heat, and roaring falls from summer rains.
- Rio de JaneiroBrazil · 28° · crowds 5/5
Massive Reveillon New Year celebrations pack Copacabana Beach amid hot, humid, and rainy summer conditions.
- Siem ReapCambodia · 30° · crowds 5/5
December offers the most pleasant temperatures of the year with very little rain. It is a prime time for tourism, resulting in high demand and prices.
- Patagonia (Torres del Paine & El Chalten)Chile · 1° · crowds 5/5
Peak summer season starts with near 17 hours of daylight for extended trekking. High winds and packed trails define the holiday period.
- Hong KongChina · 20° · crowds 5/5
Crisp, dry, and sunny winter weather creates perfect conditions for city exploration and outdoor trails. Elaborate Christmas and New Year light displays draw festive crowds.