The best places to travel in December fall into two camps. For sun, head to Goa, Sri Lanka’s south coast, Thailand’s islands, Dubai or Mexico. For winter magic, choose Vienna, Salzburg, Kraków or Strasbourg for Christmas markets, or Rovaniemi and Tromsø for snow and northern lights. Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia and South Africa add a third option: real summer.
Hostelworld’s December guide puts it neatly: December goes both ways. You can chase the sun, or you can lean into winter. This article helps you pick a side, then narrows the choice by budget, crowds and timing. If you only have a minute, jump to the comparison table below.
Quick Answer: Which Is the Best Country to Visit in December?
The best country to visit in December depends on the weather you want. Thailand wins for reliable warmth because December falls in its dry season. Austria and Germany win for Christmas atmosphere. Mexico wins for an easy, short-haul beach trip from North America, and Australia or South Africa win if you want a summer holiday.
Pick by feeling, not by ranking:
- Want warmth and beaches? Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico or the Dominican Republic.
- Want a Christmas fairytale? Austria, Germany, Poland or France’s Alsace region.
- Want something different? Finnish Lapland, Iceland or New Zealand.
December Destinations at a Glance
This table sums up the main options. Temperatures are approximate and come from Hostelworld’s city guides, so treat them as a guide, not a forecast.
| Destination | Type | Approx. December weather | Crowds and prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa, India | Beach and nightlife | About 33° | Peak season, busy |
| Sri Lanka (south coast) | Beach and culture | About 29° | Peak season |
| Koh Lanta, Thailand | Quiet island beaches | About 32° | Peak season |
| Dubai, UAE | City, beach, desert | About 26° | Peak season |
| Madeira, Portugal | Mild island escape | About 20° | Busy for New Year |
| Vienna, Austria | Christmas markets | About 4° | Busy and expensive |
| Kraków, Poland | Christmas markets | About 2° | Busy, usually cheaper than Western Europe |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | Snow, Santa, aurora | About -9° | Peak season, book early |
The pattern is clear: nearly every popular choice peaks in December, so earlier booking almost always pays off.
What Are the Best Warm Places to Visit in December?
The best warm places to visit in December are Goa, southern Sri Lanka, Thailand’s islands, Dubai, Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Costa Rica, Zanzibar and South Africa. All of them enjoy dry or summer conditions at this time of year.
Goa, India. December is peak season here, with temperatures around 33° and long beach days. Expect lively crowds and well-developed tourism, especially around New Year.
Sri Lanka’s south coast. The south coast returns to peak season in December, with temperatures around 29°. It pairs beaches with tea country, wildlife and temples in one trip, so it suits travelers who don’t want a pure beach week.
Thailand. December is the dry season across much of Thailand, which brings clear skies and calmer seas. Islands like Koh Lanta stay warm, around 32°, and feel quieter than the busiest party beaches. Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, is cooler and hosts the Loi Krathong lantern festival around this time.
Dubai. Dubai’s peak season arrives with milder temperatures, about 26°, which is comfortable for beaches, souks and desert trips. Summer heat makes this city much harder to enjoy at other times.
Mexico. Cancún and the Riviera Maya offer dependable beach weather, and flights from many North American cities are short. Book early, because hotels fill quickly around Christmas and New Year.
Zanzibar and South Africa. Both enjoy summer conditions in December. Zanzibar offers warm water and white beaches, while South Africa pairs beaches with safaris, wine regions and Cape Town.
If your top priority is a reliable warm December, choose Thailand, Mexico or Sri Lanka first.
Which Places Are Best for Christmas Markets and Snow?
For Christmas markets, the strongest picks are Vienna, Salzburg, Kraków, Strasbourg and German cities like Nuremberg. For snow, look to Rovaniemi, Tromsø and Reykjavik. Austria and Germany earn their reputation here, since Christmas markets have long been part of their winter tradition.
Vienna and Salzburg, Austria. Vienna’s markets are busy and not cheap, with temperatures around 4°, but the setting is hard to beat. Salzburg adds Alpine scenery and a smaller-town feel.
Kraków, Poland. Kraków’s market square fills with stalls and its famous nativity scenes, known as szopki. It’s generally easier on the wallet than Western European cities.
Strasbourg, France. Often called the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest markets and works well for a short trip.
Rovaniemi, Finland. December is peak season for Santa Claus Village, reindeer and husky rides, with temperatures around -9°. Pack serious winter layers.
Tromsø, Norway, Rovaniemi and Reykjavik. All three have strong aurora seasons in December, though days are very short. Clear skies and patience matter more than any itinerary.
One practical note: most Christmas markets close around December 23 or 24, so plan market trips for early or mid-December.
Are There Good December Places in the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina are in summer during December. That brings warm weather, long daylight and outdoor activities, which many travelers find a refreshing contrast to a cold home winter.
Buenos Aires offers warm evenings, tango and busy streets. South Africa combines beaches, wine and wildlife. Australia is popular for beach holidays, though it’s also peak season for domestic travelers, so book early. New Zealand rewards hikers and road-trippers with long days and green scenery.
These are the best places to visit in December if your idea of a holiday is summer on a calendar that says winter.
How Do You Choose the Right December Destination?
Choose by answering three questions: what weather do you want, how much can you spend, and which dates can you travel? That framework cuts a long list down to two or three realistic options.
1. Weather. Do you want 30° beaches, 4° markets or -9° snow? Decide this first, because it sets your whole packing list.
2. Budget. Long-haul warm destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka cost more in flights but can be cheap on the ground. European Christmas cities often cost more once you add hotels and food. Poland and parts of Central Europe tend to be better value.
3. Dates. This is the part many guides skip. December has two very different halves.
- Early December (roughly the first two weeks): better prices, fewer crowds, and Christmas markets in full swing.
- Late December (around December 20 to 26): prices spike, and many popular places book out.
- After Christmas through New Year: busy again for celebrations like Hogmanay in Edinburgh.
If you can travel in the first half, you often get a very similar experience for less money.
When Should You Book a December Trip?
Book flights and hotels as early as you can, especially for Christmas week. Many warm destinations and Christmas cities hit peak demand in December, so the best hotels sell out first.
Some practical tips:
- Book accommodation before flights if the property is popular and refundable.
- Compare dates. Shifting by even a few days can change fares noticeably.
- Check visas early. Requirements differ by nationality, and Schengen or tourist visa processing can take time.
- Buy travel insurance, especially for winter weather or remote tropical areas.
- Pack for the destination, not the month. A December trip might need a swimsuit or a down jacket.
Planning ahead protects both your budget and your sanity at the busiest time of year.
FAQ
What is the best place to travel in December?
Thailand is one of the best all-round choices for warm weather, while Austria and Germany are top picks for Christmas markets. Your ideal destination depends on whether you want sun or snow.
What are the warmest places to visit in December?
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Goa, Mexico, Zanzibar and Dubai are among the warmest popular options. South Africa and Australia are also warm because it’s summer there.
Where should you go in December for Christmas markets?
Vienna, Salzburg, Kraków, Strasbourg and German cities like Nuremberg are well known for Christmas markets. Most run from late November until around December 23 or 24.
Where can you see the northern lights in December?
Rovaniemi in Finland, Tromsø in Norway and Reykjavik in Iceland all have strong aurora seasons in December. Days are very short, so check cloud cover and book flexible tours.
Is December a good time to visit Southeast Asia?
Yes, in many places. December falls in the dry season in much of Thailand, which brings clearer skies and calmer seas. Conditions vary by country and coast, so check your specific destination.
Is December a good time to visit Europe?
It is if you love Christmas markets, winter scenery and festive atmosphere. Expect cold weather, shorter days and higher prices around Christmas week.
What is the cheapest place to travel in December?
Budget-friendly options often include Central and Eastern Europe, parts of Southeast Asia and India, though prices rise sharply in peak holiday weeks. Traveling in early December usually costs less than late December.
Should you travel in early or late December?
Early December typically offers lower prices and smaller crowds. Late December is busier and costlier but feels more festive and fits school holidays.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single winner, just the right match for your mood. Chase warm weather in Thailand, Sri Lanka or Mexico. Choose Vienna, Kraków or Strasbourg if you want glowing markets. Head north for snow and aurora, or south for a summer Christmas. Pick your climate, lock in your dates early and book the stays that matter most. When you’re ready to dig deeper, browse our destination guides to build your itinerary.
