You have two extremes in December… Either you take advantage of the season and go to a place where you can enjoy a winter wonderland with guaranteed snow and rent a cozy log cabin, or you can escape to a place where the sun always shines and the weather is mild.
Whichever you choose, there’s something about that end-of-year feeling: You’re either celebrating what you’ve accomplished, or you’re trying to forget what a disaster it was. Either way, the change of scenery works wonders.
Temperature-wise, it’s a mixed bag.
Your tropical paradises reach their dry season (nice 70-85°F/21-29°C), while northern locations get all comfortable and cool (lively 20-50°F/-6-10°C). Both can be amazing but for completely different reasons.
And here’s a little secret: the beginning of December is actually ideal for avoiding crowds. Before the Christmas rush begins, you can get some great deals while still maintaining that festive vibe without queuing for hours. According to Tourism Board statistics, the first two weeks see around 40% fewer international travelers compared to the holiday peak.
So whether you’re looking for sandy toes or snowy slopes, I’ve rounded up a few gems based on my travels and conversations with other wanderers along the way.
Warm beach getaways
If you’re like me, come December you’ll probably be tired of wearing seventeen diapers just to take out the trash. This is when the southern hemisphere and equatorial regions become very tempting.
Caribbean Jewels
Puerto Vallarta in Mexico is beautiful in December. It’s just warm enough (around 75°F/24°C) without being stuffy, and the early December crowd level was perfect. You could actually get a deck chair without performing a complex tactical maneuver at 6 a.m.
The thing about Puerto Vallarta is that it has beautiful beaches but also its own character. You can spend mornings strolling the cobblestone streets, afternoons snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and evenings sipping margaritas watching the sunset.
Puerto Rico is another great option. Go during a new moon phase, which can be perfect for bioluminescent berries.
Swimming in what looks like liquid stars?
Unreal. And you can hike through the El Yunque rainforest without drowning in sweat or monsoon rain.
If you’re on a tighter budget, Cancun still offers plenty without requiring a second mortgage. All-inclusives are actually a good shout here, normally I’m not one to stay at the resort, but sometimes you just want to park on a lounge chair and have someone bring you fruity drinks without thinking about exchange rates or tipping.
Southeast Asian havens
If you want to make your money go further, Thailand in December is hard to beat. We did 10 days split between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, and it was awesome. Total sensory overload of Bangkok (in the best way), Chiang Mai has these amazing temples and the beaches of Koh Samui in December are just coming out of the monsoon season so everything is lush and green.
Visiting an elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui was one of the highlights of my daughter’s trip. No horse riding or cruel stuff, just watch these gentle giants splash around in the mud and feed them bananas and watermelons. The sanctuary we visited has saved over 30 elephants from logging and tourism, making the experience even more special. Koh Samui has excellent accommodation for families Also.
Bali is another good option for December, even though it is the rainy season. Villa rentals are surprisingly affordable since it’s low season, we’ve had some great ones villas in Uluwatu with private pools for what you would pay for a mediocre hotel in Europe. Just expect a few showers in the afternoon, but they pass quickly and then you’re back to sunshine.
Exotic Islands
For pure fun, the Maldives in December is pretty special. It’s the start of the dry season, so you get that postcard-perfect blue sky. Yes, it’s expensive, I won’t pretend otherwise, but if you’re celebrating something big or just want luxury, waking up in an overwater bungalow with fish swimming beneath your floor is something everyone needs to check off their bucket list.
The Canary Islands are perfect for a long weekend and a dose of vitamin D and you can experience some of the best hotels in Tenerife here. I also booked a last minute flight to Lanzarote a few years ago and stayed just a 10 minute walk from Arrecife airport along the seafront, in a beautiful five star hotel for a fraction of the price I expected to pay.
Winter Wonders
Sometimes you just want to enjoy the season and there’s something magical about cities transformed by twinkling lights and Christmas markets.
US Vacation Hotspots
New York in December is certainly a bit cliché, but it delivers what it promises. Ice skating in Central Park with the city skyline around you feels like you’ve stepped into a movie set. We filmed the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, and although we were squashed among thousands of people, when those lights came on, it was truly magical.
For something less obvious, New Orleans in December is great. The temperature is around 60°F (15°C), perfect for strolling through the French Quarter without melting. Plus, crawfish are coming into season.
Colorado is ideal if you’re looking for good snow. I tried snowboarding for the first time at Breckenridge and spent most of the day on my butt, but the cozy après-ski culture made up for the bruises. There’s something special about warming up with hot chocolate (with a splash of something stronger) after a day in the cold.
European magic
Krakow is full of Christmas charm. The city’s markets seem straight out of a festive fairy tale with wooden stalls filled with ornaments and sweets, fairy lights twinkling on the snow and the scent of mulled wine and pierogi wafting through the air. It reminds me of the trips I took with my grandfather when I was younger to visit family and see where he grew up.
It’s a wonderful atmosphere and, unlike Switzerland, surprisingly affordable, proof that the magic of Christmas doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Portugal is often overlooked for winter travel, but Lisbon in December sits at a comfortable 15°C, perfect for exploring this beautiful city. We rented a cute little place with a patio and spent evenings with local wine and cheese while watching the sunset. The Portuguese aren’t as crazy about Christmas as some places, which really suits my husband.
Asian winter charm
Surprisingly, Japan enjoys Christmas to the fullest in December. Tokyo goes all out with illuminations that make Oxford Street look like someone’s half-hearted attempt with a string of lights. The winter illumination at Nabana no Sato (near Nagoya) involves millions of LED lights creating tunnels and scenery that will leave you speechless. Bathing in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) with snow falling around you is something everyone should try if they get the chance.
Adventure and unique experiences – Sensations off the beaten track
Sometimes December calls for something completely different. Shoulder season means fewer tourists in some pretty spectacular places.
African adventures
Camping in the Sahara in December is a far cry from the Christmas markets of Europe but it’s the perfect way to escape the pre-Christmas chaos. The temperature drops significantly at night (pack layers!), but watching the sunset turn the dunes golden before a sky full of stars appears is definitely worth it.
You can book camps with suitable beds in canvas tents and candlelit dinners under the stars. It’s not really difficult, but it’s a great experience.
Marrakech is one of my favorite destinations this time of year. It offers a little bit of everything, from Christmas shopping in the souks to enjoying mint tea on the roof of your riad while soaking up some vitamin D.
The days are warm and bright, perfect for exploring the city’s attractions like the Jardin Majorelle, a mix of cobalt blue walls, exotic plants and magnificent water features. At night, the city comes alive with rooftop restaurants and the smell of street food from the medina.
Indian Getaways
The temperature in Goa in December is a perfect 77°F (25°C). The beaches are lively but not crowded, and Christmas in Goa is this fascinating mix of Indian and Portuguese traditions. You can spend Christmas Day on the beach, eating freshly caught fish and watching impromptu beach parties at sunset.
Wild Sides of the United States
Palm Springs in December gives you the heat of the desert without the brutal summer temperatures. Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park is perfect this time of year, these weird and wonderful trees against a backdrop of blue skies create truly otherworldly landscapes.
Practical tips for traveling in December
Some tips for December adventures:
Early December is definitely cheaper. We saved around 30% on flights to Thailand by leaving in the first week of December rather than closer to Christmas. Same destination, same hotels, radically different prices.
Prepare for weather mood swings. December can be unpredictable almost everywhere. This “sunny winter destination” can still have cold days in store for you, and even tropical paradises sometimes experience showers. Layers are essential.
For families, Southeast Asia in December is incredible. The weather is stable, it’s culturally enriching, and your money can go further. We met a family in Thailand who were spending a month there for what two weeks in the Canaries would cost them.
December is an ideal month for traveling. Whether you want to build sandcastles or snowmen, there is a perfect place for you. Don’t wait until the last minute to book.
