12 Best Countries to Visit in December, From Winter Wonderlands to Tropical Sun
Snowy Christmas markets, Arctic northern lights or beach weather in the tropics? Twelve countries at their best in December, with the weather to expect and how to dodge peak holiday prices.
Photo: Gzen92 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized
At a glance
- For winter sun
- Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Oman
- For festive magic
- France, Finland, Japan
- For long summer days
- New Zealand, South Africa
- Most expensive dates
- About 20 Dec – 5 Jan
- Best-value window
- 1–15 December
In this guide
The short answer
The best countries to visit in December are Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Costa Rica, Oman and Egypt for winter sun; France, Finland and Japan for festive atmosphere, snow and northern lights; and New Zealand and South Africa for long summer days. Travel in the first half of December to avoid the holiday price spike.
December is a month of contrasts. In the northern hemisphere, cities glow with Christmas lights and the mountains fill with snow. Head south or towards the tropics, and you’ll find dry seasons, warm seas and long summer days.
The countries below are at their best this month. For each, we note what the weather is like, why December works and one thing to plan for. Weather is described in general terms. Always check a forecast before you travel.
For winter sun
1. Thailand
Why December works: The cool, dry season brings blue skies to Bangkok, the north and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta). Temperatures are comfortable for exploring temples and markets.
- Plan for: peak-season prices, especially around Christmas. The Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) can still be rainy in early December.
- Read next: How much a week in Thailand costs.
2. Sri Lanka
Why December works: The south and west coasts, including Galle, Mirissa and Bentota, begin their best season, with calmer seas and sunshine. Whale-watching season starts off the south coast.
- Plan for: the east coast and the Cultural Triangle can be wetter in December; save the east for summer.
3. Mexico
Why December works: The dry season brings warm, sunny weather to the Yucatán Peninsula: think Mayan ruins, cenotes and Caribbean beaches. In Mexico City, it’s the season of posadas and Christmas markets.
- Plan for: high demand around Cancún and Tulum at Christmas. Holbox and Mérida are quieter alternatives.
4. Costa Rica
Why December works: The dry season begins on the Pacific side, with excellent conditions for spotting wildlife in national parks such as Manuel Antonio.
- Plan for: the Caribbean coast can remain rainy; book holiday accommodation early.
5. Oman
Why December works: After the intense heat of summer, temperatures are pleasant for desert camping in the Wahiba Sands, swimming in wadis and exploring Muscat’s souqs.
- Plan for: desert nights can be surprisingly cool; pack a warm layer.
6. Egypt
Why December works: Warm days and cool evenings make it one of the best months to visit the pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor and Aswan, or to take a Nile cruise.
- Plan for: it’s the busy season. Visit major sites at opening time.
7. Morocco
Why December works: Marrakech has mild, sunny days, perfect for wandering the medina, while the Sahara offers crisp air and incredible stars.
- Plan for: nights are cold, especially in the desert and the Atlas Mountains. Choose riads with heating.
For festive magic, snow and northern lights
8. France
Why December works: Alsace’s Christmas markets, especially in Strasbourg and Colmar, are among Europe’s most atmospheric. Paris sparkles with festive lights and department-store windows, and the Alps open for ski season.
- Plan for: markets are busiest at weekends; visit on weekday evenings.
- Read next: Where to stay in Paris.
9. Finland
Why December works: In Lapland, the polar night brings deep blue twilight, snow-covered forests and some of Europe’s best odds of seeing the northern lights. Rovaniemi is a magnet for families at Christmas.
- Plan for: very limited daylight and freezing temperatures. Book cold-weather gear and aurora tours that can reschedule if it’s cloudy.
10. Japan
Why December works: Crisp, clear winter skies (often the best for seeing Mount Fuji), winter illuminations in Tokyo and Osaka, hot-spring baths and the start of ski season in Hokkaido and Nagano.
- Plan for: many shops, restaurants and some attractions close around New Year (roughly 29 December to 3 January), and trains are very busy.
- Read next: 7-day Japan itinerary.
For long summer days
11. New Zealand
Why December works: Early summer brings long days, green landscapes and the start of the main hiking season, ideal for road trips and the famous Great Walks.
- Plan for: Great Walks huts and campsites must be booked in advance and sell out quickly. New Zealanders start their summer holidays around Christmas.
12. South Africa
Why December works: It’s summer in Cape Town, with dry, sunny weather for Table Mountain, beaches and the Cape Winelands.
- Plan for: local school holidays make mid-December to mid-January busy; book accommodation and car hire early.
December at a glance
| Country | Weather in December | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Warm, mostly dry | High | Beaches, food |
| Sri Lanka | Warm, south coast dry | Medium–high | Beaches, wildlife |
| Mexico | Warm and dry (Yucatán) | High at Christmas | Ruins, cenotes |
| Costa Rica | Dry season begins | High at Christmas | Wildlife |
| Oman | Pleasantly warm | Medium | Desert, culture |
| Egypt | Warm days, cool nights | High | History |
| Morocco | Mild days, cold nights | Medium | Cities, desert |
| France | Cold | High near markets | Christmas, skiing |
| Finland | Very cold, dark | High at Christmas | Snow, aurora |
| Japan | Cold, clear | Medium | Cities, onsen, ski |
| New Zealand | Early summer | Rising | Hiking, road trips |
| South Africa | Summer, dry in the Cape | High | Beaches, wine |
How to travel in December without overpaying
- Go early in the month. The first two weeks of December are often much cheaper than the festive period.
- Book flights early if you must travel over Christmas or New Year.
- Fly on the holidays themselves. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day flights are often cheaper.
- Choose shoulder destinations. Oman, Morocco and Sri Lanka’s south coast are less crowded than the Caribbean.
Looking for something bigger? Our 12 bucket-list places include Lofoten’s northern lights and Patagonia’s summer. For more beach ideas, see 12 affordable tropical islands.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it warm in December?
Thailand's Andaman coast and north, Sri Lanka's south and west coasts, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Oman, Egypt and the southern hemisphere countries such as South Africa and Australia all offer warm or hot weather in December.
Where can I see the northern lights in December?
Finnish Lapland is one of the most accessible places to see the northern lights in December, along with northern Norway, Swedish Lapland and Iceland. Long, dark nights increase your chances, but clear skies are essential, so plan several nights.
Is December an expensive time to travel?
The weeks around Christmas and New Year, roughly 20 December to 5 January, are among the most expensive of the year for flights and hotels. The first half of December is often much better value, with the same weather and fewer crowds.
