December seems to be one of the most popular times of year to travel worldwide. It makes sense: people are eager to use the vacation days they’ve saved up all year, “the holidays” are coming up, and many people want to experience what Christmas is like in another culture.
If you want to find out what some of the best destinations in December are, stick around, because this list has options all around the world. So, come along for a wintry, beachy, safari-filled ride — here are the best places to travel in December!
Europe
1. Azores, Portugal
The Azores — an archipelago in the Atlantic — are a dreamy wonderland in the winter. You can expect some dreary weather and fog there in December, but if you pack accordingly, you’ll be thrilled to have these nine beautiful volcanic islands to yourself.
Check out Flores and São Miguel (and consider staying in one of these hotels while you’re there). Because the Azores are so remote, we put together a guide on how to get around to make the most of your vacation.
It’s good to know that the Azores is also one of the best places in Europe for solo travelers!
2. Stuttgart, Germany
Germany is a great winter destination! Though other places replicate its world-famous Christmas markets, there’s truly nowhere like Germany for them. And from the quintessential warm, spicy aromas and mouthwatering gastronomy to the twinkling lights and crisp winter air, Stuttgart is the spot for Weihnachten this December.
In and around the city, you’ll find several Christmas markets that are in full holiday cheer during the entire month, each with its own unique theme (including one dedicated entirely to chocolate).
Stuttgart is one of the best cities to visit in Germany and it’s even more magical in December!
3. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
Looking to hit the slopes this December? It’s no secret that winter in Austria is full of snow — and there are few locations better than Saalbach-Hinterglemm in the Austrian Alps.
This ski resort takes pride in its cool, mountain-retreat vibe and stellar variety of runs, ranging from complete beginner to pro level. With the stunning-beyond-words backdrop of the Alps, Saalbach is easily one of the most breathtaking places to ski, snowshoe-hike, and explore.
Christmas decorations blanket the entire town during December, creating a festive atmosphere fit for any holiday vacation. Consider staying at Boutique Hotel Anybody, as it’s only 980 feet (300 meters) from the ski lifts.
Check out our ski trip packing list next if this is your destination this December!
4. Rovaniemi, Finland
I might argue that the best place to visit in December would have to be the home of the one and only Santa Claus, which is why Rovaniemi, Finland, is an essential entry on this list. Part of Finnish Lapland, this small city inside the Arctic Circle, where ice and snow reign supreme during this month, has its own Santa Claus Village.
Also check out (or stay at) the mystical SnowHotel, which is carved from the white stuff (and ice) every year. It includes glass igloos with transparent domes, meaning you can watch the glimmer of the northern lights across the night sky before you go to sleep. Make sure to book your room well in advance, though!
5. London, United Kingdom
Who doesn’t want to live out their Love, Actually fantasy by heading to London in December? The British capital has a charming quality during the holiday time. The twinkling lights are truly next-level, the classic red phone booths match the seasonal decorations, and there are abundant Christmas markets throughout town, each with a unique theme.
During this time of year, there are bus tours specifically for checking out the Christmas lights — yeah, they’re that good. Also, museums are free in London, so these are ideal to warm up in if it’s getting too cold outside.
We have a detailed guide to solo female travel in London, check it out next if you’re planning on visiting this city by yourself!
6. Florence, Italy
Florence is the capital of Tuscany, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Not only is it a cultural hub with amazing museums, fantastic food, and charming cobblestone streets to explore, but it’s also home to some of the most iconic architecture in the country.
Sure, you can visit Florence any time of year and have a blast. The high season coincides with summer, but most tourists have cleared out by December, when the city remains lively but isn’t as packed. Plus, the weather is quite mild, and there are lots of twinkling Christmas lights. It’s a win-win if you ask me!
Check out this Christmas Magic tour to get the full experience of December in Florence. If you like wine, you can also go on a wine-tasting experience, this is one of the best things to do in Italy!
7. Iceland
There are some definite pros and cons to visiting Iceland in the winter. While some areas might be more difficult to access (the Laugavegur Trail and the Fimmvörðuháls Hike are some examples), others are actually prime in December.
The Icelandic Highlands are an incredible sight to see this time of year, plus it’s the optimal period in which to get a glimpse of the northern lights. This is one of the best things to do in Iceland, after all.
Start in Reykjavik, then consider departing on a road trip along either the Ring Road or the Golden Circle. Don’t miss out on the hot springs, as they’re particularly inviting and fun in December.
North America
8. Florida Keys road trip
One of the best winter vacations in the US is a road trip through the Florida Keys. There’s world-class snorkeling, beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and exciting tours and excursions in places like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and of course, Key West. If you’re new to Florida, check out our solo traveler guide to this amazing state.
Winter in the Florida Keys is generally pretty crowded, but that just adds to the hype. If you want to avoid some of the crowds, spend most of your time in Big Pine Key. This peaceful island is less crowded than other Florida Keys.
9. Big Island, Hawai’i
If fleeing freezing temperatures is a priority for you this December, the Big Island can meet all your beachy needs. Here you’ll find mind-blowing places to snorkel, some of the best beaches in the state of Hawai’i, and tons of interesting, offbeat accommodations.
There’s enough to do on the Big Island for any length of stay. Find ideas for your three-day, one-week, or two-week Big Island itinerary here.
Like many other locations on this list, December is a popular time to visit Hawai’i, and it can get crowded toward the end of the month. To avoid this as much as possible, opt to travel to Hawai’i at the beginning of the month.
10. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
You might have heard that Death Valley is one of the absolute best places in the USA in December, so it should come as no surprise that it also makes our worldwide list.
California’s spectacular desert landscapes can be nearly intolerable in the summer months, due to the scorching heat, but it’s one of the best places to visit in California in winter! That’s why December is prime time to climb the dunes, venture to Golden Canyon, or marvel at the colorful Artist’s Palette.
Whether you’re hitting up other California deserts or plan to make Death Valley your sole destination, you’re in for a treat here this month. Don’t miss this Death Valley guide while you’re putting together your itinerary.
11. Moab, Utah
Firey red-rock formations, massive arches, and canyons that look nearly bottomless all await you in Moab this December. This charming town is sandwiched between two of Utah’s best national parks: Arches and Canyonlands, which are among the best national parks to visit in winter, as you might get the occasional blanket of stark white snow over the reddish-orange landscape at this time of the year.
Besides the added beauty of contrasting colors, December is a stellar month to visit Moab, Utah, because it’s much less crowded than other times of the year. You might be able to snag a deal on accommodations, and popular spots like Delicate Arch and Mesa Arch won’t be nearly as busy as the late spring to early fall months.
Get all the info you need to visit Moab here if this is where you’re going to this winter.
12. Alberta, Canada
If you are ready to fully embrace the unique loveliness of winter, the province of Alberta is the December destination for you. This Canadian gem is famous for its spectacular landscapes and subzero temperatures, making it a proper winter wonderland. On top of that, it’s also one of the best places in Canada for solo travelers.
Winters in Alberta feel like the real-life version of a snow globe, so it’s no surprise that this part of Canada is a popular destination this month. To avoid crowds as much as possible, visit before Christmas.
Start scoping out your photo spots with some Alberta winter inspo here.
13. Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you’re hoping for a serene beach vacation, December on the Riviera Maya might not be for you, because it’s the most crowded time of year. However, if you don’t mind the influx of tourism to the region, the spectacular weather will make the trip totally worth it. It’s the coolest part of the year in Mexico, with the most sunshine, which is the best of both worlds.
There’s so much to do on the Riviera Maya, and the best way to get the most out of it is to rent a car in Cancún and embark on a road trip down the Caribbean coast. This way, you can get to some off-the-beaten-path cenotes near Cancún and Tulum. Some other can’t-miss stops are Isla Holbox, Tulum itself, and Bacalar.
14. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an exquisite archipelago just off the coast of Florida (here are nine of the best islands in the Bahamas!) There are plenty of wonderful things to do here, like swimming with pigs in Staniel Cay and snorkeling the road to Atlantis in Bimini. The water is so clear you can see starfish twenty feet down!
The weather in December couldn’t be better, with clear skies and milder temperatures. There might be an occasional nor’easter that blows through, though, so pack a sweater just in case!
Central & South America
15. Monteverde, Costa Rica
Tucked away in the lush mountains of central Costa Rica lies Monteverde, one of the most beautiful places in the country. It’s home to several cloud forests, where dense jungles house moss-covered trees and mysterious bouts of fog. Not to mention some of the longest hanging bridges in all of Central America, along with ample opportunities to zip-line (among other fun activities and things to do).
Even though there will definitely be an ample number of tourists here in December, there are so many miles of hiking trails in the parks that you’ll still be able to find some peace and connection with nature, especially if you’re traveling solo.
Although December is part of the high season in Costa Rica, visiting early in the month is still a great option. The weather is fantastic this time of year, with less rain and more sunshine. Monteverde is one of the chilliest parts of the country, though, so prepare for cold nights.
16. Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru, is most famous for being the launching point for the legendary Machu Picchu archaeological site, but that’s only the beginning. If you’re looking for somewhere to go this December that has lively city streets surrounded by rolling mountain peaks, a strong cultural identity, and plenty of amazing hikes, Cusco is for you.
While December is undoubtedly one of the most popular times to visit Cusco and you might therefore experience crowds, it’s summer here, and the weather is great for a hike.
Check out our post featuring the best things to do in Cusco and our detailed packing list for Peru next to start planning your trip.
17. Bariloche, Argentina
Speaking of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, December is just the right month to see Argentinian Patagonia. The town of Bariloche, the gateway to the region, is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. The lakes are glistening, the trees are vibrantly green, and the trails nearby are waiting for you to explore them.
There are plenty of great things to do in Bariloche, which you will love if you’re an outdoorsy person. It should be on any itinerary for Patagonia, and December is the perfect time to go!
18. San Pedro de Atacama Desert, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile, is the ultimate rugged adventure, full of surprises and incredible scenery. The best way to experience it is to rent a camper van, so you can have the freedom to wander where you please, spending as long as you’d like in each spot. However, if you want more structure and the bonus of having a guide, a tour like this one is ideal.
December is one of the driest months in the sprawling San Pedro de Atacama Desert (already one of the driest in the world), which makes it the best time for stargazing. Since the desert gets unbearably cold at night in the winter (i.e., summer in the Northern Hemisphere), visiting in the Chilean summer (which is in December) is also best for camping.
19. Santa Cruz Island, the Galápagos, Ecuador
Many visitors to the Galápagos, Ecuador, start their adventure on Santa Cruz Island, as it’s the largest and most populated. There are plenty of things to see in Santa Cruz, such as lava tubes, tons of wildlife (including giant tortoises!), and massive craters. On top of that, there are also some stellar scuba diving spots here. You might also want to do a Galápagos Island cruise while you’re at it.
Considering that December is popular, since the weather is temperate this time of year, you’ll want to book your accommodations well in advance, though there are many budget options in the Galápagos.
20. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. This city on Colombia’s northern coast is full of gorgeous architecture, an easily walkable downtown, magnificent beaches, and the enchanting sounds of salsa music around every corner. There are several islands off Cartagena’s coast that are a delight when the weather is like this.
This is one of the best destinations in December, because the weather is cooler, making it more comfortable compared to the rest of the year. Plus, Colombia has a whole host of interesting Christmas traditions, so visiting during the holidays means you’ll get an authentic look at the country’s culture. Cartagena is also full of street vendors selling gifts and specialty foods during this time of year, making it extra special.
It’s good to know that Colombia is also one of the cheapest countries to travel, so this is a fabulous destination if you’re on a budget.
21. Aruba
Delicate, soft, white-sand beaches with perhaps the clearest blue water you’ve ever seen await you in Aruba. When it comes to Caribbean island paradises, this one has some of the most picture-perfect beaches (Flamingo Island, anyone?).
Choose Aruba this December if you’re dying to escape the cold and need a heavy dose of “vitamin sea.” (And don’t miss this epic list of the best things to do in Aruba while you’re planning.)
This month is a fantastic one to visit Aruba, because, like most of the Caribbean, the weather is unmatched. Despite it being the rainy season, it’s always on the dryer side, so sunny skies, relatively mild temperatures, and soft breezes characterize this time of the year.
Check out our itinerary for Aruba next to start planning your winter escape!
Asia
22. Southern Islands, Thailand
Island-hopping in southern Thailand is a dream for many, and there’s no wonder why. You can find a little bit of everything in this region: quiet beaches like Tonsai, can’t-miss touristy destinations like Railay Beach, hidden gems like Bottle Beach, and so much more. These are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand!
December is a prime time to visit the country’s Southern Islands, because the temps are cooler and the days are sunnier — terrific beach weather. There are plenty of routes to take through this region, but booking an island-hopping tour is one of the better ways to see as much as you can.
23. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi not only makes for a great starting point for a backpacking trip through Vietnam or an essential stop on any Southeast Asia backpacking route but is also a stellar December destination all on its own.
This is one of the most fascinating cities in Vietnam, known for its mix of traditional and colonial cultures. You can see French influences in everything from the famous bahn mi sandwiches to ornate architecture. On top of that, Hanoi is also famous for its colorful lanterns that light up in the evening, symbolizing hope and believed to bring good fortune.
Visiting Hanoi in December is ideal if you want to get a taste of Vietnam without the stifling heat and humidity. This time of year yields mild temperatures — you might even see people wearing puffy coats and sweaters. Find out how best to pack for your trip with this packing list for Vietnam.
24. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the launching point for the must-see Angkor Wat archaeological and religious site. I visited in 2016, and it was by far among my favorite places to visit in Southeast Asia. It remains one of the most surreal sites I’ve ever been to. The ruins themselves are astounding: hundreds of temples, each with various carvings depicting the harrowing history of the site. Definitely don’t miss the chance to do a sunrise tour.
The town of Siem Reap itself is a backpacker hub, with plenty of restaurants and accommodations at very cheap prices, even in the high season.
Like so many other entries on this list, December is peak time for tourism. Don’t let that deter you from exploring this mystical destination, though. The cooler temperatures make seeing the ruins much more enjoyable, which might outweigh having to share the site with so many other visitors. Visiting Angkor Wat is one of the most popular things to do in Cambodia, after all.
25. Ari Atoll, Maldives
Ari Atoll is by far one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. December is during the dry season, making it an incredible time for scuba diving and snorkeling, as there’s excellent visibility. This is also whale shark time here; one of the best ways to see them is by diving with Liveaboard. You’ll also see colorful, healthy corals and abundant tropical fish.
Visiting Ari Atoll, like most places in the Maldives, can get pretty pricey. This is especially true during this highly popular time. Check out this guide on how to go to the Maldives on a budget for some money-saving tips.
26. Takayama, Japan
There’s truly nowhere else on earth quite like Takayama, Japan. The lovely and historic city is known as the gateway to the Japanese Alps, the buildings boast Edo-era architecture, and the food is out of this world (the ingredients are organic and sourced locally). It’s also good to know that Japan is a safe country to explore solo.
Takayama is a magical destination for a weekend trip. Check out this complete three-day winter itinerary, which includes the best things to do, great accommodations, and how to get to and from the city.
It gets quite chilly this time of year, with similar temperatures that you’d encounter in parts of the US and Europe, so dress for cold weather.
Africa
27. Tofo Beach, Mozambique
One of the most enchanting beaches I can think of is Tofo in Mozambique. To get there is an adventure in itself, and it’s perhaps the most off-the-beaten-path destination on this list. If you are up for the journey, though, Tofo’s pristine beaches, superb surf, and jubilantly friendly locals make the trip worth it.
December is an awesome month to go to Tofo, because it’s the peak time for visitors and the best to celebrate the holidays with residents. It never really gets overcrowded, though, and most visitors are from other parts of the country, so it maintains its laid-back charm even during the high season.
Start planning your beach vacation with our post on how to travel through Mozambique, and make sure to read our guide on traveling to Mozambique alone if you’re heading here by yourself.
28. Karoo National Park, South Africa
When it comes to national parks in South Africa, you may have only heard of Kruger. To be honest, that was the only one I knew about before I went to the country myself. Since December is such a busy time to visit Kruger, it gets overwhelmingly crowded there.
Check out Karoo National Park instead, where you’ll see a wider variety of landscapes and have a better chance of finding some peace and quiet. People often refer to Karoo as “the bush,” but it’s really more like a desert, so if you’re a fan of arid scenery with magnificent rock formations, this is for you.
December also marks the beginning of summer in South Africa, so expect warm, dry weather. This might be just right for combining a visit to this national park with a South African road trip.
29. Chobe National Park, Botswana
If going on a safari has always been a dream of yours, this is your sign to check out Chobe National Park in Botswana for the adventure of a lifetime. Here you’ll encounter African elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and many other animals in the wild. In fact, this is one of the best parks for wildlife viewing, due to the sheer concentration of animals.
December is a fantastic month to visit, because it’s green season and the entire park is lush with vegetation. It’s a popular time, though, so make sure to book far in advance.
Consider hitting up Chobe National Park along with other parks on this epic adventure camping tour.
30. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa (and one of the most beautiful places in this continent), earning its title because of its massive size and lush foliage. This should be on any itinerary for Tanzania!
It’s the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, and it’s home to around 25,000 animals, including many critically endangered species. The black rhino, the wild hunting dog, and the golden cat are some examples.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, Tanzania in December is marvelous, because the region is particularly lush this time of year due to short spurts of rain and ample sunshine in between.
31. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Many refer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as the birthplace of gorilla trekking. Since there are few left in the wild, this activity can be quite expensive and requires booking about a year in advance. However, seeing these animals in their habitat is a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience that is high on many travelers’ bucket lists.
Visiting Volcanoes National Park is just one element of an exceptional Rwanda itinerary, and December is a great month for this adventure. Crowds here are relatively low this time of year. But you should prepare for rain, which can come at any moment, as it’s the wet season.
Oceania
32. Tahiti, French Polynesia
While some merely make a stop in Tahiti on their way to Bora Bora in French Polynesia, this island destination has a lot to offer. There’s an abundance of gushing waterfalls and thick green jungles, and enough snorkeling and diving opportunities to make any ocean lover happy.
Although December is the rainy season, this is a great time to visit Tahiti, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it at this time of the year. It’s a great time for a jungle hike, a visit to a black-sand beach, or chasing waterfalls. Find out what else there is to do in Tahiti here.
I hope this list of the best places to travel in December gives you plenty of inspiration for your trips this year and for years to come.
Where will you be heading?
Deccan Odyssey says
Wow, what an amazing list of destinations! This guide is perfect for planning a memorable December getaway. I love how it covers such a diverse range of places for different travel styles. Thanks for sharing these incredible ideas!