Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that the blog may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
December is a great time to take a vacation for several reasons. For one, the holiday season is in full swing, which means that many destinations are decorated with festive lights and decorations. This can add to the overall atmosphere of the trip and make it feel more special and festive.
Additionally, December is typically a slower time for travel, so it can be easier to find deals on flights, hotels, and activities.
The weather in many popular vacation destinations is pleasant in December, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, or beach-going.
Read this blog post to discover where to travel in December.
Anchorage, Alaska
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 25°F high; 13°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the winter season in Anchorage, which means that the city is blanketed in snow and the holiday lights are up, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s also the start of ski season in Anchorage, so it's a great time to hit the slopes and enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. You may also get to see the Northern Lights, as the long, dark nights provide the perfect conditions for viewing this natural wonder.
Belgium
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 45°F high; 38°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the holiday season in Belgium, which means that cities like Brussels and Bruges are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and markets. Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate, and December is a great time to try some of the best chocolate in the world. There are also some cultural events, such as the Brussels Jazz Marathon and the Ghent Light Festival.
Key Events:
Brussels Jazz Marathon
Ghent Light Festival
Finland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 24°F high; 11°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
In December, Finland is blanketed in snow and the holiday lights are up, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a great time and place to see the Northern Lights, as the long, dark nights provide the perfect conditions for viewing this natural wonder. Also, Finland is known for its winter sports, so if you enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, visit Finland in December.
Dresden, Germany
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 41°F high; 32°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
In December, Dresden is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and there’s ice skating on the frozen rivers. The destination is known for its cultural events, like the Dresden Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany.
Key Events:
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Goa, India
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 90°F high; 70°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in December:
December marks the start of the peak tourist season in Goa, which means that the weather is warm and pleasant and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. It’s a great place to experience cultural events and vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and beach parties.
Key Events:
Sunburn Festival
Goa Food and Cultural Festival
Laos
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 94°F high; 62°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the dry season in Laos, which means that the weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time to explore the country's natural beauty. During this time of year, there are cultural events and unique cuisine to enjoy.
Key Events:
That Luang Festival
Lao New Year
Leavenworth, MA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 34°F high; 21°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
In December, Leavenworth is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and markets. It’s a beautiful place for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Key Events:
Christmas Lighting Festival
WassailFest
Los Cabos, Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 81°F high; 62°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in December:
Though December is the start of peak season in Los Cabos, it does promise warm and sunny weather. There’s key cultural events as well as vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and beach parties.
Key Events:
Cabo San Lucas Jazz Festival
Los Cabos International Film Festival
Maui, HI
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 56°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
There’s really no bad time to visit Hawaii. Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. It’s home to many world-class resorts and hotels, which offer luxurious accommodations and amenities. Hawaii in December is always a good idea!
New York City, NY
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 44°F high; 31°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
New York City is a delightful place to get into the Christmas spirit with its beautiful lights and decor. It’s also known for world-class shopping, making is a great place to take care of your Christmas shopping list. Be sure to get into the holiday spirit by attending a show, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
Key Events:
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Nutcracker Ballet
Park City, UT
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 35°F high; 14°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the ski season in Park City, which means that it's a great time to hit the slopes and enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Park City is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and December is a great time to experience the city's many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Key Events:
Park City Film Series
Holiday Inn Christmas Special
Penang, Malaysia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 88°F high; 75°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the dry season in Penang, which means that the weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time to explore the island's natural beauty. It’s known for beautiful beaches, making it a great destination to get away, relax, and enjoy unique culture and food.
Key Events:
Penang Island Jazz Festival
Penang Food and Culture Festival
Phuket, Thailand
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 76°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the peak tourist season in Phuket, which means that the weather is warm and sunny and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. In addition to beautiful beaches, there are also great watersports options, like snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing.
Key Events:
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Old Phuket Town Festival
Prague, Czech Republic
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 40°F high; 32°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
Prague is another Christmas hub, decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and decor. Explore the Christmas markets, ice skate on the frozen rivers and enjoy traditional dishes and desserts.
Key Events:
Prague Christmas Markets
Prague Advent Concerts
Salzburg, Austria
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 39°F high; 27°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
Similar to Prague, Salzburg is a festive place to visit in December, with beautiful Christmas lights and markets, ice skating, and more..
Key Events:
Salzburg Christmas Market
Salzburg Advent Singing
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 83°F high; 68°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
December is the start of the summer season in Sao Paulo, which means that the weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions. Visit Iguazu Falls for hiking and water activities or explore the city experiencing the nightlife and delicious foods.
Key Events:
Sao Paulo Art Biennial
Sao Paulo Jazz Festival
Iguazu Falls Marathon
Iguazu Falls Music Festival
Siesta Keys, FL
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 74°F high; 55°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
Siesta Keys in December is warm and sunny, making it a great time to relax on the beach and enjoy the warm weather. Siesta Keys is known for its delicious seafood, and December is a great time to try some of the region's freshest catches.
Key Events:
Siesta Fiesta
Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition
South Padre Island, TX
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 57°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
The weather is usually warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s and low humidity. December is a great time to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches, as the crowds are typically smaller than during the peak season. South Padre Island is known for its great fishing, and December is a good time to catch a variety of fish species, such as redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Key Events:
Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
St. Petersburg, FL
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 57°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
The weather is typically mild and pleasant in December, with average high temperatures in the low 70s and low humidity. This is a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor attractions, such as the beaches, parks, and botanical gardens. It’s a great destination for foodies, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to enjoy. From fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort food, there's something for every palate in St. Petersburg.
Key Events:
Downtown St. Pete Tree Lighting
Christmas Parade
Photo by Jeff Caven. Image courtesy of Sun Valley Idaho.
Sun Valley, ID
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 31°F high; 7°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
December is prime ski season in Sun Valley, and the area is known for its challenging runs and beautiful mountain scenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find plenty of great slopes to explore. Sun Valley is a picturesque mountain town, and the holiday season is a special time to visit, with festive lights and decorations, and a variety of holiday events and activities. The weather in Sun Valley in December is cold, but typically sunny and dry, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating.
Tulum, Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 83°F high; 62°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in December:
December is a great time to enjoy Tulum's beautiful beaches, as the crowds are typically smaller than during the peak season. The weather is also usually warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s and low humidity. Tulum is known for its Mayan ruins, and December is a great time to explore the area's rich history and culture. The Tulum Archaeological Site and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve are just a few of the many attractions worth visiting.
Uruguay
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 64°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in December:
December is peak season for tourism in Uruguay, so there are many events and activities to enjoy, such as music festivals, art fairs, and sports events. December is a great time to visit Uruguay, as the weather is typically warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s. This is a great time to explore the country's beautiful beaches, national parks, and cities.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 84°F high; 76°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in December:
December is peak season for tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so there are many events and activities to enjoy, such as music festivals, art fairs, and sports events. December is a great time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the weather is typically warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the low 80s. This is a great time to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches, national parks, and water sports.
Image courtesy of WilliamsburgVacations.com.
Williamsburg, VA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 53°F high; 33°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in December:
The holiday season is a special time in Williamsburg, with festive lights and decorations, and a variety of events and activities. From Christmas parades to holiday markets, there's plenty to enjoy in Williamsburg during the holidays. December is a great time to visit Williamsburg, as the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the mid-50s. This is a great time to explore the city's many historical attractions, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Zurich & the Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 41°F high; 33°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in december:
December is a great time to visit Zurich, as the weather is typically cold but sunny, with average high temperatures in the low 40s. This is a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor attractions, such as the lakes and parks. The Swiss Alps are a beautiful destination to visit during the winter months, and December is no exception. The snow-capped peaks and picturesque villages are particularly stunning at this time of year. December is a great time to visit the Swiss Alps for winter sports enthusiasts, as many ski resorts open for the season in December. This is the perfect opportunity to hit the slopes and enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in the beautiful alpine environment. Crowds are generally smaller than during the peak summer season. This can make it easier to find accommodations and activities, and can also provide a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
BONUS!
Aswan, Egypt
Bariloche, Argentina
Fredericksburg, TX
Guatemala
Jekyll Island and Sea Island, Georgia
La Romana, Dominican Republic
New Hope, PA
Sierra Leone, Africa
Taos, NM
Author bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
