Best Places to Travel in December: 10 Top Destinations
Quick answer: The best places to travel in December include Costa Rica, Thailand, and Vietnam. The full list of 10 below covers weather, costs, and what to do in each.
Picking the right destination for December can mean the difference between a magical trip and one ruined by rain, crowds, or wrong-season prices. This guide covers the 10 best places to travel in December, each chosen for its combination of weather, value, and unique experiences during this specific month.
Top 10 Destinations for December
1. Costa Rica
Dry season begins. Coastal beaches.
2. Thailand
Peak dry season. Beach prime.
3. Vietnam
South Vietnam ideal.
4. Mexico
Yucatan dry. Christmas markets in colonial cities.
5. Argentina
Patagonia summer. Buenos Aires Christmas warm.
6. New Zealand
Summer holidays.
7. Australia
Christmas on the beach. Sydney NYE fireworks.
8. Cuba
Peak winter season.
9. Egypt
Cool, dry — peak pyramid weather.
10. Sri Lanka
South coast dry, snow holidays in Europe alternative.
Booking Tips for December
- Book 6-12 weeks ahead for the best balance of inventory + price.
- For major holidays (Christmas, NYE, Lunar New Year, Easter), book 4-6 months ahead.
- Set Google Flights alerts for your target dates 8-10 weeks out.
- Mid-week flights typically run 10-20% cheaper than weekend departures.
- Compare flight + hotel bundles on Costco Travel, Expedia, Booking.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best place to travel in December?
December is great for Costa Rica, Thailand, and Vietnam. The full list above has 10 options for December travel — pick based on your priorities (weather, prices, crowds, activities).
Is December a good time to travel?
December is excellent for many destinations and challenging for others. Northern Hemisphere destinations vary by latitude and season. Southern Hemisphere is reversed. The list above highlights places where December is the optimal or near-optimal travel time.
Where is it warm in December?
Warm destinations in December: tropical Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, and the southern hemisphere (Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand). Avoid Northern Hemisphere winter destinations unless you want snow.
What’s the cheapest place to travel in December?
Off-peak destinations in December offer the biggest savings. Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, parts of Latin America typically have lower prices in their shoulder seasons. Always compare flight + hotel costs together.
How far in advance should I book December travel?
6-12 weeks ahead is the sweet spot for most December trips. Major holidays in December (Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year, Easter) need 4-6 months for best prices. Last-minute deals exist 2-3 weeks out but with limited inventory.
Is December peak season anywhere?
Yes — December is peak season for several destinations on the list above. Look at our breakdown for each country’s specific best/peak/off seasons. Visiting just outside peak (shoulder weeks) often gives 80% of the benefits at 70% of the cost.