December: Holiday Travel Done Right
December splits travelers into two camps: snow seekers and sun chasers. Both have excellent options if you book early.
December is when the world splits into people who want snow and people who want to escape it. Both camps have excellent options, but the key to December travel is booking early. This is the most expensive month of the year for flights and hotels in warm destinations, and the best properties sell out months in advance. If you are reading this in October hoping to book a December beach trip, you are probably already late for the top-tier options.
That said, December has genuine magic that other months cannot replicate. European Christmas markets in Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg are worth a dedicated trip. We went to Paris in December once and the city was transformed by lights, decorations, and a culinary scene that leans into winter in the best possible way. Hot chocolate at a cafe near the Seine while it is 4 degrees outside is a different kind of travel experience than lounging on a beach, but it is equally memorable.
For warm-weather December travel, the Caribbean and Central America are in their dry season, Southeast Asia is at peak conditions, and East Africa offers excellent safari viewing before the long rains begin. The Maldives enters its best diving window, with the northeast monsoon bringing crystal-clear water to the eastern atolls.
Here is what December looks like across the major travel regions and how to get the most out of it.
OPTIMAL DESTINATIONS
| Destination | Why December | Conditions |
| Myanmar | Peak season continues | Perfect weather |
| Thailand | High season begins | Excellent all conditions |
| Philippines | Peak dry season | Perfect for all activities |
| Maldives | High season | Excellent diving & weather |
| Egypt | Perfect temperatures | Ideal for all activities |
| Morocco | Excellent weather | Perfect for exploration |
| Antarctica | Penguin season begins | Wildlife viewing starts |
| Ghana | Dry season | Good weather |
| Australia | Summer begins | Great conditions |
| Rwanda | Dry season | Excellent for gorillas |
PRIME DIVING CONDITIONS
- Maldives – Peak season
- Komodo – Manta ray season peaks (wet season trade-off)
- Fujikawa Maru, Micronesia – Excellent wreck diving
- Philippines (all sites) – Peak conditions
- Tiger Beach, Bahamas – Continued shark excellence
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
- Europe – Christmas markets
- Philippines – Perfect holiday weather
- Myanmar – Peak temple exploration season
- Northern Lights – Peak viewing season
Gear and Guides We Recommend
Planning a trip based on these recommendations? Here are some items we find essential:
- European Christmas markets guide
- reusable hand warmers
- wool thermal socks
- packing cube set
- universal travel adapter
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me