Top 14 Best Countries To Visit In December

December transforms the world into two distinct experiences. Thailand and Vietnam offer warm escapes with fewer crowds, while Austria and Switzerland embrace winter's quiet beauty. Japan celebrates the season with illuminations, and the Maldives provides pristine beaches under clear skies.

Keep reading as we explore the best countries to visit in December that will make your year-end journey unforgettable.

1. Thailand: Golden Season Returns

December marks Thailand's golden season when the monsoons retreat and temperatures settle into perfection. Bangkok's streets buzz without the oppressive heat, while Chiang Mai's mountains offer cool mornings and warm afternoons.

The beaches tell the real story. Phuket and Koh Samui see crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. Local fishermen return to deeper waters, bringing fresh catches to night markets that come alive after sunset.

I remember watching monks collect alms at dawn in Chiang Mai, the air crisp enough to see my breath. That's December in Thailand—comfortable enough to explore, cool enough to breathe.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-February
  
• Getting There: Direct flights to Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT)
  
• Entry Fee: 30-day visa exemption for most countries
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-14 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Ayutthaya
  

2. Austria: Winter's Quiet Majesty

Austria in December transforms into a living snow globe. Vienna's Christmas markets fill cobblestone squares with warm glühwein and handcrafted ornaments. Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, sparkles under Alpine snow.

The mountain towns offer something different. Hallstatt, with its 4,000-year history, becomes a frozen fairy tale. Steam rises from the lake in early morning while swans glide between ice formations.

Skip the crowded Salzburg tours. Instead, take the train to Hallstatt early morning—you'll have the village almost to yourself until tour buses arrive around 10 AM.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-March
  
• Getting There: Fly into Vienna (VIE) or Salzburg (SZG)
  
• Entry Fee: No visa required for EU citizens; Schengen visa for others
  
• Suggested Stay: 7-10 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Melk Abbey
  

3. Switzerland: Alpine Perfection

December brings Switzerland's mountains into sharp focus. The Matterhorn stands against clear winter skies while Zermatt transforms into a winter wonderland. Trains run precisely on schedule, cutting through valleys filled with fresh snow.

The Swiss understand winter comfort. Mountain huts serve raclette while views stretch across endless peaks. Jungfraujoch offers Europe's highest railway station and glaciers that have existed for millennia.

Local tip: Buy a Swiss Travel Pass before arrival—it covers trains, buses, and boats, plus free museum entry. The savings add up quickly in expensive Switzerland.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-April
  
• Getting There: Zurich (ZUR) or Geneva (GVA) airports
  
• Entry Fee: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens
  
• Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Zermatt, Jungfraujoch, Interlaken, Lucerne, Grindelwald
  

4. Japan: Illumination Season

December in Japan means illumination season—millions of LED lights transform cities into glittering displays. Tokyo's streets glow with holiday decorations while Kyoto's temples offer quiet contemplation amid winter gardens.

Mount Fuji appears more frequently in December's clear air. The mountain's snow-capped peak creates perfect photo opportunities from Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone.

The real magic happens at night. I stood in Shibuya crossing at 6 PM on a December evening, watching 3,000 people cross beneath towering light displays. That's modern Japan in winter—ordered chaos illuminated.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November-February (dry season)
  
• Getting There: Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Osaka (KIX) airports
  
• Entry Fee: Visa-free for most countries (90 days)
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-14 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Shirakawago
  

5. United Arab Emirates (Dubai): Desert Winter

December offers Dubai's most pleasant weather. Temperatures hover around 75°F while humidity drops to comfortable levels. The city's beaches become usable again after months of scorching heat.

Dubai's excess makes more sense in comfortable weather. The Burj Khalifa observation deck offers clear views across the Persian Gulf. Desert safaris become enjoyable rather than endurance tests.

The old souks come alive in cooler evenings. Gold Souk and Spice Souk buzz with activity as locals emerge from air-conditioned havens. Haggling becomes pleasant rather than rushed.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November-March
  
• Getting There: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  
• Entry Fee: Visa on arrival for most countries
  
• Suggested Stay: 4-6 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Old Dubai Souks
  

6. New Zealand: Summer's Beginning

December launches New Zealand's summer season. Days stretch long while temperatures climb toward perfect. The Southern Alps provide dramatic backdrops to emerald landscapes dotted with sheep.

Queenstown becomes adventure central. Bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating operate under clear skies. Milford Sound reveals its fjord beauty without winter's storms.

The locals know December well—book accommodations early. Summer holidays bring domestic travelers alongside international visitors, filling popular spots quickly.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-February
  
• Getting There: Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC)
  
• Entry Fee: ETA required for most countries
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-14 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Bay of Islands
  

7. Spain: Mild Mediterranean

Spain in December offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Seville and Granada showcase Moorish architecture without summer's oppressive heat. Madrid's museums become pleasant refuges rather than necessary escapes.

The Christmas markets add charm to historic squares. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter feels intimate in winter light while Gaudi's Sagrada Familia stands magnificently against clear skies.

Southern Spain rewards December visitors. Andalusia's white villages gleam under winter sun while the Mediterranean coast offers peaceful walks without beach crowds.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-February (mild season)
  
• Getting There: Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN)
  
• Entry Fee: No visa required for EU citizens
  
• Suggested Stay: 8-10 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Valencia
  

8. Finland: Northern Lights Season

December brings Finland's polar night and aurora season. Lapland offers the best northern lights viewing while traditional saunas provide warming relief from Arctic cold.

Rovaniemi serves as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Reindeer farms and husky sledding create authentic Arctic experiences. The Northern Lights appear frequently in clear, dark skies.

I watched the aurora dance above a frozen lake in Inari, green curtains shifting across star-filled darkness. That's December in Finland—cold that bites and beauty that takes your breath away.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-February (Northern Lights)
  
• Getting There: Helsinki (HEL) then domestic flights to Rovaniemi
  
• Entry Fee: EU passport or Schengen visa required
  
• Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Rovaniemi, Inari, Helsinki, Levi, Kemi
  

9. Italy: Off-Season Charm

December transforms Italy into an intimate experience. Rome's ancient sites breathe easier without summer crowds while Florence's Renaissance treasures shine under winter light. Venice becomes mysterious in morning fog.

The Christmas markets add Alpine charm to northern cities. Bologna's covered markets offer refuge from December rains while showcasing Italy's culinary excellence.

Smart travelers know December's secret—museum queues disappear. The Uffizi, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel become manageable rather than overwhelming.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: Off-season (fewer crowds)
  
• Getting There: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), or Venice (VCE)
  
• Entry Fee: EU passport or Schengen visa required
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-12 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples
  

10. Maldives: Dry Season Paradise

December launches the Maldives' dry season. Trade winds settle while rainfall decreases dramatically. The Indian Ocean turns crystal clear, revealing coral gardens and tropical fish in unprecedented detail.

Over-water bungalows make sense in December weather. Snorkeling and diving conditions reach peak quality while beaches stretch endless and pristine under cloudless skies.

The resorts understand December demand—book well in advance. This is prime season when the Maldives delivers on every tropical paradise promise.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-April
  
• Getting There: Velana International Airport (MLE)
  
• Entry Fee: 30-day visa on arrival
  
• Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Malé, Maafushi, various resort islands, local fishing villages
  

11. Mexico: Perfect Weather Returns

December brings Mexico's most pleasant weather. Temperatures settle into comfortable ranges while humidity drops along both coasts. Crowds thin after Thanksgiving while weather improves dramatically.

The Day of the Dead celebrations fade into Christmas preparations. Markets fill with poinsettias and traditional decorations while beaches offer peaceful escapes from northern winters.

Yucatan reveals its Maya secrets in comfortable weather. Chichen Itza and Tulum become explorable rather than endurance tests under December's gentle sun.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-April
  
• Getting There: Mexico City (MEX), Cancun (CUN), or Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
  
• Entry Fee: Visa-free for most countries (180 days)
  
• Suggested Stay: 8-12 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta
  

12. South Africa: Summer's Peak

December marks South Africa's summer peak. Cape Town's beaches come alive while the winelands burst with ripening grapes. Safari conditions improve as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources.

Table Mountain reveals itself more frequently through clearing winter clouds. The penguin colonies at Boulders Beach become active while whale watching season continues along the coast.

The locals celebrate December with braais (barbecues) and outdoor festivals. Join the energy—South African summers demand participation rather than observation.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-February
  
• Getting There: Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB)
  
• Entry Fee: Visa-free for most countries (90 days)
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-14 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Garden Route, Stellenbosch
  

13. Sri Lanka: West Coast Season

December begins Sri Lanka's west coast dry season. Colombo and Galle shed monsoon clouds while beaches along the southwestern coast turn pristine. The hill country around Kandy offers cool relief from coastal heat.

Ancient temples and Dutch colonial architecture shine under clear skies. The tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya provide mountain freshness while elephant orphanages operate in ideal conditions.

Train journeys become spectacular rather than soggy. The route from Kandy to Ella cuts through misty mountains and tea gardens—one of the world's most beautiful rail rides.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December-March (west/south coast)
  
• Getting There: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
  
• Entry Fee: ETA required online before arrival
  
• Suggested Stay: 8-10 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya
  

14. Vietnam: Cool and Comfortable

December brings Vietnam's most comfortable weather. Northern regions around Hanoi cool to pleasant temperatures while southern areas like Ho Chi Minh City shed oppressive heat and humidity.

Ha Long Bay reveals its limestone karsts through clearing skies while Hoi An's lantern-lit streets become walkable rather than sweltering. The Mekong Delta offers boat trips without monsoon concerns.

Street food comes alive in cooler weather. Hanoi's pho vendors emerge earlier while Ho Chi Minh City's night markets extend their hours. This is Vietnam at its most accessible.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November-February
  
• Getting There: Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
  
• Entry Fee: E-visa required for most countries
  
• Suggested Stay: 10-14 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Sapa
  

Your December Adventure Awaits

December doesn't demand compromise. Whether you crave Thailand's tropical warmth or Finland's northern lights, this month delivers experiences unavailable at other times.

The best countries to visit in December offer something beyond weather—they provide moments that define travel. Clear Alpine air in Switzerland. Northern lights dancing across Finnish skies. Temple bells echoing through Kyoto's winter gardens.

Your December journey starts with a single decision. Pick your destination, pack accordingly, and prepare for a month that transforms winter into wanderlust.

The world opens differently in December. Step into it.