Top 14 Best Places To Visit In December

December transforms the world into a playground of contrasts—while snow blankets northern hemispheres, southern destinations bloom with summer's warmth. Discovering the best places to visit in December opens doors to unique experiences unavailable any other month.

From Kerala's backwater serenity to Sydney's harbor celebrations, December offers perfect weather windows across continents. Whether you crave Bali's tropical beaches, Cape Town's wine harvest season, or Dubai's ideal temperatures, this month delivers exceptional travel opportunities.

The magic lies in timing. December means fewer crowds in Southeast Asia, perfect sailing conditions in New Zealand, and festival seasons across South America and Africa.

1. Kerala, India: Backwater Bliss

Kerala in December feels like nature's air conditioning system. The monsoons have departed, leaving emerald landscapes refreshed and temperatures hovering around 23-32°C. The backwaters of Alleppey become mirror-perfect canals reflecting coconut palms.

I remember floating through Kumarakom at dawn, watching fishermen cast nets while mist rose from the water. The silence was broken only by kingfisher calls and gentle lapping against our houseboat hull.

December marks Kerala's peak season for good reason. Humidity drops to comfortable levels, making beach walks in Kovalam and spice plantation tours in Munnar genuinely enjoyable rather than endurance tests.

Book houseboats early—December availability disappears faster than morning mist over the backwaters.

2. Bali, Indonesia: Dry Season Paradise

Bali's December sits perfectly in the dry season sweet spot. Rainfall drops dramatically after November's wet period, while temperatures maintain tropical warmth without oppressive humidity. This creates ideal conditions for both beach lounging and cultural exploration.

The rice terraces of Jatiluwih glow golden in December's clear light. I've watched sunrise from Mount Batur during this month, with visibility stretching to neighboring islands—a sight impossible during cloudy wet season mornings.

December's weather makes Ubud's jungle walks comfortable, while beach towns like Canggu offer consistent surf and sunset dining without afternoon downpours interrupting your plans.

Tourist crowds remain manageable before Christmas week chaos begins.

3. Phuket, Thailand: Cool Season Comfort

December launches Phuket's high season with justification. Gone are the monsoon rains and sticky heat of previous months. Temperatures settle into the perfect 24-30°C range with low humidity and cooling breezes.

Patong Beach transforms from a rain-soaked strip into the vibrant scene Thailand is famous for. But venture beyond the crowds to Kata Noi, where I've spent December mornings with only local fishermen for company.

The Andaman Sea reaches its calmest state during December, making island-hopping to Phi Phi and James Bond Island not just possible, but spectacular. Boat rides become pleasure cruises rather than seasickness challenges.

Book accommodations early—December through February represents peak pricing for good reason.

4. Da Nang, Vietnam: Perfect Temperature Balance

Da Nang's December weather hits the Goldilocks zone—not too hot, not too cold, just right. Temperatures range from 20-26°C with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for exploring both beaches and cultural sites.

The Marble Mountains become genuinely pleasant to climb in December's cooler air. I remember reaching the summit of Thuy Son without the usual Southeast Asian perspiration waterfall experience.

Hoi An, just 30 minutes south, glows particularly magical in December's dry weather. Paper lanterns reflect perfectly in the Thu Bon River without rain ripples disturbing the mirror surface.

December marks the beginning of central Vietnam's dry season, making it optimal timing for coastal road trips and outdoor activities.

5. Boracay, Philippines: Peak Season Perfection

December signals Boracay's high season arrival with crystal-clear skies and gentle trade winds. The notorious wet season departs, leaving behind the powdery white sand beaches that made this island famous.

White Beach transforms into the tropical paradise postcards promise. I've witnessed December sunsets here that seemed digitally enhanced—orange and pink hues reflecting off calm waters while paraw sailboats drift silently past.

The notorious crowds haven't fully materialized yet, making December the sweet spot between good weather and manageable tourist density.

Water sports become reliable rather than weather-dependent. Kiteboarding, diving, and sailing enjoy consistent conditions throughout the month.

6. Sydney, Australia: Summer's Grand Opening

Sydney's December launches summer with spectacular timing. Temperatures climb to comfortable 20-26°C while maintaining the clear skies that make harbor views postcard-perfect.

The Royal Botanic Gardens bloom magnificently in December's warmth. Walking from the Opera House to Mrs. Macquaries Chair becomes a pleasure rather than a test of heat endurance.

December 26th brings the Sydney to Hobart yacht race—watching these vessels navigate the harbor creates an electric atmosphere throughout the city.

Beach culture awakens from winter hibernation. Bondi and Manly transform from windy stretches into the lifestyle destinations Australia is famous for.

7. Auckland, New Zealand: Summer Sailing Season

Auckland's December marks the transition into prime sailing season. The “City of Sails” justifies its nickname as temperatures reach 20-24°C with consistent winds perfect for harbor adventures.

The Hauraki Gulf becomes a playground during December. I've sailed to Waiheke Island on December mornings when the water resembled liquid glass, reflecting Auckland's skyline in perfect detail.

December timing allows for both summer outdoor activities and the lead-up to New Year celebrations—Auckland's fireworks over the harbor rank among the world's first major New Year's displays.

Tourist infrastructure operates at full capacity without the peak summer crowds that arrive in January.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Summer's Urban Energy

Buenos Aires explodes with energy as December summer arrives. Temperatures climb to pleasant 20-28°C while the city sheds its winter layers and embraces outdoor culture.

Palermo's parks fill with locals enjoying picnics and mate circles. The Sunday San Telmo market becomes a celebration rather than a cold-weather endurance test.

December's extended daylight hours—sunset doesn't arrive until nearly 8 PM—allow for extensive neighborhood exploration. I've spent December evenings walking from La Boca to Puerto Madero, watching the city transform from business district to nightlife destination.

Tango season reaches full swing as outdoor milongas resume in plazas throughout the city.

9. Santiago, Chile: Summer in the Andes Shadow

Santiago's December brings summer warmth to the Andes foothills. Clear skies reveal the snow-capped mountain backdrop while temperatures reach comfortable 15-28°C.

The surrounding wine regions of Casablanca and Maipo Valley reach peak beauty during December. Vineyard visits become genuine pleasure as harvest season approaches and temperatures make outdoor wine tastings comfortable.

December's clear weather provides optimal conditions for day trips to the Andes. Cajon del Maipo and Valle Nevado become accessible without winter weather complications.

Urban Santiago transforms as residents embrace outdoor dining and plaza culture after months of winter hibernation.

10. Cape Town, South Africa: Wine Harvest Glory

Cape Town's December represents summer at its finest. Temperatures reach 20-26°C while the infamous Cape Doctor wind takes a holiday, leaving calm conditions perfect for outdoor exploration.

Table Mountain's cable car operates reliably in December's stable weather. I've experienced December summit visits with 360-degree visibility stretching to the horizon—views impossible during winter's cloud cover.

The Winelands explode with activity as harvest season approaches. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek transform into festival atmospheres with perfect weather for vineyard tours and outdoor tastings.

December's long days—sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset after 7:45 PM—maximize exploration time while beaches from Camps Bay to Muizenberg reach their full potential.

11. Marrakech, Morocco: Perfect Desert Climate

December delivers Marrakech's most comfortable weather window. Daytime temperatures hover around 18-22°C—warm enough for sightseeing, cool enough to explore without heat exhaustion.

The Atlas Mountains become visible in December's clear air, creating dramatic backdrops for rooftop riad terraces. I remember December mornings in Jemaa el-Fnaa when the mountains appeared close enough to touch.

Nighttime temperatures drop to 8-12°C, making outdoor dining in the medina genuinely pleasant rather than an endurance test against heat and crowds.

December's mild weather makes desert excursions to the Sahara comfortable rather than challenging. Camel trekking and desert camping become highlights instead of hardships.

12. Luxor, Egypt: Ancient Wonders in Comfort

Luxor's December weather creates perfect conditions for exploring ancient monuments. Temperatures range from 10-23°C—cool enough for extensive walking, warm enough for comfortable sightseeing.

The Valley of the Kings becomes bearable rather than brutal during December visits. I've spent entire December mornings exploring tombs without the oppressive heat that makes summer visits nearly impossible.

Nile felucca rides transform from heat-survival exercises into leisurely sunset cruises. The river reflects temples and monuments in December's calm air without heat shimmer distortion.

Tourist crowds thin significantly after October's peak, making December optimal for photography and peaceful contemplation among pharaonic wonders.

13. Dubai, UAE: Desert Winter Paradise

Dubai's December weather represents the emirate at its absolute best. Temperatures drop to a perfect 15-25°C while humidity disappears, creating ideal conditions for both outdoor activities and urban exploration.

The beaches become genuinely usable rather than furnace-like experiences. Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach transform into the recreational paradises Dubai's tourism promotes.

December's pleasant evenings make outdoor dining at Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai enjoyable rather than air-conditioning dependent. Walking becomes pleasure rather than necessity-driven sprints between cool indoor spaces.

Desert safari experiences reach their peak appeal during December's comfortable temperatures. Dune bashing and Bedouin dinners become highlights rather than heat-endurance challenges.

14. Muscat, Oman: Arabian Peninsula Perfection

Muscat's December delivers the Arabian Peninsula experience without extreme heat. Temperatures settle into a comfortable 17-26°C range while clear skies showcase dramatic mountain-meets-sea landscapes.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque becomes genuinely pleasant to explore during December's mild weather. I remember December visits when marble courtyards remained cool underfoot rather than burning hot.

Mutrah Souq transforms from a necessary sprint through covered alleys into leisurely browsing experiences. The frankincense and spice aromas become pleasant rather than overwhelming in December's comfortable air.

December's calm seas make dolphin watching trips from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha consistently successful rather than weather-dependent adventures.

December unlocks travel opportunities that exist nowhere else in the calendar year. These best places to visit in December offer perfect weather windows, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal experiences that transform ordinary destinations into extraordinary adventures.

Your December journey awaits—whether floating through Kerala's backwaters, watching sunsets over Bali's rice terraces, or exploring ancient temples under Egypt's comfortable winter sun.

The world opens differently in December. Pack your bags and discover why this month creates memories that last lifetimes.