Best Country to Visit in December: 7 Top Picks

Introduction

December trips fall into two irresistible camps: winter sun (beaches, long days, terrace dinners) and winter wonderland (snow, aurora, festive markets). The secret to picking the best country to visit in December is matching your weather preference with signature events and realistic crowd/cost trade-offs. Whether you’re a solo traveler, planning a travel meetup, or coordinating a community trip, this guide compares seven proven winners—complete with climate notes, example routes, unique experiences, and safety watch-outs—plus a decision grid and quick takeaways to help you choose fast.

Thailand (Cool, Dry, Beach-Perfect)

Why December works: It’s Thailand’s cool, dry season—great air for cities and typically calmer seas on the Andaman side. Expect comfortable days in Bangkok (around low 30s °C highs) and cooler nights up north in Chiang Mai. Along Phuket/Krabi, dry, sunny spells favor island boat trips and snorkeling.

Weather Snapshot & Crowd Notes

• Bangkok: ~31 °C highs / ~21 °C lows; lower humidity than peak monsoon.
• Chiang Mai: ~28 °C highs / ~15 °C lows; crisp mornings and evenings.
• Andaman Coast: Calmer seas improve ferry reliability and day-trip comfort.
• Heads-up: Prices and crowds spike near Christmas & New Year—book boats/tours early.

Example 7-Day Route

2 nights Bangkok (Old Town temples, Chinatown food crawl) → 2 nights Chiang Mai (Doi Suthep sunrise, night bazaar) → 3 nights Krabi/Phuket (Phi Phi/Phang Nga day trips, sunset viewpoints).

Insider Tip

Choosing east vs. west coast? In December, favor the Andaman side (Phuket/Krabi) for sea conditions; save Koh Samui for a different season. Add an ethical elephant sanctuary visit near Chiang Mai to balance beaches with nature.

Spain – Canary Islands (Europe’s Reliable Winter Sun)

Why December works: The Canaries deliver short-haul winter sun for Europe: daytime averages ~20–22 °C, long daylight, and relatively low rainfall. Sea temperatures hover near ~20 °C—good enough for brave dips and perfect for coastal hikes.

Where to Base

• Tenerife (South): Easy beach days + Teide National Park stargazing.
• Gran Canaria: Dramatic microclimates and canyon drives in one compact island.
• Lanzarote: Lunar lava fields and César Manrique’s iconic design stops.

Insider Tip

For quiet beaches, arrive pre-Christmas or target under-the-radar southeast coves. Pack a light jacket—trade winds can make evenings breezy even on warm days.

Finland – Lapland (Aurora, Santa & Proper Snow)

Why December works: It’s prime time for snow adventures and Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi doubles as a winter city and gateway to the famous Santa Claus Village, while smaller villages offer husky sleds, reindeer farms, and glass-igloo stays.

Daylight & Temperatures

• Expect limited daylight (short days) but long, magical nights ideal for aurora hunting.
• Pack for sub-zero temps (often −10 °C and below). Layer with thermal base, mid fleece, down, and windproof shell.

3-Day Snow Playbook

1. Night 1: Aurora chase (minibus or snowmobile) with hot drinks.
2. Day 2: Husky safari + reindeer farm visit; sauna & ice plunge if you’re brave.
3. Day 3: Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing; glass-igloo stay for sky views.

Insider Tip

Plan multiple nights for the Lights—clouds are the real spoiler. When skies don’t cooperate, book immersive night activities so evenings still feel special.

Japan – Hokkaido Powder + Tokyo Illuminations

Why December works: Early-season powder builds across Hokkaido’s resorts (Niseko/Furano/Kiroro), while Tokyo’s winter illuminations light up districts like Marunouchi and Tokyo Midtown—free, walkable, and perfect after dark.

Suggested Split

3–4 days in Tokyo (lights, markets, ramen runs), then 4–5 days in Hokkaido for skiing and onsen. Not skiing? Base in Sapporo for snow parks and food alleys, with day trips to nearby resorts for sledding and gondola views.

Snow & City Harmony

• Check resort snow reports ~1 week out to fine-tune ski days.
• Book onsen lodgings near slopes for peak relaxation.

Insider Tip

Time your Tokyo stay to catch multiple illuminations in one evening—start around sunset and follow a pre-saved map trail.

South Africa – Cape Town & the Garden Route (Southern Summer)

Why December works: It’s peak summer in the Cape: hot, mostly dry beach days, lively waterfronts, and long golden evenings. The Garden Route (Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay) adds beaches, forests, and coastal viewpoints to a classic road trip.

Seasonal Realities

• Crowds & Pricing: Local school holidays push demand—book early for Christmas/New Year.
• Wind: Afternoons can be breezy; mornings are prime for Table Mountain hikes and beaches.

Safari Caveat & Alternatives

Kruger is hot, humid, and green in December—beautiful for birding and newborn wildlife, but thicker vegetation can reduce classic big-game visibility. Consider malaria-free reserves in the Eastern/Western Cape for an easier add-on to a Cape Town + Garden Route itinerary.

Insider Tip

Reverse some itineraries: fly into George or Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), road-trip the Garden Route first, then finish in Cape Town for world-class dining and sunsets.

Mexico – Yucatán Beaches + Mexico City Traditions (and Monarchs)

Why December works: Warm, swimmable weather along the Yucatán (Cancún/Playa del Carmen/Tulum), plus deep cultural traditions in Mexico City: Las Posadas (Dec 16–24) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12) bring processions, music, and street stalls. A standout natural event: the monarch butterfly overwintering colonies, typically observable via managed sanctuaries in December.

Balanced Itinerary

Start in Mexico City for traditions and cuisine (add Teotihuacán day trip), then hop to Mérida or Playa del Carmen for beaches and cenotes. Ask your hotel/host about local Posadas—many are neighborhood-based.

Insider Tip

Base near a cenote network and rent a car for a day to reach lesser-known spots early, avoiding midday tour crowds.

Australia – Sydney Summer & Great Barrier Reef (Safety Smarts)

Why December works: It’s high summer across Australia—think city/beach weather in Sydney, Mediterranean-style sun in Perth, and nationwide holiday buzz. If you’re eyeing the iconic NYE fireworks in Sydney, plan viewpoints and transport in advance.

Great Barrier Reef Notes

• Stinger season: Wear stinger suits, use patrolled beaches/nets, and follow lifeguard advice. Operators provide suits for reef tours.
• Visibility can be excellent around islands and outer reefs—book reputable operators.

Insider Tip

For a high-variety, low-friction plan: 3–4 days Sydney (coastal walks, galleries), 3 days Cairns/Port Douglas (Reef + Daintree), and 2 days Melbourne for food and wine—accepting holiday crowds in exchange for maximum contrast.

How to Choose Your December Country (Decision Grid)

Start with vibe (sun vs. snow), then layer events, budget, and flight time. Use this quick comparison:

Conclusion

Choosing the best country to visit in December comes down to three questions: Do you want sun or snow? Which events matter? and How much holiday-week planning energy do you want to spend? For dependable winter sun, the Canary Islands are a slam-dunk. If you crave culture with beaches, Mexico blends both beautifully. Powder plus neon nights? Japan’s Hokkaido + Tokyo is hard to top. For aurora and storybook snow, Lapland delivers. Thailand’s cool season is an evergreen favorite, and Australia rolls iconic NYE fireworks into a sun-splashed itinerary.

Pick your lane, book early, and consider a two-stop route to double the vibes. Traveling with friends or a community? Share this guide in your chat and vote on the plan—then lock it and go make December memories.