10 Best Places to travel in December

December brings snowy escapes in the north and sunny beaches in the south. The best places to travel to in December include Finnish Lapland, the Alps, Patagonia, Sri Lanka, Cape Town, Sydney, Antarctica, Colombia, Vietnam, and Rio de Janeiro. Book early for the holidays.

10 Best Places to Travel to in December

1. Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland offers snowy forests, reindeer farms, husky sledding, and chances to see the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi sits on the Arctic Circle, and glass-roofed cabins make for a memorable stay. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, and daylight is limited.

Best for: Snow, families, Northern Lights
Time needed: 4–6 days
Travel tip: Book early and stay several nights for a better chance of seeing the aurora.

2. The Alps, Europe

The Alps combine ski resorts, mountain villages, and Christmas markets across Austria, France, and Switzerland. Explore Chamonix or Kitzbühel, but check snow reports before booking: early-season conditions vary.

Best for: Skiing, festive towns, winter scenery
Time needed: 4–7 days
Travel tip: Book early; Christmas and New Year are expensive. At higher elevations, dress in layers.

3. Patagonia, Chile and Argentina

December begins summer in Patagonia, bringing longer hiking days, glacier views, and lake drives. Torres del Paine in Chile and El Chaltén in Argentina are popular bases, although strong winds and sudden weather changes remain common.

Best for: Hiking, glaciers, wilderness
Time needed: 7–10 days
Travel tip: Reserve campsites early. Check trail conditions; exposed, higher routes can be cold and demanding.

4. Sri Lanka

December suits Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, including Galle, Mirissa, and Tangalle, for beaches and possible whale watching. Inland, Ella’s tea hills, scenic train rides, and Kandy’s cultural sights add variety. Conditions vary by coast and elevation.

Best for: Beaches, wildlife, tea country
Time needed: 7–10 days
Travel tip: Check the official Sri Lanka weather guide; hill-country trails can be slippery.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

December is summer in Cape Town, ideal for beaches, coastal drives, Table Mountain hikes, and nearby wine regions. Expect holiday crowds and reserve popular activities ahead.

Best for: Beaches, scenery, food, outdoor activities
Time needed: 5–7 days
Travel tip: Check wind and hiking conditions with the Cape Town tourism guide.

6. Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s summer brings harbour walks, coastal swims, and day trips. New Year’s Eve fireworks are a major draw, but viewing areas fill up and some require tickets. Accommodation is expensive during the holiday rush.

Best for: Beaches, city breaks, New Year’s Eve
Time needed: 5–7 days
Travel tip: Check the official Sydney New Year’s Eve website for viewing rules and updates.

7. Antarctica

Antarctica’s summer brings icebergs, glaciers, penguins, and long daylight hours. Cruises usually run from mid-November to early March, often departing Ushuaia, Argentina. The trip is expensive, and weather can change landing plans.

Best for: Wildlife, remote landscapes, expedition travel
Time needed: 10–14 days or longer
Travel tip: Book well ahead and read the Australian Antarctic Program’s tourism FAQs.

8. Colombia

Colombia offers Caribbean history in Cartagena, coastal beaches, and coffee farms in green highlands. December is often drier in many areas, but weather changes with geography and altitude. Covering too many regions can mean long transfers.

Best for: Culture, food, coast, coffee country
Time needed: 7–10 days
Travel tip: Check local forecasts and Colombia’s official weather information.

9. Vietnam

Vietnam works well in December with a region-specific plan. The south is warmer and enters its drier season, making Phu Quoc appealing for beaches. The north is cooler, and the central coast can remain rainy. Food and historic towns add variety.

Best for: Food, culture, landscapes, warm-weather breaks
Time needed: 7–12 days
Travel tip: Use the official Vietnam climate guide to plan regions.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

December brings summer heat to Rio, with Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain views, and outdoor cafés. Réveillon draws large New Year’s Eve crowds, especially along the waterfront. Expect humidity and high accommodation demand.

Best for: Beaches, nightlife, scenery, New Year’s Eve
Time needed: 4–6 days
Travel tip: Book early and plan outdoor sightseeing around the heat.

How to Choose Your December Destination

Choose Lapland or the Alps for winter scenery, or Sri Lanka, Cape Town, Colombia, Vietnam, and Rio for warmth. Patagonia suits active travelers; Antarctica needs a larger budget.

Christmas and New Year are busy: book transport and stays early, check entry rules, and pack for local conditions. In mountain areas, temperatures drop with elevation, so check forecasts, trail access, and altitude guidance.

FAQs

Where is hot in December?

Cape Town, Sydney, Rio, and parts of Sri Lanka, Colombia, and southern Vietnam can be warm; check local forecasts.

Where can I see snow in December?

Lapland and Alpine resorts are options, but early-season snowfall is not guaranteed.

What is a unique place to visit in December?

Antarctica offers wildlife and ice-filled landscapes, but it is costly and remote.

Conclusion

December can mean winter magic in Lapland, skiing in the Alps, hiking in Patagonia, or summer sunshine in Cape Town, Sydney, and Rio. Sri Lanka, Colombia, and Vietnam mix culture with beach time, while Antarctica offers a rare expedition. Check local conditions and book early.

Elaine Glusac

Mark Johanson is an experienced American travel journalist specializing in destinations, adventure, and travel. He has written for major publications and co-authored numerous Lonely Planet travel guides covering destinations worldwide.

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