Where to go in December: sun, snow, and New Year's Eve
Where to go in December: sun, snow, and New Year's Eve
December divides travelers into two camps: those who flee the winter toward the West Indies, the Maldives, or Thailand, and those who seek it out in Lapland or the Alps. Both options experience their best window at the same time.
It is also the month when the dry season begins in the Caribbean. Guadeloupe and Martinique start their "carême" (dry season) in early December, just after the end of the hurricane season, with 29-degree temperatures and 27-degree water.
| Type of December trip | Examples of destinations | Average temperature | Main highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun and beach in the tropics | West Indies, Maldives, Mauritius | 28 to 31 degrees | Start of dry season, 27-degree water |
| Asia in peak dry season | Thailand, Vietnam, Western Sri Lanka | 28 to 32 degrees | Clear skies, best time of the year |
| Snow and Christmas atmosphere | Lapland, Quebec, Austria | minus 10 to 2 degrees | Northern lights and Christmas markets |
| Mild sun under 5 hours away | Canary Islands, Madeira, Egypt | 21 to 25 degrees | Short flight and contained budget |
Where to go in December for the sun
December marks the return of the tropics during their best period. The West Indies, the Maldives, and the Indian Ocean are all exiting their wet season, with clear skies and bath-temperature water.
Guadeloupe and Martinique are the best French-speaking options for the month. The carême, their dry season, begins in early December: 29 degrees during the day, 27-degree water, and a sharp drop in rainfall. With no major time zone difference or visa requirements, it is the simplest compromise for a warm getaway. For a more distant option on the Pacific side, when to go to Costa Rica follows the same logic: its dry season also begins in December, on a significantly longer flight.
The Maldives and Mauritius offer comparable conditions on a longer flight. In the Maldives, December opens the dry season with optimal underwater visibility, as detailed in our guide on the best time to visit the Maldives. In Mauritius, the austral summer arrives, albeit with a cyclone risk that rises starting in January. The same logic applies to the other side of the world, where the austral summer in Brazil is just beginning and extends until March.
Southeast Asia at its best
Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are experiencing their best month of the year. The monsoon has ended, the air is dry, and temperatures hover around 30 degrees without the crushing humidity of spring. It is also high season, so prices climb significantly around the holidays.
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Where to go in December for snow and Christmas
The other half of the month is played out in the cold, with two very different experiences: the Northern Lights of the Far North and the Christmas markets of Central Europe.
Finnish Lapland is the iconic destination for December. The polar night maximizes the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, and all winter activities are in full swing, from dog sledding to snowmobiling. The budget remains high, as detailed in our guide on the cost of a trip to Lapland.
For Christmas markets, Strasbourg, Colmar, Vienna, Prague, and Krakow make up the classic circuit. The period runs from late November to December 24, with peak attendance on the last two weekends. As for skiing, Alpine resorts open gradually, with snow cover becoming reliable from mid-December; our guide to choosing a ski resort details the criteria to consider.
Where to go in December in Europe
To stay in Europe without braving the cold, only the Atlantic islands hold the promise of a mild climate. The Canaries and Madeira post 21 to 23 degrees in the middle of winter, with high levels of sunshine.
The Canary Islands are the most economical solution for a sunny stay within a four-hour flight. The water stays at 21 degrees, swimming is possible for those who aren't too sensitive to the cold, and the archipelago completely escapes the continental gloom. Madeira offers a greener, hillier setting, with a network of hiking trails accessible year-round.
On the continent, Andalusia and Sicily top out around 17 to 18 degrees: enough for sightseeing, less so for the beach. For a winter city trip, Seville, Lisbon, and Valencia remain the sunniest capitals of the season.
Where to go in December on a budget
December is a two-speed month. The first fortnight remains very affordable, while rates explode between December 18 and January 2, for both flights and accommodation.
Traveling before December 15 completely changes the budget for the same trip, with differences that commonly exceed 40 percent. In this window, Morocco, Egypt, and the Canaries offer the best sun-to-price ratio.
- Travel before December 15 or after January 3, never in between
- Book holiday flights several months in advance; prices never go down
- Prioritize the Canaries over the West Indies for a tight budget; the distance makes all the difference
- Avoid Thailand during the holidays; its high season coincides with the price peak
- Compare departure airports; the gap widens significantly during the holidays
Where to spend New Year's Eve
The choice for New Year's Eve depends on the atmosphere sought. Three formats dominate: the beach, the festive city, and the mountains.
For a warm New Year, the West Indies and Mauritius combine reliable weather with infrastructure geared toward end-of-year festivities. For an urban atmosphere, Lisbon, Madrid, Edinburgh, and Vienna organize some of the largest celebrations in Europe, with large-scale fireworks.
The mountains remain a family classic, with the advantage of generally reliable snow cover in the Alps at this time. In any case, booking is done well in advance: New Year's Eve is the only time of the year when availability fills up months ahead.
For New Year's Eve abroad, it is best to check entry requirements before booking, as visa processing times lengthen during the holiday season. Updated conditions can be found on the travel advice website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Which suitcase to choose for a trip in December
December is the month that puts luggage to the most severe test, for two opposing reasons. A departure to the tropics forces you to carry a coat that is useless at your destination. A stay in the snow requires volume for technical clothing that is heavy and takes up space.
For a long-haul flight to the West Indies or Asia, the hard-shell suitcase format remains the safest: it protects equipment and handles connections well. Our guide on what to pack for a week details the distribution according to duration.
For a stay in the mountains or in Lapland, it is better to aim big: jumpsuits, boots, and thermal layers consume a volume that is incomparable to a summer wardrobe. If you are leaving during the holidays with gifts, plan the space before you leave and keep some margin for the return. For the rest of the season, our guide on traveling in January extends these same tropical windows.
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Frequently asked questions about December travel
What is the best destination for the month of December?
For sun, the West Indies open their dry season with 29 degrees and 27-degree water, without major time zone differences. For winter, Lapland offers the best conditions for observing the Northern Lights.
Where to go in December for sun and warmth on a budget?
The Canaries, Morocco, and Egypt offer the best price-to-sun ratio. The condition is to leave before December 15: beyond that, holiday rates drive up the bill by more than 40 percent.
Where to go in December in Europe for a pleasant climate?
The Canaries and Madeira are the only European destinations to guarantee 21 to 23 degrees in December. On the continent, Andalusia and Sicily top out around 17 degrees, enough for sightseeing.
Where to spend the winter in the warmth without breaking the bank?
The Canaries remain unbeatable on the distance-price-weather ratio, with four-hour flights. Egypt and Morocco follow, with a cost of living on site significantly lower than that of the Spanish islands.
What are the best destinations for a one-week stay not far from France?
The Canaries and Madeira for sun, Lapland and the Alps for winter, Austria and Alsace for Christmas markets. All these options can be reached in less than five hours of travel.
Can you go to the West Indies in December?
Yes, it is even the start of the best period. The carême, the Caribbean dry season, opens in early December just after the end of the hurricane season, with 29 degrees and a sharp drop in rainfall.
Where can you see Northern Lights in December?
Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway, and Iceland offer the best conditions. The polar night of December maximizes the duration of darkness, thus the observation windows, without absolute guarantee.
When to book a trip for the end-of-year holidays?
Several months in advance. During the period from December 18 to January 2, prices never go down as the departure date approaches, unlike the rest of the year, because demand structurally exceeds supply.
