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 fleeing winter to the Caribbean, Maldives, or Thailand, and those seeking it in Lapland or the Alps. Both options have their best window at the same time.
It's also the month when the dry season begins in the Caribbean. Guadeloupe and Martinique start their dry season in early December, just after the end of hurricane season, with temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius and water at 27 degrees Celsius.
| Type of December trip | Example destinations | Average temperature | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun and beach in the tropics | Caribbean, Maldives, Mauritius | 28 to 31 degrees Celsius | Start of dry season, water at 27 degrees Celsius |
| Asia in peak dry season | Thailand, Vietnam, West Sri Lanka | 28 to 32 degrees Celsius | Clear skies, best time of year |
| Snow and Christmas atmosphere | Lapland, Quebec, Austria | -10 to 2 degrees Celsius | Northern lights and Christmas markets |
| Mild sun within 5 hours | Canary Islands, Madeira, Egypt | 21 to 25 degrees Celsius | Short flight and contained budget |
Where to go for sun in December
December marks the return of the tropics to their best period. The Caribbean, Maldives, and Indian Ocean all emerge from their wet season, with clear skies and bath-like water temperatures.
Guadeloupe and Martinique are the best French-speaking options for the month. Their dry season, "carême," begins in early December: 29 degrees Celsius during the day, water at 27 degrees Celsius, and significantly reduced rainfall. With no major time difference or formalities, it's the simplest compromise for a warm getaway.
The Maldives and Mauritius offer comparable conditions with 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 sets in, though the risk of cyclones increases from January.
Southeast Asia at its optimum
Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia experience their best month of the year. The monsoon has ended, the air is dry, and temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius without the oppressive humidity of spring. It's also high season, so prices climb significantly around the holidays.
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Where to go for snow and Christmas in December
The other half of the month takes place in the cold, with two very different experiences: the Northern Lights in the far north and the Christmas markets of Central Europe.
Finnish Lapland is the iconic December destination. The polar night maximizes 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 form the classic circuit. The period runs from late November to December 24, with peak attendance on the last two weekends. For skiing, alpine resorts gradually open, with reliable snow cover from mid-December, and our guide on choosing a ski resort details the criteria to consider.
Where to go in December in Europe
To stay in Europe without enduring the cold, only the Atlantic islands offer the promise of a mild climate. The Canary Islands and Madeira boast 21 to 23 degrees Celsius in the middle of winter, with high sunshine.
The Canary Islands are the most economical solution for a sunny stay just a four-hour flight away. The water remains at 21 degrees Celsius, swimming is possible for the less sensitive to cold, and the archipelago completely escapes the continental grayness. Madeira offers a greener and more hilly setting, with a network of hiking trails usable all year round.
On the continent, Andalusia and Sicily peak around 17 to 18 degrees Celsius: enough for sightseeing, but not for the beach. For a winter city break, Seville, Lisbon, and Valencia remain the brightest capitals of the season.
Where to go for a cheap December trip
December is a two-speed month. The first half remains very affordable, while prices skyrocket 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 often exceeding 40 percent. During this window, Morocco, Egypt, and the Canary Islands offer the best value for sun and price.
- Travel before December 15 or after January 3, never between the two
- Book holiday flights several months in advance, prices never drop
- Favor the Canary Islands over the Caribbean for a tight budget, distance changes everything
- Avoid Thailand during the holidays, its high season coincides with peak prices
- Compare departure airports, the difference widens significantly during holiday periods
Where to spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
The choice for New Year's Eve depends on the desired atmosphere. Three formats dominate: the beach, the festive city, and the mountains.
For a warm New Year's, the Caribbean and Mauritius combine reliable weather and infrastructure accustomed to end-of-year festivities. For an urban atmosphere, Lisbon, Madrid, Edinburgh, and Vienna host some of Europe's largest celebrations, with large-scale fireworks displays.
The mountains remain the classic family choice, with the advantage of generally reliable snow cover at this time in the Alps. In all cases, booking is done well in advance: New Year's Eve is the only period of the year where availability fills up several months beforehand.
For New Year's Eve abroad, it's best to check entry requirements before booking, as visa processing times extend during the holiday season. Up-to-date conditions can be found on the travel advice website of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Which suitcase to choose for a December trip
December is the month that most tests luggage, for two opposing reasons. A departure to the tropics requires lugging a useless coat to the destination. A snow trip demands volume for technical clothing that is heavy and takes up space.
For a long-haul flight to the Caribbean or Asia, a hard-shell suitcase for a stay remains the safest format: it protects your belongings and withstands connections. Our guide on what to pack in your suitcase for a week details the breakdown by duration.
For a trip to the mountains or Lapland, it's better to aim big: jumpsuits, boots, and thermal layers consume a volume incomparable to a summer wardrobe. If you're traveling during the holidays with gifts, plan space for departure and leave some margin for the return. For the rest of the season, our guide for traveling in January extends the same tropical windows.
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Frequently asked questions about December travel
What is the best destination for December?
For sun, the Caribbean opens its dry season with 29 degrees Celsius and water at 27 degrees Celsius, with no major time difference. 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 Canary Islands, Morocco, and Egypt offer the best value for sun. The condition is to go before December 15: beyond that, holiday prices increase the bill by more than 40 percent.
Where to go in December in Europe for pleasant weather?
The Canary Islands and Madeira are the only European destinations guaranteed to be 21 to 23 degrees Celsius in December. On the continent, Andalusia and Sicily peak around 17 degrees, sufficient for sightseeing.
Where to spend winter in warmth without breaking the bank?
The Canary Islands remain unbeatable for 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 trip not far from France?
The Canary Islands and Madeira for sun, Lapland and the Alps for winter, Austria and Alsace for Christmas markets. All these options are reachable within five hours of travel.
Can you go to the Caribbean in December?
Yes, it's even the beginning of the best period. The "carême," the Caribbean dry season, opens in early December just after the end of hurricane season, with 29 degrees Celsius and significantly reduced rainfall.
Where to see the Northern Lights in December?
Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway, and Iceland offer the best conditions. The polar night in 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. For the period from December 18 to January 2, prices never drop closer to the departure date, unlike the rest of the year, because demand structurally exceeds supply.
