Best Places to Visit in December

December brings the holiday season and winter weather to the Northern Hemisphere. Tropical and Southern Hemisphere destinations see peak demand and higher prices. It is one of the best months for Christmas markets in Europe, beach holidays in the Southern Hemisphere, and safari trips to southern Africa.

Americas

8 destinations
1
SantiagoChile
92°F2 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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6
AtacamaChile
87°F0 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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7
ValparaisoChile
67°F1 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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11
GalapagosEcuador
78°F2 rain daysModerate crowdsBelow avg
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12
MendozaArgentina
102°F8 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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25
LimaPeru
76°F1 rain daysBusyAverage
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26
TamarindoCosta Rica
90°F5 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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27
HuacachinaPeru
81°F4 rain daysModerate crowdsBelow avg
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Asia

10 destinations
8
VientianeLaos
82°F2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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9
BattambangCambodia
92°F2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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10
BaganMyanmar
84°F1 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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13
HampiIndia
90°F1 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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14
GoaIndia
89°F2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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17
MumbaiIndia
91°F2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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19
YangonMyanmar
88°F (feels 84°F)2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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20
Luang PrabangLaos
81°F4 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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28
Siem ReapCambodia
86°F (feels 82°F)6 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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30
Chiang MaiThailand
81°F5 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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Africa

6 destinations
5
SossusvleiNamibia
97°F2 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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15
StellenboschSouth Africa
90°F5 rain daysVery busyPremium
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16
Cape TownSouth Africa
75°F3 rain daysVery busyPremium
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18
Garden RouteSouth Africa
89°F9 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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22
DakarSenegal
84°F2 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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23
SwakopmundNamibia
74°F4 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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Middle East

1 destination
21
SalalahOman
85°F1 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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Oceania

5 destinations
2
PerthAustralia
94°F3 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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3
Margaret RiverAustralia
86°F4 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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4
AdelaideAustralia
101°F5 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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24
Kangaroo IslandAustralia
85°F5 rain daysBusyAbove avg
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29
UluruAustralia
110°F6 rain daysModerate crowdsBudget
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These rankings prioritize weather comfort. Adjust the importance of temperature, dry weather, daylight, crowds, and cost to get recommendations tailored to your travel style.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I travel in December?
The top-rated destinations for December based on weather, crowds, and cost are Santiago, Perth, Margaret River, Adelaide, and Sossusvlei. These destinations score highest on our composite travel index, which weighs temperature comfort, dry weather, daylight hours, crowd levels, and cost.
What are the cheapest places to visit in December?
Among the top-ranked destinations, the most budget-friendly options in December are Santiago, Perth, Margaret River. These destinations have below-average accommodation and travel costs during this period.
Where is warm in December?
The warmest highly-rated destinations in December include Uluru (110°F), Mendoza (102°F), Adelaide (101°F). Keep in mind that the best travel experience depends on more than temperature -- crowd levels, rainfall, and costs also matter.
Where can I avoid crowds in December?
For a quieter experience in December, consider Santiago, Perth, Margaret River. These destinations have lower tourist volumes during this period while still offering favorable weather conditions.

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