Best Places to Travel in December (Global)

Best Places to Travel in December

Sydney, Australia

Where the Brits attend to wrap up, the Sydney residents spend time relaxing in beach attire, usually putting on a loose pair of jeans on top of their swimsuits. The long ride is worth it, as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be seen along the Australian coastline. 

Take a day to study the tide pools of the Pacific in December and follow that with sun-bathing, surf-riding, and an hour of tranquil sand-rubbing. As a day trip, take a ferry to Watson’s Bay, but while doing this, make sure that you take a close-up shot of the Opera House on the journey.

Look where you will, be it up on the roof of The Glenmore Hotel, or picnicking at Observable Hill, or on the benches perched between Bondi and Coogee, the sights will surely astonish and mesmerize.

Support a Sydney restaurant that utilizes fresh produce that is sourced ethically. Some chefs start their day by going fishing at the Sydney Fish Market at 7 am, and they have restaurants such as Amuro, a low-light Japanese restaurant in Darlinghurst, which has a changing menu every single day.

Temperature in December: 26°C high; 18°C low
Season: summer
Flight time from the UK: 23 hours
Time difference: GMT+11

South Africa

December is a wonderful time to visit South Africa, where the weather is fine and warm, to see the rugged landscapes in South Africa, as well as enjoy the beauty. You will find an old-world vibe that reminds you of the classic old Hollywood cities the country has to offer.

1. Tourist attractions in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Kruger National Park.
2. Things to buy: old-world wines and special spoons.
3. What to see: Wildlife at Kruger National Park.
4. December weather: The mean temperature is approximately 30 degrees C. Rain is possible.

Maldives

A swansong for honeymooners and travelers in search of a romantic vacation, the Maldives has carved an undeniable niche for itself in luxury travel. The small islets, incredible resorts, aqua blue water, and pristine beaches make the Maldives a strong contender for the best places to visit in the winter in the world.

1. Places to visit in the Maldives: Malé, Maafushi, Addu City, Fulhadhoo, and Fulidhoo.
2. Things to shop for: Miniature boats, soap and bathing products, and mats.
3. Things to do: Snorkeling, overnight stay in a water villa, and dine at an underwater restaurant.
4. December weather: The temperature lies between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, but it is also the rainiest month in the Maldives.

Thailand

Whichever part of Thailand you visit, December is among the best months to spend there because the weather is always good. But unfortunately, it is a popular fact, and you will not be alone in visiting its shores. We advise coming early in the month when the festive season is not too crowded. 

Diving and snorkeling, along any of the southwest coast, is a great time, as the water is generally clear and calm and has fewer visitors than the west coast. At the start of this year, there was rain in Koh Samui, but it is warm and dry everywhere without it being too hot.

1. Check out: Beach holidays and resorts in Thailand
2. Flight time: 111/2 hours (Bangkok)
3. Time difference: UTC +7
4. December Temperature (Day): 30 to 32 °C, depending on area.
5. December rainfall: 133 to 361mm, varies by region

Vietnam

Central Vietnam still has the possibility of rain, but otherwise, December is dry in the rest of the country. This does not imply that there is an increasing number of visitors during this time of the year, particularly in the south. 

The temperatures in the north are often cool during the evenings, but the south coasts are tropical and warm, a perfect day to rest on the beach. Make reservations in advance, particularly when traveling to Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Phan Thiet, or when you are traveling towards the end of the month near Christmas and New Year, as they are holiday periods in Vietnam.

Not to be missed, the  Hang En Cave two-day trekking experience.

1. Flight time: 131/2 hours (Hanoi, via Paris)
2. Time difference: UTC +7
3. Average Temperature (Day) in December: 18 to 30degC, by region.
4. December rainfall: 4 to 164mm, varies by region

Jaipur, India

A visit to Jaipur is described mainly in terms of color: the peach-houserobe of the hawa-mahal, the 3500 ivory steps at Chand Baori, the powder-blue lining of Chandra Mahal and Leheriya Gate, arched in pickle greens. 

Visitors can follow the route of different landmarks, making Synesthesia operational even during winter, when the number of people and weather conditions are tolerable. The other experience that is sonic is the light and sound show at Amer Fort. 

The audience can actually be educated culturally and historically about Jaipur as holographic images and shapes move along the walls of the fort. Rajasthan during this period is more or less identical to the theatrics staged by the Christmas world communities.

Traveling pro tip: To travel sustainably in Jaipur is to immerse in the culture and help the locals as much as we can. Shop at accommodation haberdasheries or have dinner at one of the numerous farm-to-table restaurants on the Gali side.

1. Temperature in December: 34degC high; 19degC low
2. Season: winter
3. Flight time from the UK: 12 hours
4. Time difference: GMT+4.5

Sri Lanka

The teardrop Island has everything: beautiful beaches, amazing ancient ruins, fertile hill country, and expansive national parks, so you can take a safari to see the elephants and the leopards, my my. 

And it is a place to eat, as well as the quest by this restaurant critic to find the best food in Sri Lanka reveals. Cosmopolitan capital Colombo is making the scene, but Yala National Park is the earliest resort for animal fans. And there are hours of sunshine and dry days in December to explore.

Some of the finest hotels in Sri Lanka include a luxurious safari lodge, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, and 300 year 300-year-old grand dame, Amangalla.

1. Temperature in December: 31degC high; 24degC low
2. Season: dry
3. Flight time from the UK: 10 hours 35 minutes
4. Time difference: GMT +4.5
5. Sights To See in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple, Adam’s Peak, Handloom items, spices, jewelry, and tea, etc.
6. Things To Do In Sri Lanka: Trekking on Sigiriya mountain, hiking on Adam mountain, Wildlife safari in Yala National Park, playing with the elephants in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Arugam Bay beach, sandy shore walking, and so on.
7. December Weather: Sri Lanka’s weather varies between 22 to 31 degrees Celsius on average in December.

Best Places to Visit in December Around the World

1. Australia: Summer is in full swing: beaches, cities, reefs, and coastal road trips all in one.
2. South Africa: Prime safari season combined with sunny Cape Town for a perfectly balanced trip.
3. Maldives: Peak paradise month with calm seas, blue skies, and the ultimate luxury escape.
4. Thailand: Clear skies and cool breezes make it the best time for island-hopping, festivals, and nightlife.
5. Vietnam: Dry season brings a great mix of culture and beaches, with budget-friendly options.
6. India: Pleasant weather for exploring Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala, though expect festivals and crowds.
7. Sri Lanka: Warm, dry beaches on the south coast plus rich cultural highlights.

If you’re after adventure and variety, Australia and South Africa are top picks. For a relaxed, beach-honeymoon vibe, the Maldives is unbeatable.