Where to go by month

Where to go in December

December means Christmas markets in central Europe, dry-season sunshine in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Central America, and summer in Australia, New Zealand and South America.

106 countries and territories are in their best season in December, based on each guide’s best time to visit. Temperatures are monthly averages for the capital or main city, so coasts and mountains will differ.

Top picks for December

North AmericaMexicoPyramids, tacos and two coastlinesMexico City 14°C avgabout US$105/dayBest: Nov-AprSoutheast AsiaThailandIsland mornings and night-market feastsBangkok 28°C avgabout US$98/dayBest: Nov – MarSoutheast AsiaVietnamAncient temples to emerald baysHanoi 19°C avgabout US$64/dayBest: Nov-AprSouth AsiaIndiaMaharajas, mystics and a million colorsNew Delhi 15°C avgabout US$109/dayBest: Oct-MarSouth AmericaColombiaCoffee, salsa and Caribbean coastBogotá 15°C avgabout US$102/dayBest: Dec-MarOceaniaAustraliaA whole continent to yourselfCanberra 20°C avgabout US$250/dayBest: Sep-AprSouth AmericaArgentinaSteak at midnight, glaciers by noonBuenos Aires 22°C avgabout US$140/dayBest: Oct-MarOceaniaNew ZealandMiddle-earth landscapes and Maori cultureWellington 16°C avgabout US$146/dayBest: Nov-AprNorth AfricaEgyptAncient wonders along the NileCairo 17°C avgabout US$60/dayBest: Oct-AprSouthern AfricaSouth AfricaBig Five safaris and rainbow nation culturePretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein 20°C avgabout US$151/dayBest: Oct-AprNorthern EuropeIcelandFire, ice & northern lightsReykjavik -1°C avgabout US$312/dayBest: Jun – Aug / Dec – FebIndian OceanMaldivesOverwater villas on coral atollsMalé 28°C avgabout US$550/dayBest: Nov-Apr

Everywhere in season in December

By region, with the average temperature in the capital or main city.

Europe 3

Asia 11

The Americas 15

Africa 32

The Middle East 8

The Pacific & Indian Ocean 10

The Caribbean 27

Plan by month

Seasons vary within large countries, and weather is never guaranteed. Check each guide’s “Best time to visit” section and current travel advice before you book.