Beach30°CMaldives
MaldivesTropical Paradise Awaits
Dry season, calm clear water at 30°C
- Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
- Relax on white sandy beaches
Best places to travel in December
Best places to travel in December 2026
December brings Christmas markets to Europe and the start of ski and northern lights season. Prices rise sharply around Christmas and New Year, so book early. It is summer in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.Updated November 5, 2026
Plan my trip, free12 places with great weather in December
The most popular places in their best season. Temperatures are average daily highs.
Beach30°C
Culture29°CSri Lanka
Sri LankaCulture & Serenity Combined
Dry season on coasts, 29°C
- Explore ancient temples
- Visit tea plantations
Adventure-8°CFinnish Lapland
FinlandChase the Northern Lights
Snowy, northern lights at -8°C
- Experience husky sledding
- Visit Santa Claus Village
Beach30°CAruba
ArubaSunny Escape to Aruba
Dry and breezy at 30°C
- Swim in crystal clear waters
- Explore Arikok National Park
Beach28°CCancún & Riviera Maya
MexicoSun-Kissed Beach Bliss
Dry season, sunny at 28°C
- Explore ancient ruins
- Snorkel in cenotes
City break26°CDubai
United Arab Emirates
Beach29°CPunta Cana
Dominican RepublicTropical Paradise Escape
Dry season, sunny at 29°C
- Enjoy all-inclusive resorts
- Swim in turquoise waters
Culture31°CThailand (Bangkok & Chiang Mai)
ThailandCultural Wonders of Thailand
Cool, dry season at 31°C
- Visit majestic temples
- Taste authentic street food
Beach31°CPhuket & Krabi
ThailandIsland Hopping Adventure
Dry season, calm seas at 31°C
- Island hopping tours
- Relax on stunning beaches
Beach25°CFlorida (Miami & the Keys)
United StatesSunny Florida Getaway
Warm and drier at 25°C
- Explore vibrant Miami
- Drive through the Keys
Beach27°CLos Cabos
MexicoSun-Kissed Escape to Los Cabos
Dry and sunny at 27°C
- Relax on stunning beaches
- Explore vibrant nightlife
Nature26°CCosta Rica
Costa RicaNature's Paradise in Costa Rica
Dry season at 26°C
- Hike lush rainforests
- Spot diverse wildlife
Prices are rough estimates per person for two sharing, including return flights from Canada. Your itinerary shows real options and costs for your dates.
Best places to travel in other months
JanuaryThailand, Phuket & Krabi, Florida and more FebruaryCancún & Riviera Maya, Dubai, Punta Cana and more MarchTokyo & Kyoto, Phuket & Krabi, Florida and more AprilParis, Rome, Cancún & Riviera Maya and more MayLondon, Tokyo & Kyoto, Barcelona and more JuneParis, New York City, Bali and more JulyLondon, Iceland, Banff & Jasper and more AugustBali, Peru, Swiss Alps and more SeptemberParis, London, Rome and more OctoberTokyo & Kyoto, Barcelona, New York City and more NovemberThis monthDubai, Thailand, Florida and more DecemberCancún & Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Phuket & Krabi and more
Questions & answers
What are the best places to travel in December 2026?
Top picks for December 2026 are Maldives, Sri Lanka, Finnish Lapland, Aruba, Cancún & Riviera Maya and Dubai. All 12 places on this page are in their best season in December.
Where is warm in December?
In December, Kerala (about 31°C), Thailand (about 31°C), Phuket & Krabi (about 31°C), Colombia (about 31°C) and Maldives (about 30°C) are warm and in their best season.
Where to go in Europe in December?
Good choices in December are Canary Islands, Finnish Lapland and Madeira.
What are the cheapest places to travel in December?
Among places in season, the lowest rough costs are Mont-Tremblant (from about US$900), Cuba (from about US$1,200), Punta Cana (from about US$1,200), Jamaica (from about US$1,300) per person, including return flights from Canada, for two sharing.
Where can I travel in December on a short flight from the US or Canada?
Close to home and in season in December: Cancún & Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Florida, Los Cabos and Costa Rica.
Is December a good time to travel?
December brings Christmas markets to Europe and the start of ski and northern lights season. Prices rise sharply around Christmas and New Year, so book early. It is summer in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.
How much does a trip in December cost?
For the places on this page, rough costs run from about US$1,800 to US$2,300 per person for 5 to 10 nights, including return flights from Canada, for two sharing at mid-range. The free AI planner estimates your own dates and city.
Ready to plan?
Tell us where, when and who’s coming. Your free itinerary is ready in about a minute.