Where is it warmest in December?
Of our beach destinations, Phuket (Thailand) is the warmest in December with around 31°C. Peak season with perfect weather. New Year’s Eve on the beach with fireworks.
Photo: Carnet de Voyage dAlex / UnsplashWhere to go in December?
December offers two worlds: Christmas market romance in Europe or an escape to warmth. Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean are in peak form. The ski season kicks off in the Alps. Those travelling over Christmas and New Year should book early.
Where to go on holiday in December?
In December, Phuket (Thailand, approx. 31°C), Maldives (Maldives, approx. 29°C) and Sri Lanka (South Coast) (Sri Lanka, approx. 30°C) are particularly good destinations for sun and beach. Vienna and Prague are suitable for a city trip, winter sports enthusiasts head to Kitzbühel. The most expensive time of the year for long-haul flights (Christmas + New Year).
Where is it warm enough for a beach holiday in December?
In December, you can expect beach weather in Phuket (31°C), Maldives (29°C), Sri Lanka (South Coast) (30°C), Lanzarote (21°C) and Mauritius (30°C). The table shows temperature, flight price from Germany, and daily budget per destination.
| # | Travel destination | Country | Temperature | Flight from | Budget/day | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phuket | Thailand | 31°C | from €500 | €40/day | Peak season with perfect weather. New Year’s Eve on the beach with fireworks. |
| 2 | Maldives | Maldives | 29°C | from €600 | €180/day | An absolute dream destination for Christmas. Book early – resorts fill up quickly. |
| 3 | Sri Lanka (South Coast) | Sri Lanka | 30°C | from €480 | €35/day | Unawatuna, Weligama, and Mirissa. Whale season and perfect surfing weather. |
| 4 | Lanzarote | Spain | 21°C | from €120 | €65/day | Canary Islands sunshine in winter. Volcanic landscape and César Manrique art. |
| 5 | Mauritius | Mauritius | 30°C | from €600 | €80/day | Tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean. Luxury resorts and kitesurfing in Le Morne. |
1
Phuket
Thailand
Temp.
31°C
Flight from
from €500
Budget
€40/day
Peak season with perfect weather. New Year’s Eve on the beach with fireworks.
2
Maldives
Maldives
Temp.
29°C
Flight from
from €600
Budget
€180/day
An absolute dream destination for Christmas. Book early – resorts fill up quickly.
3
Sri Lanka (South Coast)
Sri Lanka
Temp.
30°C
Flight from
from €480
Budget
€35/day
Unawatuna, Weligama, and Mirissa. Whale season and perfect surfing weather.
4
Lanzarote
Spain
Temp.
21°C
Flight from
from €120
Budget
€65/day
Canary Islands sunshine in winter. Volcanic landscape and César Manrique art.
5
Mauritius
Mauritius
Temp.
30°C
Flight from
from €600
Budget
€80/day
Tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean. Luxury resorts and kitesurfing in Le Morne.
Which cities are worth a short trip in December?
For a city trip in December, we recommend Vienna (Austria), Prague (Czech Republic), Singapore (Singapore) and Rovaniemi (Finland).
Vienna
3°CAustria
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, and Am Hof. Sachertorte and punch.
Prague
2°CCzech Republic
Fairytale old town with a Christmas market at the Old Town Square. Trdelník and mulled wine.
Singapore
30°CSingapore
Orchard Road Christmas lights. Gardens by the Bay and hawker centres.
Rovaniemi
-10°CFinland
Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. Reindeer sleigh rides and Northern Lights.
What hidden gems are there for December?
Away from the well-known destinations, Luang Prabang, Oaxaca and Rajasthan are worth it in December — with less hustle and bustle and the right season.
Luang Prabang
Laos
Monk processions at sunrise, Mekong boat tours, and French-Laotian cuisine. Cool and dry in December.
Oaxaca
Mexico
Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes, 23rd Dec) and echoes of Dia de los Muertos. Mezcal and the best Mexican cuisine.
Rajasthan
India
Golden cities Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur at a perfect 25°C. Camel safari in the Thar Desert.
Which travel guides are suitable for December?
Our free travel guides to the most popular destinations in December — with insider tips, attractions & practical information.
🇹🇭
ThailandTravel guides
🇲🇻MaldivesTravel guides
🇱🇰Sri LankaTravel guides
🇪🇸SpainTravel guides
🇲🇺MauritiusTravel guides
🇦🇹AustriaTravel guides
🇨🇿Czech RepublicTravel guides
🇸🇬SingaporeTravel guides
🇫🇮FinlandTravel guides
🇱🇦LaosTravel guides
🇲🇽MexicoTravel guides
🇮🇳IndiaTravel guides
🇨🇭SwitzerlandTravel guides
🇩🇪GermanyTravel guides
What events and holidays are there in December?
In December, Christmas (24th-26th December), New Year’s Eve worldwide (31st December) and Christmas markets across Europe are on the calendar, among others.
Christmas (24th-26th December)
New Year’s Eve worldwide (31st December)
Christmas markets across Europe
Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks
Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand
Are flights cheap in December?
The most expensive time of the year for long-haul flights (Christmas + New Year). A surcharge of 50-100% is possible. Tip: Departing on 25th or 26th December is significantly cheaper than before. Short-haul flights in Europe are moderate, unless on the holidays themselves.
High season – higher prices
Where can you go skiing in December?
Snow-sure ski resorts in December are Kitzbühel (Austria), Verbier (Switzerland) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany).
Kitzbühel
Austria
Legendary Streif and charming old town. Festive atmosphere and top-notch slopes.
Verbier
Switzerland
Freeride paradise with Mont-Fort peak at 3,330m. Cosmopolitan crowd.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Germany
Zugspitze, New Year ski jumping, and Bavarian cosiness. Germany's premium ski resort.
Frequently asked questions about travelling in December
Where to go in December on a small budget?
The cheapest option is Sri Lanka (South Coast) (Sri Lanka) at about €35/day; flights are from €480. Unawatuna, Weligama, and Mirissa. Whale season and perfect surfing weather.
Are flights expensive in December?
The most expensive time of the year for long-haul flights (Christmas + New Year). A surcharge of 50-100% is possible. Tip: Departing on 25th or 26th December is significantly cheaper than before. Short-haul flights in Europe are moderate, unless on the holidays themselves.
Which cities are worth visiting in December?
For a city trip in December, we recommend Vienna (3°C), Prague (2°C), Singapore (30°C) and Rovaniemi (-10°C). The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, and Am Hof. Sachertorte and punch.
What's happening in December?
Highlights in December include Christmas (24th-26th December), New Year’s Eve worldwide (31st December), Christmas markets across Europe and Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Where can you go skiing in December?
Good ski resorts in December are Kitzbühel (Austria), Verbier (Switzerland) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany). Legendary Streif and charming old town. Festive atmosphere and top-notch slopes.
How do I best plan my December holiday?
With our free tools, you can plan your travel time, budget, and route for your December holiday — and compare offers afterwards.
