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Best Places to Travel in December: 2026 Travel Guide
Destination Guide

Best Places to Travel in December: 2026 Travel Guide

By Editorial Team
August 26, 202610 min read

An individual nearly booked their vacation to the wrong side of Costa Rica when visiting the beach at a certain time of the month during December. In this case, the photograph used to attract individuals for booking their vacations was of the dry region of Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast. On the contrary, their flights would land on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, which may be wet at this time of the year.

This is the issue that many of those guides, which feature the top destinations of vacation in December, face. While they provide attractive features like snow-capped landscapes, Christmas lights, and beaches, they fail to tell individuals about the particular location or coast or whether the snow is dependable or not.

The following are ten real destinations of vacation in December along with their climate and level of crowds. December flight fares get more expensive during this month because of the high number of holiday demands.

Key Takeaways

  • • Two destinations that are very reliable for warmth in case travelers come from the USA are Maui and Turks and Caicos.
  • • The weather in Costa Rica varies depending on the coast – the Pacific Coast gets dryer in December, whereas the Caribbean Coast continues to be rainy.
  • • Vienna is best before Christmas time, whereas Prague suits better late December and New Year due to the main markets which continue in January.
  • • In Cape Town and Buenos Aires there is summer, therefore these places serve as an alternative to winter breaks in the Caribbean or Europe.
  • • Among easy warm destinations for the USA citizens is Puerto Rico where no passport is needed.
  • • Aspen is usually open for skiing in December, although more reliable weather is usually in the second part of the month.

Best Places to Travel in December: Where Each Destination Works Best

December is an unusual month for traveling as there are ski destinations that are opening up, European destinations are decked for Christmas time, many destinations in the Caribbean are experiencing dry climate, and it is summertime in the southern hemisphere.

There are numerous options available, but the competition for flights and hotel stays is quite stiff.

A proper destination depends not on finding the one place that will suit everyone, but rather finding the place that will suit your preferences in December.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii

For those who seek some warmth but don't wish to take too much of a risk with the weather, Maui is one of the safer December destinations. The daytime temperatures hover somewhere between the high 70s to low 80s, while evenings are considerably cooler and reach about the mid-60s. It is a wetter month in December, yet rainfall tends to be sporadic and frequent in North Shore as compared to the resorts.

This is also the beginning of whale season. The first humpbacks can be spotted in the area surrounding Lahaina and Maalaea by the early December, while their numbers will increase throughout January and February.

The downside is demand. Hawaii is not quiet anymore, and this time of year sees its peak. Therefore, one might want to plan his/her trip well ahead of the holiday rush.

2. Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos

For a simple beach vacation, Turks and Caicos cannot be faulted. Days during December hover at 79-82°F, the water remains 80°F and hurricane season has ended. Precipitation should be minimal; chances are high of experiencing the crystal clear water and white sand of the Caribbean.

The downside? The cost. December marks peak time especially at Grace Bay, and prices will rapidly rise. This is one place where expecting an incredible deal will only make your choices fewer.

3. Costa Rica - Pacific Coast

Costa Rica

Costa Rica becomes an excellent destination for a holiday in December only if one picks the right coast. Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio and Nicoya Peninsula start becoming dry as the Pacific dry season kicks off, with daily temperatures soaring up into the 80s.

On the other hand, the weather on the Caribbean coast will surprise you. The cities of Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero may still be experiencing rainfall in December. Thus, if you hear Costa Rica becoming dry in December, ask which coast it is referring to.

4. Dubai, UAE

Dubai, UAE

There are few times throughout the year where the weather in Dubai fits in perfectly with all that the city has to offer. The days are warm enough to enjoy the sun without being too hot for sightseeing and desert tours, and warm enough for swimming and beach clubs. It suits those looking for sunny days but not for beach holidays.

It will be an ideal time for people who would like some sunshine but do not need to plan their days around extreme weather conditions.

5. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado

December sees Aspen and Snowmass open for business, but the month will be considered an early ski season. Coverage might not be extensive at the start of the month, particularly for trails that require more natural snow.

December later in the month provides more chances for extensive coverage, but holiday crowds will increase line wait times and hotel costs. For those who find reliable skiing to be a priority over empty slopes, later in the month is a good option.

6. Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the epitome of the traditional Christmas markets in Europe. Wooden booths, warm beverages, lighting, and impressive architecture are what one will encounter here. Normally, the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz operates from mid-November to December, and the skating area may operate even in January.

Timing makes all the difference. Arrive at the market earlier in the season and experience an evening that's quite bustling but not overcrowded. Plan to visit the last weekend of the pre-Christmas period and get ready for crowds.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague would work even better if you are planning a vacation following Christmas. The market at Old Town Square usually operates from late November until the first week of January; that means Prague remains holiday-like throughout the year.

Even the food and accommodation may not cost too much in comparison with Vienna, but the prices will go up during the holiday season. Winter flights to Central Europe get booked fast, so timing your reservation will become just as important as choosing one of the cities.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

While Cape Town moves into summer, most of the Northern Hemisphere is putting on their winter coats. December means warm weather, lots of sunshine with daily temperatures averaging between 24-26 degrees Celsius with limited rainfall.

Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Winelands region are ideal places to visit during this season. The only shocking thing new visitors will encounter is the crowds. This month marks high season for locals to take a holiday, hence the crowded beaches and hotels.

9. Buenos Aires and Patagonia, Argentina

Buenos Aires

It is now the late spring to early summer season in Argentina during the month of December. In Buenos Aires, the weather is warm, and there is a lot of activity going on, whereas, in the Lake District, Mendoza and Patagonia, they are experiencing one of the best times for outdoor tourism.

December is a good compromise point where the weather conditions are favorable; however, the peak holiday rush period of January and February has not yet come in full swing.

10. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

A trip to Puerto Rico is easy and convenient, as a passport is not necessary for U.S. citizens, there are flights straight into Puerto Rico from numerous big airports, and the climate stays warm even during December.

Moreover, Puerto Rico might be cheaper than some other Caribbean islands due to the holiday season making flights and hotels much more expensive. It will be hard to find a better place for spending December than Puerto Rico.

Quick Comparison

DestinationTypical December WeatherBest For
Maui, HawaiiHigh 70s to mid-80s°FWarm weather and early whale season
Turks and CaicosAbout 79-82°F; limited rainA relaxed beach-first trip
Costa Rica - Pacific80s°F; dry season beginsWildlife, beaches and nature
Dubai, UAEWarm and comfortableCity, desert and pool time
Aspen, Colorado20s-30s°F; early snowSkiing and snowboarding
Vienna, Austria30s-40s°FTraditional Christmas markets
Prague, Czech Republic30s-40s°FLate-December and New Year markets
Cape Town, South Africa75-79°F; dry and sunnySouthern Hemisphere summer
Buenos Aires / PatagoniaMostly 70s-80s°FCity, wine and outdoor travel
Puerto RicoWarm throughout the monthEasy, relatively affordable sunshine

A Few Numbers Worth Knowing

A few of the stats are worth knowing to make an informed decision about choosing which place to travel to in December.

What to KnowWhy It Matters
Maui averages roughly 78-84°F during the day in December.It remains one of the more dependable warm-weather choices available without leaving the United States.
Turks and Caicos usually receives less than three inches of rain in December.Hurricane season has ended and beach conditions are generally favorable.
Vienna’s main Christmas market normally runs from mid-November into late December.Travelers have a wider window than the final week before Christmas.
Prague’s main markets often continue until early January.It is a strong option for a New Year trip when other markets have closed.
Cape Town receives some of its lowest rainfall of the year in December.The weather is excellent, but local holiday crowds are at their peak.
December is regularly one of the most expensive periods for domestic air travel.Booking timing can matter nearly as much as the destination itself.

Conclusion: Which Destination Should You Choose?

A hassle-free holiday destination when it comes to summer breaks is the easiest pick among Maui, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico. Maui provides more variety, Turks and Caicos suits those looking for beach holiday experience while Puerto Rico keeps things simple when it comes to travel arrangements.

When it comes to Christmas spirit, select Vienna for early December and Prague for closer proximity to New Year's Eve. In case of desire to avoid winter altogether, then Cape Town and Argentina provide summer climate and diversity of holiday options, not associated with beach holidays.

So, in practical terms, one should first decide on the destination and then start watching fares. As mentioned above, December destinations are sold out fast and waiting usually doesn't bring miracles. Triwize makes it easier for travelers to follow their fares and see the true picture without having to do it daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to visit in December?

Maui, Turks and Caicos, Pacific Costa Rica, Vienna, Prague, and Cape Town would all be good December destinations. It depends on what you are looking for – beach vacation, winter partying, skiing or Southern Hemispheric summer.

Where should I go in December to have warm weather?

Warm destinations are Maui, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico and Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Temperature during the daytime typically ranges from mid-70s to mid-80s.

Where are the best budget places to travel to in December?

Typically Puerto Rico is considered one of the value options for American visitors as no passport is needed for visiting there. Prague may be cheaper destination for Christmas market trip than Vienna.

Where would you go if you want snow in December?

You could try Aspen, although the snow cover is often more reliable towards the end of December. Vienna and Prague offer a wintery city experience with a chance of snow but without the need to go skiing.

Is December a good time to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, especially on the Pacific coast, as this is the start of the dry season. The Caribbean coast, however, is the exception to this rule.

Is there an unusual destination that you could visit in December?

Both Cape Town and Buenos Aires are possible choices. They have summertime weather, making them attractive destinations when compared to the Caribbean and Europe.

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