26 Cheap destinations in 2023 with great weather in December
December is an interesting and unusual month for choosing holiday destinations. Many of the world’s favorite tropical beach areas and cities have the best weather of the year in December, but because most people can only take that last week of the month off work, the prices from one week to the next can be vastly different. The first two weeks of December are some of the cheapest weeks of the year in most of the places listed below, while the last week of the year is often literally the most expensive week of the year. In other words, if you can go in early December you can save a fortune or stay in a much nicer place than if you go for Christmas week.
We have a separate list of cheap and warm places to spend Christmas and New Years and there are similarities with the list below, but the prices are more in line with what you might expect to pay. On the other hand, if you can do a trip early in the month of December, you’ll get basically the same weather and the hotels (and flights) will be half the price. The important thing is to book early if you are going over the big holidays.
This article was updated in July, 2023.
Important December 2023 holidays
- December 2 and 3 – National Day Holiday in United Arab Emirates (major public holiday)
- December 6 – St. Nicholas’ Eve and Day (major public holiday in many European countries)
- December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (public holiday in many Catholic countries)
- December 10 – Constitution Day in Thailand (major public holiday with celebrations on 12-Dec)
- December 24, 25 – Christmas Eve and Day (major public holiday)
- December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day and Boxing Day (major public holidays in many countries)
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve (major public holiday, celebrations)
New video of this article
Here’s a new video I made showing all the highlights of the article below with footage of most places on this list. Please have a look!
The Americas
If you are looking to save money you’ll find that the first week of December will be many times cheaper than the last week of December in the Caribbean and most other places on this list.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean generally has excellent weather in December, although sometimes the rainy season keeps going through the first week or so. Cancun is the most popular destination in the area and it has perfect weather starting in December.
If you are mainly looking for a place to relax on the beach and take a couple boat trips or water sports, you might consider just booking at an all-inclusive resort. There are hundreds of them in the Caribbean and they have to compete for guests by offering prices that can seem suspiciously low, but most of them actually deliver what they promise for those low rates.
- 17 Cheapest Caribbean all-inclusive destinations
- 32 Caribbean destinations from cheapest to most expensive
Cancun, Mexico
- December avg high: 83°F/28°C
- December avg low: 70°F/21°C
- December avg precip: 3.8″/9.5cm
Cancun is far more popular than any Caribbean island because it is easier to reach and there is excellent infrastructure for visitors. It has a perfect Caribbean climate, although there might be a downpour or two early in December, although those tend to last 15 minutes or less and can be refreshing.
When planning a trip to Cancun it’s important to choose the best area for your style. Cancun itself is mainly a long L-shaped strip of resort hotels and timeshares along a beach, with very few other restaurants or shops between them. If you want to stay in your resort the whole time, Cancun itself is a good choice. But about an hour south of Cancun by shuttle you can be in Playa del Carmen, which is an actual fun tourist town filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. If you want to sample different things on your trip, Playa del Carmen is a better choice. The island of Cozumel is just across the water from Playa del Carmen and it’s kind of a hybrid of the other two. And Tulum is a bit south of those and it’s a smaller and more artsy town that is gaining in popularity in recent years. All of these choices are served by the Cancun airport and are easy to reach from there.
You might also consider getting a Cancun Pass for your trip. It bundles a bunch of expensive attractions into one moderate price. It’s worth a look because some of the attractions are amazing and most people aren’t even aware of them.
>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in the Cancun area
- 3-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$139 per night for two people
>>Cancun prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals
Where to find the cheapest Caribbean all-inclusive resorts
In this new video below I’ll explain exactly how and where to find the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that are really good.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- December avg high: 84°F/29°C
- December avg low: 73°F/23°C
- December avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm
As December begins in the Caribbean, the hurricane season is officially over and the weather is pretty much perfect by any standard. Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic’s most popular resort areas, especially for those who aren’t particularly interested in absorbing the local culture. This is a resort area with wonderful beaches and not much history.
Unsurprisingly, the end of December is the beginning of the peak season for resort prices, so those who are able to come earlier in the month will be getting better deals. Still, the all-inclusive resorts are locked in heavy competition all year so this area can be a great deal compared to the alternatives, even in high season. If you are looking for where to go in December for an all-inclusive beach holiday, this is your best option for most people. Punta Cana is also on the list of our best Caribbean destinations for families with kids, by the way.
- 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people
Montego Bay, Jamaica
- December avg high: 85°F/29°C
- December avg low: 73°F/23°C
- December avg precip: 1.6″/4.0cm
As with other Caribbean resort destinations, the weather in Montego Bay is perfect in December, and the first half of the month is still cheap for flights and resort prices. The weekend before Christmas is when peak season here starts, and if you book early enough you can still get a good deal then, but don’t expect many last-minute bargains during that period.
Montego Bay’s busy airport has cheap flights from most major hubs including many in Europe, so it’s one of the easier places to reach as well. If Montego Bay itself doesn’t sound perfect then you might instead consider Negril or Ocho Rios, both of which are about 90 minutes from the same airport and each has a different feel. Two of our 11 best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the entire Caribbean are in Jamaica, and one is near the Montego Bay Airport so it’s easy to reach.
It’s worth noting a couple more points about Jamaica if you are considering a visit. On a positive note, many people enjoy the fact that it’s a place where all of the locals (and therefore the hotel staff) speak English. In Mexico and the DR you’ll find that only the key hotel employees can speak English very well. On the other hand, Jamaica has a pretty bad reputation for aggressive vendors on beaches and sometimes even in shops. If that bothers you then Jamaica will probably be more annoying than most other places in the Caribbean.
- 3-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$209 per night for two people
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- December avg high: 86°F/30°C
- December avg low: 64°F/18°C
- December avg precip: 0.9″/2.3cm
The destinations above are good choices for anyone in Europe or the eastern half of the US or Canada, but those in the western US and Canada should consider Puerto Vallarta instead. Unlike many other tropical resort destinations, Puerto Vallarta is a real town with history and an interesting downtown area right on the beach.
The December weather is pretty much perfect and dry, and airfares and hotel rates are very reasonable up until Christmas itself. If you are in California you might also consider Los Cabos (see below), although Puerto Vallarta is more interesting and usually cheaper as well. This is definitely one of the best places to go in December if you are anywhere near the Pacific Ocean.
It’s worth noting that while the hotel prices listed below are real, those are not typical of larger chain hotels on the beach. If you want to stay in, say, a Marriott on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, you are going to be paying much closer to US$200 per night for two people if not more.
- 3-star hotels from: US$35 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$64 per night for two people
>>Puerto Vallarta prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals
Mexico City, Mexico
- December avg high: 69°F/21°C
- December avg low: 44°F/7°C
- December avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm
Surprising to some people, December can actually be a bit cool in Mexico City, especially at night. Its elevation keeps it mild all year, but at least the rainy season is totally over by December, so it’s an ideal month for a cheap cultural holiday, perhaps combined with a trip to one of Mexico’s many beach resorts. You can get cheap flights between Mexico City and Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, for example. This could be a good place to do some Christmas shopping because they have huge shopping centers with appealing prices, while in the beach resorts it tends to be cheap souvenirs and bathing attire.
As Christmas approaches the city will fill up much more, so if you can go early in the month you’ll be much better off. But even if you can’t go before the last week of the month you’ll still find Mexico City to be a tremendous bargain compared to pretty much anywhere else in North America. It’s a great shopping destination, and not just for goofy souvenirs, so that’s something to think about as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
>>Mexico City prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel and package deals
Los Cabos, Mexico
- December avg high: 80°F/27°C
- December avg low: 58°F/15°C
- December avg precip: 0.6″/1.4cm
While Puerto Vallarta is a classic and traditional Mexican beach resort area, Los Cabos is much newer and very different. One important thing to note is that the evening temperatures in Cabo in December are cool enough that you’ll need to bring a light jacket or sweater, so if you want a real tropical destination you’ll want to go elsewhere. The weather is dry and very pleasant though, so Cabo has become a very popular and trendy winter destination for celebrities and other rich folks in the last decade or so.
Los Cabos is the name for the whole area, but it’s really two towns that are also quite different. Cabo San Lucas is in the west and it’s built around the large and somewhat glamorous marina. This is also where you’ll find the famous Land’s End arch that is in every photo of Cabo. About 30 minutes away by car to the east is San José del Cabo, which has a newer and more modern town center and is close to the airport. There are also really nice beach resorts stretching along the coast between the two towns, so if you don’t want to go bar hopping or do much shopping, you might be better booking at one of the stand-alone resorts in between.
- 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$163 per night for two people
>>>Check current Cabo resort and package deals
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- December avg high: 91°F/33°C
- December avg low: 70°F/21°C
- December avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm
Costa Rica is known as the adventure travel capital of Central America, partly because a third of the country is national parks. But Costa Rica is also famous for beaches, and the best ones are mainly clustered along the northern Pacific coast in the Guanacaste region. The nearby Liberia Airport provides a convenient way to get in and out quickly.
Tamarindo and Smara are two of the most popular beach areas, but there are other good choices in the area as well. This part of Costa Rica is known for large chain resorts on the beach, and the 4-star resorts can be pricey, while the more traditional 3-star hotels are still very reasonable. Costa Rica is obviously one of the hot countries in December in both temperature and popularity, so book early. Each of the beach towns also has smaller and cheaper family-run hotels that also have the advantage that you can try different local restaurants for every meal. They are very different experiences and you probably know which one suits you better.
- 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$179 per night for two people
>>Guanacaste prices and travel tips
>>>Check current San Jose hotel and package deals
Cartagena, Colombia
- December avg high: 86°F/30°C
- December avg low: 76°F/24°C
- December avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm
By early December the rainy season is pretty much over in Cartagena, and it cools down just a bit more as well, so the weather really doesn’t get any better than this. As with most others on this list, right around Christmas you’ll find that hotels get more expensive and are more crowded, so if you can go earlier in the month you’ll be paying less and dealing with fewer crowds.
Cartagena is becoming a very popular winter beach destination for people from North America, and it’s still a fantastic bargain compared to better known places, but it might not stay that way forever. As Colombia gets more popular (and as long as it stays safe) then prices should keep going up at these resort towns. The gorgeous and historic walled city in Cartagena makes for a great cultural and culinary visit, and there are nice beaches just a few blocks away. Very few tropical destinations have both in one place.
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$119 per night for two people
>>Cartagena prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals
Lima, Peru
- December avg high: 76°F/24°C
- December avg low: 66°F/19°C
- December avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
While December is quite busy in Lima, as a very popular summer beach destination for South Americans, it’s also still very reasonably priced so it’s worth considering if you are exploring the continent. The beaches aren’t spectacular as they are in Brazil and elsewhere, but Lima is still a great summer city with great outdoor life this time of year.
The food, including its famous ceviche dishes, is a particular highlight here, and the tourist district of Miraflores is packed with interesting and cheap restaurants. Basic and cheap hotels are in the same neighborhood, so it’s a better alternative to the historic center of Lima for most people. By the way, the rainy season in Cusco starts in December, so the trails can sometimes be cut off, although many people go anyway.
- 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
>>Lima prices and travel tips
>>>Check prices on Peru hotels and resorts
Santiago, Chile
- December avg high: 83°F/28°C
- December avg low: 54°F/12°C
- December avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm
The weather during December is Santiago is pretty much perfect, with warm days and nights cool enough so that anyone can sleep without needing air conditioning. This is obviously part of high season in Santiago, although the first half of the month won’t be as crowded or expensive as the second half.
It’s true that Santiago is not considered a top-flight destination by everyone, but it’s a fantastic base for a trip involving several stops in Chile, especially this time of year. There’s the Colonial town of Valparaiso and many adventure towns in the mountains, so you can get a bit of everything in at very reasonable prices.
- 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$97 per night for two people
>>Santiago prices and travel tips
>>>Check prices on Chile hotels and resorts
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- December avg high: 83°F/28°C
- December avg low: 65°F/18°C
- December avg precip: 4.1″/10.3cm
Unlike most cities on South America’s west coast, Buenos Aires has fairly consistent rainfall all year long, and you might see a bit of the wet stuff even during December. Still, the temperatures should be ideal for being outdoors, and this is really mostly an indoor city anyway, so when it does rain you’ll be able to pop into a shop or museum or cafe and have a great time.
Hotel prices definitely go up in around Christmas so it’s best to come early in the month if that’s possible, but it’s still a pretty good bargain even during the peak weeks. Book early if you can because the better and cheaper hotels will fill up first, of course. Also consider a side trip to the Mendoza wine region, Patagonia, or the amazing water falls of Iguazu.
In 2023 the Argentine peso continues to drop and local inflation is very high, but the entire country remains incredibly cheap for foreigners. Better still, if you read up on the “blue dollar” and how to bring US dollars and exchange them in Argentina for the current rate, everything will cost about half what it would otherwise. If this is the first you are hearing of it you probably think it sounds very shady or like a scam, but it’s very normal in Argentina where they are desperate to get currencies that don’t evaporate like their peso does for the last decade or so.
- 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
>>Buenos Aires prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Buenos Aires hotel and package deals
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- December avg high: 88°F/31°C
- December avg low: 72°F/22°C
- December avg precip: 5.1″/12.8cm
December is yet another fantastic month for weather in Brazil, although you can expect some short tropical rain storms a couple times each week, usually only an hour or so each time. It’s also getting warm enough that you are going to want a hotel with air conditioning to get to sleep at night, since it’ll be warm and muggy even in the wee hours.
As with most on this list, hotels get very full and more expensive just before the Christmas holidays, so it’s better to come early in the month if possible. That way you’ll have your pick of places at some surprisingly good room rates, even at some high-end places on the famous beaches. If you are coming during Christmas then book a hotel NOW because they’ll be full and will keep getting more expensive the longer you wait.
Brazil was one of the more expensive countries in Latin America as of a few years ago, but its currency has dropped and stayed lower so it’s quite a bargain again for foreign visitors.
- 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
>>>Rio de Janeiro prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals
Europe
From December through February there are literally no European cities that could qualify as having “great weather,” except for the Canary Islands, which is listed below. So during the winter Europe is all about cultural tourism, and lower hotel prices make it especially appealing for those who like to stretch their travel budgets and avoid crowds at the same time.
If you are thinking about a city break instead you should check out our recommended cheap London hotels, our recommended cheap Paris hotels, and our recommended cheap Amsterdam hotels, recommended cheap Rome hotels, recommended cheap Prague hotels, and recommended cheap Berlin hotels.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- December avg high: 71°F/22°C
- December avg low: 61°F/16°C
- December avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm
December might be the only month of the year in the Canary Islands where very few people would consider sunbathing. Still, compared to everywhere else in Europe, Tenerife is balmy. The largest and most English-speaking of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is no mystery to the hundreds of thousands of northern Europeans who spend a month or more here every year.
Even if you can’t sunbathe, the weather is still reliably pleasant all the time, with almost no rain. Weekly and monthly apartment rentals here are very popular, but there are plenty of hotels and hundreds of restaurants for those coming for shorter periods. If you want to be with the most English speakers you’ll want to focus on the southwest area of the island around Los Cristianos and Playa de la America.
It’s also worth mentioning that Tenerife is only one of the Canary Islands and there are sometimes even better deals on the others including Gran Canary, Lanzarote, and La Palma. They are usually all shown together when searching ‘Canary Islands’ for hotels, but in Europe they are usually listed separately so you have to check each of them out on your own.
- 3-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people
>>>Tenerife prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel deals
Africa
December is ideal in much of Africa, though Morocco might be a bit too cool by this time. The list below is quite incomplete due to how few cities we cover in the region.
Cairo, Egypt
- December avg high: 68°F/20°C
- December avg low: 50°F/10°C
- December avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm
In spite of its image of being blazing hot all the time, December in Cairo can actually be on the cool side, at least in the evenings. This is great though because almost all the important sights are outdoors and requite a lot of walking between them. For 9 months of the year it can get very hot doing that, so these few cooler months are ideal for visiting the famous sights.
Fortunately, it rarely rains at all in Cairo, so even though December is one of the wetter months, that means nothing and you are unlikely to see even a drop of rain. Hotel prices do reach their peak in Cairo starting late in December, so it’s best to go early in the month if possible. Egypt is definitely one of the cheapest places to travel in December, and the weather is surprisingly nice as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
>>Cairo prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Cairo hotel deals
Cape Town, South Africa
- December avg high: 77°F/25°C
- December avg low: 59°F/15°C
- December avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm
Cape Town obviously has its summer beginning in December, so temperatures should feel nice to anyone coming from a winter climate. It’s about as far from the equator as Los Angeles is, and it has a similar climate in reverse, meaning that it rarely gets too hot or cold, at least near the coast.
This is a fairly cheap city compared to Europe or North America, so at least bargains are not hard to find on the ground once you get there. The flights are of course long and usually a bit expensive, so the whole trip will add up for sure. Hotels will be cheaper in early December than during Christmas week, of course.
- 3-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
>>>Cape Town prices and travel tips
>>>Check Cape Town hotel deals
Middle East
December is cool and even a bit rainy in most of the Middle East. An exception is Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which both have perfect sunny weather.
Dubai, UAE
- December avg high: 79°F/26°C
- December avg low: 61°F/16°C
- December avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm
December and January are the busiest two months in Dubai, primarily because it’s one of the closest places to Europe that actually has warm weather this time of year and is also safe. Even though the UAE is a Muslim country, the Christmas weeks are the most expensive here because most visitors are from Europe anyway.
The December weather is actually warm enough to sit on the beach, but most people who come to Dubai tend to just relax and do a lot of shopping at one of the enormous and modern malls here. The restaurant scene is very interesting as well, and you can eat cheaply if you follow the local workers, or go to one of the hotel restaurants and get world-class cuisine.
- 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people
>>>Dubai prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Dubai hotel deals
Asia
December is an ideal month in most of Southeast Asia, except for much of the coast of Vietnam, which gets rain this month. Crowds, of course, get big just before Christmas, and hotel prices go up accordingly. It’s too cold in China, Korea, and Japan to make this list.
For a longer list see our best December destinations in Asia choices, which includes some of these but quite a few more.
Boracay Island, Philippines
- December average high: 82°F/28°C
- December average low: 75°F/24°C
- December avg precip: 7.1″/17.8cm
The traditional rainy season winds down in early December in Boracay, but even early in the month you are only likely to get a few quick showers each week. Typical of the Tropics, the rain often hits in the afternoon, and is over 30 minutes later, leaving behind yet another amazing sunset as the clouds slowly disappear.
If you are looking for something far less developed than Phuket or any other Thai island, Boracay might be for you. This gorgeous strip of sand is a bit out of the way, but partly because of that it still feels somewhat undiscovered. You’ll spend your days relaxing along White Beach or walking up and down the sandy paths that serve as the only real form of transport for most people. Many visitors come every year, and quite a few of those never seem to leave.
The hotel prices here might seem a bit high for Asia at first glance, but that’s because the island is long and thin so almost every hotel is literally on the beach or within a block or maybe two of it. The value is very good and food is a bargain here as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$119 per night for two people
>>Boracay prices and travel tips
>>>Check Boracay resort deals
Bangkok, Thailand
- December avg high: 88°F/31°C
- December avg low: 69°F/21°C
- December avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm
The driest and coolest month of the year, Bangkok is ideal during December, or at least as ideal as it’s ever going to get. It’s very hot and quite humid almost every day of the year, but the humidity backs off just a bit during winter, and that will be much appreciated for anyone spending more than an hour or two outside.
There’s a massive range of quality and prices when it comes to hotels in Bangkok, and the city is enormous as well, so you really want to do your research for this place. Most people are happier paying a bit more to stay near the river and all the tourist attractions, or even in the infamous Khosan Road backpacker district, which is cheap and fun, if tacky. If you like to shop then Bangkok is a slice of heaven. There are close to 15 large malls in the Siam Square area, which is also central and convenient since the elevated metro system cuts right through it.
- 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
>>Bangkok prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Bangkok hotel deals
Phuket, Thailand
- December avg high: 88°F/31°C
- December avg low: 75°F/24°C
- December avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm
Phuket is incredibly popular among Europeans in December, especially the final week, of course, so it’s critical to book early to get a good price at a beachfront hotel if that’s your mission. It’s also important to mention that Phuket is an island with more than a dozen different beach towns, each with its own personality and price range. Some are raucous and down-market while others are quiet and very expensive.
The prices given here are on the low side, especially during the winter season, so you are going to pay more unless you are willing to stay in one of the simple hotels in Phuket Town. It’s not a beach resort, but it’s a fun place itself, cheaper than the beaches, and allows an easy way to cheaply visit multiple beaches during a visit. My favorite beaches are Kata and Karon beach, which are both a bit south of the adult-oriented Patong Beach area.
- 3-star hotels from: US$45 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$62 per night for two people
>>Phuket prices and travel tips
>>>Check Phuket hotel and resort promotions
Chiang Mai, Thailand
- December avg high: 83°F/28°C
- December avg low: 59°F/15°C
- December avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm
Unlike Bangkok, which has warm evenings and blazing hot days pretty much all year, Chiang Mai cools off nicely during December, at least in the evenings. This is an outdoor city with an emphasis on hiking and exploring temples so the cooler temperatures will be welcome for most people. It’s still hot most days, and quite dry as well, so it balances nicely.
Hotels in Chiang Mai are among the world’s greatest travel bargains, with decent private rooms available for under US$15 per night in the city center. Pay more and you get a lot more, so it’s fun to feel like a big shot in a US$30 room that is almost like a suite. It gets crowded around Christmas so prepare for that and book early.
- 3-star hotels from: US$27 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
>>Chiang Mai prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Chiang Mai hotel deals
Goa, India
- December avg high: 91°F/33°C
- December avg low: 69°F/21°C
- December avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm
If you are looking for a cheap, beautiful, and relaxing beach destination during December then Goa is ideal. This has become hugely popular with package tourists from Europe and Israel (and more recently Russia), and the fact that pretty much everyone speaks English and there aren’t many cultural opportunities means that it’s a perfect place to just vegetate in a beach chair for a week or two.
Not surprisingly, the weeks around Christmas and New Years are literally the busiest of the year in Goa, so either book a hotel way in advance or be flexible once you arrive. Some towns, like Calungute, are lined with package hotels that fill up completely, but other towns, like Anjuna and Vagator, are usually booked in person or by email, so you can often find a place just walking around. If you are in the mood to tour around, Mumbai has great weather during December, and Delhi has warm days but cool evenings this time of year. Goa has some of the best beaches in December in all of Asia, so give this one a serious look.
- 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
>>Goa prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Goa hotel deals
Luang Prabang, Laos
- December avg high: 80°F/27°C
- December avg low: 58°F/14°C
- December avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm
It’s not the most famous city in Southeast Asia, but Luang Prabang is incredibly popular among those who’ve visited, and fortunately the weather during December is pretty much perfect. There’s no rain to worry about and it even cools off enough in the evenings to where you won’t need an air conditioner and morning hikes will be very comfortable.
Hotel prices definitely jump up around Christmas, so this is yet another place where you should come in the first half of the month if possible. Most people visit along with a trip to Bangkok and Siem Reap, but other cities in Laos are worth a stop as well, especially Vang Vieng (if you are a backpacker type) and Vientiane.
- 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
>>Luang Prabang prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Luang Prabang hotel deals
Siem Reap, Cambodia
- December avg high: 88°F/31°C
- December avg low: 69°F/21°C
- December avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm
There is a key reason why December is the best month of the year to visit Siem Reap. More than any non-beach city on this list, Siem Reap is an outdoor town due to the main attraction being the glorious Angkor Wat temples just to its north (and the whole reason you are coming to Siem Reap in the first place).
Those temples are all outdoor for the most part, so cooler and dryer conditions mean you can spend more time touring the temples and still being comfortable. Almost any other month of the year and you’ll be better off going back to your hotel for a few hours in the afternoon, but in December you can carry on all day if you like. The town of Siem Reap is a delight in itself, but of course it fills up near Christmas.
- 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
>>Siem Reap prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Siem Reap hotel deals
Hanoi, Vietnam
- December avg high: 71°F/22°C
- December avg low: 60°F/16°C
- December avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm
It’s actually a bit chilly in Hanoi in December, but generally very dry and exceedingly pleasant around the clock, so it’s a very good time to visit. Nearly everyone who visits Hanoi will be doing it as part of a larger tour of Vietnam or other countries in Southeast Asia, and this is one of the cooler cities this time of year, therefore a nice balance to some of the places that are still quite hot.
Hanoi is actually one of the cheapest tourist cities in the world according to our Backpacker Index, and that’s partly due to beer and museums being incredibly cheap. In reality, you’ll want to spend more money than the minimum because everything is great value. There are hundreds of family-run hotels with 10 to 20 rooms and a breakfast room in the basement serving surprisingly great food included in the rate. They tend to be spotless and well run, so it could be worth skipping a chain hotel and saving some money in the process.
- 3-star hotels from: US$29 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
>>Hanoi prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Hanoi hotel deals
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- December avg high: 87°F/31°C
- December avg low: 71°F/22°C
- December avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
December is the coolest month of the year in Saigon (as it’s locally known) and the rainy season is pretty much over by November, so this is an ideal time to come as part of a tour of Southeast Asia. It’s normally blazing hot and humid here, so the moderate temperatures will be a bonus even if you have nothing to compare it to.
HCMC is not quite as cheap as Hanoi, and it’s not as nice to look at either, but it’s definitely worth a visit for a combination of history and culture. This is a huge and sprawling city so it’s important to choose the location of your hotel carefully. During Christmas things do fill up and prices go up as well, so book early if possible.
- 3-star hotels from: US$46 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$75 per night for two people
>>>Ho Chi Minh City prices and travel tips
>>>Check current Ho Chi Minh City hotel deals
Oceania
Auckland, New Zealand
- December average high: 71°F/22°C
- December average low: 57°F/14°C
- December avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
Auckland is where most international flights to New Zealand land, but most people get their fill of the crowded city within a day or two. The real magic of New Zealand is in the scenery and smaller towns. December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand so temperatures should rise as the month goes on. If you’ve got at least a week and hopefully more, New Zealand is best discovered by doing a tour. You can rent a campervan/RV in Auckland and drive around to see the best sights on the North Island, and then take a ferry to the South Island to see even better scenery.
You can also rent a car and drive to the same places where you can stay in cabins in holiday parks/campgrounds, and small hotels and guest houses are reasonably priced as well. But renting a campervan is the classic way to see New Zealand and it can be surprisingly cheap since you’ll only be paying a small fee to park for the night in the abundant campgrounds. You’ll also be cooking many of your own meals, which is helpful because New Zealand doesn’t have many cheap restaurants or take out joints outside of the bigger cities. Queenstown on the South Island is the adventure sports capital of New Zealand and not to be missed. Rotorua on the North Island is also very much worth a stop.
- 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people
Hey Roger,
That definitely helps! Though I think I was quite unclear in the first place. Being in the same region is definitely not a constraint. We’ve been considering Africa as well, for example! Also, a couple of days of beach time is also sort of desirable, and we’re not really into visiting cities as such. Ideally, we wish to have some time to spend on beaches/resorts/hotels along with some time in a place like a safari or something.
Myanmar seems a bit more rustic as of now, and would let the tourism flourish there a bit more with travelers like you providing better reviews before we can venture into visiting it! 🙂
Hi Roger,
We’re a couple and are planning a 5/6 nights trip [around Christmas] from India to some place that is slightly reasonable and wonderful, of course! What we’ve been considering till now is Maldives or Cambodia or Thailand. Can you suggest anything around these or even completely different from these? The reason why we haven’t been able to finalize till now is that we’re trying to find a destination other than beaches, which isn’t as easy as it appeared!
Akshat,
If your main goal is to go somewhere in the region and avoid beaches, then I agree that it can be a bit tricky. Aside from the crowded city of Male, the Maldives is just a string of small islands so there are beaches everywhere.
Cambodia could work because Siem Reap is inland and the amazing Angkor Wat temples are worth a full day or two, and the town of Siem Reap itself is quite nice. You could actually combine a couple days in Siem Reap with a few days in Bangkok, and take a (cheap) luxury bus between the two. Bangkok is a really fascinating city with a lot to see, plus it’s a great transport hub. The other main non-beach option in Thailand is the city of Chiang Mai, which is wonderfully inexpensive with quite a bit to see. It’s even a bit cool during December, so that might be a nice change of pace from India. Many people are also going to Myanmar these days, although I haven’t been yet so it’s hard for me to recommend it. I’d say if you combined 2 or even 3 of these places you could have a very interesting holiday.
Another non-beach option in your area would be the mountains and national parks of Sri Lanka. Hopefully this gives you a bit more to think about. Let me know if you have any other questions that I might answer. -Roger
Hi Roger I am thinking of flying to Singapore on December 18th returning to Munich (where I live)on the 31st. I would like to stay in Singapore a few days then fly drive/sail to someother place or places before returning to Singapore for my return flight. I will be travelling with my 2 daughters 16 and 18. have you any suggestions..
Thank you
Claire
Claire,
I think a side trip or two will be a great idea. Singapore is a large and very interesting city, but you can see everything that you want in maybe 3 days or so. You have almost limitless options if you include the possibility of a flight. Even though Singapore itself (especially hotels) is kind of expensive, you can get cheap flights to all points of Asia from there, and the airport is awesome. Air Asia and Tiger are two great low-cost airlines with many flights out of Singapore, so you could check their destinations and find something good.
But if you wanted more to explore the area near Singapore then Malaysia and Thailand are the obvious choices. The three most popular stops in Malaysia are Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and George Town on the island of Penang. I quite like all of those so it’s hard to recommend one over another. I really like Kuala Lumpur and have spent quite a bit of time there, but honestly compared to Singapore it seems a bit untidy and old fashioned. In other words, if you are tired of a big and busy city like Singapore, then don’t plan much time in KL. Malacca and George Town are both smaller tourist cities with great food and interesting sights. There is frequent and cheap bus service from Singapore going through Malacca and onto KL. Then more buses from there to Penang and onto Bangkok.
If you wanted to spend maybe 7 days outside of Singapore, I think I’d do 2 or 3 in Malaysia and then the rest in Thailand. Bangkok is another huge city but it’s also somewhat exotic compared to the other two, and much cheaper as well. Or if you wanted to spend some time on a beach you could instead go to one of Thailand’s islands. Phuket is the easiest to reach, but it’s not very interesting. Kho Phi Phi or Kho Samui are probably better choices because they really feel like islands (Phuket is more of a peninsula) and there is still plenty to do.
Since you might be open to flying then another nearby option to consider is Siem Reap in Cambodia. It’s a pleasant tourist town on its own, but it only exists as the gateway to the amazing Angkor Wat temples nearby. Those temples are by far the most dramatic and memorable tourist attraction in southeast Asia, and I think your daughters are old enough to appreciate it all. But again, the town of Siem Reap is nice with plenty of other things to do, so it’s a great all around stop.
Those should give you some ideas. I’ll be happy to give you more info on any of it if you still have questions. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger
I have been reading the thread with great interest. I took my 2 daughters aged 11 and 18 to SE Asia in December and they loved it. Siem Reap – lovely vibe over new year and not too busy. Would stay longer than 3 days because the heat and humidity slows you down and you would rather want to cool down in the hotel pool in afternoons and try and squeeze in more than 1 wat in a day. Easy to get around and good food and vibe in Pub Street.
Koh Chang, Thailand – reachable from both Siem Reap and Bangkok. We travelled there by private taxi from Siep Reap. good alternative to busy Phuket. Best beach is White Sands beach in north west side. we stayed 5 nights and loved it. Beach barbeques and little beach bars. Lovely weather and beach. no rain. good snorkeling and some diving possible.
Just came back from Luang Prabang, Laos. Cheap and easy to navigate. If with kids you can do an elephant training camp few days. Airport 15 min from hotels and just 2 minutes to get visa (30USD). Not so much to see, but nice vibe and cheap. If you have to choose between Luang Prabang and Siem Reap, Siem Reap has more to offer, but is much hotter than LP in December.
Hanoi – best to do it in Sept as one would combine it with Sapa and Halong Bay. We just did this and it was fantastic. Rice harvesting seasion in Sapa. Too cold in Sapa December.
Hong Kong is also lovely over Dec (19 – 21 degrees) but double as expensive as Thailand.
Yes I have stayed in Bali for a month too, that place is really special I agree. I haven’t been to any other places that you mentioned above except for Any Dhabi and Dubai but I didn’t really explore or have cash to do anything really there. I have been to Singapore but only on transit. I hope to spend the next year in and around south east Asia teaching English, after April/May onwards. Inshallah!
Where are you now? And is it blogging or writing that earns you a buck to live the nomadic lifestyle? Or do you have other special skills in your pocket? 🙂
Cheers
Pranav
Hey Roger!
Thank you for the insightful details about South America and the others! Peru, Costa rica sound ideal! Always wanted to work at a sustainable place is Costa Reecs. However, I am also quite interested to know what Brazil , rather the different parts of Brazil are like, since it is so huge would be interesting to visit during the same time of the year.. Since I love and play Capoeira too, I’m pretty tempted to visit Brazil and draw inspiration. 🙂 And what is Colombia like?
Haha yeah Varanasi is pretty weird. Haha. Have you been to Hampi, Kerala, Himachal and Ladakh? They’re brilliant. Also Gokarna. Hampi is special though, real special.
Yeah Indian cities aren’t really open and they’re really society oriented. The bombay nighlife is pretty chilled but it has its downsides. Curfews, no 24 hr places, beaches but no beach culture only rubbish, traffic, population, and the weather! The weather is decent only late nov-feb.
Yeah the tickets to SA would be expensive but let’s just say I’ve got my hands on free tickets and got lucky. I just need to choose a destination 🙂
Would there be any key events anywhere in the world in December that you know of that would be worth visiting? I’m sorry if this is out of your way, just curious if you are aware of something like that.
Thanks Roger!
Pranav,
I’m glad that was helpful. I’ll answer your other questions in the order they came up…
The only places I’ve visited in Brazil at this point are Rio de Janeiro and the Iguazu Falls area. Both of those areas are very nice and justifiably popular. Aside from those, I hear a lot of mixed things about Brazil. I’m sure I’ll explore more of the country at some point, though I’m in no rush. Among other things, English isn’t widely spoken in Brazil (and in Latin America in general). You might know as much about the country as I do, aside from those places I’ve visited.
I’m making my first visit to Colombia (Cartegena) in November, but I hear good things.
Of those on your list I’ve only been to Kerala, in Fort Cochin, but I’ve been to many other places in India and quite like most of them except for the biggest cities. Pushkar was another favorite.
As for key events in December, I typically avoid those sorts of things myself, so I’m not a good source on that. I actually visited Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, by accident, and it drives hotel prices so high and also crowds that it’s probably the worst time to visit unless you specifically want to spend all night watching the parades. And Oktoberfest, as another example, literally triples the prices of hotel rooms in Munich, so it’s only worth it if you REALLY want to get involved in the Oktoberfest thing yourself. But plenty of other travelers love to go witness the biggest events, and I assume they love it, so there is no right or wrong.
I’ve met many people who’ve earned a modest living teaching English in Southeast Asia and elsewhere, and I’m sure you’ll love it. They really need and greatly benefit by native English speakers, so it’s a great deal all around.
This year I’ve based myself in Miami, USA, primarily so I can visit many places in the Caribbean that I hadn’t been to before. I just got back from a week in Jamaica and soon I’m going to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Colombia, as mentioned. But in December I’m hitting the road again and I’ll be in Asia for the winter and probably in London for much of 2016. Sorry I don’t have more specific information to help you plan your trip, but it sounds like you’ve got some really good choices already under consideration. And I’m sure you’ll have a great time. -Roger
Hey Roger.
First of all thank you so much for sharing what you know unconditionally. It really helps!
So, I am from bombay. I wish to see much of Central and/ or South America this December. Would love to know your take on the most interesting places in terms of culture, language, people, good nightlife, nature, adventure, wildlife, on a shoe string budget possibly. I have never stayed at a 3/5 star so just backpacking hostels, couchsurfing and potential friends. I am also open to your suggestions about Africa and any other musts if any, but not in asia. Since you do know how versatile Goa is, are there places equivalent, close to or better than it? Also, if its not too much to ask and too hard to pin down, what places/destinations would make your top 10 or 15 in all? Irrespective of the time of the year or whether it is a city or an island or the Himalayas, what places would make the ‘touched the heart & soul’ list? That have become a feeling to you, rather 🙂 cheers
Pranav,
I’m always happy to hear that people find this information to be useful. To answer your questions about possible places in the Americas to visit, I’ll give it a shot.
Weirdly enough, Central America and South America aren’t really known as top “culture” destinations, as the colonial history has mostly wiped out the indigenous history in the larger places. There are Aztec, Maya, and Inca ruins and sights, but not really enough to build a whole trip around. I’d say the most interest of those would be the Inca culture of Peru, specifically around Machu Picchu and the valley around Cusco. Alternatively, visiting Argentina is pretty much like visiting Europe from a culture standpoint. It’s quite nice there and prices are low if you know about the blue market for currency, but otherwise it may not be what you are looking for.
If you are more interested in nature and adventure than culture, then the top choice would be Costa Rica. The country has many beautiful national parks and it’s filled with things like zip-lining and canopy tours, just to name a few things. There are also volcanoes and surfing beaches and much more, plus a very good backpacker infrastructure of cheaper hotels and hostels.
If you are open to Africa you should consider Morocco. It will be a bit chilly in December, but still warm enough to enjoy everything. The culture there is fascinating and it’s also very tourist-friendly and safe. I think it would be cheaper for you to fly to Morocco than to the Americas, and the daily costs are very reasonable as well. Those should give you some things to think about, and feel free to follow up if you have other questions.
As for my own Top 10 destinations in general, that’s a tough one for someone like me because I can’t help but factor costs into the equation. For example, I really love Amsterdam and I even lived there for awhile, but it’s also very expensive and maybe not a great choice for everyone. And it’s also hard to avoid cliches for a list like this, because I honestly feel that most of the places on these sorts of lists are great.
To name at least a few, I love Bali and will spend a month there again early next year. Iceland is very high on my list, partly because it’s so different from everywhere else. I also love New Zealand, partly for the same reasons. I’ve really enjoyed much of what I’ve seen in India, and I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that Goa is the place I’d like to go back to most because it’s relatively uncrowded and low-key compared especially to the cities of India. By the way, Varanasi is the single weirdest place I’ve ever visited. I love a lot about Vietnam, although like many other people, I’m not crazy about how you always have to be on guard for people trying to scam you there. Laos is nice, although with no coast and far fewer scammers.
Some of my favorite big cities are New York City (where I lived for 5 years, off and on), London, Paris, and Singapore. I like and admire Abu Dhabi and Dubai, although I don’t think they are good choices for everyone. I lived for a year in a small Mediterranean village in Turkey called Kas, which is wonderful, but it has its limits being so small.
Those are some places that stand out to me, and I’m sure there are at least a few more I could have listed that have slipped my mind at the moment. Again, feel free to follow up if you have more questions. -Roger
Roger,
Can you give me any suggestions, we would be coming from Milwaukee/Chicago area, looking for a all inclusive safe tropical warm beach trip that’s not too pricey ($2,000/ couple) for 5 days for two people maybe 4 people if another couple comes with us. Looking to travel in October or November this year. We love beautiful scenery, lots of different activities, like tours, wild life, kayaking, parasailing, etc.
Anna,
If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort with reasonable airfares from Chicagoland, your best bets will be in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, or the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area. Both have everything on your list, except perhaps wild life, depending on how you define that. You can get cheaper flights into Cancun, and there is a wide variety of offerings once you are there. If you don’t think you want to leave the hotel much, then stay in the Cancun hotel district or along the Maya Riviera nearby. But if you want to interact with a real and lovely town, then stay in Playa del Carmen or over on Cozumel. There are many nearby activities and some very interesting ruins.
Punta Cana has fewer cultural options, but the resorts are even cheaper, even though the flights are a bit more expensive.
The only other good option I can think of for a shorter trip like this is the Tamarindo area in northern Costa Rica, but it will be a bit more expensive. Have a great trip, whatever you decide. -Roger
Hi, I stay in Delhi and I am planning a December Honeymoon trip to places in Europe.Places not decided yet but would prefer to include some beaches and some place with rich architecture. It would be a 7 days trip. I do have a budget constraint. Can you please share what is the expected budget. Please advise ways we can enjoy our trip without feeling the cost.
Thanks…
Rahul,
It’s going to be pretty cold in December all over Europe, although not quite so bad in the south, of course. As far as where to go, I’ll refer to our Europe 3-star traveler index, which lists every major city in Europe from cheapest to most expensive. The price is the typical daily expense per person for a couple traveling and staying in 3-star hotels. Once you scan through that list you should have some ideas.
Let me know if you have other questions and best of luck with the wedding and honeymoon. -Roger
My Husband and I plan to holiday in a warm place in December from the 20th away from Namibia where we live. We are not looking at South Africa at all. We would like to see interesting places and cultures. We are not the beach type. We are interested in scenery as well. We visited China last year and it was too cold. We don’t surf and we don’t snorkel. We love people, not too expensive shopping, wildlife and birds.
Elize,
Looking for a place that is moderately priced and warm in December is tough in most of the world, and it sounds like you are interested in getting out of Africa. My best two suggestions are India (and perhaps Sri Lanka), and Southeast Asia.
Most of India is warm in December and the culture is fascinating, if a bit overwhelming at first. If you choose India my best advice is to minimize time in the largest cities, as they can be frustrating after a short time.
Southeast Asia is easier to deal with, and there are cheap flights connecting in the Middle East and landing in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Each of those is a very interesting city, and there are many smaller places to go in the same region. In Malaysia there is Penang and Melaka. In Thailand there is Chiang Mai and quite a few others in that area. In Laos you can visit Luang Prabang, which sounds like it could be a winner for you. And there is also Siem Reap, which is home to the amazing Angkor Wat temple complex.
Hopefully one or more of those suggestions sounds interesting to you. If not, let me know and I’ll see what else I can think of. -Roger
we are travelling from toronto to delhi in end of december but would like to take a bfreak inbetween, debating morocco, sevilla, malaga, barcelona. which one would be the best. would south spain be a good weather wise and for connectivity. its like toronto – barcelona – delhi
Anka,
This is a bit tricky. The weather in Spain in December is okay, but still quite cold for most people. In Morocco it will be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, even if it’s not warm enough to sit on the beach.
As for flight connections, Barcelona and Madrid should have decent connections to Toronto and Delhi, while Casablanca (Morocco’s largest airport) probably does not. So Spain is the better choice by that standard. On the other hand, you can get to Morocco by ferry from Spain in a short time, so you could go to Spain and also visit Morocco for a day or two.
If you are looking for pleasant weather in December you might also consider the Canary Islands. They have good connections to many destinations. You would probably have to change planes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Qatar on your way to Delhi, but the flight will at least be fairly cheap. Good luck with this and let me know if you have other questions. -Roger