Best travel places in December: amazing winter getaways

Already planning your winter getaway? Then you’ll want to know the best places to visit in December, one of the most popular months for winter travel. If you live in the northern hemisphere, you might be longing for a sun-drenched escape from the chill of winter. Alternatively, perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to immerse yourself in the magic of the Christmas season. Either way, the best travel places in December are sure to grant you a well-deserved winter break!

Best places to visit in December for winter sun

If you’re searching for winter sun, we don’t blame you! If your idea of the perfect December vacation is filled with idyllic, sun-drenched beaches, then read on to discover the best travel places in December for winter sun.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand boasts a fabulous climate all year long, but December is the best time to visit. The monsoon rains have come to an end and the average temperatures are perfect for enjoying this earthly paradise. Phuket is one of the best places to visit in December for some winter sun, with average temperatures of 28° C. The sea is calm and warm, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or exploring the islands by boat. Unsurprisingly, this is the most popular time of year for tourists. Therefore, book your trip to Thailand for the beginning of the month to enjoy the best deals.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Visiting Dubai in December is the perfect winter travel plan! Whilst this Emirate city is sweltering during the summer months, winter promises near-perfect temperatures of 26°C to 30°C. The evenings can be a little cooler, so plan to spend your days sunning yourself on the beach and when the sun goes down you can go out and enjoy the fabulous shopping malls and attractions of Dubai. Furthermore, Dubai celebrates the vacation season in style. Expect brilliant illuminations and plenty of Christmas cheer. In fact, spending Christmas in Dubai is highly recommended, whilst the New Years Eve celebrations are unmissable!

Cape Town, South Africa

Whilst December brings dark days and cold weather in the northern hemisphere, South Africa is enjoying the peak of its summer season! Cape Town is one of the best travel places in December thanks to its warm, sun-drenched climate and vibrant atmosphere. Temperatures can reach over 30°C in December and the beaches are awash with sun-bathers at this time of year. Outdoor pursuits, such as Table Mountain hikes or safari tours are other options if you travel to Cape Town in December. Furthermore, Cape Town is known for its vibrant restaurant scene and array of cultural events. So, if you’ve always dreamt of spending Christmas Day on the beach, Cape Town might just be the perfect December destination for you!

Golden Triangle, India

Northern India is known for its ancient temples, awe-inspiring desert cities and inspiring culture. It’s also famously hot, which can make sightseeing a little uncomfortable. Therefore, touring the Golden Triangle is best suited to the winter months, such as December. At this time of year, temperatures fall to around 22-32°C. With little to no rainfall and pleasant daytime temperatures, you can soak up the sights of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur with ease. If you’re more of a culture-lover than a sun-worshiper, a Golden Triangle Tour is one of the best December getaways.

Best places to visit in December for winter charm

Perhaps you want to plan an extra-special December trip to somewhere filled with winter charm. Christmas markets, fairytale architecture and snow-covered scenes are sure to set the backdrop for a memorable December trip. These enchanting destinations are some of the best places to visit in December for a magical winter escape.

Prague, Czech Republic

Often snow-covered by December, Prague is a winter wonderland filled with Christmas markets, cobblestone streets and fairytale architecture. If you want to live out a medieval winter fantasy, head to Prague this December. Wrap up warm and explore the old town, with its atmospheric squares, famous astrological clock and enchanting architecture. The city is blessed with a brilliant gastronomic scene as well, with plenty of cosy cafes and restaurants to warm up in.

Lapland, Finland

Looking to get into the festive spirit? There’s no better place on earth to experience the magic of winter than Finnish Lapland. The home of Santa Claus and a landscape of thick, snow-covered wilderness, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to visit in December, especially if you are travelling with kids. The landscapes are usually snow-laden and there is little sunlight at this time of year. The gateway to the region is Rovaniemi, and from here you can plan exciting activities such as snow-mobile excursions and reindeer sledging and hunt for the Northern Lights! Of course, a trip to Finnish Lapland would be incomplete without meeting Santa Claus! Head to Santa Claus village to see the man himself and immerse yourself in an authentic winter wonderland!

Zermatt, Switzerland

Another real-life winter wonderland, Zermatt is situated in the Swiss Alps, in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn. Awash with chocolate-box architecture, Christmas markets and snowy landscapes, it is one of the best places to travel to in December. Furthermore, if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, the slopes around here are second to none! In fact, there are more than 200-kilometres of slopes within easy reach of this Alpine town. Warm up with a steaming cup of glühwein and admire this achingly pretty town, decorated with twinkling Christmas lights!

Ready to plan your winter getaway? Explore the Exoticca website,  your online travel agency, to plan your December vacation today!