Best countries to visit in December

December is the perfect month for those who love Christmas celebrations and for those who want to run away from it all and sip a mojito under the sun. In our selection of favourite destinations to travel in December you will find options for both!

What are the warmest places to go in December?

New Zealand 

New Zealand, the country of kiwis, is a stunning paradise in the southwest Pacific Ocean, filled with volcanoes and glaciers. Being in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand is warm during December with temperatures between 20-30°C. 

The country gets merrier in December with Christmas around the corner, and sunny days are perfect for beach lovers and adrenaline seekers. New Zealand is blessed with diversity in topography and culture, so it has something to cater to everybody’s taste. Mighty peaks or skyscrapers, the landscape there is contrasting and heart-stealing. 

December is also characterised by 'Santa Parades’ in almost all towns starting in November. These along with carols and fairy-lights bring the Christmas spirit to the country despite the warm temperatures. 

Maldives

For those who want to escape from the cold winter and dream of long, chilled, sunny beach days, the Maldives are one of the best countries to visit in December. This collection of ring-shaped atolls and islands is absolutely breathtaking and its overwater bungalows overlooking the ocean are the closet thing to paradise.

In the first half of December, you will still see some rain, but in the second half you will have dry, cool sunny days with Christmas and New Year parties on the horizon. With an average temperature of 27°C in December, the Maldives are the perfect choice for some December holidays.

Sri Lanka

Thanks to its uneven landscape, Sri Lanka has four different seasons due to changes in the intensity of rain. Nevertheless, the best time to go is between December and mid-April, which is considered to be the peak season. 

December sees relatively low rainfall, with temperatures between 30ºC and 22ºC. There is 12 hours of daylight, which will give you plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Climb the Siriguiya, admire the elephants in Udawalawe National Park, visit a tea empire in Nuwara Eliya, discover the fabled golden city of Raavan and relax on the beaches of Arugam Bay. 

Where can I go for cheap during Christmas?

Czech Republic, explore for cheap

Czech Republic is one of the cheapest countries to visit in December. Not everybody is dreaming of palm trees and cocktails under the sun in December. Some prefer indeed a winter wonderland. For those, Czech Republic is one of the best countries to visit in December. With its cobbled paths and beautiful bridges over rivers, it is also one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

It is undeniable that December in Czech Republic is pretty cold, with maximum day temperatures of 3°C, and nights going below freezing point. But if this doesn't put you off, you will be able to enjoy the magic of Prague’s Christmas markets that compares to no other.

The Grenadines, mid-December in a warm paradise

This chain of small islands lies between the larger islands of Saint Vincent and Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. Nine of them are inhabited and open to the public. The northern two-thirds of the chain, including about 32 islands and cays, are part of the country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The southern third of the chain belongs to the country of Grenada. 

If are looking for a truly off the radar destination, Canouan is the place for you. Maybe it is its nearly empty airport, or maybe it is the vast land and miles of white sand beaches with crystal-clear water, but landing on Canouan will make you feel a bit like you're the first tourist ever to visit this small island in the Caribbean.

What is the best country to visit in winter?

The best country destination is Germany. No matter where in Germany you travel to, there will always be a Christmas market nearby. Cities like Cologne, Hamburg, Munich and Berlin have a market practically in every square and some people make it their goal to collect a glühwein mug from each one. They are also the perfect place to buy that very special and unique ornament for your Christmas tree.

Among all these Christmas markets, the one in Cologne is probably the most popular one because of its twinkling lights set against the impressive Kölner Dom.

Where can I find great accommodation deals for December?

You can find it in Malta. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, this country is famous for its stunning coastlines, its impressive concentration of monuments and for being an international diving hotspot. Traditionally, visitors flock to Malta every summer to soak in some sunshine. But, if you decide to visit Malta in winter, especially in December, you will discover that the country has so much more to offer than sunshine and sea.

During this month, Malta still boasts pretty nice temperatures, while offering great accommodation deals and way less tourists. It is the perfect time to enjoy peaceful walks around its medieval streets and powerful nature walks.