Where to go in December? Which are the countries with the best climate in December?

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Christmas holidays are approaching. This time of the year is a period, which is much used by travelers. But the dilemma is always: Where to go? What are the places to visit in December? Climate is or at least should be a decisive factor in choosing a travel destination. It can make a trip unforgettable or can make your vacation a complete failure.

December is typically characterized by a stormy and cold climate in most parts of Europe, North America and North Asia. This excludes these areas from those suitable to visit during this time of the year. Despite the cold weather December is the month of the famous Christmas markets that take place in most European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and the UK.

Among the world’s best areas to visit in this month are the Caribbean and Central America areas. In the Caribbean islands and in Florida the rainy and hurricane season has just ended. The hurricane season in the Caribbean lasts from June to November with most of the hurricanes occurring during August and September. In the South American part of the Caribbean area, namely in Colombia and Venezuela, this month has a little rainy season.

In South America December is a good month to visit Argentina and Chilean Patagonia. During this period rain is less and the temperatures are higher. Northeast Brazil can be a good destination for a trip in December. December is also great for visiting Antarctica, in particular the most easily accessible part of this remote continent: The Antarctic Peninsula. During the short summer season there are almost 24 hours of light and the weather is the mildest of the year.

In Africa Ethiopia is a good destination to visit in December. Even the African countries south of the Sahara and north of the equator enjoy the beginning of their dry season. The Cape Town area has also a warm and dry climate this month. Countries on the Mediterranean coast of Africa have a mild climate in December, among which Egypt has a good climate.

In Asia Indochina – Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia – is suitable to visit during this time. December is part of the dry and fresh season and is great for visiting these countries. But also the north of Thailand and the west coast of this country, Burma, much of India and of the Philippines and the southern part of China like Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan are good destinations for a trip during this time of the year. The Persian Gulf and the Middle East countries are good in this time, because winter weather attenuates heat by making temperatures more pleasant.

In Oceania December is among the best months to visit South Australia and New Zealand. This month is the beginning of summer. The Pacific islands are not suitable, because this is generally the rainy and cyclone season in much of the southern Pacific.

English text correction by Dietrich Köster. 

This post is also available in: Deutsch