Where to go in December
December is summer in the southern hemisphere and dry season in much of the tropics, perfect for warm escapes, while Christmas markets light up cities in the north.
Places are ranked by their typical weather in December (comfortable daily highs and little rain) and by traveler ratings. Public holidays are listed with each place, as museums, shops and offices may be closed and popular places can be busy on them. Climate data from Meteostat.
132 places have good weather in December, showing the top 24.
Pyramids of Giza
4.84
Ancient Egyptian pyramids and iconic Sphinx.
Galapagos Islands
4.8
Volcanic archipelago with unique endemic species, pivotal to Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Taj Mahal
4.75
Iconic white marble mausoleum and symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wadi Rum
4.65
Desert landscape with red sands and rock formations, blending natural beauty with historical and cultural heritage.
Lalibela
4.58
Rock-hewn churches and pilgrimage site
Table Mountain
4.55
Flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Varanasi
4.55
Holy city on the Ganges known for spiritual ceremonies.
Ellora Caves
4.51
Rock-cut temple caves of Ellora display India's artistic heritage and religious harmony, featuring notable landmarks like the Kailasa Temple.
Konark Sun Temple
4.47
Massive chariot-shaped temple, an architectural marvel of the 13th century dedicated to the Sun God.
Luxor
4.47
Ancient Egyptian city with temples and tombs, Luxor is a gateway to Egypt's rich archaeological heritage.
Wadi Shab
4.46
Canyon oasis with emerald pools
Ajanta Caves
4.45
Ancient Buddhist cave temples with paintings
Easter Island
4.44
Remote island famous for its mysterious moai statues, offering a glimpse into ancient Polynesian culture.
Aswan
4.43
Ancient granite quarries and Nubian culture characterize this charming city by the Nile, offering rich historical treasures.
Guatapé Rock
4.42
Massive rock monolith with stairs offering panoramic views, nestled in Colombia's colorful cultural landscape.
Simien Mountains
4.4
Dramatic mountain ecosystem
Jaisalmer Fort
4.39
Living desert fortress of golden stone, blending history with vibrant culture and stunning architecture.
Abydos Temple
4.38
Temple with king list relief
Halong Bay
4.51
Bay featuring limestone islands and floating villages
Luang Prabang
4.51
UNESCO town with temples and colonial architecture, a harmonious blend of culture and history set in a lush landscape.
Fatehpur Sikri
4.3
Abandoned Mughal imperial city, a blend of cultural, religious, and architectural heritage.
Hanoi
4.27
Thousand-year-old capital with lakes and French colonial charm, rich in history and cultural diversity.
Cairo
4.25
Capital city with Islamic architecture and bazaars
,_Punta_Pitt,_isla_de_San_Crist%C3%B3bal,_islas_Gal%C3%A1pagos,_Ecuador,_2015-07-24,_DD_11.JPG){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Madain Saleh
4.25
Nabataean city with rock-cut tombs, offering a glimpse into ancient Arabian civilization amid stunning desert landscapes.