Best Countries to Visit in December — Honest Guide for Every Type of Traveller

Which countries are best to visit in December?

Choose Oman for outdoor adventures and culture, Thailand for beaches and city experiences, or Japan for urban exploration and winter scenery. Austria and Switzerland suit festive holidays. Morocco, Egypt and Mexico offer historical attractions, while Vietnam and Spain’s Canary Islands provide different options for longer journeys and island breaks.

These suggestions match travel interests rather than rank countries universally. Your dates, departure airport and chosen region matter as much as the destination.

Oman: For Travellers Who Want Variety

Oman combines coastal scenery, historic towns, mountains and desert landscapes. Plan separate days for Muscat, Nizwa and a coastal excursion instead of trying to fit distant attractions into one outing. Mountain and desert evenings require warmer clothing than daytime sightseeing on the coast.

A popular coastal option is Wadi Shab, where a boat crossing leads to a rocky canyon walk. Reaching the inner waterfall cave requires swimming. Access depends on local conditions, so follow weather warnings and closures.

OmanTour’s Wadi Shab canyon tours from Muscat include Bimmah Sinkhole and start from OMR 60 per vehicle with a driver. The guided option costs OMR 80 total per vehicle, subject to availability.

The private trip accommodates up to seven passengers over eight hours, including Muscat hotel pickup and return. Drinking water is included; boat crossing, meals and life jackets are excluded. Guests explore independently unless a guide is arranged.

For airport arrivals and city transfers, a chauffeur service in Muscat can help organise transport around your schedule.

Thailand: For Beaches and City Experiences

Combine Bangkok with one carefully chosen beach region. Thailand’s coasts have different seasonal patterns, so check your specific island rather than treating December weather as identical nationwide. Avoid squeezing several islands into a short holiday.

Japan: For Culture and Winter Atmosphere

Tokyo and Kyoto suit travellers interested in neighbourhoods, temples, food and seasonal illuminations. Choose Hokkaido separately if snow activities are your priority. Check attraction closures and transport availability around New Year before finalising your route.

Morocco: For Medinas and Short Cultural Breaks

Marrakech and Fez offer souqs, architecture and traditional accommodation. A desert extension needs additional travel time and warm clothing for evenings. For a short visit, exploring one city thoroughly can be more rewarding than spending successive days driving.

Austria and Switzerland: For Festive Holidays

Choose cities for Christmas markets and cultural attractions, or mountain resorts for skiing. Verify individual market dates and current snow conditions. Compare accommodation, lift passes, equipment hire and transfers together when budgeting for an Alpine holiday.

Mexico: For History and Coastal Stays

Build your itinerary around a region rather than assuming one forecast represents Mexico. Mexico City, Oaxaca and the Yucatán offer different combinations of culture and sightseeing. Include realistic transfer time when combining inland attractions with a beach stay.

Egypt: For Archaeology

Choose Cairo and Giza for a focused visit, or add Luxor and Aswan for a longer historical itinerary. Compare Nile cruises by actual stops, included excursions and nights aboard. Leave time to explore rather than collecting rushed photo stops.

Vietnam: For Food and Longer Journeys

Vietnam rewards careful regional planning. Northern, central and southern destinations can experience different conditions in December. Check each stop individually, especially coastal locations. Combining Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City requires allowing time for flights or lengthy overland journeys.

Spain’s Canary Islands: For Island Breaks

Choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria for varied resort options, or Lanzarote for volcanic scenery. Plan around your preferred activities rather than guaranteed beach weather. Check pool heating, transport arrangements and the location of accommodation before booking.

December Travel Questions

Which destination is cheapest?

No country is cheapest for everyone. Compare flights, accommodation, meals, transfers and activities for your exact dates.

Is early December quieter?

It can be, but local events and school holidays affect demand. Compare specific dates rather than assuming lower prices.

How can I avoid planning mistakes?

Check entry requirements, seasonal opening hours and regional forecasts. Book essential accommodation and limited activities after confirming your route. Leave flexible time for weather changes and choose experiences that match everyone’s interests and abilities. Confirm inclusions in writing before making payment.