December is a month of contrast and opportunity — perfect for winter escapes, desert sunshine, cultural holidays, and tropical warmth. While snow begins to settle in parts of Central Asia and the Caucasus, destinations across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa offer ideal weather, festive vibes, and natural beauty. Here's your destination-wise guide for the best international places to visit in December.

Excellent to Visit in December

Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Cool, clear, and vibrant — December is peak season for desert adventures, luxury stays, and urban exploration. Ideal for beaches, dune bashing, and shopping festivals.

Oman
Perfect weather for wadi treks, mountain drives, and desert camping. Visit Muscat, Nizwa, and Jebel Akhdar for scenic routes, culture, and comfortable days (~22–26°C).

Qatar
Mild temperatures (~18–24°C) make it a great month for city sightseeing, desert tours, and national day celebrations in Doha. Ideal for short luxury getaways.

Saudi Arabia
Cool weather makes December one of the best months for exploring AlUla, heritage sites, and desert festivals. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are pleasant for outdoor visits.

Vietnam
Southern and central regions (Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang) enjoy dry, warm weather, ideal for beaches, temples, and city hopping. Northern Vietnam cools, perfect for Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Thailand
Dry and pleasant across most regions — from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the islands. December is peak season for beach escapes, temple tours, and food trails.

Cambodia
Excellent weather with low humidity, making it the best time to explore Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap, and Phnom Penh. Days are sunny and mild (~25–28°C).

Kenya
Early dry season returns, with great visibility and lush landscapes. Ideal for safaris in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli. Expect warm days and cool nights.

South Africa
It’s summer in the south — perfect for Cape Town, Garden Route drives, and Winelands tours. December also marks festive beach energy along the coasts.

Good to Visit in December (Slight Seasonal Watch)

Singapore
Warm and humid with occasional rain, but all indoor and outdoor attractions are open. A great time for Christmas shopping, gardens, and city lights.

Malaysia
West coast (Langkawi, Penang) remains dry and enjoyable. East coast islands are in monsoon. Best for food trails, heritage walks, and relaxed urban escapes.

Jordan
Cool days (~12–18°C) make it comfortable to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman. Pack layers for cooler nights — great for desert trekking and cultural tours.

Bhutan
Cold but clear — perfect for sunny days, cultural sites, and peaceful travel. Best for Paro, Thimphu, and low-altitude regions. Expect light snow in higher areas.

Nepal
Winter begins — chilly in the mountains but excellent for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and low-elevation treks. Crisp skies and low crowds make it ideal for a spiritual retreat.

Fair – Monitor Conditions

Georgia
Winter sets in, especially in the mountains. Tbilisi offers winter charm and festive markets, but countryside travel is limited due to snow and cold.

Armenia
Cold and snowy — ideal for urban travel in Yerevan and winter scenes, but less suited for long countryside trips. Limited access to highlands.

Azerbaijan
Chilly and often overcast. Baku is manageable for city exploration, but mountain areas are cold and less accessible. Great for off-season travelers.

Kazakhstan
Very cold — best for city visits in Almaty, ski resorts, or snowy photography. Travel is possible but harsh conditions limit outdoor options.

Hong Kong
Cool and festive, with mild temperatures (~15–20°C). Great for shopping, light hikes, and holiday events. Can be foggy or drizzly at times, but overall good for city visits.

Summary Table

Destination December Suitability Highlights
Dubai & Abu Dhabi Excellent Desert, city tours, festive season
Oman Excellent Mountains, wadis, desert escapes
Qatar Excellent Museums, desert, National Day
Saudi Arabia Excellent AlUla, heritage sites, winter festivals
Vietnam Excellent South & central, temples & beaches
Thailand Excellent Beaches, dry season, cultural travel
Cambodia Excellent Angkor Wat, lakes, dry season begins
Kenya Excellent Safari, wildlife, lush landscapes
South Africa Excellent Cape Town, coast, Winelands
Singapore Good Gardens, shopping, family fun
Malaysia (West Coast) Good City breaks, Langkawi, food tours
Jordan Good Petra, cool days, desert exploration
Bhutan Good Clear skies, peaceful travel, cold nights
Nepal Good Valley culture, winter trekking
Georgia Fair Cold cities, limited rural access
Armenia Fair Snowy city stays, avoid remote areas
Azerbaijan Fair Urban focus, cold countryside
Kazakhstan Fair Harsh winter, city + ski travel
Hong Kong Fair Cool city break, festive atmosphere




































Feature Image Credit - Photo by Peter Nguyen on Unsplash