Short answer: The best countries to visit in December 2026 are Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. South Africa and Thailand give you the most for your money.
Picking where to go in December is about matching the weather, your budget and your passport. Below is the honest breakdown for each country, with the live numbers built in. Compare any of them to your own country in the GlobeDude Explorer.
December at a glance
Here is how December’s top picks compare on cost, live. Set your own country in the dropdown and it updates instantly.
The best countries to visit in December
🇹🇭 1. Thailand
Why December: Cool dry season at its peak, with perfect islands and comfortable cities under reliable sun.
Weather: Cool and dry, 28 to 31C.
Do not miss: Islands, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, full-moon beaches.
Best bases: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi.
🇦🇪 2. United Arab Emirates
Why December: Ideal warm winter, festive and sunny, peak season for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Weather: Warm ~25C, sunny.
Do not miss: Desert safari, Burj Khalifa, beaches, festive markets.
Best bases: Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
🇦🇺 3. Australia
Why December: High summer and Christmas on the beach, with long, warm days for the coast and cities.
Weather: Hot summer.
Do not miss: Sydney NYE, Bondi, Great Ocean Road, the Reef.
Best bases: Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns.
🇿🇦 4. South Africa
Why December: Summer on the coast and prime safari time, with Cape Town shining and great value.
Weather: Warm summer.
Do not miss: Kruger safari, Table Mountain, the Winelands, beaches.
Best bases: Cape Town, Kruger.
🇦🇷 5. Argentina
Why December: Peak summer from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, with long days for trekking and city life.
Weather: Warm to hot summer.
Do not miss: Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, the Lake District.
Best bases: Buenos Aires, Bariloche.
Best time to visit, month by month
Green means the weather is on your side, and December is highlighted so you can see which are at their best right now.
Cheapest picks for December
If value is your priority, South Africa and Thailand lead the field this month. Here is what your money is actually worth in each, live.
Can you actually go? Visa check
Set your country below to see the visa rule for each destination. Guidance only, always confirm with the official embassy before you book.
Not sure where to go?
Compare every country on cost, visa and weather in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Where is cheapest to travel in December?
South Africa and Thailand are the best value in December, with low daily costs. Use the cost snapshot above to compare them to your own country.
Where has the best weather in December?
Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia all offer great December weather. Check the best-time calendar above to see which are at their peak.
What are the best countries to visit in December?
For December, our top picks are Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, South Africa, Argentina.
Is December a good time to travel?
Yes. December is a strong month for the destinations above, and the live widgets in this guide show exactly how each compares on cost, visa and currency for your country.
GlobeDude uses affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Figures are for general guidance, so confirm details before you book.
See more months on the GlobeDude blog, or compare any country to yours in the Explorer.
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