10 Places to Visit in December: India & International

8 minutes read

There is a different air to life when you’re planning the places to visit in December. Travel feels different, more intentional, maybe cus the year is ending, maybe cus you’re scared of that, or maybe you’re joyous about the new one incoming. The weather cools down, skies clear up, and suddenly the world has a whole catalogue of places to visit in December — from winter deserts and tropical coasts to snow-covered cities and cultural hotspots. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who chases food, history, beaches, hikes, architecture, wildlife, ancient stories, peaceful stays, or pure year-end joy, December offers some of the best places to go across India and the world.

It’s also the calm before resolutions kick in and the perfect moment to create a memory before the year resets. Some destinations shine with Christmas lights, some open up for wildlife, others turn cool enough to finally explore without sweating through your T-shirt. A few become the best travel destinations in December simply because you see them at their seasonal peak — blooming valleys, foggy mountains, festive cities, or beaches that feel like postcards.

Below are 10 destinations — India + international — that are perfect for adventure, culture, food, beaches, winter magic, and underrated surprises.

5 PLACES TO VISIT IN DECEMBER IN INDIA

1. Kerala, India

One of the best places to travel in December is Kerala: perfect weather, clean beaches, backwaters at their calmest, and hill stations. The state works for every kind of traveler. If you like beaches, head to Varkala or Kovalam. For seriously peaceful backwater routes, pick less commercial spots like Kumarakom and Poovar instead of the overdone Alleppey main circuit. If you want a quieter mountain break, skip Munnar town and go towards Thekkady or the tea estates around Devikulam.

December is also festival-heavy, and you might catch Theyyam performances in North Kerala, which is easily among the most unique cultural experiences in India. This is also a fantastic month for adventure activities like surfing in Varkala, kayaking inside narrow backwater channels, and hiking in Wayanad where the visibility is clear and wildlife sightings improve.

• One fact people often don’t know: Kerala’s beaches in December get perfect sunset visibility due to low humidity, making the views sharp and photo-friendly, which is why Kerala remains one of the best places to visit in December.
• How to reach: Kochi International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport are the two major gateways. Good train connectivity via Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Calicut.
• Important: Carry mosquito repellent, book houseboats only after checking hygiene reviews, beaches can get crowded near Christmas so plan weekday visits.

2. Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan is one of the most classic places to visit in December because the weather finally becomes manageable. Udaipur gives you lakes and heritage without the heat. Jodhpur is ideal for exploring Mehrangarh Fort, which is genuinely one of India’s most impressive forts even for casual history readers.

For wildlife, Ranthambore’s visibility increases, though bookings need to be done well in advance. December nights are extremely cold in the desert, something first-timers often underestimate. Food-wise, this is the best time for winter dishes: bajra roti, laal maas, hot malpua, and ghevar.

• How to reach: Jaipur International Airport, Udaipur Airport, Jodhpur Airport. Excellent train network across the state.
• Important: Desert nights drop drastically, pack layers. Book safaris early.

3. Dholavira, Gujarat: One of the great places to go in December

Dholavira is one of the most underrated places to visit in December in India, especially for travelers who enjoy history, archaeology, landscapes, and quiet trips. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site but still sees a fraction of the crowd that more popular heritage spots get. It’s one of the good places to go in December because the heat drops, the desert breeze is pleasant, and the site becomes walkable without exhaustion.

Dholavira: a UNESCO Harappan City

The ancient Harappan city layout is still visible: reservoirs, water-management systems, gateways, and the citadel. For nerdy history lovers, this is one of the few Indus Valley sites where you can clearly understand the city planning. The onsite museum has artifacts that explain the settlement’s engineering and trade culture.

Beyond archaeology, Dholavira gives you a unique landscape experience. The White Desert surrounds the site, but this part of the Rann is quieter than the crowded Rann Utsav area near Dhordo. Sunset views over the white salt flats here are surreal. You can also visit Fossil Park, which holds centuries-old wood fossils rarely seen in India- literally its like one of the best places to visit in December

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• How to reach: Nearest airport: Bhuj Airport. Bhuj Railway Station is the closest railhead. Hire a car for the final stretch; public transport is limited.
• Things to not miss: Excavated Harappan city, museum, Fossil Park, sunset at the White Desert, stargazing (very low light pollution).
• zImportant: Extremely limited restaurants and shops. Carry water, snacks, and basic supplies. The mobile network is patchy. Book stays in advance; options are few.

4. Andaman Islands, India

Andaman is one of the best places to travel in December because the monsoon ends and waters clear up beautifully. This is the best time for diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography. 

History lovers will appreciate the Cellular Jail experience, which is more impactful when tourist rush isn’t at its peak. Avoid assuming that everything is walkable; islands require transport planning. Don’t forget that the water activities offered at islands is something you can get on any other coast. 

A lesser-known experience is the mangrove kayaking in Mayabunder or night kayaking near Havelock with bioluminescence on clear nights. Beaches like Radhanagar are spectacular but go early in the morning before the crowd builds.

If you are interested in eco-tourism, consider reading about the havoc that the genocidal Great Nicobar Project is going to put on our environment and its people. Remember kids, travel doesn’t happen in a vacuum, you have to be aware about your surroundings. 

• How to reach: Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. Ferries connect Port Blair to Havelock and Neil.
• Important: Islands have strict environmental rules; don’t use plastics and don’t litter. Book ferries in advance. The network is weak.

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5. Sikkim, India

Sikkim is one of the great places to visit in December if you like cold weather, mountain roads, and quiet towns. December brings early snow around the glacial Tsomgo Lake, Nathula border Pass, and the breathtaking Lachung. Gangtok stays accessible and comfortable with clear views of Kanchenjunga.

If you want calmer places, try Pelling for panoramic mountain views or Yuksom for history and trails that go back centuries. North Sikkim gets extremely cold but the landscapes are worth it if you can handle low temperatures.

• Why it is one of the places to visit in December: December skies in Sikkim have some of the highest stargazing clarity in India because the humidity drops significantly.
• How to reach: Nearest airport is Bagdogra. The nearest train is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Drive to Gangtok from there.
• Good places to travel in December: Tsomgo Lake, Pelling Skywalk, Lachung-Yumthang, Gangtok cafes, monasteries.
• Important: North Sikkim roads can shut during heavy snowfall. Keep buffer days.

6. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the best destinations to visit in December internationally because this is its driest period. Hanoi stays cool and pleasant, Halong Bay (UNESCO site) looks sharp with misty mornings, and Hoi An’s lantern-filled streets are at their best.

For quieter places, head to Ninh Binh’s limestone valleys or the beaches of Quy Nhon. December visibility makes boat rides, caves, and hikes extremely photo-friendly.

• How to reach: Major airports: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD).
• Things to not miss: Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An night market, Ninh Binh caves, egg coffee.
• Important: Domestic flights can get busy in holiday weeks; pre-book internal travel.

7. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most reliable places to go in December internationally. The weather is cool in the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and warm enough in the south (Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta) without humidity.

For culture lovers, Chiang Mai offers temples, night markets, and elephant sanctuaries (ethical ones only). For island-hopping, December is perfect for clear water. If you want fewer crowds, avoid Phi Phi and head to Koh Lanta or Koh Yao islands.

History lovers should visit Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, both fantastic ruins. Food-wise, December brings fresh produce season, so everything tastes better.

• How to reach: Main airport: Bangkok (BKK/DMK)
• Things to not miss: Island hopping, Chiang Mai cafes, night markets, historical ruins.
• Important: Respect temple dress codes, book ferries in advance.

8. Japan

Japan is one of the good places to visit in December for travelers who enjoy winter culture, illumination festivals, and crisp landscapes. Tokyo lights up with some of the best winter illuminations in the world, Kyoto stays relatively crowd-free, and Hokkaido begins its snow season with perfect powder for skiing.

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December is also the season of hot springs and steaming winter foods. If you like nerdy history, you’ll enjoy Kyoto’s temples during the quieter season and Hiroshima’s peace memorial with fewer tourists.

• A lesser-known fact: Japan’s Christmas celebrations are more about illuminations and unique foods (like Christmas cake) than religion, making it an interesting cultural experience.
• How to reach: Tokyo Int Airport
• Things to not miss: Winter illuminations, Kyoto temples, Hokkaido skiing, onsens.
• Important: Japan is cash-friendly; carry some yen.

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9. Switzerland

Switzerland is among the best places to go in December globally if you like snow, Christmas markets, and postcard landscapes. Zurich and Lucerne host classic winter markets, while Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Jungfrau offer some of the best ski slopes.

December gives a strong mix of experiences: food, lake towns, hikes, museums, and railway journeys. The Glacier Express is particularly scenic this month because the landscape is fully snow-covered.

• How to reach: Major gateway: Zurich Airport.
• Things to not miss: Glacier Express, Zermatt village, Christmas markets, Jungfraujoch.
• Important: Switzerland is expensive; pre-book passes for trains.

10. Egypt

Egypt is one of the most underrated great places to travel in December as most skip to the wintery destinations but here the weather becomes pleasant enough to explore pyramids, deserts, and ancient sites without extreme heat. Cairo stays busy but manageable, and Giza’s pyramids are best explored in early December mornings.

Luxor and Aswan become extremely comfortable for travelers who want temples, hieroglyphs, and Nile cruises. December also improves desert visibility near the White Desert and Siwa Oasis.

• A little-known detail: many tombs in the Valley of the Kings look clearer in winter because humidity drops, helping the wall paintings stand out.
• How to reach: Cairo International Airport. 
• Things to not miss: Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Nile cruise, Luxor temples.
• Important: Expect security checks at major sites; carry ID.

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Pack Your Bags!

December is one of the most reliable months to travel, and these destinations give you solid weather, meaningful experiences, and a break from routine without relying on overhyped suggestions. Whether you want beaches in Kerala, archaeological depth in Dholavira, clean winter skies in Sikkim, or international picks like Vietnam, Japan, and Egypt, these places to visit in December offer a mix of culture, food, history, and adventure that actually feels worth the trip.

If you’re planning your end-of-year break, this list of places to visit in December makes it easy to shortlist what suits your travel style and jump into your next adventure with clarity.

FAQs About Places to visit in December