While December is often the peak travel season, certain destinations can be more challenging to visit during this time. With colder weather, holiday crowds, and higher prices, some countries are best avoided during the winter months. Understanding when to visit—and when not to—can help travelers avoid stress and make their trips more enjoyable.
If you're planning a getaway in December, it’s wise to consider alternatives to places that face severe weather conditions, overcrowded attractions, or inflated costs. With these travel tips, you can make better decisions about where to go and enjoy a more relaxed experience. So, explore these options and make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable.
India
India attracts many visitors, but December can be challenging for first-time travelers. Northern cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur often face heavy smog due to winter weather patterns and crop burning. The haze affects visibility, triggers allergies, and can slow down outdoor plans. Southern regions still experience leftover monsoon rains that create humid, unpredictable days. Popular attractions fill quickly during the holiday period, making accommodation more expensive and harder to secure.
China
China’s December climate can make travel more difficult than expected. Northern cities become extremely cold with icy winds, frozen streets, and poor air quality. Southern areas avoid freezing temperatures but feel damp and uncomfortable since many buildings lack central heating. Popular outdoor sites such as the Great Wall or national parks can be slippery or partially closed. Snow and fog also disrupt transport, causing train delays and longer travel times. With fewer festivals and mostly gray skies, many travelers prefer visiting in autumn or spring when temperatures are moderate and sightseeing is easier and brighter.
Russia
Russia in December presents a striking winter landscape but also extreme cold that surprises many visitors. Cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg regularly drop far below freezing, and daylight is limited to just a few hours. Snowstorms can disrupt transportation and make outdoor attractions harder to enjoy. Walking tours lose appeal when icy winds make sightseeing uncomfortable. Although cultural sites remain open, the harsh climate limits how long you can stay outside.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia experiences milder temperatures in December, but visitors often find the timing difficult due to large holiday crowds, increased travel activity, and high hotel rates. Pilgrimage-related travel also peaks, which means certain regions have restricted access and transport becomes more complicated. New travelers may feel unprepared for local regulations on attire, behavior, and alcohol restrictions. Although the landscapes and Red Sea coast are impressive, the combination of demand, pricing, and cultural adjustments makes December less convenient.
Egypt
December is one of Egypt’s most popular months, which creates challenges for travelers who want a steady pace and manageable crowds. Major sites such as the Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and Abu Simbel become packed from morning until late afternoon. Hotel prices, Nile cruises, and flights rise significantly due to high demand. Even simple activities require early reservations. Although the weather is pleasant, many visitors find the congestion overwhelming and feel rushed during sightseeing.
Philippines
December is one of the busiest and most unpredictable months for travel in the Philippines. The country often experiences the tail end of typhoon season, especially in the central and eastern islands where storms can disrupt ferries, cancel flights, and cause sudden flooding. Domestic travel surges as families return home for Christmas, creating long lines at airports and bus terminals. Hotels and beach resorts raise rates sharply, and popular destinations like Boracay and Cebu get overcrowded. While the festive spirit is strong, the combination of unstable weather and heavy crowds makes many travelers postpone their visit until late January.
Thailand
Thailand enjoys cooler temperatures in December, but it is also the peak of its tourist season. Beaches fill up early, major cities become crowded, and prices for flights, hotels, and tours rise noticeably. Popular islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui often feel packed, and last-minute bookings are difficult. Some remote islands still recover from monsoon conditions, limiting access to quieter spots. Although festivals and nightlife are lively, travelers who expect calm may be disappointed. Visiting in November or February gives similar weather with fewer crowds, lower costs, and more room to enjoy both the cities and the coast.
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Kenya
Kenya’s short rainy season continues into December, leading to wet trails, muddy safari routes, and less predictable wildlife sightings. Animals disperse when water becomes abundant, making game drives less reliable than in the dry months. Coastal areas around Mombasa and Diani experience humidity and showers that can interrupt beach plans. Holiday demand drives up prices for lodges and guided tours, especially around Christmas and New Year. Some smaller camps temporarily close for maintenance before the high season. For first-time safari travelers, the clearer and drier months between June and October often provide a smoother and more rewarding experience.
Morocco
Morocco in December can feel colder than many expect. Temperatures drop sharply once the sun sets, and mountain regions receive snow that limits travel through certain passes. Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira turn windy and cool, reducing the usual outdoor charm. Many riads lack central heating, which makes evenings uncomfortable for travelers unfamiliar with cold interiors. Desert trips remain popular but involve very chilly nights. With shorter days and fewer cultural events, some visitors feel the country is less vibrant in December. Spring and autumn bring milder weather, lively street activity, and easier sightseeing across all regions.
Turkey
Turkey in December brings a mix of rain, cold air, and reduced daylight that can limit the experience for many travelers. Istanbul often feels damp and gray, and the Bosphorus loses some of its usual sparkle under winter clouds. Cappadocia’s landscapes remain stunning, but snowfall and icy paths can make balloon flights and valley hikes unreliable. Resorts along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts close for the season, so beach plans become impractical. While lower prices may tempt budget travelers, the weather and limited activity options make spring or autumn a more comfortable time to explore.
Nepal
Nepal draws trekkers from around the world, but December can be challenging for anyone without high-altitude experience. Temperatures drop sharply in the Himalayas, and popular routes like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit can develop icy sections that require special gear. Many teahouses along higher trails shut down for winter, reducing access to food and lodging. Kathmandu stays active, but the dry, cold air makes long days outdoors tiring. For enjoyable trekking conditions without extreme cold, many travelers prefer October or March, when temperatures are moderate and trail infrastructure operates at full capacity.
Argentina
Argentina enters peak summer travel in December, leading to crowded attractions and noticeably higher prices. Locals take long holidays, filling up beaches, national parks, and major cities. Patagonia experiences a rush of hikers and photographers, which can make trails feel busy and accommodations scarce. Northern regions like Salta and Iguazú become hot and humid, creating uncomfortable conditions for sightseeing. Domestic flights also rise in price during this season. Although December carries festive energy, travelers seeking calm or affordability often visit in November or March, when weather is pleasant and crowds are far smaller.
Iceland
Iceland in December offers enchanting winter scenery but difficult travel conditions. Daylight lasts only a few hours, limiting the time available for road trips, waterfalls, and outdoor photography. Snowstorms can close highways quickly, and icy surfaces make driving challenging for anyone not used to winter roads. Activities like glacier tours or northern lights excursions depend heavily on weather and can be canceled with little notice. Accommodation and tour prices rise due to holiday demand. While the season looks magical in photos, many visitors prefer late spring or early autumn for longer days, safer roads, and easier exploration.
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