Not sure where to go this winter? Discover the best places to travel to in December, from 22C sunshine to festive cities. Start planning your trip today.

December splits travellers into two camps. Some chase winter sun, others want frost, fairy lights and mulled wine. The good news is that December average highs reach around 22C in the Canary Islands, while Vienna hovers near freezing for its famous markets. This guide ranks the best places to travel to in December, with a clear verdict on who each one suits.

Why December is one of the best months to travel

December rewards planners. Flight prices swing wildly, cheapest in early December, then spiking around Christmas week. Book the first two weeks and you dodge the crowds and the worst fares. The month also offers two very different holidays: guaranteed warmth near the equator, or a proper festive atmosphere across Europe.

Best places to travel to in December for winter sun

If grey skies drain you, head south. These destinations stay warm and bright through the shortest days of the year.

  • Tenerife, Canary Islands. The warmest European option, with December highs near 22C and reliable sunshine. Ideal for families and anyone wanting a short-haul beach break.
  • Cape Verde. A six-hour flight for dry, breezy beaches around 25C. Best for couples who want calm over nightlife.
  • The Maldives. December starts the dry season, with flat seas and clear water. The priciest pick here, but unbeatable for honeymoons.

Best festive cities in Europe for December

For atmosphere over temperature, Europe is hard to beat in December. Christmas markets turn city squares into glowing food halls, and short flights keep costs down.

Vienna sets the standard, with grand markets below the City Hall and strong public transport in the cold. Budapest pairs its markets with thermal baths, so you can warm up between stalls. Prague looks like a film set once the snow arrives, and prices stay lower than in Western Europe.

One practical tip makes European city-hopping easier. Staying connected across borders is simpler with a travel eSIM you set up before you fly, such as the one at esim.holafly.com/esim-europe, which saves you hunting for local SIM cards between countries. It means live train times, maps and restaurant bookings work the moment you land.

Best December trips without leaving the UK

You do not need a passport for a memorable December. Edinburgh runs one of the biggest Christmas programmes in Britain, and its Hogmanay celebrations are world famous. Bath glows with its traditional market set against Georgian stone.

Cornwall makes a bracing coastal alternative to the city crush. Clifftop walks feel wild and empty in winter, and the festive calendar stays busy. Hardy visitors even brave a Christmas Day swim in Cornwall, a tradition that draws crowds to beaches across the county.