The month of December is a time of celebration and festivity for many cultures around the world. As the year comes to a close, people prepare for the holiday season, which brings with it a mix of excitement, joy, and sometimes, chaos. When planning a trip during this time, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit various places, taking into account factors such as weather, tourist season, and local events. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best time to visit different destinations in December, highlighting the pros and cons of traveling during this time.
Best Time to Visit Popular Winter Destinations in December
For those who love winter sports and activities, December is an excellent time to visit popular winter destinations. Many ski resorts and snow-covered mountains are at their peak in terms of snowfall, making it an ideal time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Ski Resorts in the Alps
The Alps offer some of the best ski resorts in the world, with destinations like Chamonix, Zermatt, and St. Moritz attracting millions of visitors each year. December is a great time to visit these resorts, as the snow is usually at its best, and the slopes are less crowded than in January and February.
- Chamonix, France: Known for its challenging slopes and stunning views of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a must-visit for any skier or snowboarder.
- Zermatt, Switzerland: This charming ski resort town offers access to some of the best skiing in the Alps, with over 350 kilometers of pistes.
- St. Moritz, Switzerland: This luxurious ski resort has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and offers some of the most challenging and scenic skiing in the world.
Weather in the Alps in December
The weather in the Alps in December can be quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). However, the snowfall is usually plentiful, with an average of 30-40 cm (12-16 in) per month.
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Snowfall (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Chamonix | -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) | 30-40 cm (12-16 in) |
| Zermatt | -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F) | 20-30 cm (8-12 in) |
| St. Moritz | -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) | 30-40 cm (12-16 in) |
Winter Destinations in North America
North America offers a range of winter destinations, from the snow-covered mountains of Colorado to the frozen lakes of Canada. December is a great time to visit these destinations, as the snow is usually at its best, and the slopes are less crowded than in January and February.
- Aspen, Colorado: Known for its upscale ski resorts and stunning mountain scenery, Aspen is a must-visit for any skier or snowboarder.
- Whistler, British Columbia: This Canadian ski resort town offers access to some of the best skiing in North America, with over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain.
- Quebec City, Quebec: This charming winter wonderland offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Weather in North America in December
The weather in North America in December can be quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F). However, the snowfall is usually plentiful, with an average of 30-60 cm (12-24 in) per month.
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Snowfall (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen | -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) | 30-60 cm (12-24 in) |
| Whistler | -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) | 40-80 cm (16-32 in) |
| Quebec City | -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F) | 60-100 cm (24-39 in) |
Best Time to Visit Popular Beach Destinations in December
For those who prefer warmer weather, December is a great time to visit popular beach destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Many of these destinations offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a range of outdoor activities. (See Also: Best Time of Year to Visit Universal Orlando? Plan Your Dream Vacation)
Beach Destinations in Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand offer a range of beach destinations, from the iconic beaches of Sydney to the stunning coastlines of New Zealand. December is a great time to visit these destinations, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- Byron Bay, Australia: Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surf culture, Byron Bay is a must-visit for any beach lover.
- Queenstown, New Zealand: This charming resort town offers access to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, as well as a range of outdoor activities.
- The Gold Coast, Australia: This popular beach destination offers a range of theme parks, water sports, and beautiful beaches.
Weather in Australia and New Zealand in December
The weather in Australia and New Zealand in December is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, the humidity can be high, especially in the tropics.
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Byron Bay | 20-25°C (68-77°F) | 60-80% |
| Queenstown | 15-20°C (59-68°F) | 40-60% |
| The Gold Coast | 20-25°C (68-77°F) | 60-80% |
Beach Destinations in South America
South America offers a range of beach destinations, from the stunning beaches of Brazil to the vibrant coastlines of Argentina. December is a great time to visit these destinations, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant Carnival celebrations, Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit for any beach lover.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: This charming city offers a range of beautiful beaches, as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
- Cartagena, Colombia: This historic city offers a range of beautiful beaches, as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
Weather in South America in December
The weather in South America in December is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, the humidity can be high, especially in the tropics.
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 20-25°C (68-77°F) | 60-80% |
| Buenos Aires | 15-20°C (59-68°F) | 40-60% |
| Cartagena | 25-30°C (77-86°F) | 80-90% |
Best Time to Visit Popular City Break Destinations in December
For those who prefer city breaks, December is a great time to visit popular city destinations in Europe and North America. Many of these destinations offer festive markets, holiday lights, and a range of cultural events.
City Break Destinations in Europe
Europe offers a range of city break destinations, from the charming streets of Paris to the vibrant nightlife of Berlin. December is a great time to visit these destinations, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- Paris, France: Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Paris is a must-visit for any city break.
- Berlin, Germany: This vibrant city offers a range of cultural events, including the Berlin Christmas Market.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: This charming city offers a range of festive markets, holiday lights, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Weather in Europe in December
The weather in Europe in December is usually cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). However, the rain can be heavy, especially in the UK and Ireland. (See Also: Mathura Vrindavan Best Time To Visit – Unforgettable Journey)
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 0-5°C (32-41°F) | 60-80 mm (2.4-3.2 in) |
| Berlin | -5-0°C (23-32°F) | 40-60 mm (1.6-2.4 in) |
| Amsterdam | 0-5°C (32-41°F) | 80-100 mm (3.2-3.9 in) |
City Break Destinations in North America
North America offers a range of city break destinations, from the vibrant streets of New York City to the charming neighborhoods of San Francisco. December is a great time to visit these destinations, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- New York City, USA: Known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, New York City is a must-visit for any city break.
- San Francisco, USA: This charming city offers a range of cultural events, including the San Francisco Christmas Market.
- Chicago, USA: This vibrant city offers a range of festive markets, holiday lights, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Weather in North America in December
The weather in North America in December is usually cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F). However, the snow can be heavy, especially in the northeastern United States.
| Destination | Temperature (°C) | Snowfall (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | -5-0°C (23-32°F) | 10-20 cm (4-8 in) |
| San Francisco | 5-10°C (41-50°F) | 0-5 cm (0-2 in) |
| Chicago | -10-0°C (14-32°F) | 20-30 cm (8-12 in) |
Recap of the Best Time to Visit Places in December
In conclusion, December is a great time to visit a range of destinations, from popular winter sports resorts to charming beach destinations and vibrant city breaks. Whether you prefer the snow-covered mountains of the Alps or the warm beaches of Australia and New Zealand, there’s something for everyone in December.
- Best time to visit popular winter sports resorts: December is a great time to visit popular winter sports resorts, such as Chamonix, Zermatt, and Aspen, as the snow is usually at its best and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- Best time to visit beach destinations: December is a great time to visit beach destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Byron Bay, Queenstown, and Rio de Janeiro, as the weather is warm and sunny and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
- Best time to visit city break destinations: December is a great time to visit city break destinations in Europe and North America, such as Paris, Berlin, and New York City, as the weather is cool and crisp and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit popular winter sports resorts in December?
A: December is a great time to visit popular winter sports resorts, such as Chamonix, Zermatt, and Aspen, as the snow is usually at its best and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
Q: What is the best time to visit beach destinations in December?
A: December is a great time to visit beach destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Byron Bay, Queenstown, and Rio de Janeiro, as the weather is warm and sunny and the crowds are smaller than in January and February.
Q: What is the best time to visit city break destinations in December?
A: December is a great time to visit city break destinations in Europe and North America, such as Paris, Berlin, and New York City, as the weather is cool and crisp and the crowds are smaller than in January and February. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Madives – Perfect Weather)
Q: What is the weather like in popular winter sports resorts in December?
A: The weather in popular winter sports resorts in December is usually cold, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). However, the snowfall is usually plentiful, with an average of 30-40 cm (12-16 in) per month.
Q: What is the weather like in beach destinations in December?
A: The weather in beach destinations in December is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, the humidity can be high, especially in the tropics.
Q: What is the weather like in city break destinations in December?
A: The weather in city break destinations in December is usually cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). However, the rain can be heavy, especially in the UK and Ireland.