December splits the planet into two travel seasons at once. Cape Town averages a high of 26°C (79°F) in the same month that Vienna manages 3°C (37°F), and both are worth the trip for different reasons. The 13 destinations below are grouped by the weather you will actually get, with December temperatures and rainfall pulled from each city’s month-by-month climate guide.
Warm and Sunny in December
- Cape Town sits in its dry summer with highs of 25 to 26°C (77 to 79°F) and rain that often skips weeks at a time. Book the Table Mountain cableway ahead, queue times pass two hours in December.
- Sydney runs at 26 to 27°C (79 to 81°F) with the sea at 22 to 23°C (72 to 73°F). The New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Harbour Bridge sell vantage points months in advance, and school holidays from mid-December push hotel prices up.
- Rio de Janeiro starts its summer with highs of 29°C (84°F) and a sea temperature of 25°C (77°F). December is the rainiest month at about 150mm, but the rain falls in short afternoon bursts, not all-day drizzle.
- Bangkok is in its cool, dry season with highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows near 22°C (72°F). Humidity drops below the monsoon-season peak, which is the main reason November to February is the most pleasant window to visit.
- Tenerife keeps coastal highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). The south coast averages 6 rainy days and 170 sunshine hours in December, and the sea holds 20°C (68°F). Christmas and New Year are peak, so book 4 to 6 months out.
- Dubai enters its best season with highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), and just 15mm of rain all month. The Gulf sits at 24°C (75°F) for swimming, and hotel rates rise into the Christmas peak.
Mild and Manageable
- Marrakech averages a high of 19°C (66°F), 31mm of rain, and 220 sunshine hours in December. Days are warm enough for the medina and gardens, nights drop enough to need a jacket.
- Lisbon runs a mild 15°C (59°F) high but is wet, averaging 118mm of rain and only 140 sunshine hours. The Atlantic sits at 16°C (61°F). It suits indoor days more than beach days.
- London holds 9°C (48°F) highs and 4°C (39°F) lows with about 56mm of rain. December is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, ice skating at Somerset House, and the Christmas markets.
Cold and Festive
- New York City runs highs of 4 to 7°C (39 to 45°F) with lows below freezing and wind that cuts between the towers. December is the Rockefeller Center tree, the holiday window displays, and a snowy Central Park.
- Vienna averages highs of 3°C (37°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F) with snow on 8 to 9 days. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz opens mid-November, and the sun sets before 4pm in December, which keeps the market lights on longest.
- Prague is colder again at 2°C (36°F) highs and -4°C (25°F) lows with snow on 8 to 11 days. Its markets run to January 6, and December brings just 42 sunshine hours, so plan around the stalls and mulled wine.
- Tokyo stays mild for winter at 12°C (54°F) highs and 5°C (41°F) lows with about 46mm of rain. December is winter illuminations, clear views of Mount Fuji, and New Year temple visits.
December at a Glance
| Destination | High | Rain / Snow | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 26°C (79°F) | minimal | beaches, hiking |
| Sydney | 27°C (81°F) | afternoon storms | beach Christmas, NYE |
| Rio de Janeiro | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm | beaches, nightlife |
| Bangkok | 32°C (90°F) | dry season | temples, street food |
| Tenerife | 22°C (72°F) | 6 rain days | winter sun |
| Dubai | 26°C (79°F) | 15 mm | beach, shopping |
| Marrakech | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm | medina, gardens |
| Lisbon | 15°C (59°F) | 118 mm | museums, food |
| London | 9°C (48°F) | 56 mm | Christmas markets |
| New York City | 4-7°C (39-45°F) | snow, varies | holiday season |
| Vienna | 3°C (37°F) | 8-9 snow days | Christmas markets |
| Prague | 2°C (36°F) | 8-11 snow days | Christmas markets |
| Tokyo | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm | illuminations, Fuji |
When to Book
- Cape Town cableway, Sydney New Year’s Eve vantage points, and Tenerife Christmas stays all need booking months ahead.
- Vienna and Prague market weekends are the busiest; midweek mornings are quieter and the stalls open earlier than the crowds.
- Bangkok and Dubai are the easy December calls: high season but no hard sellout events, so a few weeks of lead time is enough.
