December is one of the most popular months for international travel, as many people take advantage of year-end holidays. The weather in several regions is dry and comfortable, making sightseeing and outdoor activities enjoyable. It’s also a peak season for festive events and cultural celebrations.

What makes December special is the combination of cooler or comfortable temperatures and vibrant holiday atmospheres. Beach destinations enjoy sunny days, cities are lively with festivals, and natural landscapes look picturesque. Early bookings can help secure better flight and hotel deals.

This guide highlights the best destinations to visit in December, focusing on flight connectivity from India, must-do activities, food options, vegetarian and Jain-friendly meals, and unique experiences for travelers.

Table of Contents

• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Sri Lanka
• Maldives
• New Zealand
• Kazakhstan
• Malaysia
• Colombia
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

Thailand

Thailand in December is one of the best places to visit, with dry, sunny weather across most regions. Temperatures are pleasant, perfect for beaches, cultural sightseeing, and city exploration. Tourist numbers are high but manageable.

Visa Norms: For short tourist trips (up to 60 days), Indian citizens get visa-free entry to Thailand, needing only the free online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival. For longer stays or other purposes, you must apply for an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, requiring documents like valid passports, photos, flight/hotel bookings, and financial proof.

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai connect to Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi. Travel time is 3–4.5 hours on non-stop flights, making it a convenient April vacation spot for Indian travelers.

Activities: December is perfect for island hopping in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Enjoy temple visits in Bangkok and Chiang Mai with pleasant weather. Christmas and New Year celebrations add a festive vibe to beach towns.

Food Options: Thai cuisine features curries, stir-fries, rice dishes, seafood, and tropical fruits, offering diverse options for all palates. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable curries, stir-fried vegetables, rice dishes, and Indian restaurant options in major tourist spots.

Discover our handpicked Thailand packages.

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the best destinations to visit in December, especially the southern and central regions. The weather is warm and dry, ideal for beach visits, city tours, and heritage exploration.

Visa: Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam, but it's easy to get a 90-day e-visa online (single/multiple entry) through the official portal or via agencies, requiring passport scans, photos, and fees, with Visa on Arrival (VoA) also available with a pre-approval letter for air arrivals, but the e-visa is often simpler. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are available to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers from other Indian cities can take one-stop connecting flights via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Travel time ranges from 4–6 hours depending on the route.

Activities: Explore Hanoi in cooler, comfortable weather. Cruise through Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay under clear December skies. Central Vietnam is great for heritage walks and local food tours.

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Food Options: Vietnamese cuisine includes pho, banh mi, fresh seafood, rice dishes, and herbal flavors, with many street food options. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, rice noodles, soups, and tropical fruits, especially in tourist-friendly cities.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts are ideal in December, with dry, sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. Beaches, cultural sites, and wildlife parks are easily accessible.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens can visit Sri Lanka visa-free for short stays (like tourism/transit) by obtaining a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel, which grants a 30-day stay with double entry, but you need a passport valid for 6 months, confirmed return ticket, and funds; apply via the official ETA website, or get an on-arrival ETA if needed. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct and one-stop flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru connect to Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Travel time ranges from 3–4.5 hours on direct flights.

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Activities: December is ideal for beach time in Bentota, Mirissa, and Unawatuna. Go wildlife spotting in Yala or Udawalawe National Parks. Cultural tours in Kandy and hill-country train rides are very popular.

Food Options: Sri Lankan cuisine features rice and curry, seafood, hoppers, string hoppers, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable curries, lentil dishes, coconut-based meals, and fresh fruit options, widely available.

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Maldives

December in the Maldives is one of the best times to visit, with dry, sunny days and calm seas. Resorts are in peak season but offer top-notch luxury and services.

Visa Norms: Indians get a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days for tourism in the Maldives, with possible extension up to 90 days, meaning no pre-approval is needed, just valid documents like a passport, return ticket, and proof of funds/accommodation at immigration.

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Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi connect to Malé, with a travel time of 2.5–5 hours depending on the city. One-stop flights are available from other locations.

Activities: December offers crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving. Relax in overwater villas and enjoy sunset cruises. Festive resort celebrations make it perfect for honeymooners and couples.

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Food Options: Maldivian food includes seafood, rice dishes, coconut curries, and international cuisine at resorts. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy customized meals, vegetable curries, rice dishes, lentils, and fresh salads.

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New Zealand

December is early summer in New Zealand, offering long days, warm weather, and lush landscapes. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic exploration.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand, typically a Visitor Visa for tourism/family visits (up to 9 months) or other types like Student/Work Visas, applied for online via Immigration New Zealand or VFS Global. Key requirements include a valid passport (3+ months beyond stay), proof of funds, return tickets, a clear medical/police record, and a genuine intent to leave, with documents like bank statements, ITRs, and a detailed itinerary needed.

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from India are not available, but travelers can reach New Zealand via one-stop flights through Singapore, Hong Kong, or Sydney. Travel time ranges from 15–20 hours depending on layovers.

Activities: December marks summer, ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures. Try hiking, glacier views, and scenic lakes in the South Island. Attend local festivals and enjoy long daylight hours.

Food Options: Food options include fresh produce, cafe-style meals, seafood, and international cuisine. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetarian cafés, Indian restaurants, salads, soups, and plant-based dishes.

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Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan in December offers snowy landscapes and a winter vibe, perfect for city exploration and mountain activities. The weather is cold but manageable with preparation.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism, business, or transit, with a total limit of 42 days within 180 days, but must have a passport with 6 months validity, return tickets, and proof of funds/accommodation; for longer stays, an e-visa or traditional visa from an embassy is required, necessitating an invitation letter and specific documents like financial proof and itinerary. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from India are limited, but one-stop flights are available via Dubai, Istanbul, or Moscow. Travel time averages 6–8 hours.

Activities: December is great for skiing and snow activities in Almaty. Experience snowy landscapes and mountain views at Shymbulak. Winter markets and local cuisine add to the seasonal charm.

Food Options: Kazakh cuisine features bread-based meals, soups, rice dishes, dairy products, and grilled items. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable soups, rice dishes, salads, and Indian restaurants in major cities.

Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the best destinations to visit in December, with warm, humid weather. Coastal and city regions offer a mix of cultural and leisure activities.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens get visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 30 days for short visits (tourism/business) until December 31, 2026, but must complete the online Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of arrival and meet entry requirements like a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds. For longer stays or work/study, you need to apply for the relevant eVISA or VDR (Visa With Reference) in advance. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata reach Kuala Lumpur in just 5–6 hours. Kuala Lumpur is well-connected with multiple international airlines. Internal flights make traveling to other Malaysian cities quick and convenient.

Activities: Enjoy city sightseeing and shopping in Kuala Lumpur. December is good for beach escapes in Langkawi. Festive decorations and year-end sales enhance the travel experience.

Food Options: Malaysian cuisine includes nasi lemak, laksa, satay, seafood, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable curries, tofu dishes, stir-fries, and Indian restaurants, widely available.

Colombia

Colombia in December offers warm weather and a festive vibe in cities and coastal areas. It’s ideal for exploring cultural and natural attractions.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens generally need a visa for Colombia, but you can get visa-free entry if you hold a valid US visa (min 180 days validity) or a valid Schengen visa/residence permit. Otherwise, apply online through the Colombian Chancellery (Cancillería) portal for tourist, business, or work visas, providing documents like photos, bank statements, flight/hotel bookings, and a valid passport. 

Flight Connectivity: There are no direct flights. Flights from India to Bogotá usually connect via Dubai or major European hubs. The total travel time is around 18–20 hours, depending on layovers.

Activities: December is one of the most festive months with Christmas lights and events. Explore Cartagena’s beaches and historic streets in pleasant weather. Coffee region tours and cultural festivals are highlights of the season.

Food Options: Colombian cuisine features arepas, rice and beans, seafood, tropical fruits, and street food delights. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable dishes, rice meals, salads, and Indian restaurant options.

Final Verdict

December is one of the most festive and attractive months for international travel. These destinations offer a mix of beaches, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and city exploration.

With good flight connectivity from India, diverse food options, vegetarian and Jain-friendly meals, and vibrant activities, these countries are ideal for year-end holidays.

If you are planning a memorable international trip, December provides the perfect blend of comfortable weather, festive experiences, and scenic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I travel in 2026?

2026 is perfect for exploring offbeat destinations and revisiting classics. Countries like Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and Colombia promise unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Plan ahead to enjoy festivals, nature, and cultural events that make each place special.

Which place is best for a trip in December?

December is ideal for warm tropical escapes or snowy winter wonderlands. Destinations like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland offer perfect weather and festive vibes. Whether you want beaches, mountains, or cultural festivals, December has something for everyone.

Which holiday destination is best in December?

The best December holidays balance pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are top picks for sunshine, sea adventures, and local experiences. Enjoy relaxing beaches, scenic landscapes, and holiday festivities without the summer rush.

What is the best place to go on vacation in December?

Maldives, New Zealand, and Mauritius are among the best December vacation spots. Clear skies, calm seas, and festive atmospheres make these locations ideal for both adventure and relaxation. December vacations let you recharge while exploring stunning destinations around the world.

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