1
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates- Temperature
- 16–26°C
- Crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale and festive events.
–Race weekend prices and busy hotels.
December
Best city breaks in December
For a city break in December, Abu Dhabi comes out first, with average highs around 26°C and very high crowds.
City destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events. Each card shows the real average temperature, crowd level and price level for December, and links to the full December guide for that destination.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
#1 on this list: Abu Dhabi
2Bangkok
Thailand- Temperature
- 23–32°C
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Dry, sunny and comfortable by Bangkok standards, with excellent conditions for exploring.
–Christmas and New Year push crowds and hotel rates higher.
3Dubai
United Arab Emirates- Temperature
- 16–26°C
- Crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Around 26°C with perfect weather and a festive atmosphere — beach days by day, celebrations by night.
–The busiest and most expensive month, especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
4Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam- Temperature
- 24–32°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
+Drying conditions
–Holiday demand
5Budapest
Hungary- Temperature
- -1–4°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€€
+Christmas markets, lights and thermal baths.
–Festive demand raises prices.
6Hanoi
Vietnam- Temperature
- 14–21°C
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
+The joint-lowest rainfall and fewest rainy days of the year.
–Cloud, mist and cool evenings can surprise travelers expecting tropical heat.
7Hong Kong
Hong Kong- Temperature
- 16–20°C
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Very low rainfall
–Cooler evenings
8Los Angeles
United States- Temperature
- 11–20°C
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Holiday events, decorated neighborhoods and generally mild winter weather.
–Christmas/New Year demand pushes up prices.
9Madrid
Spain- Temperature
- 4–10°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
+Festive energy + low daytime heat
–Cold nights + holiday crowds
10Munich
Germany- Temperature
- -1–5°C
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Prices
- €€
+Festive atmosphere + Christmas markets
–Cold, with holiday crowds
11Orlando
United States- Temperature
- 12–23°C
- Crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Excellent winter weather and huge holiday programming.
–Christmas through New Year is one of the busiest and most expensive periods.
12Sydney
Australia- Temperature
- 18–26°C
- Crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Peak summer, beach weather and an incredible festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create extreme demand, especially around the harbour.
13Valencia
Spain- Temperature
- 8–17°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Festive atmosphere + mild winter
–Too cool for dependable beach days
14Jaipur
India- Temperature
- 10–25°C
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Cool weather and lively markets.
–High season crowds.
15Lima
Peru- Temperature
- 19–24°C
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Prices
- $$$
+Sun and festive atmosphere.
–High season starts.
Temperatures are monthly averages. Crowd and price levels are my own judgement. Want to narrow it down? Filter all destinations for December.
FAQ
Best city breaks in December
What are the best city breaks in December?
Abu Dhabi, Bangkok and Dubai come out best in December. City destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events.
Which of these is warmest in December?
Bangkok, with average highs around 32°C in December.
Which of these is quietest in December?
Hanoi, where crowds in December are low–moderate.
Best city breaks in another month
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