Travel Guide

9 Best Countries to Visit in December for Indians

From tropical beaches to winter wonderlands - complete guide with visa, budget, and travel tips

By Travel ExpertOctober 3, 202515 min read
Best countries to visit in December for Indians

When December rolls in, many Indian travelers look for holiday escapes that offer a perfect mix of culture, sun, snow, or festivities. Whether you're seeking tropical beaches or winter wonderlands, this comprehensive guide covers nine amazing destinations perfect for December travel from India. Each destination includes detailed information about weather, visa requirements, budget estimates, and must-visit attractions.

Planning your December getaway? Check out our Thailand travel itinerary and best time to visit Thailand guide for detailed planning assistance.

Choose Your December Adventure

Tropical & Beach Destinations

Perfect for those seeking warm weather and beach relaxation

Sri LankaThailandVietnamPhilippinesEgypt (Red Sea)

Winter Wonderlands

Ideal for experiencing magical winter festivities and snow

Czech RepublicSpainNew York

Cultural & Adventure Mix

Great combination of cultural experiences and modern attractions

DubaiEgyptVietnam

Top December Destinations

🇱🇰

Sri Lanka

Why December?

Minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures perfect for sightseeing and beach days

Top Places to Visit

  • Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya
  • Beaches: Mirissa, Unawatuna
  • Wildlife: Yala National Park
  • Hill Country: Tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya
Budget:₹25,000-40,000 per person
Weather:25-30°C, dry season
Visa:e-Visa available
Currency:Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Highlights

Cultural heritage, wildlife safaris, pristine beaches

Must-Try Food

Hopper pancakes, kottu roti, fish ambul thiyal

December Festivities

Christmas and New Year celebrations in smaller towns

🇹🇭

Thailand

Why December?

Warm, sunny weather perfect for beach time and cultural exploration

Top Places to Visit

  • Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, street food
  • Krabi & Phuket: Island escapes, clear waters
  • Chiang Mai: Cultural center with lantern festivals
  • Ayutthaya: Ancient temple ruins
Budget:₹30,000-50,000 per person
Weather:25-32°C, dry season
Visa:Visa-on-arrival for Indians
Currency:Thai Baht (THB)

Highlights

Tropical beaches, rich culture, amazing food

Must-Try Food

Pad Thai, Tom Yum, green curry

December Festivities

New Year celebrations along Chao Phraya River

🇦🇪

Dubai, UAE

Why December?

Pleasant 20-28°C weather and Dubai Shopping Festival begins

Top Places to Visit

  • Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
  • Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Aquaventure
  • Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, souks, creek abras
  • Desert safari: dunes, camel rides, starlit dinners
Budget:₹50,000-80,000 per person
Weather:20-28°C, comfortable
Visa:Tourist visa (30 days)
Currency:UAE Dirham (AED)

Highlights

Modern architecture, shopping, desert adventures

Must-Try Food

Shawarma, luqaimat, al harees, local seafood

December Festivities

Dubai Shopping Festival with deals and events

🇻🇳

Vietnam

Why December?

Drier conditions and pleasant weather across the country

Top Places to Visit

  • North: Hanoi, Halong Bay (cool, dry)
  • Central: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang (milder climate)
  • South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta (warm and sunny)
  • Phu Quoc: Tropical island paradise
Budget:₹35,000-55,000 per person
Weather:North: 15-20°C, South: 25-30°C
Visa:e-Visa available
Currency:Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Highlights

Ha Long Bay, ancient towns, vibrant cities

Must-Try Food

Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls

December Festivities

Christmas decorations in major cities

🇵🇭

The Philippines

Why December?

Beginning of dry season - ideal for island hopping and diving

Top Places to Visit

  • Palawan: Pristine beaches, underground river
  • Boracay: Famous white-sand beach
  • Cebu or Coron: Dive spots and island adventures
  • Manila: Capital city with rich history
Budget:₹40,000-65,000 per person
Weather:25-30°C, dry season begins
Visa:Tourist visa or visa-free for short stays
Currency:Philippine Peso (PHP)

Highlights

Island hopping, diving, pristine beaches

Must-Try Food

Adobo, lechon, halo-halo, fresh seafood

December Festivities

Big Christmas celebrations nationwide

🇪🇬

Egypt

Why December?

Cooler yet comfortable weather - best time to explore ancient sites

Top Places to Visit

  • Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
  • Luxor and Karnak Temples
  • Nile River cruises
  • Red Sea resorts and diving
Budget:₹45,000-70,000 per person
Weather:Day: 20-25°C, Night: 10-15°C
Visa:e-Visa available
Currency:Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Highlights

Ancient monuments, Nile cruises, Red Sea

Must-Try Food

Koshari, ful medames, shawarma

December Festivities

New Year celebrations in Cairo

🇪🇸

Spain

Why December?

Cultural richness, festive spirit, cozy cafés, and fewer crowds

Top Places to Visit

  • Madrid: Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum
  • Barcelona: Gaudí works, Gothic Quarter
  • Seville, Granada: Andalusian charm
  • Christmas markets throughout the country
Budget:₹60,000-90,000 per person
Weather:5-15°C, winter season
Visa:Schengen visa required
Currency:Euro (EUR)

Highlights

Rich culture, Christmas markets, historic cities

Must-Try Food

Paella, jamón ibérico, churros with chocolate

December Festivities

Christmas markets, New Year's Eve in Puerta del Sol

🇨🇿

Czech Republic

Why December?

Fairy-tale winter escape with festive Christmas markets

Top Places to Visit

  • Prague: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge
  • Český Krumlov: Medieval streets and castle
  • Christmas markets in every city
  • Historic castles and breweries
Budget:₹55,000-85,000 per person
Weather:0-5°C, winter wonderland
Visa:Schengen visa required
Currency:Czech Koruna (CZK)

Highlights

Christmas markets, medieval architecture, beer culture

Must-Try Food

Trdelník, hearty goulash, Svíčková

December Festivities

Magical Christmas markets with local crafts

🇺🇸

New York, USA

Why December?

Legendary winter experience with snow, holiday lights, and festive energy

Top Places to Visit

  • Times Square: New Year's Eve ball drop
  • Central Park: Ice skating at Wollman Rink
  • Fifth Avenue: Holiday windows, Rockefeller Center tree
  • Broadway shows and seasonal markets
Budget:₹80,000-120,000 per person
Weather:0-5°C, freezing temperatures, snow
Visa:US tourist visa (B1/B2) required
Currency:US Dollar (USD)

Highlights

Winter wonderland, iconic landmarks, Broadway

Must-Try Food

Bagels, New York-style pizza, hot dogs

December Festivities

World-famous New Year's Eve in Times Square

Budget Comparison

Budget-Friendly (₹25,000-40,000)

  • 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
  • 🇹🇭 Thailand
  • 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers

Mid-Range (₹40,000-70,000)

  • 🇵🇭 Philippines
  • 🇪🇬 Egypt
  • 🇦🇪 Dubai

Great value for money with comfort

Premium (₹70,000+)

  • 🇪🇸 Spain
  • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
  • 🇺🇸 New York

Luxury experiences and winter wonderlands

Visa Requirements for Indians

Easy Visa (e-Visa/VOA)

  • 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka - e-Visa
  • 🇹🇭 Thailand - Visa-on-arrival
  • 🇻🇳 Vietnam - e-Visa
  • 🇪🇬 Egypt - e-Visa
  • 🇦🇪 Dubai - Tourist visa (30 days)

Schengen Visa Required

  • 🇪🇸 Spain
  • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

Apply 2-3 months in advance

US Visa Required

  • 🇺🇸 New York - B1/B2 visa

Apply 3-4 months in advance

Ready for Your December Adventure?

December offers incredible travel opportunities for Indian travelers, from tropical beach escapes to magical winter wonderlands. Each destination has its own unique charm, visa requirements, and budget considerations. For personalized trip planning, explore our Thailand tour packages, honeymoon packages, or contact us for custom itineraries.