The Best Places to Visit in December

The Pitons are two volcanic peaks on the coast of Saint Lucia. They are called Gros Piton and Petit Piton. December is the start of the dry season in the Caribbean. The air is warm and less humid than in the summer. You can see the peaks from the sea or hike the trails. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb is very steep. It is a physical challenge that requires good shoes. Do not expect a simple walk in the park.

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is located in a national park in the South Island. December is the start of summer in this part of the world. The days are long and the alpine flowers are in bloom. Glaciers cover forty percent of the park area. You can see the Tasman Glacier which is the largest in the country. The weather in the Southern Alps is very changeable. Rain can arrive at any time. It is a remote area with few shops or services.

Arenal is a volcano in northwestern Costa Rica. It is a young volcano that is less than 7500 years old. December is the start of the dry season in this region. The forest around the volcano is green and full of life. You can visit hot springs or walk on lava trails. The volcano has a perfect cone shape. Clouds often cover the top of the volcano for days at a time. You might not see the peak clearly during your visit. It is no longer spitting lava.

The Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of Ecuador. December is a month with warm water and calm seas. This is a great time for snorkeling with sea lions and turtles. Many endemic species live here and were studied by Charles Darwin. The islands are strictly protected by the government. The sun is very intense on the equator. You can get a sunburn very quickly even when it is cloudy. Use plenty of protection and wear a hat.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It is located on the Vltava River. December is a popular time to visit for the holiday markets. The city has many historical buildings with Gothic and Baroque styles. You can buy local crafts and food in the public squares. It is cold and feels like a traditional winter. The city center becomes extremely crowded during the holidays. Long lines are common at the main tourist sites. Hotel prices are also much higher than in the autumn.

Angkor Wat is a large temple complex in Siem Reap. It was built between 1113 and 1150. It began as a Hindu temple and later became a Buddhist site. December is part of the dry season in Cambodia. The weather is cool and the humidity is low. This makes it easier to walk through the stone ruins. The site is very large and covers over 160 hectares. You will do a lot of walking on uneven ground. It is the most popular time of year to visit.

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is surrounded by mountains and has a cooler climate than Bangkok. December is the best month for clear skies and mild air. The heart of the city is a square area about 1.6 kilometers wide. It is bordered by ancient brick walls and a moat. You can walk across the center in about twenty minutes. Mornings can be quite cold in the mountains. You will need a jacket if you go out early. The traffic in the city can be very slow at peak times.

Ko Phi Phi is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea. They are part of the Krabi province in Thailand. December has some of the best weather of the year with blue skies. The water is clear and good for snorkeling or diving. You can take boat trips to see the limestone cliffs and small bays. Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island where people stay. The main village area is very noisy at night due to parties. If you want a quiet night you should stay at a resort on a different beach. These are only reachable by boat.

The Aswan High Dam is a large embankment dam across the Nile in Egypt. It was built between 1960 and 1970. It helped the country control floods and generate power. December is a good time to visit because the heat is mild. Summer temperatures in Aswan often go above 40 degrees Celsius. In December the air is cool enough for long walks. The dam created Lake Nasser which is a massive reservoir. The scale of the construction is very large. It is an important part of the modern history of the country.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan in India. It was founded in 1727. The city is famous for the terracotta pink color of its old buildings. December is the most comfortable month for weather. The extreme summer heat is gone. You can explore the forts and palaces in the cool air. The city was one of the first planned cities in India. The streets in the old center are narrow and very busy. You will encounter a lot of noise and traffic.