Sun and sea
- The Maldives: December starts the dry season, the best time to go, with an average of about 30°.
- Sri Lanka: from December, the best time for the west and south coasts and the hills, about 31° in Colombo.
- Phuket and Krabi: the dry season runs from November and the sea is calm, about 31°.
- Cape Town: a sunny, dry summer, about 26°.
- Zanzibar: hot and sunny, about 32°.
Close and mild
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi: November to March is the UAE's loveliest time, about 27° in Dubai.
- Doha and Manama: about 25° in Doha and 23° in Manama, under 1 h 30 min from Riyadh.
- Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: October to April is the best time, about 21° in Cairo.
- Muscat and northern Oman: at their best from October to March.
Destinations near Saudi Arabia: under 3 hours →
Snow and northern lights
- Rovaniemi, Finland: the season for snow and the aurora, and December is Santa Claus Village season, about minus 5° by day.
- Tromsø, Norway: northern lights season from November to February, with temperatures around zero by day.
- Gudauri, Georgia: skiing from December to March, about 8° by day in Tbilisi.
- Shymbulak near Almaty: snow and ski season from December to February.
December events
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 4 to 6 December 2026 at Yas Marina Circuit.
- Global Village in Dubai and Riyadh's winter events in full season.
- New Year's Eve 2027 in Dubai, Doha and the European capitals.
Book early
The December holidays and New Year are among the busiest seasons, and stays at Santa Claus Village are booked months ahead, so book your flights and hotel early; we find you the lowest available rates to suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best warm destination in December?
The Maldives at the start of its dry season, Sri Lanka for its west and south coasts, and Phuket and Krabi in their dry season.
What is the nearest destination with pleasant weather in December?
Dubai, Doha and Manama, with average daytime temperatures between 23° and 27°.
Where can I see the northern lights in December?
In Tromsø, Norway, and Rovaniemi, Finland, where the nights are long at this time of year.
Where can I find snow in December close to Saudi Arabia?
In Gudauri, Georgia, where the ski season starts in December.
Read next
- Business trip to China: Canton Fair, factory cities and markets
- Cherry blossom season in Japan 2027: when and where to see it
- Winter camping spots in Saudi Arabia: near Riyadh and beyond
Published 12 October 2026, last updated 12 October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and seasons can change, and the binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.