December Is Surprisingly A Shoulder Season In These Countries
December may be prime travel season in many countries, but in several destinations it is shoulder season, offering a perfect blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and affordable prices.
According to the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report, 45% of Virtuoso advisors say their clients are adjusting travel plans due to climate change, with 76% shifting toward shoulder-season or off-peak trips. Another 75% report a growing preference for destinations with moderate weather.
Here are five countries that deliver on the ideal balance of comfort, value, and authentic experiences for a December escape before the peak-season rush of the end-of-year holidays.
Mediterranean Magic Without the Crowds in Greece
While Greece’s islands and ancient sites draw millions during the summer high season (June to August), traveling to Greece on the cusp of winter means slipping into a quieter shoulder season.
According to Siva Travel, one of the largest destination management companies in Greece, larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu remain accessible in winter. However, the experience will differ from the summer season.
Most beach resorts and hotels on smaller islands will close from November to March, shifting the focus from seaside leisure to culture, history, and local life. Travelers typically stay in city hotels and visit archaeological sites such as Akrotiri in Santorini.
Siva Travel also notes that smaller islands, including Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Milos, largely pause tourism during the winter months.
However, the Greek mainland offers a strong alternative for off-season travel. Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka all offer ancient heritage, scenic landscapes, and an immersive experience without the crowds.
Early Dry Season Bliss in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s peak season aligns with its dry season (late December to April), when travelers from all around the world flock to its rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches. However, early December sits just before this rush, making it a shoulder season gem.
October is the wettest month, but the rains of the green season start tapering off in November, especially in early December. What remains are lush landscapes, swollen waterfalls and rivers, and comfortable temperatures in places like Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Monteverde.
You’ll find fewer crowds at iconic spots like the Arenal Volcano or the sloth-filled forests of Tortuguero, and resort prices may not hit their peak heights yet.
Early December also marks the start of prime wildlife viewing. Humpback whales migrate along the shores of Uvita to breed and give birth between December and April.
Summer Serenity in South Africa
According to Zicasso, December marks the start of summer in South Africa, bringing long days, warm weather and diverse regional experiences.
The Cape region, including Cape Town and the Winelands, enjoys hot, dry conditions under clear skies. Visiting this region is ideal for beach visits, outdoor dining, and wine tastings.
The northern safari regions, such as Kruger National Park, and the eastern coast enter the green season, characterized by lush landscapes, humid air, and afternoon thunderstorms that rejuvenate the terrain.
The wildlife remains active, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. It is a strikingly different perspective from the dry winter months.
Accommodation rates, from boutique guesthouses to luxury safari lodges, are still lower than in January.
Spring Ends and Summer Just Starts in New Zealand
New Zealand’s summer peak starts late December and brings warm weather with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. But early December offers a shoulder season window with spring’s lingering charm.
Hiking in Fiordland National Park or exploring Auckland’s urban vibe are perfect activities in the North Island.
Adventures like bungee jumping and jet boating near Queenstown and scenic drives along the coast await visitors in the South Island.
Visitors arriving late November or early December may still catch the postcard-worthy landscapes of blooming lupins near Lake Tekapo, or the early Christmas at “Santa’s Grotto” in Wānaka.
Cultural Immersion vs. Beachside Relaxation in Vietnam
According to Vietnam Airlines, December is an excellent time to visit the country as it generally marks the start of the dry season in the south and offers comfortable conditions in the north.
In the southern region, temperatures range from 77 to 95 °F, while rainfall is minimal, and there’s ample sunshine. It is ideal for escapes to the coastal areas, exploring the Mekong Delta, cruising Halong Bay’s emerald waters, or visiting the islands such as Phu Quoc.
In the northern region, some mountainous areas become chilly by December, with temperatures around 50–68 °F and occasional fog or snow in higher altitudes.
However, tourists will likely experience pleasant weather to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and its vibrant street markets.
Cultural festivals, such as the Hoi An Full Moon Festival on December 3 this year, add cultural depth and a sense of authenticity.
Before the Tet (Lunar New Year) rush in late January or early February, travelers likely encounter fewer tourists and better deals.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.