DECEMBER OFF-SEASON TRAVEL

DEEP OFF-SEASON
SWEET SPOT

December is a complex month for off-season travel. While early December might offer brief “shoulder” opportunities, the latter half, especially around the holidays, becomes peak season. For true off-season travel (fewer crowds, lower prices), be strategic about your destination and timing, often targeting locations with less desirable weather.

Main Regions Globally and Their Associated Seasons in December:

Northern Hemisphere:

    • Tropical/Subtropical (e.g., Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Middle East): Generally the start of their prime dry, warm, and sunny season. This is peak season.
    • Temperate (e.g., Europe, US/Canada – excluding ski resorts): Winter begins. Cities often have Christmas markets and festive events, making them busy. Ski resorts begin their peak season. For general sightseeing, it can be a shoulder season in early December, turning into peak season around holidays.
    • Arctic/Far North (e.g., Scandinavia, Alaska, Northern Canada): Deep winter with very cold temperatures, snow, and limited daylight. This is generally deep off-season for typical tourism, but peak season for aurora viewing and winter sports.

Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Southern South America, Southern Africa): Summer begins. Generally warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities, beaches, and nature exploration. This is peak season.