December is a complex month for off-season travel. While the very start of December might offer some brief “shoulder” opportunities before the Christmas and New Year’s rush, the latter half of the month, especially around the holidays, transforms many destinations into their peak season, regardless of the weather. Therefore, if your goal is truly off-season (i.e., fewer crowds and lower prices), you need to be very strategic about where and when you travel within December, often targeting destinations experiencing their least 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.