Why December Works for a Honeymoon
For couples who marry in late fall or early winter, December is a natural honeymoon month. It can be wonderfully festive. Many resorts decorate, host special dinners and plan celebrations for Christmas and New Year's Eve, which can make the trip feel extra memorable.
It is also the start of peak season in a long list of beach destinations. The Maldives' northeast monsoon brings sunshine and calm seas. Mexico and the Caribbean enter their dry months, while Costa Rica's dry season begins to take hold.
The first half of the month, before school holidays begin, is often the best value of the winter. If your dates are flexible, aim for early December for great weather without the holiday crowds.
Our Top Picks for December
Banff & Lake Louise are our snowy favorite. Once the lake freezes, usually from around mid-December, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise clears a skating area that is lit in the evening. You can add sleigh rides, snowshoeing and ice walks in Johnston Canyon. Three ski areas are nearby. The hotel's BASIN Glacial Waters thermal experience is a cozy way to warm up.
Finnish Lapland is pure Christmas magic. The polar night brings a few hours of blue twilight, deep snow and long hours of aurora potential. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi sits near Santa Claus Village, while Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Levin Iglut Golden Crown offer glass-roofed rooms for watching the sky. It is the most atmospheric and most expensive time, so book early.
Ari Atoll in the Maldives is in its dry season, with calm seas and the chance to swim with whale sharks along South Ari's reefs. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, home to the famous Ithaa undersea restaurant, spreads across two private islands joined by a long footbridge.
The Riviera Maya is in its sweet spot, with reliably sunny skies and calm seas. Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba are set among lagoons and mangroves, El Dorado Maroma is a kid-free all-inclusive with bungalows over the sea and Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a kid-free, culture-rich stay beside Xcaret Park.
Arenal's drier season begins in late December. Nayara Springs, a kid-free rainforest retreat with private plunge pools fed by hot springs, is a standout. So is Nayara Tented Camp, which faces the volcano.
Phuket is in peak season, with dry, sunny weather and calm seas. Keemala's treehouse-style villas and Trisara's private bay are both ideal for a festive escape.
Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast is warm and dry. Jamaica Inn, a classic beachfront retreat beside a fish sanctuary, is a timeless choice. Since parts of western Jamaica were hit by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, confirm current conditions when you book.
Weather & Crowds
In Banff and Lapland, expect deep cold, with temperatures often well below freezing and the shortest days of the year. Pack serious winter gear or rent it locally.
The Maldives are dry and sunny, though early December can still see some showers. Mexico, the Caribbean and Phuket are warm (generally in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit) and dry. Arenal is green, with showers still possible.
Crowds are relatively light in early December and very heavy from mid-December through New Year's, especially in the Maldives, Caribbean and Lapland.
Where to Avoid (or Go Anyway)
French Polynesia and Fiji begin their wet, humid season and the start of cyclone season. Rain often comes in brief bursts, so a South Pacific honeymoon is still possible; just budget for festive supplements, such as the compulsory dinners at Tokoriki Island Resort on December 25 and 31.
The Mediterranean is largely closed. Bali is wet but busy over the holidays, with high rates despite the rain.
Big Sur, the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island are wet and wild. Storm-watching season on Vancouver Island runs roughly November through March. The Wickaninnish Inn is a romantic base for it. Newfoundland is closed for the winter.
Festivals & Seasonal Moments
- The seasonal Icehotel in Swedish Lapland typically opens in December with a newly designed collection of ice suites.
- The winter solstice, around December 21, marks the longest night of the year in the Arctic.
- The Geminid meteor shower peaks in mid-December.
- Humpback whale season begins in Mexico's Banderas Bay and Los Cabos and in Hawaii.
- Christmas markets and festive events light up Rovaniemi and Lapland.
- On New Year's Eve, Kyoto's temples ring their bells 108 times in the Joya no Kane ceremony.
Booking Tips
If you are traveling over Christmas or New Year's, book as early as possible. Many resorts require minimum stays and festive dinner supplements. The best rooms go first. Some small resorts, such as Cayo Espanto in Belize, recommend avoiding the December 17 to January 6 window unless you can commit to a longer stay.
For the best value, travel in early December, after Thanksgiving and before school holidays.
For Lapland or Banff, check flight schedules and connections carefully, as winter weather can cause delays. Building in an extra night at the start or end of your trip can reduce stress.