December can feel like two worlds. Much of the United States is cold. Yet many places south of the equator are warm. Some are in full summer. Beaches fill up. Days stay light for a long time. Holiday meals may be held outside.
Why does this happen? Earth is tilted as it moves around the sun. In December, the south gets more direct sun. The north gets less. That is what helps make the seasons.
Why December Means Summer in the South
Earth is tilted about 23 degrees. The tilt matters more than our distance from the sun. NASA shows how Earth’s tilt makes summer and winter. One half of Earth leans toward the sun. The other half leans away.
In the south, summer often runs from December to February. The weather is not the same in every place. Some spots are hot and dry. Some are hot and wet.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia is an easy example. December starts its main summer season. Sydney and many coast towns have long, warm days. The north is hot too. Yet it can be very wet there.
New Zealand is warm as well. It is often less hot than Australia. December is good for road trips and hikes. The coast can be great for beach days. Fiordland can still be cool and wet. This outdoor guide to Fiordland and other wild places can help you plan.
Strong sun can burn skin fast. Pack light clothes, a hat, and water. A travel sunscreen is also easy to keep in a day bag.
Southern Africa
South Africa is in summer too. So are Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Cape Town can have warm, dry days. The east and north can be hot and wet.
Rain can make safari land green. It can also make roads hard to use. Tall grass may hide some game. Check the local forecast before a long drive.
South America Below the Equator
Much of South America lies south of the equator. Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and south Brazil all move into summer in December.
Rio can be hot and damp. Buenos Aires is warm. Central Chile is often dry and bright. Patagonia stays cool by comparison. But the days are long. It is a good time for hikes and views.
South Pacific and Indian Ocean Islands
Many warm islands are south of the equator too. Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Mauritius, and Madagascar are good examples.
These places may not have four clear seasons. Many use wet and dry seasons instead. December can bring warm seas and heavy rain. Storms can form too. Check the forecast before you book a far-off island trip.
Warm Places North of the Equator
You do not have to cross the equator to find warm air. Cancun and much of the Caribbean can feel like summer in December. So can parts of Central America and Asia.
These places are warm due to their local climate. December is not their true summer season. That can change rain, day length, and storm risk.
How to Pick the Right December Trip
Start with the trip you want. Do you want true summer? Look south of the equator. Do you just want a warm beach? A closer place may cost less.
December is a busy travel month. Air fares and room rates can rise near Christmas and New Year’s. Our guide to the best places to visit in December can help you compare sun, snow, and city trips.
You can also stay in the United States and enjoy winter. New York City in December has lights, shows, ice, and markets. Chicago in December has its own cold-weather charm.
If you go overseas, check the plug type. A universal travel adapter can help when one trip spans more than one country.
Follow the Season You Want
December does not mean winter in every place. Australia, New Zealand, south Africa, much of South America, and many islands are in summer as the U.S. gets cold.
That gives us a choice. We can enjoy winter at home. Or we can follow the sun. Know the season first. Then pick the place that fits the trip you want.
