Despite cool temperatures, there are plenty of places to enjoy Asia in the winter.
Traveling Asia in December is very enjoyable, but you’re going to have to look hard for a white Christmas if that’s a priority.
Temperatures in Southeast Asia are even more pleasant than usual in December. It is a comfortable month to travel in Thailand and neighbouring countries where the monsoon finished in November.
China, Japan, Korea, and the rest of East Asia will be cold. You’ll have to escape to the southern parts of these countries to enjoy milder weather.
Although it’s mostly been adopted from the West or was delivered via colonialism, Christmas has become a “thing” in Asia.
December 31 is celebrated as New Year’s Eve by expat communities and some Asians, however, not nearly with as much gusto as the Western world.The real celebration begins a month or so later with the start of the Lunar New Year.
Any of these holidays in Asia may affect your travel plans if you’re in the area: Christmas: (December 25), Dongzhi Festival in China (Dates vary but around December 22 each year),Thailand Full Moon Party (Monthly; one party for Christmas and another party for New Year’s Eve on December 31), Shogatsu in Japan: (Begins around December 30) and Emperor of Japan’s Birthday: (December 23).
Where to Celebrate Christmas in Asia
Without question, the Philippines — the largest Catholic country in Asia.
Where to Go in December
The dry season begins roughly in November, December begins the real “high” season in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, and Vietnam.
While rain is always a possibility, the busy season begins to build around the end of the month with people traveling for Christmas and New Year holidays.
As the same time, destinations such as Bali and much of Indonesia will be getting heavy rain in December. Bali and neighbouring islands are best enjoyed in the spring and summer months.
The typhoon season should more or less be finished for places such as Japan and the Philippines. Temperatures will be pleasant by day and mild at night in countries such as Hong Kong, however, much of China, Japan, and Korea will be cold.
The Himalayan destinations in North India and Nepal will be plagued with snow. Many mountain passes and roads become closed.
Places with the Best Weather are Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Southern beaches on Sri Lanka, western side of Malaysia and parts of India.
Singapore in December
While Singapore maintains a pretty steady climate and receives rain year round, December is often the wettest month out of the year.
India in December
December is one of the best months to travel in much of India. You may be able to get by with just three showers per day rather than the usual four required to survive the 100+ degree daily temps in New Delhi!
