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Summer is in full swing across the Southern Hemisphere. You can enjoy hot, dry weather on safari in Southern Africa, unwind on the white-sand beaches of Central America, or make the most of Australia’s heat along its coasts and in its national parks. Elsewhere, parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean are dry with clear skies.

December at a glance

Destination	Max. temp.	Sunshine hours	Average flight time
South Africa	Max. temp.	85 °F	Sunshine hours	12 hours	Average flight time	20 hours (New York to Cape Town)
Belize	Max. temp.	84 °F	Sunshine hours	6 hours	Average flight time	7 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Belize City)
Mauritius	Max. temp.	84 °F	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	21 hours (New York to Plaisance)
Vietnam	Max. temp.	85 °F	Sunshine hours	6 hours	Average flight time	22 hours (New York to Hanoi)
Indonesia	Max. temp.	91 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	24 hours 30 (New York to Jakarta)
Australia	Max. temp.	98 °F	Sunshine hours	12 hours	Average flight time	20 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Sydney)

South Africa

South Africa’s Cape regions are hot and dry in December, making this an excellent time for a safari in Eastern Cape reserves, such as Amakhala Game Reserve, where you can spot the Big Five among many other animals. While it’s rainier in the Kruger, it’s one of the best months for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.

Type of heat in South Africa in December: Hot and dry with clear skies in the Cape region, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in the more humid north, including Kruger National Park. Maximum temperatures can reach 86°F.

Average temperature in South Africa in December: 81°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in South Africa in December: 12 hours

Average flight time to South Africa: 20 hours (New York to Cape Town)

• White rhino in Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Kudu, Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa
• Lilac-breasted roller, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Belize

With increased sunshine and comfortably hot temperatures, December is a popular time to visit Belize for a winter beach break. When not stretched out on the country’s soft, white sands, you can dive or snorkel in the warm Caribbean waters, which cover the world’s second-longest barrier reef.

Type of heat in Belize in December: Days are warm, sunny, and bright, with mostly clear skies, though some rainfall is possible as the country comes out of its rainy season. Maximum temperatures can reach 84°F.

Average temperature in Belize in December: 82°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Belize in December: 6 hours

Average flight time to Belize: 7 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Belize City)

• Great Blue Hole, Belize
• Ambergris Caye, Belize
• Maya ruins, Xunantunich, Belize
• Keel-billed toucan, Belize
• Iguana, Cayo District, Belize

Mauritius

Mauritius is at its hottest and sunniest in December, and while it can be one of the busiest times to visit, it’s also one of the most rewarding. You can make the most of the mostly dry, sunny days by hiking through the lush green landscapes of Black River Gorges National Park and the Chamarel mountains.

Type of heat in Mauritius in December: Mostly dry, sunny, and pleasantly hot with maximum temperatures of around 84°F. Rain is possible, especially in the Chamarel mountains, but it usually falls as a short, heavy shower that soon dries up and helps lower the humidity.

Average temperature in Mauritius in December: 82°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Mauritius in December: 9 hours

Average flight time to Mauritius: 21 hours (New York to Plaisance)

• Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius
• Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
• Le Morne, Mauritius
• Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius
• Red cardinal fody, Mauritius

Vietnam

December is an excellent time to visit southern Vietnam in particular, where it’s hot and dry. Take the time to tour Saigon’s standout cultural sights, from palaces and museums to markets and pagodas. Central Vietnam can experience some rain, but you can visit sights like Hue’s moated citadel without the crowds.

Type of heat in Vietnam in December: Southern Vietnam experiences low humidity, clear skies, and little rain. The north is dry and sunny but cooler, while rain is possible in Central Vietnam as monsoon season ends. Maximum temperatures can reach 86°F.

Average temperature in Vietnam in December: 75°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Vietnam in December: 6 hours

Average flight time to Vietnam: 22 hours (New York to Hanoi)

• Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Vietnam
• The Citadel in Hue, Vietnam
• Phu Quoc, Vietnam
• Flower fields, Sa Dec, Vietnam
• Coconuts in Ben Tre, Vietnam

Indonesia

Indonesia is hot all year, and while December brings rain to many parts, it’s a good time to embark on a cruise of the Raja Ampat archipelago. During your voyage, you’ll have the chance to snorkel among vivid marine life, take in striking limestone karst scenery, and hike to island villages.

Type of heat in Indonesia in December: Hot and humid, with rain likely in most regions, maximum temperatures can reach 93°F.

Average temperature in Indonesia in December: 86°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Indonesia in December: 24 hours 30 (New York to Jakarta)

• Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
• Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
• Cuttlefish, Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Komodo dragon, Indonesia

Australia

Australia experiences high temperatures everywhere in December. If you thrive in this kind of heat, the options are endless. Take a road trip along the west coast, hike through the south’s national parks, or relax on eastern beaches. And, tropical rain showers in the north mean that the Northern Territory’s waterfalls are in impressive full flow.

Type of heat in Australia in December: Hot and humid in the north with maximum temperatures of 99°F, the thunderstorms provide a welcome relief. The south is cooler but still warm and generally dry.

Average temperature in Australia in December: 82°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Australia in December: 12 hours

Average flight time to Australia: 20 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Sydney)

• Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Blue-winged kookaburra, Kakadu National Park, Australia
• Margaret River, Australia
• Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia
• Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, Australia