Top December Destinations for Wildlife and Nature Lovers
December delivers magical experiences far beyond holiday traditions. Mother Nature offers abundant wonders—from shimmering auroras and pristine beaches to extraordinary wildlife—in destinations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore our expert-curated selection of immersive December nature adventures, backed by reliable travel insights.
Stay Amid Ice Sculptures Under the Northern Lights in Sweden
In Jukkasjärvi, Sweden—just north of the Arctic Circle—December's polar night provides ideal conditions for the aurora borealis. The original Icehotel, rebuilt annually from Torne River ice, serves as a base for cross-country skiing, husky sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, and Sámi cultural experiences appealing to all ages. About 60 miles (97 km) northwest, Abisko National Park offers premier aurora views from Mt. Nuolja's 2,953 ft (900 m) summit.
- Trip plan: Fly into Kiruna (10 miles/16 km from Jukkasjärvi; 20-minute drive), with connections from Stockholm and international hubs. Trains to Abisko take one hour.
- Need to know: Auroras result from solar particles interacting with Earth's atmosphere; check forecasts on dedicated websites.
- Other months: Dec-Apr (winter, Icehotel ice rooms open); May & Sep (shoulder, limited facilities); Jun-Aug (summer, midnight sun late May–mid-Jul); Oct-Nov (strong aurora viewing).
Witness Vibrant Macaws at Tambopata's Clay Licks in Peru
The Amazon's biodiversity is unmatched, but dense jungle often hides it—except at clay licks (collpas). Collpa Colorado in Tambopata National Reserve draws hundreds of scarlet and blue-and-yellow macaws, plus parrots, during December's early rainy season and breeding peak. Spot tapirs, giant otters, jaguars, harpy eagles, hoatzins, reptiles, and amphibians more easily in the cooler wet months with fewer crowds.
- Trip plan: Fly to Puerto Maldonado for multi-day tours and lodges along the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, including visits to Collpa Colorado or other licks.
- Need to know: Afternoons bring heavy rain; pack insect repellent.
- Other months: Jun-Aug (dry, peak season); Apr-May & Sep-Nov (shoulder, mostly dry); Dec-Mar (wet season).
Dive with Giant Manta Rays During Mating Season in Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae—boast rich cultures, tropical beaches, and world-class diving. December's lower humidity and rain coincide with manta ray mating season, where 16-ft+ (5 m) giants gather in Yap's channels. Explore Chuuk's wrecks, Kosrae's reefs, Pohnpei's Nan Madol ruins by kayak, and Yap's giant stone money.
- Trip plan: Connect via Guam to all islands; allocate two weeks for all four or one for Yap and Chuuk diving.
- Need to know: FSM spans GMT+10 (Yap/Chuuk) and GMT+11 (Pohnpei/Kosrae).
- Other months: Dec-Mar (lowest rain/humidity); Apr-Nov (wetter).
Relax on Beaches and Spot Rare Wildlife in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's pristine white-sand beaches, historical sites, and biodiverse reserves shine like its famed diamonds. December's warm, dry weather suits beach days and wildlife spotting, including birds that drew David Attenborough for his first nature film on the elusive rockfowl.
- Trip plan: In Freetown, explore the 500-year-old Cotton Tree, River No. 2 beach, Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, and Bunce Island fort. Venture to Tiwai Island for chimps, colobus monkeys, and pygmy hippos; Gola Rainforest for rare species.
- Need to know: Generally safe and welcoming; consult government travel advisories.
- Other months: May-Oct (rainy, Jul-Aug wettest); Nov-Apr (hot, dry, windy).
For more ideas, explore our book Where To Go When featuring 360 ultimate escapes, from family adventures to wildlife encounters and serene retreats.
