What is the weather like in different regions of USA during December?

December brings distinct weather patterns across the United States. The South maintains comfortable conditions with temperatures near 60°F (15°C) in places like Georgia and South Carolina. Hawaii stays reliably warm at 75-80°F (23-26°C) making it ideal for beach activities and hiking. The Southwest sees cool days that shift to cold nights while destinations like Las Vegas average 57°F (14°C). Recent visitors note the conditions are particularly good for outdoor activities with one traveler sharing "perfect hiking weather in Sedona during December."

What special events and festivals can I experience in USA during December?

The country comes alive with holiday festivities in December. The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California stands out as a major attraction drawing crowds to see its flower-covered floats and live performances. Las Vegas transforms with seasonal entertainment including special winter shows at venues like the Luxor Hotel. New York City builds excitement throughout the month as Times Square prepares for its famous New Year's celebration. One visitor called the Rose Parade "a bucket list event and totally worth it."

Which hotels are recommended for USA December tours?

Several properties excel during the winter season. The Jekyll Island Club in Georgia becomes especially charming with its holiday décor while the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa provides prime ocean views. The LINQ Hotel offers a central location on the Las Vegas Strip. Guest feedback consistently mentions the seasonal atmosphere with one visitor noting "The Jekyll Island Club was beautifully decorated for Christmas and provided an authentic historic experience."

What are the best National Parks to visit in USA during December?

Winter creates unique conditions in America's western parks. Yellowstone's geysers create ethereal scenes against the snow while Death Valley offers pleasant temperatures for exploring. The Grand Canyon often features snow along its rims creating exceptional photography conditions. Visitors regularly comment on the special winter atmosphere with one noting "The moisture in the air falls like diamonds in a sparkly haze - it's what many visitors come for. Wildlife sightings are world-class in the winter."

How crowded are major tourist attractions in USA during December?

December brings peak season crowds to destinations like Las Vegas and Hawaii particularly around the holidays. National parks however tend to see fewer visitors during this time. Tour operators emphasize booking early especially for popular spots like Waikiki Beach where properties such as the Outrigger Kona Resort reach capacity well in advance.

How far in advance should I book a USA tour for December?

Planning ahead is essential for December travel especially for tours featuring holiday events like the Tournament of Roses Parade or New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. Most operators suggest securing bookings 6-8 months ahead. This applies particularly to winter programs in national parks like Yellowstone. Tour companies report that December reservations often start filling up in March or April with premium holiday dates booking first.

USA Tours in December 2026

10 best USA trips in December 2026

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Hiking & Trekking
Southwest National Parks Winter - 3 days
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon National Park,Monument Valley,Page,Zion National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Regions
Grand CanyonWestern USASouthwest USASun BeltFour Corners+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$1,050per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
6 day Yellowstone Winter Wonderland Tour
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Bozeman, Mammoth, Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park,West Yellowstone+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Yellowstone National ParkWestern USARocky Mountains+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bindlestiff Tours
From
US$3,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Yellowstone in Winter - 6 days
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Bozeman, Gardiner, Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park,West Yellowstone+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Yellowstone National ParkWestern USARocky Mountains+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$4,605per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Yosemite Autocamp Winter Tour
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Yosemite National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Yosemite National ParkWest Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USACentral CaliforniaNorthern CaliforniaSun BeltSierra Nevada MountainsCaliforniaLake Tahoe+10 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
From
US$2,785per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
25 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas- Small Groups Tour
5.0 (224 traveler reviews)
"We had an awesome time using Bindlestiff Tours for the Death Valley experience. We will definitely be returning."
Cindy, traveled in December
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bindlestiff Tours
12% Off
From $279
US$246per person
Price based on Private Single Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The trip was fun and interesting. I would rate the guide as an excellent 11111."
Fern, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Jackson, Grand Teton National Park,Yellowstone National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Yellowstone National ParkWestern USARocky Mountains+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
12% Off
From
US$3,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Philadelphia, Amish Country and Washington DC - 2 Days
4.9 (114 traveler reviews)
"We enjoyed the tour."
Shiose, traveled in March
Duration
2 days
Destinations
New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Empire Vacations
12% Off
From
US$395per person
Price based on Private Single Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Yosemite Overnight Lodging Tour - 2 Days
4.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Really enjoyed the tour, you get too see a lot of amazing sights!!! Wish I'd done a longer trip."
Annika, traveled in May
Duration
2 days
Destinations
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Incredible Adventures
12% Off
From
US$679per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Food & Culinary
Expert Local Food & Culture Immersion: Boston, New York City, Amish Country, & Philadelphia
5.0 (57 traveler reviews)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Boston, Newark, Philadelphia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Coast USAEastern USANortheast USAMideast USA+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
WeVenture
12% Off
From
US$3,650per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
East Coast USAEastern USASouthern USASoutheast USASun Belt+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
12% Off
From
US$3,565per person
Price based on Shared Room
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
USA – Alaska Northern Lights Winter Wonderland
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Well organized. Worth the trip."
Nicole, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Fairbanks, Denali National Park
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USAMount Denali National ParkAlaska+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
12% Off
From
US$2,690per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Active
USA – Colorado Winter Adventures
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersColorado+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
12% Off
From
US$2,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City
4.8 (48 traveler reviews)
"The scenery, the guided hikes and was comfortable with the pace at each stop. Hotel accommodations were super."
Ronald, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Salt Lake City, Canyonlands National Park, Moab,Arches National Park,Capitol Reef National Park,Torrey,Boulder,Bryce Canyon National Park,Zion National Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersMighty 5Rocky MountainsUtah+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Southwest Adventure Tours
12% Off
From
US$3,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Mighty 5 From Las Vegas
4.8 (63 traveler reviews)
"This was the best experience we had. The Mighty 5 tour was great and we enjoyed all the parks."
Ana, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Cedar City,Canyonlands National Park,Arches National Park,Capitol Reef National Park,Bryce Canyon National Park+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersMighty 5Utah+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Southwest Adventure Tours
12% Off
From
US$1,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
American Gateway – 4 Days
4.8 (106 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic 4-Day Tour in the USA – Highly Recommend! The hotels were top-notch, and the entire experience was seamless."
Eslam, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
New York City, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls (USA),Philadelphia,Washington DC+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Coast USAEastern USANortheast USAMideast USA+3 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Empire Vacations
12% Off
From
US$825per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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