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December is one of those months where everything is busy, getting ready for the holidays, the cold starts setting in. It’s not as cold as January or February yet… but the shock of going from October and November weather, to the much colder December weeks, can be a lot.
Don’t get me wrong, winter is great, but sometimes you just want to go back to the warm weather somewhere else for a couple weeks. I prefer to save any vacation plans for these cold winter months so I can escape the cold.
The good news is December is one of the best months for winter sun travel. The Caribbean enters its dry season, Southeast Asia is sunny and warm, and places in the southern hemisphere are just kicking off summer.
In other words, if you’re looking for warm places to visit in December, you have options!
Below are some of the best destinations where you can escape winter and spend December somewhere warm, let’s dig in!
First, I want to cover some quick wins for you in case you want to scan through quickly before we get into the meat of everything. The first few sections will cover higher-level detail to help you narrow down where you might be interested in before you dive deeper into the article.
Quick Comparison: Where Is Hot in December?
Places like Phuket, Barbados, and Maldives typically see temperatures around 30°C in December, making them some of the warmest winter travel destinations.
| Destination | Average Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun | 30°C (86°F) | Beaches + Mayan ruins |
| Phuket | 31°C (88°F) | Tropical islands |
| Barbados | 29°C (84°F) | Caribbean beaches |
| Dubai | 26°C (79°F) | Luxury + desert adventures |
| Tenerife | 22°C (72°F) | Easy winter sun from Europe |
| Maui | 27°C (81°F) | Beaches + whale watching |
| Maldives | 30°C (86°F) | Luxury tropical escapes |
| Cape Town | 26°C (79°F) | Summer in the southern hemisphere |
Honestly, reading that list while sitting somewhere cold almost feels unfair.
But let’s break down the destinations that are actually worth planning a trip around.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December by Region
If you’re searching for warm places to visit in December, certain regions consistently deliver sunshine, beach weather, and comfortable temperatures.
Here are some of the best winter sun destinations by region:
Caribbean
Expect 27–30°C temperatures, calm seas, and dry season weather.
Top destinations:
- Barbados — classic Caribbean beaches and rum culture
- Dominican Republic — large resorts and white-sand beaches in Punta Cana
- Cancún — beaches plus Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá
Central America
Great mix of wildlife, rainforests, and beaches.
Top destinations:
- Costa Rica — nature, surfing, and national parks
- Tamarindo — popular surf town with sunny December weather
- Manuel Antonio — rainforest beaches and wildlife
Southeast Asia
Some of the hottest December destinations, with tropical temperatures around 30°C.
Top destinations:
- Phuket — beaches, island hopping, and night markets
- Bali — temples, rice terraces, and surf beaches
- Maldives — overwater villas and turquoise lagoons
Middle East
Warm winter weather with luxury hotels, desert landscapes, and modern cities.
Top destinations:
- Dubai — skyscrapers, desert safaris, and beaches
- Abu Dhabi — luxury resorts and cultural landmarks like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Europe (Winter Sun Close to Home)
Not tropical, but mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine compared to northern Europe.
Top destinations:
- Tenerife — volcanic landscapes and beach resorts
- Gran Canaria — dunes, beaches, and mountain villages
- Algarve — dramatic cliffs and scenic coastal towns
Africa
December is summer in the southern hemisphere, making parts of Africa ideal winter escapes.
Top destinations:
- Cape Town — beaches, vineyards, and hikes up Table Mountain
- Zanzibar — tropical beaches and historic Stone Town
Oceania
Warm summer weather across Australia and the South Pacific.
Top destinations:
- Fiji — coral reefs, island resorts, and clear lagoons
- Sydney — beaches, coastal walks, and harbor views
Warm Places to Visit in December by Temperature
Hottest Places to Visit in December (30°C+)
If you’re looking for true tropical heat in December, these destinations regularly hit 30°C or higher.
Top options:
- Phuket — tropical beaches and island hopping in the Andaman Sea
- Maldives — luxury overwater villas and clear lagoons
- Bali — surf beaches, temples, and jungle scenery
These are some of the hottest December destinations in the world.
Warm Beach Destinations in December (25–30°C)
This is the sweet spot for most people. Warm enough for swimming and beach days without intense tropical humidity. Its usually much more manageable, especially when you need to lug your stuff around!
Great options include:
- Cancún — Caribbean beaches and Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá
- Barbados — classic Caribbean winter sun destination
- Dubai — desert adventures and modern skyline views
- Maui — beaches and whale watching season
These places balance warm temperatures with comfortable weather.
Mild Winter Sun Destinations (20–25°C)
If you prefer warm sunshine without tropical heat, these destinations stay pleasantly mild in December. Even at low 20s, these places feel like a relief from the cold winter with a very refreshing warmth.
Good options:
- Tenerife — the most reliable winter sun in Europe
- Gran Canaria — beaches, dunes, and volcanic landscapes
- Algarve — scenic coastal cliffs and sunny winter days
- Cape Town — beaches and hikes up Table Mountain
These destinations are ideal for winter sunshine without extreme heat.
Cancun, Mexico
There’s a reason Cancun appears on almost every winter sun list.
The water is absurdly blue. Temperatures hover around 30°C in December. And the Yucatán Peninsula has far more to do than just lie on a beach pretending you don’t have emails waiting at home.
When we first visited, I remember stepping onto the beach and squinting at the water.
“Is that color real?” I asked.
My partner just shrugged. Apparently it is.
Cancun also makes a great base for exploring the region. Within a couple of hours you can visit Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá or swim in cenotes, which are underground freshwater pools.
Budget Hotels in Cancun
Nílu Cancun Zona Hotelera by Selina
A relaxed social hotel near the beach that mixes hostel vibes with private rooms.
• Budget-friendly private rooms
• Great social atmosphere
• Walkable to nightlife
Hotel NYX Cancun
One of the better-value beachfront hotels in the Hotel Zone.
• Direct beach access
• Oceanfront pool
• Good location for restaurants
Mid-Range Hotels in Cancun
The Royal Sands Resort & Spa
Spacious suites and beachfront views without luxury prices.
• Multiple pools
• Large suites
• Quiet location
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
A highly rated all-inclusive resort with stunning ocean views.
• All-inclusive dining
• Multiple pools
• Beautiful peninsula location
Luxury Hotels in Cancun
NIZUC Resort & Spa
A beautiful luxury property slightly away from the busy Hotel Zone.
• Private beach
• Award-winning spa
• Gourmet restaurants
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
One of the most luxurious adults-only resorts in the region.
• All-inclusive luxury
• Oceanfront pools
• Exceptional spa
Tenerife, Canary Islands
If you want winter sun without flying halfway across the planet, Tenerife is one of the easiest options.
The island belongs to Spain but sits off the coast of Africa, which means December temperatures sit around 21–22°C with plenty of sunshine.
Is it tropical? Not exactly.
But when your friends back home are dealing with freezing rain, sitting outside at a beach café in a T-shirt feels pretty great.
The island also has surprisingly dramatic landscapes. A drive through Teide National Park feels like entering another planet, thanks to volcanic rock formations and the towering silhouette of Mount Teide.
At one point I genuinely wondered if we’d accidentally driven onto Mars.
Turns out Tenerife just looks like that.
Budget Hotels in Tenerife
Hotel Andrea’s
Affordable accommodation in Los Cristianos close to the beach.
• Central location
• Great value
• Near ferry port
Hotel Adonis Plaza
A simple but comfortable base in Santa Cruz.
• City centre location
• Near restaurants
• Good transport links
Mid-Range Hotels in Tenerife
Iberostar Selection Sábila
A stylish adults-only hotel near Costa Adeje beach.
• Rooftop terrace
• Excellent buffet
• Walking distance to beach
H10 Costa Adeje Palace
Large beachfront resort with great ocean views.
• Direct beach access
• Multiple pools
• Spacious rooms
Luxury Hotels in Tenerife
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
A stunning luxury resort perched above the Atlantic.
• Michelin-star dining
• Private beach
• Beautiful golf course
Bahía del Duque
One of the most iconic luxury resorts on the island.
• Oceanfront location
• Large spa
• Elegant architecture
Phuket, Thailand
If your idea of winter travel involves tropical beaches, night markets, and ridiculously good street food, Phuket is hard to beat.
December is one of the best months to visit because the rainy season has mostly ended. Temperatures sit around 30°C, the sea is calm, and island hopping tours start running daily again.
Some of the best trips from Phuket include boat tours to the famous Phi Phi Islands, where towering limestone cliffs rise out of bright turquoise water.
The first time I saw photos of that place I assumed they were edited.
They’re not.
Thailand just looks like that sometimes.
Budget Hotels in Phuket
Lub d Phuket Patong
A lively, modern hotel just a short walk from Patong Beach.
• Social atmosphere
• Stylish budget rooms
• Walking distance to nightlife
Baan Boa Resort
Affordable beachfront hotel with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Beachfront location
• Outdoor pool
• Quiet southern Patong location
Mid-Range Hotels in Phuket
Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa
A hillside resort overlooking the Andaman Sea.
• Ocean views
• Multiple pools
• Free shuttle to Patong
The Nature Phuket
Modern resort surrounded by tropical greenery.
• Large infinity pool
• Quiet location
• Sea-view rooms
Luxury Hotels in Phuket
The Shore at Katathani
A stunning adults-only villa resort.
• Private infinity pools
• Direct beach access
• Incredible sunset views
Amari Phuket
Luxury resort overlooking Patong Bay.
• Private beach area
• Ocean-view rooms
• Award-winning spa
Barbados
If you’re dreaming of classic Caribbean beaches in December, Barbados delivers exactly that.
The island enters its dry season in December, which means sunny days, calm seas, and temperatures around 29°C.
The vibe here feels relaxed but lively. Beach bars play reggae in the afternoons, catamarans cruise along the coast, and rum punches appear suspiciously often.
Some travelers come just for the beaches.
Others arrive and somehow end up on a rum distillery tour halfway through the afternoon.
Both are valid life choices.
Budget Hotels in Barbados
Pirate’s Inn
A cozy, affordable hotel near Rockley Beach.
• Great location
• Pool and garden area
• Walkable to restaurants
Melbourne Inn
Small guesthouse offering excellent value.
• Budget-friendly rooms
• Quiet neighborhood
• Close to beaches
Mid-Range Hotels in Barbados
Sugar Bay Barbados
Popular all-inclusive resort on a beautiful beach.
• Beachfront location
• All-inclusive dining
• Multiple restaurants
Bougainvillea Barbados
Elegant beachfront hotel with spacious suites.
• Large pool area
• Family-friendly
• Oceanfront dining
Luxury Hotels in Barbados
Sandals Barbados
One of the island’s most famous luxury resorts.
• Adults-only
• Unlimited gourmet dining
• Private beach
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Luxury beachfront hotel on the Platinum Coast.
• Oceanfront suites
• Elegant beachfront dining
• Quiet upscale atmosphere
Dubai, UAE
Dubai in summer is brutally hot but Dubai in December is perfect.
Temperatures sit around 20–26°C, which makes exploring the city far more comfortable than during the scorching summer months.
Some of the best things to do include visiting the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, wandering the traditional souks, or heading into the desert for a sunset safari.
Budget Hotels in Dubai
Rove Downtown
Stylish and affordable hotel near the Burj Khalifa.
• Walking distance to Dubai Mall
• Modern design
• Rooftop pool
Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf
Reliable and comfortable budget option.
• Rooftop pool
• Free shuttle service
• Family-friendly rooms
Mid-Range Hotels in Dubai
JA Ocean View Hotel
Beachfront hotel on JBR.
• Large balconies
• Direct beach access
• Great sea views
Vida Downtown
Boutique hotel near Burj Khalifa.
• Stylish design
• Outdoor pool
• Central location
Luxury Hotels in Dubai
Atlantis The Palm
Iconic resort on the Palm Jumeirah.
• Private beach
• Huge waterpark
• Aquarium access
Burj Al Arab
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
• All-suite rooms
• Private butler service
• Iconic architecture
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii in December feels like stepping into another world.
Palm trees sway in warm ocean breezes, beaches stretch for miles, and sunsets over the Pacific somehow stop entire restaurants mid-conversation.
Maui is especially magical this time of year because December marks the start of whale watching season.
Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters every winter, and seeing one breach offshore is the kind of moment that makes everyone on the boat collectively lose their minds.
The island also has incredible drives like the Road to Hana and sunrise views from Haleakalā National Park.
Budget Hotels in Maui
Maui Seaside Hotel
Affordable base near Kahului Airport.
• Great value for Maui
• Pool and garden area
• Near local restaurants
Aston Maui Hill
Comfortable condo-style hotel in Kihei.
• Spacious suites
• Kitchen facilities
• Quiet location
Mid-Range Hotels in Maui
Royal Lahaina Resort
Beachfront resort on Kaanapali Beach.
• Oceanfront rooms
• Large pool area
• Great sunsets
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
Classic Hawaiian beachfront resort.
• Cultural activities
• Beachfront location
• Friendly atmosphere
Luxury Hotels in Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui
One of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii.
• Oceanfront infinity pools
• Award-winning restaurants
• Exceptional service
Montage Kapalua Bay
Ultra-luxury residential-style resort.
• Spacious ocean-view suites
• Private beach
• Luxury spa
Maldives
For many travelers, Maldives is the ultimate tropical escape.
Picture tiny coral islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and overwater villas where your morning commute involves walking from your bedroom straight into the ocean.
December falls during the dry season, making it one of the best months to visit.
Is it cheap?
Not remotely.
But if you’re planning a honeymoon or celebrating something big, the Maldives has a way of making the entire world feel very far away.
Budget Hotels in Maldives
Arena Beach Hotel
One of the best-value guesthouses in Maafushi.
• Beachfront location
• Snorkeling excursions
• Affordable island stay
Kaani Palm Beach
Modern beachfront hotel on Maafushi Island.
• Infinity pool
• Ocean-view rooms
• Dive center
Mid-Range Hotels in Maldives
Adaaran Club Rannalhi
All-inclusive island resort.
• Overwater villas
• Snorkeling reef
• Speedboat transfers
Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Great option for diving and snorkeling.
• House reef
• Multiple restaurants
• Beach villas
Luxury Hotels in Maldives
Soneva Jani
One of the most famous luxury resorts in the Maldives.
• Overwater villas with slides
• Private lagoons
• Incredible service
Baros Maldives
Elegant boutique luxury island.
• House reef snorkeling
• Luxury villas
• World-class dining
Warm Places in December Without Long Flights
If you’re traveling from Europe or North America and want something easier to reach:
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Algarve
- Cancún
These destinations offer mild winter temperatures with relatively manageable flight times.
Cheapest Warm Places in December
If you’re traveling on a budget, these places offer some of the best value winter sun:
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Dominican Republic
- parts of Portugal
Flights can still spike around Christmas, so traveling earlier in December often saves a surprising amount.
FAQs About Warm December Destinations
Where is the hottest place in December?
Destinations in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean usually offer the warmest weather. Places like Phuket, the Maldives, and Barbados regularly see temperatures around 30°C.
What is the cheapest warm place to visit in December?
Mexico and Thailand often provide the best value winter sun vacations thanks to affordable accommodation and food.
Is Europe warm anywhere in December?
Southern destinations like the Canary Islands stay mild year-round, with temperatures around 20–22°C.
Final Thoughts
We’ve been through A LOT today. We’ve covered where to stay and where to go to get warm and toasty in the winter, especially during December.
If you’ve made it all the way to the end here, thanks for staying. Hopefully you found what you were looking for in our warm places per region, or our warm places by temperature!
The in-depth look at each area has shown you some beautiful landscapes in the places we love. Enjoy your travel and be safe!