The winter months have some perks—snowman building, skiing, sledding, and the holidays. But the cold can also be uncomfortable — teeth chattering and legs crawling. Fortunately, our list of the best places to travel in December for warm weather offers comfort from the cold.
From island getaways to warm, beautiful cities, here are our recommendations for the 10 best places to visit in December for hot weather.
For more travel ideas, read our post on the best places to travel in December on a budget.
Best Places to Travel in December for Warm Weather
From Asia to Africa and the Middle East, December is the best time for a long-haul flight to this part of the world. The warm beaches of The Caribbean are included as they are a perfect holiday destination for winter sun.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali in December
Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s warmest destinations because of its lush tropical rainforests and white-sand beaches. December is the ideal time to have an idyllic holiday in Bali, Indonesia. You can expect occasional showers or heavy downpours in December. But this won’t deter you from having the best warm holiday in Bali.
Canggu draws Indonesia’s digital-nomad crowds from around the world, including surfers. If you’re looking for a more serene getaway, Ubud has beautiful scenes and walkable areas.
Christmas in Bali is beautiful, as the streets are lined with Christmas trees and decorations.
Bali: Average Temperature in December: 27°C.
Things To Do: surfing, walking, sightseeing, shopping Bali batik, handcrafts, coffee and chocolate.
Pro Tip: have an umbrella or raincoat handy in case there’s rain during the day.
2. Phuket, Thailand – Best Places to Travel in December for Warm Weather
December in Phuket, Thailand
December is the best time for a tropical break at Thailand’s jewel island, Phuket. While other areas face the rainy season, the West Coast island boasts of eight hours of sunshine. You can explore beautiful beach resorts like Patong Beach. Sip on amazing cocktails as you watch the sunset over the magical horizon.
If you want some adventure, set off on diving and sunbathing boat trips to the famous Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island, close to Phuket. You can also explore the national parks and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Phuket – Average December Temperature: 27°C
Things To Do: sunbathing and diving, lounging on the beach, and snorkeling.
Pro Tip: throngs of winter visitors fly into Phuket during the week to Christmas. So, if you plan on traveling in the last week of December, book well ahead.
3. Mauritius
One of the best hot holiday destinations to go in December is Mauritius. While there’s the possibility of rain, Mauritius has one of December’s hottest temperatures.
Apart from the warm weather, there are many fun things to do in Mauritius in December. Enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and take boat trips on the lagoon to pick scuttling lobsters.
Barely half an hour from the beach is the Black River Gorges National Park. It is a dense forest where you can see native species like the pink pigeon and white-tailed tropic birds. For more holiday fun, head to the mountains of Chamarel for glorious views of the coast and drink freshly brewed rum at the Rhumerie de Chamarel.
Mauritius – Average December Temperature: 25°C to 30°C.
Things To Do: boat rides, hiking, dining, water sports, and more.
Pro Tip: there’s the possibility of the occasional late cyclone, so I’ll advise you to avoid the east and south coasts which are windier than the north and west coasts.
4. Cancun, Mexico
Places to Visit in December for Warm Weather – Cancun, Mexico
Looking for another warm-weather escape? Cancun is one of the best places to travel in December for warm weather. This top tourist destination in Mexico is underlined for its parties and luxurious resorts. It is also one of the best places to travel in December on a budget.
December presents ideal weather, allowing you to explore the sandy beaches and historic museums. Visit the Cancun Underwater Museum and swim in the underground river. Head to Xel Ha Park and shop for some Mayan jewelry.
Average December Temperature in Cancun – 20°C to 28°C.
Things To Do: beach hopping, sunbathing, swimming, boat rides.
5. Canary Islands
Tenerife Islands in December
Wondering what islands are hot in December? The Canary Islands is one of the hottest places in Europe in December. So, take a flight to the Canary Islands to enjoy the warm beaches.
Head to Gran Canaria where you can access water parks, zoos, and markets, and enjoy water sports. From there, catch a bus to Las Palmas for culture and history
Lanzarote also has a lot of unique delights- hike volcanic trails, relax on the beaches, and feast on Canarian cuisines.
That’s not all! Spice up your December holiday by visiting Tenerife island’s Playas de Las Américas and Fuerteventura’s Corralejo. I would recommend Corralejo if you love live music, local cuisine, and surfing.
Canary Islands: Average Temperature in December – 20°C to 25°C.
Things To Do in the Canary Islands: surfing, water sports, hiking, dining, and shopping.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
December in Cape Town
December in Cape Town is characterized by long, sunny days making it one of the best places to travel in December for warm weather. The largest city in South Africa is also known for its wineries.
Head 40 minutes out of the city to the Stellenbosch wine region for a wine-tasting adventure. It is home to Babylonstoren, the local’s favorite gem, for its vineyards, garden cafe, and other agricultural tourism. You can also get to swim in the ocean because of the hot weather – Fishoek is very pleasant for this.
Average December Temperature in Cape Town – 27°C.
Fun Things To Do in Cape Town: wine tasting, swimming, strolling the streets, and more.
Pro Tip: December weather in Cape Town can be somewhat windy, so check the weather forecast before going out. The last week of December is busy in Cape Town, hence book ahead if you’re flying in that period.
7. The Bahamas, Caribbean – Best Places to Travel in December for Warm Weather
The Bahamas Cruise | Credit: Getty Images
Sometimes, all you need is a hot holiday in the warmest Caribbean islands in December. And that’s what you get in The Bahamas, an island chain that is about a three-hour flight from New York. You dress light in the Bahamas – sundresses and short tees.
The best destinations to visit are Grand Bahama Island, New Providence Island, and Exumas (with their popular swimming pigs). But if you desire a bit of calm, head to Nassau – relax on the beaches and dine at the local cafes. For cheap holiday shopping, visit the Straw Market.
Many of the archipelago’s inhabited islands are home to the country’s best resorts, making it an ideal winter destination for families, couples, and even solo travelers.
Average December Temperature in The Bahamas: 26°C
Things To Do in The Bahamas: holiday shopping, beach hopping, dining, walking, and more.
Pro Tip: December is one of the busiest months in The Bahamas, so plan well in advance of your visit.
8. Dubai
Christmas in Dubai
Dubai’s weather in December is a perfect getaway from the winter cold and a delightful escape from the summer heat. This desert haven offers not just warm weather but great fun things to do. You can swim in the Persian Gulf, shop at some of the world’s most luxurious stores, and dine at multiple exotic restaurants. All these make the country one of the best warm places to visit in the Middle East in December.
Visit architectural buildings like Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 160 stories, via an elevator that moves at 33 feet per second. And if you’re not up for sightseeing, escape to the beaches where you can relax all day.
Dubai: Average December Temperature – 18°C to 26°C.
Fun Things To Do: relaxing on the beach, sightseeing, dining, swimming, and more.
9. Maldives – Best Warm Places to Travel in December
Warm Weather Destinations in December – Maldives
Another perfect escape from the winter sun is the Maldives with gentle breezes and captivating clear-blue skies. There may be light showers now and then, but it doesn’t water down the holiday fun.
Immerse in the pristine beaches or relax on the beautiful white sands of Kuramathi. Sip exotic cocktails at the bars. Kuramathi has the Bageecha Kids Club for kids of all ages. For more family travel options, check out the best places to visit in the USA with family
Maldives boasts of delightful local meals. Hence, you don’t want to miss the delicious seafood dishes that are a blend of South Asian and Middle Eastern flavors.
Average December Temperature: 25°C to 30°C.
Things To Do in Maldives: wining and dining, swimming, lounging on the beach, etc.
10. Miami, USA
Warm Places to Visit in December – Miami, USA
Miami in December is warm and colorful. It is one of the warmest destinations in December in the US for its sun-kissed beaches and clear skies. The Christmas holiday troopers do not come in until the last in December. That gives you enough time to explore the region if you fly in early.
For a calmer December holiday, try the less busy northern end of Miami Beach. This is where chef Thomas Keller serves classics like oysters, lobster thermidor, and steak tartare in the famous spot called The Surf Club.
You can rent a car and take a four-hour trip to Orlando, Disneyland, and have a grand experience with your kids. For more mind-blowing fun, visit the Florida Keys not far from Miami for amazing activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing in the waters.
Average December Temperature: 24°C.
Things To Do: snorkeling, fishing, seafood dining, diving, and sightseeing.
Conclusion
Now you have several warm weather destinations to choose from in your search for hot December holidays. So, whether you are traveling with kids, friends, or solo, our hot December destinations offer a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and explore some incredible places in the world.
Looking for more December holiday destinations? Read the best places to travel in Europe in December and the best places to visit in Africa in December.
