Where Is Hot in December? 14 Warm Destinations for Winter Sun
Where is hot in December: the Canaries, Dubai, Egypt, the Caribbean, Thailand and the Maldives, with temperatures and Christmas tips.
Key takeaways
- Closest guaranteed warmth from the UK: the Canary Islands (around 21–23°C).
- Hot and dry with short-to-medium flights from Europe: Dubai, Oman, Egypt's Red Sea and Cape Verde.
- Tropical heat: the Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand, Sri Lanka's south-west coast and the Maldives.
- Christmas and New Year are peak season everywhere hot; book months ahead or travel early in December.
In this guide
December is one of the best months to chase the sun. Whether you want a week of warmth before Christmas or to escape the festive season altogether, there are hot destinations within reach of the UK, the US and Australia. Here are the best options, with average temperatures to help you choose.
Temperatures are approximate long-term average daytime highs. Weather varies year to year and by location within each destination.
December sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Best for | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 21–23 / 70–73 | Short-haul winter sun | UK |
| Madeira | 19–20 / 66–68 | Gardens, walking | UK |
| Cape Verde | 25–26 / 77–79 | Beaches, all inclusive | UK |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 22–25 / 72–77 | Diving, value | UK |
| Dubai | 24–26 / 75–79 | Luxury, city + beach | UK, AU |
| Oman (Muscat) | 26–28 / 79–82 | Culture, desert | UK |
| Florida (Miami) | 24–26 / 75–79 | Beaches, Orlando parks | US, UK |
| Mexico (Cancún) | 28–29 / 82–84 | All inclusive, ruins | US, UK |
| Caribbean (Barbados) | 29–30 / 84–86 | Beaches, luxury | UK, US |
| Hawaii | 26–27 / 79–81 | Beaches, nature | US, AU |
| Thailand (Phuket) | 31–32 / 88–90 | Beaches, value | UK, AU |
| Sri Lanka (south-west) | 30 / 86 | Beaches, culture | UK, AU |
| Maldives | 30 / 86 | Overwater villas | UK, AU |
| Cape Town | 25–26 / 77–79 | Summer, wine, nature | UK |
Short-haul from the UK
Canary Islands
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the UK's go-to December sun spots. Expect warm days, cooler evenings and sea temperatures around 20°C. See where to stay in Tenerife.
Madeira
Mild rather than hot, but beautiful, with flower-filled gardens, levada walks and a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Egypt's Red Sea
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer warm days, excellent diving and good-value all-inclusive resorts. Check the latest official travel advice before booking.
Medium-haul
Dubai and Oman
December is peak season in the Gulf: hot, sunny days without the extreme summer heat. Dubai combines beaches with shopping and dining; Oman offers mountains, desert and quieter beaches. See where to stay in Dubai.
Cape Verde
Sal and Boa Vista are popular for all-inclusive beach holidays with reliable sunshine and steady winds.
Long-haul
The Caribbean
December is the start of the dry season. Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica are popular with UK and US travellers. Prices peak over Christmas.
Mexico
Cancún and the Riviera Maya offer hot weather, all-inclusive resorts and Mayan ruins. Very popular with US travellers.
Thailand
December is a great time for Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui (though Koh Samui can still be wet early in the month).
Sri Lanka
The south-west coast starts its dry season. Combine beaches with tea country and cultural sites.
Maldives
Dry season begins, bringing calm seas and sunshine. See our guide to the Maldives on a budget.
Florida and Hawaii
For US travellers, Florida and Hawaii are domestic warm escapes. Hawaii is also an easy option from Australia's east coast.
For Australian travellers
December is summer in Australia, so beaches at home are at their best. Overseas, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Thailand and Vietnam are popular. Bali is in its wet season, with heavy afternoon showers, but still warm.
Christmas and New Year booking tips
- Book early. Christmas and New Year are among the most expensive weeks of the year in hot destinations.
- Travel early in December for lower prices.
- Check minimum stays at resorts over the holidays.
- Choose refundable rates and watch for price drops. See rebooking when prices drop.
- Check entry requirements and official travel advice.
Which December destination is right for you?
| If you want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| A pre-Christmas break under 5 hours from the UK | Canary Islands or Madeira |
| Guaranteed heat with a short time difference | Egypt, Cape Verde or Dubai |
| Christmas on the beach | Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand or the Maldives |
| A spectacular New Year's Eve | Madeira, Dubai, Sydney |
| Value long-haul | Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam |
| Easy domestic trip (US) | Florida, Hawaii, Arizona |
Christmas and New Year at hotels
Many resorts run special programmes over the festive period: gala dinners, Christmas lunches, children's activities and New Year's Eve parties. Some charge supplements for these compulsory gala dinners, so check the booking terms. Minimum stays of five to seven nights are common at popular resorts over Christmas and New Year.
Early December: the sweet spot
The first two weeks of December are often among the cheapest times of the winter for hot destinations, with good weather and quiet resorts. School is still in session in the UK, US and Australia, so families with pre-school children and couples can find excellent value before prices jump for the holidays.
Packing for December sun
- Lightweight clothes plus a warm layer for evenings and the flight home.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
- Modest clothing for the Gulf and Egypt away from the beach.
- An adaptor for the destination's plug type.
The bottom line
For short-haul warmth from the UK, head to the Canaries. For guaranteed heat, look at Dubai, Egypt or Cape Verde. For tropical beaches, choose the Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand or the Maldives. Book early for the festive period, or travel in early December for the best value.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in December near the UK?
The Canary Islands, such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, are the closest destinations with reliably warm December weather, with daytime highs usually in the low 20s Celsius.
Where is hot in December in Europe?
Within Europe, the Canary Islands and Madeira are the warmest options. Mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are mild at best and can be cool and rainy in December.
Where can Americans go for warm weather in December?
Florida, Hawaii, Southern California's deserts, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are all popular warm December options from the US.
Where is hot in December for Australians?
December is summer in Australia, so domestic beach destinations are hot. Popular overseas options include Fiji, Bali (though it is the wet season), Thailand and Vietnam.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
