Top 10 Warm Places to Visit in December

Chase the Sun: 10 Warm Places to Travel in December

Usually, this is associated with snow and the low temperatures that arrive in December, but most importantly, with the Christmas parties that rest in this month. And if you’re not in the mood for holidays, December represents the best season to go on a holiday to some warmer place. Some beautiful, warm places to visit in December can be a solution for those who want to leave behind this winter cold and catch some sun. So here’s our list of the best warm places to go on holiday in December. And don’t forget to leave a comment if we left out someplace that also deserved to be included.

Whether you seek tropical waters, cultural capitals, or desert terrain, these winter destinations offer sunshine, calm, and special experiences, from lush islands of the southern hemisphere to breezy oceanfront communities along America’s heartland. Each of these sunny destinations, a few of which we’ve featured here, offers glorious skies to their visitors and culture, scenery, and adventures that will make any vacation well worth the effort. Along with each featured destination, you’ll find the travel budget per day, a listing of the top attractions, and our tips for planning a trip to each destination in December so your end-of-the-year adventure can begin without stress.

Check out the top 10 warm December destinations for snow-boots-free travel.

Table of Contents

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu in Hawaii is a December paradise with an average temperature of 80°F (27°C). It’s a great place to travel as a wave retreat in cold winter. It is a perfect mixture of beach water and land life with its snorkeling and hiking volcanic craters in a tropical atmosphere.

Trip Plan: 7–10 days to explore the island, enjoy beaches, and discover historical sites.
Trip Budget: $2,000–$3,500 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, Pearl Harbor Memorial.
Best Things to Do: Surfing, hiking, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and sunset boat cruises.
Nearest Airports: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
Transports to Use: Rental cars, local buses, and ride-sharing services.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: North Shore (famous for surfing), Kailua, Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.
Best Foods to Eat: Poke bowls, shaved ice, loco moco, spam musubi.
Best Places to Stay: Luxury resorts in Waikiki, boutique hotels, oceanfront condos.
Travel Tips: Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak holidays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen for beach visits.

2. Cancun, Mexico

With December average temperatures of 82°F (28°C), it’s no wonder that Cancun is one of the handiest locations for winter break from North America. A haven for beachgoers, clubbers, and history lovers alike, Cancun’s turquoise waters, animated nightlife, and Mayan ruins offer the best of several worlds. Staying at an all-inclusive resort is the best way to unwind.

Trip Plan: 5–7 days for beach relaxation and day trips to historical sites.
Trip Budget: $1,500–$2,500 USD per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Playa Delfines, Chichén Itzá, Isla Mujeres.
Best Things to Do: Snorkeling, visiting Mayan ruins, exploring cenotes, and shopping in local markets.
Nearest Airports: Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Transports to Use: Taxis, local buses, and rental cars for nearby trips.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel.
Best Foods to Eat: Tacos al pastor, ceviche, cochinita pibil, fresh seafood.
Best Places to Stay: All-inclusive beach resorts and boutique hotels in the Hotel Zone.
Travel Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds at popular attractions, and remember to pack light beachwear and sunscreen.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates city of Dubai is only a short flight away and offers daytime temperatures of 77°F (25°C) in December. The city is well known for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, deserts, and dunes. Should you wish to try some desert adventures, Dubai offers camels as transportation and sandboarding – the dune version of snowboarding.

Trip Plan: 5–7 days for city exploration, desert tours, and beach relaxation.
Trip Budget: $2,500–$4,000 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Desert Safari.
Best Things to Do: Shopping, dune bashing, visiting historic souks, exploring theme parks.
Nearest Airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Transports to Use: Taxis, metro, and rental cars.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Al Ain.
Best Foods to Eat: Shawarma, hummus, biryani, machboos.
Best Places to Stay: Luxury hotels like the Burj Al Arab, beachfront resorts, and downtown accommodations.
Travel Tips: Dress modestly in public places, and always carry a light jacket for cooler evenings.

4. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket experiences tropical temperatures in December, averaging 85°F (29°C), making it a desirable retreat to the beach. Good for chilling out, partying, and sightseeing, Phuket is home to turquoise waters, swirling nightlife, and golden temples. This sunny, no-hassle destination is perfect for basking in the glow of the sun and island hopping while also giving visitors a taste of Thailand’s ancient culture.

Trip Plan: 7–10 days to explore beaches, temples, and nearby islands.
Trip Budget: $1,000–$2,500 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Phi Phi Islands.
Best Things to Do: Snorkeling, island hopping, visiting temples, exploring street markets.
Nearest Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Transports to Use: Taxis, tuk-tuks, scooters, and local buses.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands.
Best Foods to Eat: Pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, seafood dishes.
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront resorts, budget guesthouses, luxury villas.
Travel Tips: Avoid unregulated tour operators, and always haggle prices at markets.

5. Barbados, Caribbean

Sunshine and a balmy 85°F (29°C) in December, gorgeous beaches, Caribbean culture, and cuisine: Barbados is the epitome of a Caribbean island getaway. It’s a place for beach bums and those who want a bit of pampering in a tropical paradise.

Trip Plan: 7–10 days for beach activities, island tours, and cultural experiences.
Trip Budget: $2,500–$4,000 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Bathsheba Beach, Harrison’s Cave, St. Nicholas Abbey.
Best Things to Do: Snorkeling, exploring the island’s caves, and going on catamaran cruises.
Nearest Airports: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
Transports to Use: Rental cars, taxis, and public minibusses.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown.
Best Foods to Eat: Flying fish, cou-cou, macaroni pie, and rum punch.
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, luxury villas.
Travel Tips: Try to visit on Fridays for the famous Oistins Fish Fry, and bring bug spray for mosquitos.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has fairly warm, dry weather in December, averaging 77°F (25°C), and makes the most of its magnificent landscapes – from Table Mountain to its beautiful beaches: it’s the city where nature, adventure, and culture meet. This is the start of summer.

Trip Plan: 7–10 days for hiking, exploring beaches, and visiting vineyards.
Trip Budget: $2,000–$3,000 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Cape of Good Hope.
Best Things to Do: Hiking, wine tasting, visiting Robben Island, and going on beach outings.
Nearest Airports: Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Transports to Use: Rental cars, taxis, and local buses.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Stellenbosch (wine country), Hermanus (whale watching), Franschhoek.
Best Foods to Eat: Braai (barbecue), Cape Malay curry, biltong, bobotie.
Best Places to Stay: Waterfront hotels, boutique guesthouses, and beachside resorts.
Travel Tips: Be cautious when hiking, as the weather can change quickly. Also, plan vineyard visits ahead of time, as they tend to fill up during the holiday season.

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

December in Rio de Janeiro is muggy, with an average 85°F (29°C) temperature, and busy as the city readies itself for New Year’s Eve, the year’s biggest party. For sun-worshippers and revelers, it’s the most fun you’ve ever had. Rio is known for its beaches, party spirit, and beautiful landscapes.

Trip Plan: 5–7 days for city tours, beach relaxation, and samba nights.
Trip Budget: $1,500–$3,000 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach.
Best Things to Do: Beach outings, hiking in Tijuca Forest, exploring favelas, and samba dancing.
Nearest Airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG).
Transports to Use: Taxis, metro, and ride-sharing apps.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Petropolis, Buzios, Ilha Grande.
Best Foods to Eat: Feijoada, churrasco, açaí bowls, pão de queijo.
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront hotels in Copacabana or Ipanema, luxury resorts, and hostels.
Travel Tips: Be mindful of your belongings at popular tourist spots, and don’t miss the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Copacabana Beach.

8. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands off the coast of northwest Africa, has temperatures of about 72°F (22°C) in December. The most popular island in the archipelago, Tenerife, is a volcanic land with black sand beaches and good weather all year long for Europeans looking for winter sun. Its activities range from beach relaxation to hiking in the mountains.

Trip Plan: 5–7 days for beach time, island tours, and exploring Mount Teide.
Trip Budget: $1,500–$2,500 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Mount Teide National Park, Siam Park, Loro Parque.
Best Things to Do: Hiking Mount Teide, visiting water parks, whale watching, lounging on beaches.
Nearest Airports: Tenerife South Airport (TFS).
Transports to Use: Rental cars, buses, and taxis.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Puerto de la Cruz.
Best Foods to Eat: Mojo sauce with papas arrugadas, seafood, churros, and local wine.
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront resorts, apartments, and boutique hotels.
Travel Tips: If visiting Mount Teide, book cable car tickets in advance and consider renting a car to explore more remote parts of the island.

9. Goa, India

If you are looking for a tropical destination in December, Goa has the temperatures that you are looking for: 85°F (29°C), with golden beaches and old Portuguese and Indian architecture with colorful festivals. December month is known for its music festivals and beach parties, and people from all over the world visit Goa this month to enjoy its beaches and climate.

Trip Plan: 5–7 days for beach relaxation, cultural exploration, and nightlife.
Trip Budget: $1,000–$2,000 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Baga Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Falls.
Best Things to Do: Beach parties, visiting spice plantations, water sports, attending music festivals.
Nearest Airports: Goa International Airport (GOI).
Transports to Use: Rental scooters, taxis, and buses.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Gokarna, Hampi, Palolem Beach.
Best Foods to Eat: Goan fish curry, vindaloo, bebinca, seafood thali.
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront huts, luxury resorts, guesthouses in North Goa.
Travel Tips: Book accommodations early, as December is peak season. Always carry sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities.

10. Key West, Florida, USA

It’s warm and bright in Key West in December: temperatures hover around 75°F (24°C) in this laid-back island city at the end of the Florida Keys. Colorful wooden houses, a history of buccaneers, and a Hemingway house draw casual tourists who want a lazy holiday getaway and warm weather without leaving the country.

Trip Plan: 3–5 days for beach relaxation, sightseeing, and water sports.
Trip Budget: $1,500–$2,500 per person.
Top Tourist Attractions: Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square, Duval Street.
Best Things to Do: Snorkeling, visiting historical homes, sunset watching, bar hopping.
Nearest Airports: Key West International Airport (EYW).
Transports to Use: Bicycles, scooters, and walking for short distances.
Near Warm Places to Visit in December: Dry Tortugas National Park, Bahia Honda State Park, Marathon.
Best Foods to Eat: Key lime pie, conch fritters, fresh seafood, Cuban sandwiches.
Best Places to Stay: Boutique hotels, waterfront resorts, and historic inns.
Travel Tips: Book sunset cruises early and pack light layers for cooler evenings.

Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Winter Blues and Hello to Sunny Adventures

For those who want the perfect cure for winter cold and sunshine in December, try to hit one of these destinations. From the turquoise waters of Cancun to the colorful culture in Rio de Janeiro and the tropical paradise of Phuket, there is no lack of warm weather destinations. All of the destinations offer something distinct to everyone, from your beach bum to your adventurer or cultural vulture.

So, when you are planning a December holiday, be sure to determine your budget and the kind of activities you would like to partake in, as well as consider where it is that will help you unwind. Most of these spots are perfect for a visit with a good itinerary and exciting things to do, be it swimming in Hawaii, hiking up Table Mountain at Capetown, or exploring ancient Mexican ruins!! The more you know about travel hacks, ways to get around from one place to another, and everything local cuisine has to offer, the less stressful your vacation will be.

Traveling and escapades to a hot destination in the month of December can act as an escape from stress, give you ample space to experience new cultures and celebrate with loved ones/friends during an otherwise banal festive season. Look no further because these top 10 warm places have all the sun and plenty of options for activities – perfect for your winter escape.