December brings short days, freezing temperatures, and gray skies across most of the US, UK, and Canada. If you’re tired of bundling up in layers and scraping ice off your windshield, you’re not alone. Millions of travelers search for sunny escapes every winter, and the good news is—plenty of places around the world stay beautifully warm while your hometown shivers.
So where is hot in December? In simple terms, destinations near the equator, in the Southern Hemisphere, or in subtropical climate zones maintain warm temperatures (typically 75°F–95°F / 24°C–35°C) during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. These include parts of Central America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
In this guide, you’ll find 15 destinations that deliver real warmth in December—not just mild temperatures that still require a jacket. For each spot, I’ve included average highs, crowd expectations, and honest notes so you can pick the right place for your budget and travel style.
TL;DR
December is prime time for warm-weather travel. The Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand, Dubai, and parts of Africa and South America offer genuine heat and sunshine. This guide covers 15 destinations with real temperatures, practical tips, and a comparison table to help you decide fast.
Why December Is the Best Month for a Warm Getaway
December sits at a sweet spot for tropical and subtropical travel. Many warm destinations enter their dry season right around this time, meaning you get sunshine without the humidity and rain that plagues summer months in these regions.
It’s also when holiday breaks align perfectly. Whether you’re planning a Christmas trip, a New Year’s escape, or just burning remaining vacation days, December gives you a natural window.
The catch? December is peak season in most warm destinations. Prices climb, and popular spots get crowded. But with smart planning and the right destination choice, you can still find excellent value.
15 Destinations That Are Genuinely Hot in December
1. Cancún, Mexico
Average High: 84°F (29°C)
Cancún remains one of the most popular winter sun destinations for American travelers, and for good reason. December falls in its dry season, so you’ll get consistent sunshine with low humidity. The hotel zone along the Caribbean coast offers turquoise water and white sand that looks exactly like the postcards.
Honest note: Prices spike around Christmas and New Year’s. If you fly in early December (before the 15th), you’ll save significantly on flights and hotels. A week-long stay at a mid-range all-inclusive resort can run $1,200–$2,000 per person in early December versus $2,500+ during holiday weeks.
2. Phuket, Thailand
Average High: 89°F (32°C)
December marks the start of Thailand’s peak tourist season. Phuket offers warm weather, affordable street food, stunning temples, and some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. It’s a destination where your dollar stretches far.
Honest note: The first week of December can still see occasional rain from the retreating monsoon. By mid-December, conditions stabilize beautifully.
3. Dubai, UAE
Average High: 79°F (26°C)
Dubai in December is pleasantly warm without the brutal summer heat that makes it unbearable from June through September. You can comfortably explore outdoor attractions, desert safaris, and beach clubs. The city goes all-out with holiday decorations and events, making it festive despite the warm weather.
Honest note: Dubai isn’t a budget destination. Expect to spend more on dining and activities than most other places on this list.
4. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Tenerife is the warmest of the Canary Islands in December. It’s a popular choice for UK travelers looking for winter sun without a long-haul flight. While 72°F isn’t scorching, it’s warm enough for beach days, hiking, and outdoor dining.
Honest note: Southern Tenerife is noticeably warmer and drier than the north. Choose your resort location carefully.
5. Maldives
Average High: 86°F (30°C)
The Maldives in December offers crystal-clear water, overwater bungalows, and some of the best snorkeling on Earth. December falls in the dry northeast monsoon season, so expect calm seas and excellent visibility.
Honest note: This is a luxury destination. Budget travelers will find it challenging, though guesthouses on local islands have made it slightly more accessible in recent years.
6. Costa Rica
Average High: 85°F (29°C)
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast enjoys dry, sunny weather throughout December. It’s an ideal destination if you want warmth combined with adventure—think zip-lining through cloud forests, surfing, and wildlife spotting.
Honest note: The Caribbean side of Costa Rica can still get rain in December. Stick to the Pacific coast (Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio) for the most reliable sunshine.
7. Jamaica
Average High: 86°F (30°C)
Jamaica delivers consistent warmth, reggae vibes, and incredible food. December is dry season, making it one of the best months to visit. Montego Bay and Negril are the most popular beach areas.
Honest note: December is peak tourist season, so book early for better rates. Direct flights from major US cities keep travel time short.
8. Goa, India
Average High: 91°F (33°C)
Goa in December is genuinely hot. It’s also dry season, so the beaches are at their best. The mix of Portuguese colonial architecture, seafood shacks, and lively nightlife makes Goa unique among warm December destinations.
Honest note: The Christmas and New Year’s period is extremely popular and prices double. Early December offers better value.
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Average High: 66°F (19°C)
Marrakech isn’t hot in the traditional sense during December, but it’s pleasantly warm during the day. It’s perfect if you want culture, souks, and incredible food without extreme heat. Nights can drop to 46°F (8°C), so pack a jacket for evenings.
Honest note: This is a better pick for travelers who want warmth rather than beach heat.
10. The Bahamas
Average High: 80°F (27°C)
Nassau and the Out Islands offer reliable warmth in December. Water temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkeling. It’s also one of the closest tropical destinations for East Coast US travelers.
11. Bali, Indonesia
Average High: 86°F (30°C)
December is wet season in Bali, but don’t dismiss it too quickly. Rain typically comes in short afternoon bursts, and mornings are often sunny and gorgeous. Prices are lower than peak season (July-August), and the island feels less crowded.
Honest note: If you’re flexible with rain, Bali in December offers excellent value. If you need guaranteed sunshine all day, choose a different destination.
12. Cape Verde
Average High: 79°F (26°C)
This West African archipelago is an underrated gem. December is dry season, and the islands offer warm temperatures, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful beaches with far fewer tourists than the Caribbean.
13. Dominican Republic
Average High: 84°F (29°C)
Punta Cana is the star here—long stretches of palm-lined beach, all-inclusive resorts, and reliable December sunshine. It’s one of the most affordable Caribbean options for American travelers.
14. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Average High: 88°F (31°C)
Zanzibar delivers serious heat in December. The island combines stunning beaches with rich Swahili culture and incredible spice markets. It’s less crowded than Caribbean alternatives and offers a more unique travel experience.
Honest note: Short rains can occur in December, but they’re usually brief and manageable.
15. Colombia (Cartagena)
Average High: 88°F (31°C)
Cartagena’s walled old city, Caribbean beaches, and vibrant food scene make it a standout December destination. The weather is consistently warm and dry. Plus, Colombia offers exceptional value compared to many Caribbean islands.
Quick Comparison: December Destinations at a Glance
| Destination | Avg High °F | Dry Season? | Budget Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancún, Mexico | 84 | Yes | Mid-range | Beaches, nightlife |
| Phuket, Thailand | 89 | Yes | Budget | Culture, beaches |
| Dubai, UAE | 79 | Yes | Luxury | Shopping, desert |
| Tenerife, Spain | 72 | Yes | Mid-range | Hiking, mild warmth |
| Maldives | 86 | Yes | Luxury | Snorkeling, romance |
| Costa Rica | 85 | Yes (Pacific) | Mid-range | Adventure, nature |
| Jamaica | 86 | Yes | Mid-range | Food, relaxation |
| Goa, India | 91 | Yes | Budget | Beaches, nightlife |
| Bahamas | 80 | Yes | Mid-range | Short trips, diving |
| Bali, Indonesia | 86 | No | Budget | Culture, temples |
| Dominican Republic | 84 | Yes | Budget | All-inclusive |
| Zanzibar | 88 | Partial | Mid-range | Unique experience |
| Colombia | 88 | Yes | Budget | Culture, food |
How to Choose the Right Warm December Destination
Picking the right spot depends on more than just temperature. Here are the key factors to consider:
Your budget matters most. Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali offer the lowest daily costs. Caribbean islands and Mexico fall in the middle. Dubai and the Maldives sit at the luxury end. Be honest about what you can afford, including flights.
Flight time shapes your experience. If you’re flying from the US East Coast, the Caribbean and Mexico are 3–5 hours away. Thailand or Bali means 18+ hours of travel. For a short December break (5–7 days), closer destinations make more sense. Save long-haul flights for trips of 10 days or more.
Crowd tolerance is personal. Cancún and Phuket get packed in late December. If you prefer quieter settings, consider Cape Verde, Zanzibar, or Colombia’s lesser-known coastal towns.
Activities vs. relaxation. Costa Rica and Colombia are better for active travelers. The Maldives and Bahamas are built for pure relaxation. Jamaica and Goa split the difference nicely.
Real Example: A US Traveler’s December Trip
Sarah, a teacher from Chicago, booked a December trip to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region in 2023. She flew out on December 3rd, paid $380 roundtrip from O’Hare, and stayed at a mid-range beachfront hotel for $120/night. Total cost for 8 days including food, activities, and a surf lesson: roughly $1,900. She had sunshine every single day and temperatures in the mid-80s.
Had she waited until December 22nd, the same flight would have cost $750+ and hotel rates would have jumped 40%. Early December travel saves real money.
Tips for Booking a Warm December Vacation
Book flights 6–8 weeks in advance. December airfares climb sharply after Thanksgiving. Set price alerts early.
Consider travel insurance. Winter storms can delay flights. A basic policy ($50–$100) protects against cancellations.
Check visa requirements early. Most Caribbean and Central American countries don’t require visas for US, UK, or Canadian citizens, but Southeast Asian and African destinations may have different rules.
Pack smart. Even in warm destinations, evenings can cool down. Bring one light layer. Also pack reef-safe sunscreen—it’s required in some destinations and better for the environment everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the hottest place to go in December?
Goa, India typically records the highest temperatures among popular tourist destinations in December, with average highs around 91°F (33°C). Zanzibar and Colombia’s Caribbean coast also push close to 90°F. These three destinations deliver genuine heat without the humidity that makes some tropical spots uncomfortable.
Is December a good time to visit the Caribbean?
Yes, December is one of the best months for Caribbean travel. It falls within the dry season for most islands, meaning lower humidity, less rain, and comfortable temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s°F. The main downside is higher prices and bigger crowds, especially during Christmas and New Year’s weeks. Booking early or traveling in the first two weeks of December helps avoid the worst of both.
Where can I find warm weather in December on a budget?
Thailand, Bali, Goa, and Colombia offer the best value among warm December destinations. Daily costs (accommodation, food, transport) in these countries can run $40–$80 per person, compared to $150–$300+ in Caribbean resorts or Dubai. The trade-off is longer flight times from North America, but the savings are substantial for extended trips.
Is it worth traveling to warm places in early December vs. late December?
Absolutely. Early December (before December 15th) offers the same warm weather as late December but with significantly lower prices and fewer tourists. Flights can cost 30–50% less, and hotels often haven’t switched to peak holiday pricing yet. The weather difference between early and late December is negligible in most tropical destinations.
Where is hot in December in Europe?
True heat is hard to find in mainland Europe during December. The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria) are the warmest European option, averaging 70–75°F. Southern Cyprus and Malta reach the low 60s°F, which feels mild but isn’t beach weather for most people. If you want genuine warmth within a short flight from Europe, the Canary Islands are your best bet.
Can I swim in the ocean in December?
In most tropical and subtropical destinations listed here, yes. Ocean temperatures in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean stay between 77–84°F (25–29°C) in December—perfectly comfortable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Even the Bahamas, which sits further north, maintains swimmable water temperatures around 77°F.
