Where's hot in December?
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Dreaming of Christmas holidays or New Year in the sun? Or looking to clear the cobwebs away earlier in the month to escape the UK’s dreary winter? Whether you’re seeking sunny shores near or far we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to where’s hot in December, there’s still a number of warm European hotspots. Though a combination of scorching temperatures and extra time off can mean it’s a good time to put those long-haul holiday plans in action. If you’re looking for ideas to plan your hot December holidays, here’s some inspiration for the top destinations to work on your winter tan.
| Destination | Flight time | Temperature | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife, Spain | 4h 30m | 19°C | 6 hours |
| Gran Canaria, Spain | 4h 30m | 21°C | 6 hours |
| Lanzarote, Spain | 4h 15m | 21°C | 6 hours |
| Fuerteventura, Spain | 4h 15m | 20°C | 6 hours |
| Cancun, Mexico | 10h 30m | 28°C | 6 hours |
| Barbados, Caribbean | 8h 45m | 29°C | 8 hours |
| Maldives | 10h 0m | 30°C | 7 hours |
| Mauritius | 12h 0m | 29°C | 8 hours |
*Average temperature flight time and sunshine in December
“If your focus is on escaping the weather or relaxing ahead of the festive period, rather than a Christmas and New Year’s break, then early December is a shrewd time to travel. Flights and accommodation are much cheaper during the first two weeks of December before schools break up and the festive period kicks in.”
Clair Dodd, Travelsupermarket
Short-haul vs long-haul December holiday destinations
Choosing between short-haul and long-haul December holiday destinations comes down to how much time you have and how warm you want to be. Short-haul options such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer a sunny escape without a lengthy flight, making them ideal for a quick dose of winter sun. But if you’re chasing higher temperatures and tropical beaches, long-haul destinations such as Barbados, Cancun and the Maldives are worth the extra flying time. From easy winter getaways to dreamy December beach destinations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy some sunshine this festive season.
Top European destinations in December for warm weather
For where is hot in December short-haul, think southern Europe. The Canary Islands are a brilliant bet for winter sunshine without the long-haul flight. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura all offer mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and easy access from the UK at just over a four-hour flight, making them some of the best nearby destinations for a quick escape and December sun holidays.
Tenerife
Average maximum temperature in December: 19°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 6 hrs
While the sunny south coast of this much-loved Canary Island is always warm, December’s weather is a little milder than its summer peak, and feels more spring-like. Temperatures generally range from 17°C to 21°C in Tenerife across December, meaning it's plenty warm enough if you want to bask on the beaches of Costa Adeje, sip a beer at the beach bars of Los Cristianos or splash in the pool at your Playa de las Americas all-inclusive hotel. If you do want to stretch your legs, the milder temperatures make it an ideal time to take to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. It’s also the best time for whale watching, with humpbacks, fin and blue whales migrating from November to February. Spot them alongside year-round resident pilot whale pods.
Gran Canaria
Average maximum temperature in December: 21°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 6 hrs
With some unique Christmas and New Year traditions, Gran Canaria has more to offer than just sunshine. The average temperature in December is a very pleasant 21°C, so a dip in the sea or a laze on one of the island’s famous beaches such as the sprawling dunes of Maspalomas, golden Playa del Inglés, and urban beach Las Canteras is entirely possible. While you’re at Las Canteras keep an eye out for the giant nativity scene sand sculpture which usually appears from mid-December. Look out for lots of live music across capital Las Palmas too, especially in the Plaza Santa Ana. And if your break stretches into New Year, be ready for the spectacle that is Three Kings Night on 5 January marked by a grand parade in Maspalomas.
Lanzarote
Average maximum temperature in December: 21°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 6 hrs
For Europe, Lanzarote also makes it to the list of warmest places in December. And while you can expect similar weather to its Canary Island neighbours – with average maximum temperatures of 21°C and around six hours of sunshine – it stands out for its distinctive scenery. With dramatic and sometimes lunar-like volcanic landscapes and a ban on high-rise development, this arty island feels intimate and relaxed. Beaches vary from fine golden sands in the south and resort areas, to dramatic black volcanic shores elsewhere, with rugged, windy spots ideal for surfing in the north. Explore the island’s volcanic side with a wine-tasting trip to the La Geria region, where vines grow from crescent-shaped hollows in the ash, or the lava tubes of Jameos del Agua.
Fuerteventura
Average maximum temperature in December: 20°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 6 hrs
When it comes to Europe, it’s well-known that the Canary Islands are one of the best places to visit in December for sun. But how well do you know Fuerteventura? While not as famous as its neighbours, its crowd-free white sand beaches, stargazing and volcanic landscapes (this being the Canary Islands, after all) make this a scenic beach escape any time of year. The average temperature in December is a comfortable 20°C, though things can be a little windy at this time of year, ideal for windsurfing at top spots including Flag Beach, Corralejo or Playa de Sotavento. While Christmas on the island is more low-key, New Year is a time of fireworks, music and lively celebrations in spots such as Corralejo.
Top long-haul hot weather destinations in December
If you’re looking for some serious heat, long-haul destinations are where you’ll find the sunniest December holiday weather. Cancun, Barbados, the Maldives and Mauritius all offer tropical temperatures, beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine, making them some of the best places to visit for December winter sun when you want to escape the winter chill.
Cancun
Average maximum temperature in December: 28°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 6 hrs
For some true winter heat, Cancun is one of the best places to visit in December for sun. Situated on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the area’s beautiful white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters get plenty of sunshine at this time of year, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C and up to six hours of sunshine. And beyond the mega-resorts that line the coast, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the family occupied. Take to the water for snorkelling, scuba diving, boat trips and water sports. Or explore the area’s renowned Mayan ruins with a trip to the legendary Chichén Itzá. Of course, just relaxing on the beach or eating your way around the area’s top restaurants is a perfectly valid option too. In need of a classic winter sun fly and flop? Look no further.
Barbados
Average maximum temperature in December: 29°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 8 hrs
Barbados is a dream destination at any time of year. But as the festive season takes hold, December is a special time to visit. At this time of year, the island is moving into its dry season, where humidity falls away and temperatures average an ideal 29°C. There may be a little rain – this is the tropics – but fleeting showers usually clear within minutes. Swim at the powder soft beaches of the ‘Platinum Coast’ then head to the famous Friday night Oistins Fish Fry to eat, sip some rum punch and dance the night away. Look out for Christmas traditions such as carols by candlelight, and firework displays to mark New Year.
Maldives
Average maximum temperature in December: 30°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 7 hrs
Think of your idea of a fantasy desert island, and the likelihood is your mind conjures up something pretty close to the Maldives. The destination’s combination of low-lying white sand islands, swaying palms, overwater luxury villas and infinity pools that seem to stretch to the sunset, is what beach holiday dreams are made of. December marks the start of the dry season across this archipelago with warm temperatures averaging around 30°C and calm seas. If you’re here for snorkelling or diving, it’s a top time to visit. This is also peak season for tourism, so book far ahead or keep your eye out for last minute deals if you want to secure the best prices.
Mauritius
Average maximum temperature in December: 29°C
Average hours of sunshine in December: 8 hrs
Head to the Indian Ocean for warm seas, white sand beaches, and lush island scenery from rainforest to cane fields. Mauritius temperatures sit around 29°C in December, with the ocean perfect for swimming, snorkelling and water sports. Away from the coast, you can explore lush forests, waterfalls and colourful markets, or visit the famous Black River Gorges National Park. Be aware that while December marks the start of the summer season across the island, it’s also the start of the wet season, with humidity and rainfall on the up. But showers are usually quick and heavy rather than lengthy washouts. When it comes to where to stay, find all-inclusive properties along the island’s west coast, with luxury and high-end hotels along the east coast. Either way, long days beneath the palms are not a bad way to skip the UK chill.
December weather around the world
While December marks the beginning of the coldest weather in northern parts of the world, in the southern hemisphere, summer is well and truly on the way. So if you fancy swapping your roast turkey dinner for a barbecue instead, destinations such as Australia make the ideal break. For tropical destinations closer to the equator, while some are entering their dry spells, others are on the cusp of their rainy seasons, so be sure to check out the weather for your chosen spot ahead of travel.
December sun: Your questions answered
FAQs
Where is hot at Christmas?
For a hot Christmas, head to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean islands such as Mauritius or the Maldives or closer to home, spots such as Morocco or the Canary Islands. While the Caribbean and spots such as Thailand or Goa are toasty warm into the late 20°Cs and early 30°Cs, things are a little cooler for short-haul destinations.
Where can you spend Christmas on the beach?
You can spend Christmas on the beach in warm, tropical destinations around the world like Thailand, the Caribbean, the Maldives, or Australia. Again however, if a long-haul trip isn’t on the cards, beaches closer to home still have some warmth. Canary Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are around 20°C in December.
Where is warm enough to swim in December?
Places that are warm enough to swim in December include Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Thailand and Sharm El Sheikh. You’ll find warm seas from 23°C to 29°C, as well as warm air temperatures to keep the chill away once you finish your swim.
Which destinations have the best weather over Christmas and New Year?
For warm winter sun over Christmas and New Year, top destinations include the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C in destinations such as Aruba, Barbados, the Maldives and Mauritius. When it comes to short-haul stops, the Canary Islands, Madeira and southern Andalusia, Spain, are some of the warmest with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C.
Where is the closest guaranteed winter sun from the UK in December?
The closest guaranteed winter sun spots from the UK in December are the Canary Islands and Egypt’s Red Sea coast, such as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. While mainland Europe is cooling down over winter, these destinations are basking with reliable daytime highs around 21°C to 25°C, all within around four and a half to five hours flying times.
Which countries celebrate Christmas with warm weather?
Many countries in the Southern Hemisphere and near the equator celebrate Christmas during their warm summer months, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil. Spend Christmas day on the beach with a picnic or a barbecue. For milder winter sun, the Canary Islands are your closest warm weather Christmas.
Is it cheaper to travel before or after Christmas in December?
It is cheaper to travel before Christmas, usually during the first two weeks of December. Prices rise later in the month as the festive period draws near and schools break-up driving up the demand for both flights and hotels. Prices generally remain high through to New Year’s, falling in the early part of January.
Where is sunny in Europe in December?
Sunny European destinations in December include the Canary Islands, Malta, Portugal, and parts of southern Spain, which remain sunny throughout December. Temperatures are mild around the late teens and early 20°Cs, ideal for sitting on the beach, eating tapas on sunny patios, and exploring ancient ruins or setting off on adventurous hikes.
Where can you escape the cold in December?
There are plenty of places to escape the cold in December. Nearby short-haul winter sun spots like the Canary Islands or Morocco are easily reachable in under five hours. So even if you only have a weekend free, a sunny break is possible. Or head further afield to tropical long-haul beach destinations including Thailand, the Caribbean or the Maldives.
Which destinations have warm evenings in December?
For really warm evenings where you can sit outside comfortably in shorts and a T-shirt, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Cancun and Thailand are among the top destinations in December. Temperatures remain in the early to mid 20°Cs well into the evening.
