Where's hot in December?

Looking for a hot beach holiday in December? With the Med considerably cooler than in the summer months, you'll have to head to destinations further afield. We've picked some sizzling holiday locations that might tempt you if you're keen to escape.

*Average temperature and sunshine in December

Average temperature in December - 21C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

Searching for heat? The Canary Islands may just be what you're looking for. Easily accessible from the UK, they make a great holiday choice for winter sun.

Just off the west coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy a pleasant climate and plenty of sunshine all year round making them the perfect location for a hot winter sun holiday.

With average December temperatures hovering around a very mild 21°C, sunbathing by the pool or relaxing on one of the many beaches should be a possibility every day.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has some stunning beach resorts, with Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos being two of the most popular. It is also an excellent place to see a spectacular volcano as Mount Teide looms over the central part of the island.

Gran Canaria is also home to some beautiful beaches - in particular, Maspalomas, with its white beach and huge sand dunes which provide a spectacular backdrop.

Other islands such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Gomera also enjoy pleasant winter sun temperatures, and, as the peak season has long since passed, you'll be able to pick up some bargain package deals.

Average temperature in December - 21C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus, also known as Aphrodite's Island, receives plenty of sunshine all year round. It is the perfect location for winter sun as you'll still enjoy between six and seven hours of sunshine a day.

Strewn with long sandy beaches and quaint villages, parts of Cyprus can feel like a world away from the stress of life back home. In particular the resort of Paphos caters for a wide variety of holidaymakers.

Families will enjoy the Coral Bay area 12km away from Paphos Town, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants lining a beautiful sandy beach.

With a four-and-a-half-hour flight time from the UK and a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, Cyprus could be the December getaway you're looking for.

Average temperature in December - 22C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

Florida comes into its own in our winter months with long sunny days, a huge range of holiday options and plenty of accommodation to choose from. If you are looking for non-stop entertainment that is ideal for all ages then head to central Florida and the Orlando area.

With theme parks galore, extensive shopping and more places to eat out and get entertained than probably any other US holiday area, it's packed full of fun.

The coastal areas offer a different type of holiday. Miami and its Art Deco South Beach area are fantastic for posing in the right bars, restaurants, clubs and shops as the glitterati descend on this fashionable area.

The city is also one of the major departure points for cruises along with Fort Lauderdale just north. Alternatively, go south to the Keys for laid-back vibes and a more bohemian atmosphere with the party people, or head west to the Gulf for long wide sandy beaches in resorts such as Clearwater and St Petersburg with their beach-side hotels and villas.

Average temperature in December - 27C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

Spectacular and secluded, the Maldives feels a million miles away from life’s little distractions. Home to impossibly white beaches, luxurious stilted cabins and inviting turquoise waters, the Maldives more than justifies the often-used tag of “paradise”.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives enjoys a tropical climate all year round. There’s slightly more rain in December, but don’t let that put you off. It tends to rain for the first part of the month, with things drying off towards Christmas and New Year – if you fancy trading white sand for white snow, this is the place!

Besides endless days on the beach, the islands are renowned for their world-class diving and snorkelling conditions. Swim with gigantic manta rays, gentle whale sharks, and kaleidoscope shoals of tropical fish – the 26 coral atolls that comprise the Maldives are rich with exotic sea life.

Average temperature in December - 23C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

Like Dubai, Morocco is a destination worth visiting once the intensity of the summer heat has died down. Temperatures still average around the mid-20s in December and you can still enjoy around seven hours of sunshine a day.

December is a great time to visit Morocco and the coastal resort of Agadir still enjoys pleasant sea temperatures. However, remember that if you plan to visit the High Atlas Mountain region it can be bitterly cold here in winter.

Excellent hotels line Agadir's boulevard complete with swimming pools, tennis courts and wellness suites. And outside of the complexes there are two main daily markets in Agadir and plenty of traditional restaurants serving authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Average temperature in December - 26C

Average hours of sunlight in December - 7 hrs

The star of south-east Asia, Thailand's exotic promise of idyllic beaches, fascinating culture and rock-bottom prices has made it one of the most popular long-haul holiday destinations for UK holidaymakers.

Thailand in December is just drying off after the monsoon season. And while there’s still a chance of rain – showers are intense but brief – the weather is hot, with averages in the high 20s and more or less eight hours of sunshine.

The humidity in the air is also dropping at this time, making temperatures much more comfortable – perfect for long days on the beach in Phuket, trekking through dense rain forest in Khao Sok or pagoda-hopping in Bangkok.

Increased demand in Thailand has brought competition to the country and with it a wide range of accommodation – whether you’re after all-inclusive holidays, 5-star, budget or mid-range, Thailand won’t disappoint.