Where’s hot in December?

September 10, 2025Hannah Rehman

Wondering where it’s hot in December? From the Caribbean to the Middle East and beyond, a warmer holiday season awaits. Break up grey skies with a winter sun getaway at some of the best holiday destinations around the world.

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The Maldives are one of the best December holiday destinations for luxury villa retreats

Sunny skies and the Maldives go hand in hand, with temperatures rarely dipping below 25°C year-round. December is the beginning of the region’s dry season, with temperatures usually hovering around 30°C during the day. Book an over-water villa at Cocogiri Island Resort for that picture-perfect Maldives holiday. Kayak on the clear blue waters, stretch out on the glittering sands and enjoy all-inclusive dining at the Azure Lagoona Restaurant.

Book Mauritius for a hot December holiday

December is one of the warmest months in Mauritius, with hot, dry weather, perfect for sunbathing on its iconic white sands. From the busy streets of Grand Baie to the peaceful tranquillity of local villages like Flic-en–Flac, this Indian Ocean getaway has it all. Anelia Resort & Spa, is an excellent all-inclusive resort just minutes from Flic-en–Flac, that blends thatched roofs with modern interiors for a truly Mauritian feel. 

Antigua is one of the best Caribbean December holiday destinations 

With average temperatures of 29°C in December, it’s a great time to explore any and all of Antigua’s 365 beaches. Go diving at Cades Reef or explore sunken shipwrecks in Deep Bay. With lush gardens on one side and white sands on the other, the adult-only Jolly Beach Antigua is ideally situated amidst natural beauty. Plus, it’s just a few minutes from Jolly Harbour, a popular tourist town perfect for some jolly December fun.

Saint Lucia is one of the best holiday destinations in December for families

Saint Lucia is always popular in December, with lots of families heading to this stunning Caribbean island for the Christmas break. There are a number of great family-friendly resorts, and the colourful, all-inclusive Bay Gardens Marina Haven is one of our favourites. It’s close to the island’s shops and marina, with complimentary shuttle access to Bay Gardens Resorts amenities like the Splash Island Water Park and Reduit Beach.

Barbados boasts endless sunshine

Boasting 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, Barbados promises warm, sunny days throughout the winter months. Barbados also hosts fun Christmas activities like Christmas markets in Bridgetown, picturesque Christmas lights and lively New Year’s celebrations. Explore the island’s natural beauty at Sandals Royal Barbados, which features a PADI-certified diving centre. Or, focus on indulgence at the adults-only The Abidah By Accra, where you can enjoy hot stone treatments and body wraps at the Senses Spa.

Celebrate the holiday season in Mexico

Averaging a balmy 28°C in December, this is a great time of year to visit Mexico’s sunny beaches. Plus, Mexico goes all out for Christmas, with feasts and processions held all throughout the month. Consider the modern Reef 28 hotel on Riviera Maya for an adult-only retreat or Crown Paradise Club in Cancun for a family-friendly getaway with a water park and kids’ clubs.

Enjoy an island-hopping December getaway in Thailand

With island getaways nestled between forests and beaches, and temperatures averaging roughly 31°C, Thailand is one of the best hot holiday destinations in December. On the mainland, swim in the ocean or canoe through the mangroves at Moracea by Khao Lak. Or, head to Sunwing Bangtao Beach on Phuket with six outdoor pools, kids’ activities, and a nearby golf club to keep everyone entertained.

Looking for somewhere where it’s hot in December but not too hot? Bahrain is the answer

From the impressive, modern skyline of Manama to Muharraq’s winding historic alleyways, Bahrain is perfect for those looking for a sunny city break during winter. The temperatures here will be on the mild side, with average highs of 23°C. Spend your time exploring the city streets, dining on traditional dishes like spicy machboos, or off-roading along desert dunes. Consider booking The Seven Hotel, which overlooks Manama city, with a rooftop pool and an indulgent spa.

December is one of the best times to visit Egypt

December is a busy time in Egypt, with many visitors making the most of the milder conditions for sightseeing and fun activities. Temperatures do drop in the evenings, so be sure to pack a jumper alongside your swimsuit. Hurghada on the Red Sea has plenty of resorts and is packed with fun December activities. Visit traditional Egyptian coffee shops in the old town district, or go scuba diving in the Red Sea. For an indulgent getaway, five-star luxury awaits at The Grand Palace in Hurghada, which has its own private beach, a fun Aqua Centre where you can learn diving and windsurfing and three different restaurants.

Conclusion

These are some of our favourite holiday destinations where it’s hot in December. Whether you’re planning a Christmas retreat or you’re just looking to enjoy some winter sun, these December holiday destinations have something for everyone. Just be sure to book well in advance, as December tends to be one of the busiest travel times of the year. If you’ve got any questions, chat with one of our UK-based travel experts by giving us a call today.

FAQ

Where can you enjoy winter sun in December?

The best holiday destinations for winter sun include Caribbean hotspots like Antigua, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas, islands in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives and Mauritius and far-flung shores in Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Which December holiday destinations have milder weather?

If you prefer your winter sun a little milder, consider destinations in the Middle East and North Africa like Bahrain or Egypt, which see average temperatures of around 23°C in December.