Warm destinations in December range from tropical beaches (think Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia) to milder “winter sun” spots in Europe and the US.

Classic hot‑and‑sunny spots

These are great if you want true beach weather and swimming:

  • Cancun & Riviera Maya, Mexico – Daytime December temps often around 27–30°C with lots of sun; one of the hottest mainstream December beach spots.
  • Dominican Republic & Barbados – Caribbean islands with average December temperatures close to 29–30°C, ideal for all‑inclusive and resort stays.
  • Aruba & other Dutch Caribbean islands – Aruba’s capital Oranjestad averages about 27°C (low 80s°F) in December and is reliably dry and sunny.
  • Maldives – Tropical island weather around 27°C in December, popular for luxury overwater bungalows and calm seas.
  • Krabi & Thai islands – Southern Thailand (e.g., Krabi) sits around 27°C in December, mixing beaches, culture and relaxed resorts.

Warm(ish) Europe in December

If you prefer to stay closer to Europe or want city + sun rather than full tropical heat:

  • Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria) – Among the warmest places in Europe in December, with roughly 21–22°C daytime averages and beach‑friendly weather.
  • Madeira, Portugal – A subtropical Atlantic island with December averages near 20°C and lots of hiking and scenery.
  • Southern Spain (Malaga, Costa del Sol) – Often around 17–18°C, sunny and much milder than most of Europe, though not peak‑summer hot.
  • Sicily & Crete – Southern Mediterranean islands where December averages roughly 15–17°C; pleasant for sightseeing, light jackets at night.

Warm parts of the Americas & Africa

Good options if you’re coming from North America or Europe and want variety (beach, nature, cities):

  • Costa Rica – December marks the start of dry season in many areas, with highs in the 20s–low 30s°C and lots of sun for jungles and beaches.
  • Playa del Carmen & other Mexican Caribbean towns – Low 80s°F (around 27°C) and dry, making for excellent December beach days.
  • Durban, South Africa – Subtropical city with warm, humid December days around the mid‑20s°C to high 20s°C, plus nearby beaches and safari access.
  • Cape Town & South African coast – Heading into Southern Hemisphere summer, with warm, sunny weather suitable for beaches and wine country trips.
  • Morocco (Marrakech, Agadir) – More “mild‑warm” than hot, often mid‑teens to around 18°C, good for souks, desert tours, and escaping deep winter cold.

Warmer USA options

If you’re staying within or near the US:

  • Hawaii (e.g., Honolulu, Oahu) – December temps around mid‑20s°C (mid‑70s°F), plus peak surf season on the North Shore.
  • Southern California (Palm Springs, Santa Barbara) – Desert and coastal towns with generally sunny December days; Palm Springs is warm and dry, Santa Barbara mild with many clear days.
  • Florida and Gulf Coast (not in one specific article but similar climate) – Typically mild‑warm December weather with beach days possible, especially further south.

Quick planning tips

  • For guaranteed heat and swimming: Caribbean, Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Maldives, Thailand.
  • For shorter flights from Europe with some sun: Canary Islands, Madeira, southern Spain, Crete, Sicily.
  • For nature + adventure: Costa Rica, South Africa, parts of Mexico.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.