Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
Buy eSIM
Trustpilot

Where is hot in December? 10 Places for winter sun

Discover where is hot in December with our guide to 10 winter sun destinations. Find your perfect getaway and escape the cold.

Published: July 17, 2025

Many of us dream of ditching our winter jumpers and escaping to warmer climates during the cool winter months in the UK and Europe. If you’re wondering where is hot in December and looking to skip the icy Christmas markets and soak up some sunshine, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will take you through 10 incredible hot places in December.

Swap frosty mornings for warm weather, sunny days, and tropical beaches. As we unpack this list of the hottest countries in December, we’ll help you determine the ideal spot for a memorable Christmas holiday or winter sun escape. On top of that, we’ll show you the best way to stay connected during your winter escape with Holafly eSIM.

A woman with a straw hat and her arms raised in a lake on a doughnut-shaped floating accessory.

Hottest places to go in December

So, where is warm in December? Here’s a quick summary of our top 10 destinations, offering the best weather in December for a sunny getaway:

DestinationAverage temperatureHours of sunshine
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic29°C8 hours
Galle, Sri Lanka28°C7 hours
Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia28°C8 hours
Santa Marta, Colombia30°C7 hours
Soufrière, St. Lucia29°C8 hours
Salalah, Oman27°C9 hours
Phu Quoc, Vietnam28°C7 hours
Port Louis, Mauritius28°C8 hours
Malé, The Maldives28°C8 hours
Playa del Carmen, Mexico28°C8 hours

Let’s dive a little deeper into this incredible list of warm places in December!

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • Average temperature: 29°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Aerial view of Punta Cana's resort strip and shoreline.
All-inclusive resorts and powder-white sandy beaches keep tourists flocking to Punta Cana. Source: Shutterstock.

For a Caribbean escape, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a fantastic answer to where is hot in December. With its white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and fun. December marks the beginning of the dry season, promising lots of sunshine and mild temperatures. This time of year is good for swimming and water sports, which are some of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic

2. Galle, Sri Lanka

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Aerial view of Unawatuna in Galle, with the shoreline, homes, and surrounding mountains.
A UNESCO-recognised site with lush jungle and amazing architecture, Galle offers diverse travel experiences. Source: Shutterstock

If you’re seeking an Asian adventure and wondering which country is hot in December, Galle on Sri Lanka’s south coast is a great choice. This fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a blend of ancient culture, stunning architecture, and golden beaches. December is the peak of the dry season. So, when thinking of what to pack for Sri Lanka, consider a wetsuit for surfing in Unawatuna, or a bathing suit for relaxing by the Indian Ocean. It’s one of the hot countries in December that offers a nice blend of culture and beach breaks.

3. Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Side view of Tanjung Aan beach in Lombok, with people swimming in the ocean and palm trees and mountains in the background.
A more low-key option to Bali, Lombok boasts beautiful beaches and super cheap prices! Source: Shutterstock.

Kuta in Lombok, Indonesia, is a stunning island offering a quiet and authentic experience, and it’s definitely hot in December! Known for volcanic landscapes (like Mount Rinjani in the north), pristine southern beaches, and world-class surf breaks, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s also one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit in 2025! Lombok sees plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time to explore its waterfalls, visit the Sasak villages, or relax on the beach. Lombok is one of the best places to visit in December if you’re chasing the winter sun.

4. Santa Marta, Colombia

  • Average temperature: 30°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Aerial view of Santa Marta, its shoreline, and the  surrounding ocean and mountains
Santa Marta is a beautiful coastal city with beautiful landscapes, and a great place to stop en-route to the Tayrona National Park. Source: Shutterstock.

Head to Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast for a unique Latin American experience that’s warm in December. This city is a great stopover on the way to nearby Tayrona National Natural Park. After a few days in Santa Marta, get yourself a travel guide for Colombia and explore the secluded beaches and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. The dry season ensures plenty of sunshine, making it one of the hottest places in December for an unforgettable trip combining adventure and peaceful oceans for beach lovers.

5. Soufrière, St. Lucia

  • Average temperature: 29°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Aerial view of the Piton Mountains and the town and ocean below in St. Lucia.
The famous Piton mountains and beaches keep people returning to Soufrière in St. Lucia. Source: Shutterstock.

For a Caribbean getaway, Soufrière in St. Lucia is your answer to where to go in December for sun—and one of the best Caribbean islands to visit. Famous for its Piton mountains, rainforests, and white-sand beaches, this town offers something for everyone. December is the dry season, so expect lots of sunshine. It’s an ideal time to visit, and outdoor activities like hiking or snorkelling in the marine parks are popular. It’s one of the warm places in December with beautiful beaches and consistently pleasant weather.

6. Salalah, Oman

  • Average temperature: 27°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 9 hours
The mountains and ocean of Salalah, Oman at dusk.
Jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes and historic landmarks make Salalah a top choice for a warm weather holiday. Source: Shutterstock.

If you want a reliably hot destination in December, Salalah in Oman has average high temperatures of around 27°C. Salalah is known for its mountains, frankincense trees, historic landmarks, and cultural sites like Taqah Castle. December offers loads of sunshine, perfect for exploring ancient ruins or visiting the beaches along the Arabian Sea. Oman is one of the most recommended destinations for culture, heat, and zero rainfall.

7. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Aerial view of the ocean, pier and the building of Phu Quoc.
The island of Phu Quoc offers beautiful architecture and beaches at a more relaxed pace than similar spots like Phuket. Source: Shutterstock.

If you’re still asking where is nice for a holiday in December in Asia, the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam is a popular destination. While it can be a long-haul trip from the UK, it’s worth it. December is outside the wet season, so you can expect no rain, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures hovering around 28°C. The island is known for its beaches, markets with tasty Vietnamese street food, and pepper plantations. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, or relaxing on the white sands. It’s one of the warm countries in December that offers incredible natural beauty.

8. Port Louis, Mauritius

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Aerial view of the ocean, winding road, trees, and mountains in Port Louise,
Port Louis is the perfect family holiday, with plenty of outdoor activities to suit all tastes. Source: Shutterstock.

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is the perfect destination for a hot December escape. Its vibrant markets, proximity to picturesque beaches, and mild weather mean the island offers a holiday experience for the whole family. December falls within the summer months, guaranteeing regular sun. This is perfect for family-friendly activities like exploring the city, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or relaxing at the beach. It’s one of the hottest countries in December for a getaway everyone can enjoy.

9. Malé, The Maldives

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Aerial view of the ocean, boats, and bungalows on the island of Malé.
Malé is the perfect luxury holiday destination to relax and unwind. Source: Shutterstock.

For the ultimate tropical dream, Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and its surrounding atolls are a top contender for the warmest place to go in December. This archipelago of islands boasts unparalleled luxury, coral reefs, and bungalows over turquoise waters. December kicks off the dry season, so it’s one of the best times to visit the Maldives. The conditions are prime for all-day snorkelling, swimming, or relaxing at the beach with a cocktail and fresh seafood.

10. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

  • Average temperature: 28°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
The beach, palm trees and shore of Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen has a calmer atmosphere than Cancun and promises warm, turquoise waters and Mayan ruins. Source: Shutterstock.

Further down Mexico’s Riviera Maya from Cancun, Playa del Carmen has a more relaxed atmosphere. You have easy access to its beaches and ancient historic landmarks, like Mayan ruins, so you can learn some fun facts about Mexico and its pre-Hispanic history. It’s a top spot for a hot December holiday, and an excellent option if you’re searching for where is hot and cheap in December to holiday.

Soak up the December sun with a Holafly eSIM

Making the most of your December sun holiday means staying connected without the hassle. Whether you’re sharing your photos from the beaches of St. Lucia or trying to locate one of Vietnam’s bustling markets, reliable internet is key.

This is where Holafly eSIMs become your ultimate travel companion. Holafly offers unlimited mobile data in more than 200 destinations.

With a Holafly eSIM, you’ll benefit from:

  • Unlimited data to stay connected
  • Up to 1 GB daily hotspot to share your connection
  • Customisable plans from 1 to 90 days to suit your trip
  • 24/7 customer support for peace of mind

If you’re travelling for longer, consider Holafly Plans. This monthly subscription service offers even greater convenience, as it’s available in over 170+ destinations. There’s no need to sign up for new countries or destinations; all you need to do is select one out of three flexible plans:

  • Unlimited data for $64.90/month (with unlimited hotspot)
  • 25GB for $49.90/month
  • 10 GB for $39.90/month

Don’t let connectivity troubles overshadow your Christmas holiday or winter sun escape. Choose Holafly and enjoy stress-free travel every time.

Check out the eSIM for your December holiday spot:

I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.

Read full bio