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Where is hot in December? 12 Places for winter sun
Discover where is hot in December with our guide to 12 winter sun destinations. Find your perfect getaway and escape the cold.
Many of us dream of ditching our winter jumpers and escaping somewhere warmer during the UK’s winter months. Christmas markets are amazing, but this time, you might crave some warm weather instead.
The catch is distance. The closer the beach, the milder the weather. If you’re wondering where is hot in December, the Canary Islands and Cyprus offer 19-22°C within five hours of London, while the Caribbean, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia sit at 27-30°C further afield.
These 12 winter sun destinations run from the shortest journey to the longest, with temperatures and sunshine hours for each. A Holafly travel eSIM keeps you connected with unlimited data in all of them.
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Where is hot to go in December: 12 Destinations compared
So, where is warm in December? Here’s a quick summary of our 12 destinations, ordered from the shortest journey from London to the longest:
| Destination | Journey from the UK | Average temperature | Hours of sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife, Canary Islands | 4-5 hours | 22°C | 6 hours |
| Paphos, Cyprus | 4-5 hours | 19°C | 6 hours |
| Soufrière, St. Lucia | 9-10 hours | 29°C | 8 hours |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 9-10 hours | 29°C | 8 hours |
| Playa del Carmen, Mexico | 10-12 hours | 28°C | 8 hours |
| Malé, the Maldives | 10-15 hours | 28°C | 8 hours |
| Galle, Sri Lanka | 11-16 hours | 28°C | 7 hours |
| Salalah, Oman | 11-15 hours | 27°C | 9 hours |
| Port Louis, Mauritius | 12-17 hours | 28°C | 8 hours |
| Santa Marta, Colombia | 15-20 hours | 30°C | 7 hours |
| Phu Quoc, Vietnam | 16-21 hours | 28°C | 7 hours |
| Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia | 18-24 hours | 28°C | 8 hours |
Let’s dive a little deeper into this list of warm places in December.
1. Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Average temperature: 22°C
- Hours of sunshine: 6 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 4-5 hours
If you’re asking where is hot in December in Europe, the honest answer is the Canary Islands, and Tenerife is the largest of them. It’s warm rather than hot, with daytime highs of around 22°C, so stay on the south coast, around Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, where it’s sunnier and drier than the north.
Don’t miss
- Teide National Park: Take the cable car up Spain’s highest peak, and pack a jacket, as it’s much colder at the top.
- Whale and dolphin watching: Boat trips leave from Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes, where pilot whales live year-round.
- La Laguna: The island’s former capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colourful colonial-era streets.
A Holafly eSIM for the Canary Islands gives you unlimited data for trail maps and boat bookings across Tenerife.
2. Paphos, Cyprus
- Average temperature: 19°C
- Hours of sunshine: 6 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 4-5 hours
Paphos, on the south-west coast of Cyprus, is a fair answer to where in Europe is hot in December if you’re happy with mild rather than hot. Expect daytime highs of around 19°C, sunny spells, and a few rainy days, which suits sightseeing and coastal walks better than sunbathing.
Don’t miss
- Paphos Archaeological Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site beside the harbour holds Roman villas with well-preserved floor mosaics.
- Aphrodite’s Rock: Legend names this sea stack on the coast road east of Paphos as the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
- Akamas Peninsula: Cooler weather makes December a comfortable time to hike the coastal trails and the Avakas Gorge.
3. Soufrière, St. Lucia
- Average temperature: 29°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 9-10 hours
For a Caribbean getaway, Soufrière in St. Lucia is a strong answer to where is hot in December for holidays, and one of the best Caribbean islands to visit. December is the dry season, so expect lots of sunshine and consistently pleasant weather.
Don’t miss
- The Pitons: Hike Gros Piton with a local guide, or see the twin volcanic peaks from the water on a boat trip.
- Sulphur Springs: Walk through the steaming volcanic crater outside town, then soak in the warm mud baths.
- Snorkelling: The reefs off Anse Chastanet sit close to shore, so you can swim out from the beach.
A Holafly eSIM for the Caribbean gives you unlimited data for booking boat trips and finding your way between the Pitons and the coast.
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Average temperature: 29°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 9-10 hours
For a Caribbean escape, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a classic answer to where is hot in December. December marks the beginning of the dry season, promising lots of sunshine and warm temperatures for swimming and water sports, which are some of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Don’t miss
- Bávaro Beach: The area’s best-known stretch of white sand has calm, shallow water that suits swimming.
- Saona Island: Catamarans and speedboats run day trips to this island in Cotubanamá National Park.
- Hoyo Azul: This turquoise sinkhole sits at the foot of a cliff in Cap Cana.
With a Holafly eSIM for the Dominican Republic, you can book the Saona Island trip from your sunlounger with unlimited data.
5. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 10-12 hours
Further down Mexico’s Riviera Maya from Cancun, Playa del Carmen has a more relaxed atmosphere. 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 for sun.
Don’t miss
- Cozumel: Ferries cross from the town pier to this island, known for its snorkelling and diving reefs. A Holafly eSIM Mexico gives you unlimited data for ferry times, cenote directions, and messages home.
- Cenotes: Swim in the freshwater sinkholes hidden in the jungle around town, such as Cenote Azul.
- Tulum: These clifftop Mayan ruins, about an hour down the coast, are the place to pick up some fun facts about Mexico and its pre-Hispanic history.
💡 Local tip: Miguel Del Real Ramirez, Holafly’s Customer Director, was born and raised in Mexico and puts the Riviera Maya among his top places to visit in the country for its beaches, natural cenotes, and Mayan culture. He also points to Chichén Itzá, one of the Wonders of the World. For souvenirs, he recommends the town centre, which is usually more affordable and authentic.
6. Malé, The Maldives
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 10-15 hours sunshine: 8 hours
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. December kicks off the dry season, so it’s one of the best times to visit the Maldives, with prime conditions for snorkelling, swimming, or relaxing at the beach.
Don’t miss
- House reef snorkelling: Many resort islands have a coral reef a short swim from the beach.
- Whale shark trips: Boats head to South Ari Atoll, where whale sharks are seen year-round.
- Local islands: Guesthouses on inhabited islands such as Maafushi cost far less than the resorts.
With a Holafly eSIM Maldives, you have unlimited data from the moment you land in Malé.
7. Galle, Sri Lanka
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 11-16 hours
If you’re seeking an Asian adventure and wondering where is it hot in December, Galle on Sri Lanka’s south coast is a great choice. December marks the start of the dry season here, so when thinking of what to pack for Sri Lanka, consider a rash vest for surfing and a bathing suit for relaxing by the Indian Ocean.
Don’t miss
- Galle Fort: Walk the Dutch-era ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage site at sunset.
- Unawatuna Beach: This sheltered bay with calm water is a short ride from the fort.
- Whale watching from Mirissa: Boats go out to look for blue whales, and the season runs through December.
A Holafly eSIM Sri Lanka comes with unlimited data and 24/7 support for the trip down the coast from Colombo.
8. Salalah, Oman
- Average temperature: 27°C
- Hours of sunshine: 9 hours
If you’re deciding where is hot in December to go on holiday, Salalah in Oman is a reliable pick, with average high temperatures of around 27°C. December offers loads of sunshine and next to no rain, perfect for exploring ancient ruins or visiting the beaches along the Arabian Sea.
Don’t miss
- Al Baleed Archaeological Park: The ruins of a medieval frankincense port sit on the seafront, with a museum that tells the story of the trade.
- Taqah Castle: This restored fort stands in a fishing town a short drive east of the city.
- Al Mughsail Beach: A long, quiet stretch of white sand west of Salalah ends at cliffs where blowholes shoot seawater into the air.
A Holafly eSIM for Oman gives you unlimited data for navigating the coast road between Taqah and Al Mughsail.
9. Port Louis, Mauritius
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 12-17 hours
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a strong answer to where is hot in December for family holiday plans. Its vibrant markets and proximity to picturesque beaches suit the whole family, and December falls within the summer months, bringing regular sun with the odd tropical shower.
Don’t miss
- Central Market: Browse stalls of spices and tropical fruit, and try dholl puri, the island’s favourite street food.
- Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: Giant water lilies and giant tortoises make this garden north of the city a hit with children.
- Trou aux Biches: A calm, shallow lagoon protects this beach up the coast, which suits younger swimmers.
A Holafly eSIM for Mauritius keeps you online with unlimited data between the city, the gardens, and the beach.
10. Santa Marta, Colombia
- Average temperature: 30°C
- Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 15-20 hours
Head to Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast for a unique Latin American experience that’s warm in December. The dry season ensures plenty of sunshine, making it one of the hottest places in December, and a travel guide for Colombia helps you plan the secluded beaches and mountains beyond the city.
Don’t miss
- Tayrona National Natural Park: Jungle trails lead down to palm-backed coves such as Cabo San Juan.Signal can be patchy inside Tayrona, so download your maps in town with unlimited data on a Holafly eSIM for Colombia.
- Minca: This village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta has coffee farms, waterfalls, and cooler mountain air.
- Ciudad Perdida: A multi-day trek through the jungle ends at the stone terraces of the Lost City.
💡 Local tip: “Nature, beaches and adventure” is how Francis Márquez, Content Manager at Holafly, sums up Santa Marta, calling it a great base for hiking and eco-travel. On the coast, order pescado frito, a whole fried fish served with patacones, and look for an Arhuaco mochila, a bag woven in earth tones by the Arhuaco people of Santa Marta.
11. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 16-21 hours
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. December is outside the wet season, so you can expect little rain, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures hovering around 28°C. It is also one of the cheap places to travel in November.
Don’t miss
- Duong Dong night market: Stalls grill fresh seafood alongside classic Vietnamese street food every evening.
- Sao Beach: This curve of white sand on the south-east coast has calm, clear water.
- An Thoi Islands: Boat trips head to this small archipelago off the southern tip for snorkelling and diving.
With a Holafly eSIM for Vietnam, you can book boat trips and order rides across the island with unlimited data.
12. Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
- Journey time from the UK: 18-24 hours
Kuta, on the south coast of Lombok in Indonesia, offers a quiet and authentic experience, and it’s definitely hot in December. Expect sunshine between tropical showers, as this is the start of the wet season. Indonesia is also one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, and Lombok is one of the best places to visit in December if you’re chasing the winter sun.
Don’t miss
- Tanjung Aan: Twin bays of white sand sit a short ride east of town, with Merese Hill above them for sunset.
- Selong Belanak: Gentle waves over a sandy bottom make this long beach the place to learn to surf.
- Sade village: See traditional thatched houses and handwoven textiles in this Sasak community north of Kuta.
A Holafly eSIM Indonesia gives you unlimited data for surf forecasts and scooter routes along the south coast.
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, a Holafly eSIM gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 support in 200+ destinations, so you travel with peace of mind.
Every eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data, at no added cost in 150+ destinations. It helps when a one-stop route leaves you with a long layover, or on the ride from the airport to your hotel.
Sure, you can opt for a local Dominican Republic SIM card or its equivalent elsewhere, but an eSIM is set up before you fly, so you’re online as soon as you land.
If you’re travelling for longer, consider Holafly Plans. This pay-monthly eSIM subscription covers 160+ destinations with a single eSIM, so there’s no need to sign up again for each new country. Choose between the Unlimited and Light tiers, and cancel anytime.
Don’t let connectivity troubles overshadow your Christmas holiday or winter sun escape.
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FAQs about where is hot in December
Playa del Carmen in Mexico, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and Kuta in Lombok are hot in December but cheap once you arrive, with temperatures around 28°C. The journey is the main cost, at 10 hours or more from the UK. Closer to home, Tenerife is milder at 22°C but only 4-5 hours away.
Salalah in Oman is among the sunniest picks, with around 9 hours of sunshine a day and next to no rain. St. Lucia, Punta Cana, Playa del Carmen, and the Maldives follow with about 8 hours each, all in their dry season.
Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is one of the warmest places to be in December, averaging 30°C. Soufrière in St. Lucia and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic follow at 29°C, and the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Vietnam, and Mexico sit at around 28°C.
No, Cyprus is mild rather than hot in December. Paphos, on the south-west coast, reaches daytime highs of around 19°C, with about 6 hours of sunshine and a few rainy days. That suits sightseeing and coastal walks more than sunbathing.
Nowhere in Europe is truly hot in December. The Canary Islands come closest at around 22°C, followed by Cyprus at around 19°C, both 4-5 hours from the UK. For anyone searching where is hot in December Europe offers mild winter sun, and beach heat of 27°C and above means flying long haul.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
