As December rolls in, the UK grows colder with shorter days and frosty mornings. Many travellers look for warmer destinations to escape the chill. This winter, there are plenty of sunny places to relax on the beach, enjoy outdoor activities, and top up your tan before the year ends. Ready to find your perfect December sunshine?
Sunny holidays in December at a glance
📍 Destination | 🌡️ Temp (Dec.) | ✈️ Fly Time (from London) | 🌟 Must-Sees |
Tenerife, Spain | 22–25 °C | ~4 h 30 m | Mount Teide, Los Cristianos Beach, Masca Valley |
Lanzarote, Spain | 21–24 °C | ~4 h 15 m | Timanfaya National Park, Playa Blanca, Jameos del Agua |
Malé, Maldives | 28–30 °C | ~10 h 30 m | Coral reefs, Overwater villas, Island hopping |
Zanzibar City, Tanzania | 29–31 °C | ~9 h 30 m | Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Spice Farms |
Phuket, Thailand | 27–31 °C | ~12 h | Big Buddha, Patong Beach, Phang Nga Bay |
Dubai, UAE | 25–28 °C | ~7 h | Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Palm Jumeirah |
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA | 26–28 °C | ~17 h (1 stop) | Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor |
Cartagena, Colombia | 28–31 °C | ~11 h 30 m | Walled City, Rosario Islands, San Felipe Castle |
Sydney, Australia | 24–27 °C | ~22 h (1 stop) | Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge |
Goa, India | 28–30 °C | ~10 h 30 m | Baga Beach, Old Goa, Dudhsagar Waterfalls |
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Where to go in December for sun in Europe?
Even though most of Europe is chilly in December, a few southern islands still enjoy warm weather and sunny days. The Canary Islands and Madeira remain some of the best choices for winter sun without long flights from the UK.
Tenerife, Spain
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
22–25 °C (avg) | ~10 mm (light) | ~75 % sun chance | ~65 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Mount Teide National Park: Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO site.
- Costa Adeje: A stylish resort area with golden beaches and calm seas.
- Puerto de la Cruz: Enjoy festive lights and local Christmas markets.
🏨 Find the Best Hotels in Tenerife
Lanzarote, Spain
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
21–24 °C (avg) | ~12 mm | ~70 % sun chance | ~60 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Timanfaya National Park: Stunning volcanic scenery.
- Jameos del Agua: Caves turned into a cultural venue by César Manrique.
- Playa Blanca: Relaxed seaside resort perfect for winter warmth.
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Where to go in December for sun outside Europe?
If you’re after tropical warmth, December is full of options, with clear skies, calm seas and sunshine to brighten up the winter months. Many destinations also host cultural festivals and year-end celebrations.
Malé, Maldives
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
28–30 °C (avg) | ~7 mm | ~85 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Coral reefs and snorkelling.
- Luxury overwater villas.
- Private island getaways.
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Zanzibar City, Tanzania
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
29–31 °C (avg) | ~50 mm | ~80 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Stone Town: UNESCO World Heritage site full of history.
- Nungwi Beach: Crystal-clear water and beach bars.
- Spice Farms: Learn about the island’s famous spices.
🏨 Stay at Top Zanzibar Hotels
Phuket, Thailand
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
27–31 °C (avg) | ~20 mm | ~80 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Patong Beach nightlife.
- Big Buddha viewpoint.
- Phi Phi Island boat trips.
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Dubai, UAE
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
25–28 °C (avg) | ~5 mm | ~85 % sun chance | ~60 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai.
- Desert safari adventures.
- Palm Jumeirah beaches.
🏨 Stay at Top-Rated Dubai Hotels
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
26–28 °C (avg) | ~60 mm | ~75 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Waikiki Beach: Famous surf and sunset views.
- Diamond Head: Hike for panoramic city views.
- Pearl Harbor: Visit historic sites and memorials.
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Cartagena, Colombia
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
28–31 °C (avg) | ~20 mm | ~85 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Old Town: Bright colonial streets and plazas.
- Rosario Islands: Perfect for snorkelling and day trips.
- San Felipe Castle: Impressive fort with panoramic views.
🏨 Stay at Top Hotels in Cartagena
Sydney, Australia
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
24–27 °C (avg) | ~70 mm | ~80 % sun chance | ~65 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Bondi Beach: Iconic beach with golden sand.
- Sydney Opera House: A must-see landmark.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge: Walk across for fantastic views.
🏨 Find the Best Hotels in Sydney
Goa, India
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
28–30 °C (avg) | ~2 mm | ~90 % sun chance | ~65 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Baga and Anjuna Beach.
- Old Goa churches and markets.
- Christmas and New Year beach parties.
🏨 Stay at Top-Rated Goa Hotels
FAQs
Where is hot in December and cheap?
Canary Islands, Goa and Thailand offer warm weather at reasonable prices in December.
Where is it hot in December in Europe?
Tenerife and Lanzarote are Europe’s warmest spots in December with temperatures around 23°C.
Where is the cheapest place to go for winter sun?
Goa, Thailand and parts of the Canary Islands are affordable and sunny during December.
Winter sun holidays for couples?
The Maldives, Phuket and Dubai are perfect for romantic escapes with warm weather and beautiful views.
Where is best for family holidays in December?
Tenerife, Dubai and Orlando offer great activities, theme parks and beaches for families.
What is the hottest destination in December?
Phuket, the Maldives and Zanzibar are among the hottest, with temperatures reaching 30°C.