12 Warm Places to Travel in December Around the World
What if December didn’t mean frost on the windows, but salt on your skin and sun on your shoulders? In many corners of the world, this is the month when dry seasons begin, trade winds settle, and seas turn welcoming. It's a season drenched in calm mornings, long golden afternoons, and water temperatures that often hover around the mid-70s °F (mid-20s °C).
In this article, we introduce a dozen destinations where December reliably feels warm, and explain why the month works so well in each place, from typical air and sea temperatures to seasonal events and nature experiences. If you’re searching for warm places to travel in December, you’ll find options that range from spring-like islands to truly tropical swims. Does that sound like your kind of winter? Then, keep reading to find your ideal December escape.
1) Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Trade winter gloom for volcanic drama, black-sand coves and the star-spangled skies over Teide. December on Tenerife is reliably mild, and the Atlantic often hovers a touch above 70 °F (~20 °C), which means confident swimmers still take the plunge while hikers enjoy spring-like temperatures on the coastal trails. Base yourself in the sunny south for easy beach days, or choose Puerto de la Cruz if you prefer verdant gardens, historic charm and easy access to the island’s northern scenery.
Where to stay
- Bahia del Duque (Costa Adeje) – This Canarian-colonial landmark spreads down to Duque Beach with terraced pools, palm-shaded paths and a village-style layout that makes the resort feel intimate despite its size. Rooms and suites look toward the ocean or tropical gardens, and the dining scene runs from relaxed seaside lunches to celebratory dinners. It is a polished yet easygoing choice for sun-seekers in December.
- Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (Puerto de la Cruz) – Set in lush subtropical grounds, this long-standing member of The Leading Hotels of the World is one of the hotels with spa in Tenerife and pairs classic service with a destination spa known for thermal circuits and Asian-inspired treatments, ideal when you want wellness alongside winter sun. Rooms are generously sized and many gaze across to Mount Teide.
2) Madeira (Portugal)
Madeira couldn't miss from a list about warm places to travel in December. It swaps snow scenes for subtropical greenery, mist-kissed peaks and levada walks, with Funchal lighting up for one of Europe’s most exuberant festive displays. Daytime temperatures typically sit in 59–68 °F (15–20 °C) in December, and the sea often remains around 66–68 °F (19–20 °C), so you can hike in a T-shirt and still squeeze in a bracing swim on calmer days. Time your visit for the island’s Christmas-to-New-Year festivities, when fireworks bloom above the amphitheater of the bay.
Where to stay
- Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira – A true Atlantic grande-dame perched on a cliff among terraced gardens, Reid’s blends old-world ritual (afternoon tea with a view) with modern comforts, heated pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant, William. It’s an atmospheric base if you like heritage hotels that still feel alive.
- Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature (Funchal) – Sleek and contemporary with sweeping bay views, Savoy Palace brings a design-forward look to the skyline and offers a huge spa, multiple pools and roof-deck lounging. It’s ideal if you want a resort feel within strolling distance of Funchal’s restaurants and waterfront promenades.
3) Sal or Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Closer to Europe than the Caribbean yet delivering genuine beach heat, Sal and Boa Vista are made for long walks on honey-colored sands and lazy afternoons in warm water. December sea temperatures commonly sit around ~70–72 °F (21–22 °C), which makes swimming comfortable and kitesurfers very happy when the trade winds pick up. You'll be met with blue skies, simple island towns and a pleasantly unhurried rhythm.
Where to stay
- Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort (Sal) – A contemporary beachfront hotel on the white sands near Santa Maria, with a spa, large pool, kids’ club and even a small casino alongside four restaurants and bars. It’s a solid all-rounder for couples or families who want resort comforts, water sports and spa time, but still be able to stroll into town for local dining and the lively pier.
- Hotel Riu Palace Boavista - All Inclusive (Boa Vista) – For those who prefer all-inclusive ease, this property fronts a long, wild sweep of sand on Praia das Dunas, with three outdoor pools, two swim-up bars and a full spa and fitness center. Multiple restaurants, evening entertainment and unbroken ocean views make sunrise walks, sunset cocktails and lazy beach days the calling cards here.
4) Dubai (UAE)
December brings beach weather in Dubai, but without the blast-furnace heat. Sunny days stay in the upper-70s to low-80s °F (~26 °C) and inviting seas around 77 °F (25 °C). The city also puts on a show for UAE National Day on 2 December, when fireworks and events animate the waterfronts, malls and resorts. Pair lazy mornings on Jumeirah’s sands with afternoon desert safaris and big-ticket dining in the evening.
Where to stay
- Jumeirah Al Naseem Dubai – Part of the expansive Madinat Jumeirah complex, Al Naseem delivers a refined, palm-framed beachfront setting and access to the on-site Turtle Rehabilitation lagoon, an uplifting, kid-friendly experience that adds meaning to a resort stay. Abra boats, a modern souk and a spread of restaurants make it an easy place to settle in for a week.
- Atlantis The Royal – This headline-grabbing newcomer ramps up the spectacle with dramatic architecture, destination dining by celebrity chefs and infinity pools that offer stunning panoramic views. If you want a full-throttle resort with warm December water on your doorstep, this one is more than ideal.
5) Muscat (Oman)
For Arabian heritage paired with soft-sanded beaches, Muscat is another warm place to travel in December. Highs often hover around 81 °F (27 °C) and the Gulf of Oman stays in the upper-70s °F (mid-20s °C), which is perfect for sailing along the coast, spotting dolphins or dipping into wadis in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. The city’s low-rise profile and dramatic mountain-to-sea backdrop make it feel distinctly Omani rather than futuristic.
Where to stay
- The Chedi Muscat – Minimalist architecture meets a palm-lined beachfront, with three pools including a 103-metre “Long Pool”, one of the region’s most iconic spots for laps and lounging. Refined Asian-leaning dining, tranquil gardens and a well-regarded spa and health club create a calm, design-forward base, ideal if you want understated winter sun with easy access to Muscat’s souks and sights.
- Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel – Backed by the Al Hajar Mountains and fronting a long private beach, this Muscat classic combines a soaring domed lobby, manicured grounds and several palm-fringed pools with a substantial destination spa, including a ladies-only beach area. With watersports, family-friendly facilities and quick access into the city, it’s an elegant choice if you want both Muscat’s culture and full resort-style relaxation in warm December weather.
6) Phuket (Thailand)
December is Phuket’s classic dry-season groove: blue skies, calmer seas and that blissful 82–86 °F (28–30 °C) sweet spot, with warm water that invites lingering snorkels. It’s prime time for boat trips into Phang Nga Bay, day-sailing to quiet coves or diving and snorkeling around the Similans. Beach time is balanced by lively night markets and a very good dining scene.
Where to stay
- Trisara Villas & Residences Phuket — An ultra-luxury hideaway on Phuket’s northwest coast where every suite and villa comes with its own private pool and uninterrupted Andaman Sea views. The setting is secluded and sunset-facing, with standout dining (including Michelin-star pedigree at PRU) and a calm private beach, which suits December’s blue-sky, dry-season weather perfectly.
- Keemala – Tucked into the jungle above Kamala, Keemala’s private pool villas (some shaped like “bird’s nests”) offer an immersive, nature-first retreat with strong wellness credentials. It’s perfect if you want quiet mornings, spa rituals and easy access to west-coast beaches.
7) Riviera Maya (Mexico)
Winter along Mexico’s Caribbean coast brings 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) days and seas typically around 79–81 °F (26–27 °C), so you can float in clear water, dip into cenotes and explore Maya sites in comfortable conditions. Base yourself around Playa del Carmen or within the Mayakoba complex for a mix of beach time, dining and eco-parks.
Where to stay
- Hotel Xcaret Arte - All Parks All Fun Inclusive - Adults Only – The brand’s signature “All-Fun Inclusive” concept bundles unlimited access to multiple Xcaret adventure and nature parks, cultural experiences and roundtrip transfers, alongside a strong culinary line-up from big-name chefs, rooftop bars and riverside pools. It’s a great fit for active couples who want warm Caribbean water and park-hopping by day, then varied dining, live music and atmosphere-filled lounges by night.
- Alila Mayakoba – This design-driven resort sits amid protected mangroves and lagoons within the Mayakoba complex, with a calm beachfront, serene pools, spa facilities and nature trails that give it a gentler, more boutique feel than the big all-inclusives. Sustainability and contemporary architecture are central to the experience, and guests can combine lazy beach time with golf, biking or exploring nearby cenotes and ruins, making it ideal for sun-seekers who want style, quiet and soft Caribbean warmth in December.
View all hotels in Playa del Carmen
8) Guanacaste (Costa Rica)
December marks the start of the Pacific dry season in Guanacaste, bringing sunny skies and golden light that makes beaches and dry-forest reserves glow. Surf breaks around Tamarindo start to fill with seasonal travelers, sunsets are long and coppery, and wildlife spotting—on land and at sea—kicks into gear. It’s one of the country’s most reliably sunny regions at this time of year.
Where to stay
- Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica – With beaches on two sides and lush hillsides in between, this Forbes Five-Star stalwart delivers eco-luxury with space to roam, plus golf, sailing and a full-service spa for post-adventure unwinding. Between wildlife-rich hikes, boat trips and sunset swims, it’s perfect for an active, sun-drenched December that still feels thoroughly indulgent.
- W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal – Bold, playful design and sugar-white Playa Conchal make this a fun, contemporary base hidden among mangroves and the Reserva Conchal golf course. With a lively beach club, multiple pools, a spa and easy access to nature and water sports, you can lean into the scene or simply flop by the ocean, doing as much, or as little, as a warm-weather holiday deserves.
9) Aruba
Dry, breezy and reliably warm, Aruba is a safe bet when the rest of the hemisphere shivers. December highs typically sit around 86 °F (30 °C) by day, and the sea averages about 81 °F (27 °C), so you can snorkel for hours and still feel comfortable. The island sits outside the main hurricane belt, but December is still within its short rainy season (Sep/Oct–Jan), so expect brief, passing showers between long sunny spells.
Where to stay
- Bucuti & Tara Boutique Beach Resort - Adult Only – Calm, grown-up and famously sustainable, Bucuti sits on wide-open Eagle Beach and is the Caribbean’s first certified carbon-neutral resort. Thoughtful service and a wellness-leaning ethos make it a peaceful place to recharge in the December sun.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba – This beachfront resort pairs polished service with multiple restaurants and bars, a full spa and two pools, including an adults-only option. With complimentary non-motorized watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling right off Palm Beach, plus consistently warm, swimmable water just steps from your lounger, it suits travelers who want classic resort amenities, easy ocean time and the option to stay active without leaving the property.
10) Maldives
The islands pivot toward their dry season in December, bringing hot, sunny days, warm seas and improved underwater visibility—excellent news for snorkelers and divers. As one of the warm places to travel in December, water temperatures commonly sit around 82 °F (28 °C), and conditions tend to grow calmer as the month progresses. It is prime time for clear-lagoon lounging and reef exploration.
Where to stay
- Soneva Fushi (Baa Atoll) – A pioneer of “barefoot luxury,” Soneva pairs vast, beach-hidden villas with serious sustainability initiatives and access to the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, making it perfect for families or couples who want nature with their sunshine.
- Kuramathi Maldives (Rasdhoo Atoll) – A more accessibly priced private-island resort with overwater bungalows, a long sand spit, house-reef snorkeling and plenty of dining choice. It is easy to fill a week here with warm-water swims and lazy afternoons.
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11) Cape Town (South Africa)
Early summer brings long, bright days and vineyard-to-beach itineraries, with average highs around the mid-70s °F (mid-20s °C). The Atlantic is brisk (typically near 64–66 °F (18–19 °C) in December) so think sun-bathing and scenic coastal walks rather than bath-warm swims. Combine Camps Bay or Clifton with a Winelands day trip and a Table Mountain hike for classic warm-weather holiday variety.
Where to stay
- The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront) – An art-centric icon above the Zeitz MOCAA galleries, The Silo frames cinematic views of Table Mountain through its faceted windows and adds generous rooms, destination dining, while also being one of the hotels with rooftop pool in Cape Town. It is a spectacular perch for summer sunsets.
- One&Only Cape Town – Set on its own little island within the Waterfront marina, this resort offers spacious rooms, a celebrated spa and easy access to both city sights and Atlantic beaches. It's an ideal choice for when you want warm, dry days with minimal logistics.
12) Florida Keys (USA)
December in the Keys feels like a gentle, tropical-lite interlude. Afternoon highs are usually comfortable, and the water typically runs in the mid-70s °F (23–25 °C)—good for snorkeling and easy swims—with reef temperatures varying day-to-day depending on recent weather. Historic Old Towns, pastel cottages and laid-back seafood shacks complete the easy-escape formula.
Where to stay
- Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key) – A family-friendly hotel with hotel rooms and multi-bedroom villas clustered around a calm, naturally fed saltwater lagoon, plus five pools, the Calm Waters Spa and a full-service marina for fishing charters, snorkeling trips and dolphin encounters. It works beautifully for mixed-age groups who want reliable sun, resort-style amenities and very simple access to the water, whether that’s paddling in the lagoon, heading out on a boat or relaxing by the pool.
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Islamorada) – This Old-Florida grande dame sprawls across 27 oceanfront acres with 1,200 feet of beach, long fishing piers made for sunset strolls, three pools, a nine-hole par-3 golf course and a full-service spa for lazy afternoons. Its central Islamorada location makes it easy to arrange reef excursions and fishing trips, while the laid-back, barefoot-luxury vibe delivers classic Keys comfort in warm December weather.
Conclusion
The calendar might flip to December, but you can still set a warm tone for your travels. From Europe’s spring-like islands to genuinely tropical waters, the destinations we highlighted line up sunshine, comfortable sea temperatures, and seasonal perks that make the month feel effortless, including calm seas for snorkeling, long golden afternoons for hiking, and festive city-by-the-beach moments that don’t require a coat. The places above aren’t just “warm enough” in December but genuinely welcoming, with weather patterns that often hit their sweet spot just as winter bites elsewhere.
If this article helped you pick a warm place to travel in December, the next step is tailoring the stay to your style. Travelmyth classifies millions of hotels into 60 distinct categories—from beachfront, spa, and adults-only to castles, vineyard stays, and properties with EV chargers—so you can combine filters and land on something that feels made for you. Explore the categories and build your shortlist, then compare prices across providers in one place and book what fits best for your dates. Start browsing our categories and create a trip that’s warm in December—or anytime, anywhere.
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