Where’s hot in December?

Trade frost for sunshine and end the year somewhere warm...

The Christmas lights might be twinkling, but the British weather certainly isn’t helping. It's that time of year when daylight disappears by 4pm, scarves become part of your outfit and your hands seem permanently wrapped around a hot drink.

Now just imagine this instead. You wake to sunshine pouring through your window, the sound of waves in the distance and the scent of fresh coffee on a terrace that overlooks the sea. December sunshine feels like pure magic. It is calm, golden and full of warmth when we need it most.

Whether you fancy a short flight to somewhere bright and breezy or a long-haul adventure full of colour and sunshine, there are so many places ready to welcome you this month.

Short-Haul Sunshine

The Canary Islands – Winter sun that never fails

When it comes to reliable sunshine, the Canary Islands are unbeatable. Just over four hours from the UK, they give you that summer feeling in the middle of winter.

December days reach around 22°C, with soft breezes and six hours of daily sunshine.

Tenerife is ideal if you want a mix of beaches and lively evenings, while Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes make you feel like you are walking on another planet. You can wander through vineyards, visit Timanfaya National Park, or enjoy lunch by the sea in Playa Blanca.

Gran Canaria is perfect for those who love variety, from peaceful mountain villages to chic coastal marinas.

Fuerteventura’s beaches are wide, golden and blissfully quiet at this time of year. Evenings are mild enough to dine outdoors with the sound of the ocean nearby.

The Canary Islands never disappoint. You arrive, the warmth hits your skin, and everything just slows down.

Cyprus – Golden days and peaceful charm

Cyprus in December is peaceful and full of soft golden light. The days average around 19°C and the sunshine is gentle but bright. It is warm enough for walking by the sea or sitting in a harbour café with a glass of wine and the sound of waves nearby.

Paphos makes a wonderful base for exploring. You can visit the ancient mosaics at Kato Paphos, wander through the old town, or head inland to the Troodos Mountains where you might even spot snow on the peaks before returning to the sunshine at the coast.

The food is another highlight. Picture meze platters, grilled halloumi and fresh bread dipped in olive oil, all enjoyed under a clear blue sky. Cyprus feels relaxed, traditional, and beautifully warm without being too hot.

Marrakech, Morocco – Colour, spice and sunshine

If you are craving something more exotic, Marrakech is perfect in December. It is warm and sunny, sitting around 22°C during the day, and the evenings are comfortably cool.

The city is a feast for the senses. You can wander through the Medina with its colourful stalls, sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace, and listen to the call to prayer echoing across the rooftops. The Majorelle Gardens are stunning in winter light, with cobalt-blue walls surrounded by palms and cacti.

Stay in a riad for the full experience, where lanterns flicker and courtyards smell faintly of orange blossom. If you fancy an adventure, a day trip into the Atlas Mountains offers fresh air and breathtaking views. Marrakech has charm, warmth, and soul, all just a short flight from home.

Madeira, Portugal – Nature and tranquillity

Madeira in December is beautifully mild, averaging around 20°C, with sunshine that makes everything glow. It is one of those places that feels like a deep breath from the moment you arrive.

You can walk through green hillsides along the island’s famous levadas, discover waterfalls hidden among ferns, and enjoy coffee in Funchal while watching the world go by. The sea is calm and clear, and if you are lucky, you might spot whales and dolphins just off the coast.

The island also sparkles with festive cheer in December. Funchal’s lights are magical, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet celebratory. It is a lovely choice for anyone who wants nature, calm, and sunshine with a hint of Christmas sparkle.

Long-Haul Bliss

The Red Sea, Egypt – Sunshine and adventure

If you are dreaming of real heat, Egypt is waiting. The Red Sea coast basks in temperatures around 28°C, and the water stays at a beautifully warm 25°C. The days are long, bright, and filled with endless sunshine.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are full of colour and energy, while smaller resorts like Soma Bay are peaceful and refined. The snorkelling and diving here are incredible, with coral reefs that burst with life. Even if you stay on the surface, the clear turquoise sea looks almost unreal.

A desert safari at sunset is unforgettable. Picture rolling golden dunes, a sky painted in pink and orange, and a feeling of complete peace as the stars begin to appear. Egypt is one of those places that truly warms the soul.

Dubai, UAE – Glamour in the sun

Dubai in December is just glorious. The weather sits around 26°C, the skies are clear and the evenings are perfect for dining outdoors. It is the best time of year to visit because everything feels calm and comfortable.

You can start your day swimming in the Arabian Gulf, spend your afternoon exploring the souks or shopping malls, and end it watching the fountains dance below the Burj Khalifa. The desert is magical too, with camel rides, starry skies and dinners around glowing firepits.

Dubai feels polished yet warm and welcoming. It is sunshine with style, where everything works beautifully and you can relax from the moment you land.

Thailand – Bright skies and beach bliss

Thailand in December is simply perfect. The rainy season has ended, the skies are clear, and the air is soft and warm at around 30°C. The beaches in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta are at their best, with calm seas and sunsets that seem to set the whole horizon alight.

You can spend your mornings exploring limestone caves, your afternoons swimming in turquoise water and your evenings at beachfront restaurants with the scent of lemongrass drifting through the air.

The north of Thailand offers something different with cooler air, temples, night markets and lush green hills. Wherever you go, Thailand’s warmth is more than just the weather. It is in the smiles, the food and the easy rhythm of life.

Mauritius – Tropical perfection

December is summer in Mauritius and it shows. The days reach around 29°C, the sea feels like silk at 27°C, and the air carries that gentle scent of flowers and salt.

You can snorkel among coral reefs, take a catamaran cruise to hidden lagoons or visit waterfalls deep in the island’s green interior. The mix of cultures here makes the food incredible, blending Indian, Creole and French flavours in every dish.

It is an island that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Everything moves at its own slow rhythm, and by the time you leave, you will too.

The Caribbean – Sunshine with a festive spirit

The Caribbean in December is exactly how it sounds in your dreams. Warm air at around 29°C, sea temperatures close to 27°C, and that joyful island energy that makes every day feel like a celebration.

Barbados is lively and friendly, full of music and beach bars. St Lucia is lush and romantic with its famous twin Pitons, while Antigua is peaceful and perfect for those who just want to unwind on white sand with a book in hand.

By the time Christmas arrives, the islands are full of laughter, steel drums and twinkling lights strung between palm trees. It is the kind of festive season you never forget.

Time to find your December sunshine

December does not have to mean cold toes and dark mornings. It can mean warm evenings, bright skies and memories that last well into the new year.

Whether you fancy a quick break in Europe or a long-haul adventure somewhere tropical, I can help you find the right destination, the right hotel, and all those thoughtful touches that make it easy from start to finish...