When December rolls in, many parts of the world slip into winter’s chill – grey skies, shorter days, and the constant search for a warm coat. But for those craving sunshine instead of snow, there’s good news: the world is full of warm and sunny destinations waiting to be explored.

Warm Countries to Visit in December

Let’s move from continent to continent with destinations that deliver sunshine in December.

Africa: South Africa | Morocco | Kenya | Egypt

Americas: Mexico | Costa Rica | Brazil | Dominican Republic

Asia: Thailand | Indonesia | Vietnam | United Arab Emirates (Dubai) | Maldives | Sri Lanka

Europe: Spain(Canary Islands) | Portugal | Cyprus

Oceania: Australia

South Africa

December marks the start of summer in South Africa, bringing long, sunny days and outdoor living at its best. Cape Town’s beaches buzz with local energy, the vineyards around Stellenbosch hum with tastings, and the Garden Route unfurls in vivid green. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over Table Mountain with a chilled glass of wine in hand.

If you want both adventure and comfort, South Africa is unbeatable. It’s one of those countries that combines urban life, wilderness, and ocean air all in one trip. Safari-goers can head east toward Kruger National Park, while those after beachside vibes can stick to the Cape.

December average temperature: 26-30 °C (Cape Town); 30-33 °C (Kruger region)

Best winter destinations: Cape Town for beaches and city culture; Stellenbosch for vineyards and mountain views; Kruger National Park for wildlife and warm mornings.

Morocco

Winter in Morocco feels more like spring in most of Europe. The air is crisp in the Atlas Mountains but pleasantly warm in Marrakesh and coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir. The souks glow under gentle sunlight, and rooftop terraces are lively with mint tea and chatter. Having spent a December wandering the alleys of Marrakesh, I loved how comfortably warm the days were – ideal for exploring without the summer crowds.

For travelers seeking affordable warmth, Morocco is one of the best countries to visit for winter sun without breaking the bank. The mix of desert, mountains, and sea makes every day different.

December average temperature: 20-23 °C (Marrakesh); 22-24 °C (Agadir)

Best winter destinations: Marrakesh for culture and mild heat; Essaouira for seaside calm; Agadir for beach and surf.

Kenya

Kenya in December is a sweet spot, just after the short rains, when the landscapes turn lush and the skies clear. On the coast, around Mombasa or Diani Beach, temperatures hover around 30 °C, and the Indian Ocean is warm enough for long swims. Safaris in Amboseli or Tsavo are rewarding this month, with good wildlife sightings and bright mornings.

If you’re looking for a balance between adventure and beach downtime, Kenya is one of those hot countries to visit in December that delivers both effortlessly. You could spot elephants one day and snorkel over coral reefs the next.

December average temperature: 27-31 °C (coastal Kenya)

Best winter destinations: Diani Beach for ocean relaxation; Nairobi National Park for accessible safaris; Amboseli for elephants and Kilimanjaro views.

Egypt

December brings Egypt into its best season – comfortably warm days, clear skies, and manageable crowds. In Cairo, you can explore the Pyramids without the summer heat; down by the Red Sea, the resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh promise sunny beach days and excellent diving.

Egypt is among the warm countries that combine history and sunshine beautifully. You can see world wonders in the morning and sip fresh juice on a beach lounger by afternoon.

December average temperature: 22-25 °C (Cairo); 26-28 °C (Hurghada)

Best winter destinations: Hurghada for diving and beaches; Luxor for ancient history under blue skies; Sharm el-Sheikh for resorts and coral reefs.

Mexico

December is prime time in Mexico’s coastal resorts. Cancún and Tulum offer long sunny days, turquoise seas, and lively nightlife. Inland, cities like Mérida and Oaxaca celebrate cultural festivals under blue skies. When I last visited Yucatán in December, the water was so clear it felt like swimming in glass.

Mexico is easily one of the best countries to visit in December for sun, balancing warm weather, food, and fun.

December average temperature: 28-31 °C (Cancún); 26-29 °C (Puerto Vallarta)

Best winter destinations: Cancún for beaches; Tulum for eco resorts; Mérida for colonial charm and food.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast glows in December, it’s the start of the dry season, with blue skies and lively surf towns. I remember watching the sunset over Tamarindo’s oceanfront, surrounded by surfboards and beach cafés.

It’s a great pick for nature-lovers who want both sunshine and adventure. Travelers can zip-line through rainforests in the morning and sip cocktails by sunset. The “Pura Vida” lifestyle is more than a slogan, it’s a feeling that defines Costa Rica’s warmth in every sense.

December average temperature: 28-32 °C (Guanacaste); 26-29 °C (San José)

Best winter destinations: Guanacaste for beaches and wildlife; Arenal for volcano treks; Monteverde for cloud forests.

Brazil

December signals summer in Brazil – lively festivals, beach parties, and samba rhythms fill the air. Rio de Janeiro shines brightest, but beyond it lie endless adventures: waterfalls, rainforests, and golden sands that stretch for miles.

From Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian culture to the wildlife-rich Pantanal, Brazil’s energy is contagious. Sunshine, celebration, and scenery combine into one unforgettable escape.

December average temperature: 27-33 °C (Rio de Janeiro); 25-31 °C (Salvador)

Best winter destinations: Rio de Janeiro for beaches and nightlife; Salvador for culture; Florianópolis for island charm; Iguazu Falls for natural wonder.

Dominican Republic

With its easygoing resorts and endless sun, the Dominican Republic is a classic December beach destination. The Caribbean waters stay warm, and the festive atmosphere peaks as the holidays approach. It’s also relatively good value for all-inclusive stays compared to some Caribbean neighbors.

If your ideal winter involves nothing but sand and sea, this is one of the most dependable warm countries in December to unwind.

December average temperature: 29-31 °C (Punta Cana)

Best winter destinations: Punta Cana for beaches and resorts; Santo Domingo for culture; Samaná for whale-watching.

Thailand

Thailand in December is pure bliss – dry, sunny, and full of life. The beaches sparkle, the islands hum with energy, and the food markets are at their freshest. I’ve spent multiple Decembers hopping between Krabi’s limestone cliffs and Bangkok’s night markets, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best countries to visit in December for sun.

Prices can rise around Christmas, but the experience is worth it. Whether you’re after temples, Thai street food, or island relaxation, the warmth feels endless.

December average temperature: 28-33 °C (Bangkok); 30-32 °C (Phuket)

Best winter destinations: Phuket for beaches and nightlife; Chiang Mai for culture; Krabi for island views and kayaking.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s dry season lingers across many islands in December, making it one of the best hot countries to visit in December. Bali, in particular, shines bright with lush rice terraces, surfing beaches, and an easygoing festive vibe.

Beyond Bali, Java’s volcanoes and temples, like Borobudur and Mount Bromo, add a spiritual twist to your tropical holiday, while Lombok and the Gili Islands promise even quieter sands.

December average temperature: 27-32 °C (Bali); 28-34 °C (Jakarta)

Best winter destinations: Bali for beaches and culture; Lombok for tranquility; Yogyakarta for heritage and temples.

Vietnam

Vietnam enjoys a mild, mostly dry December – especially in the south, where Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc bask in warmth. The combination of lush landscapes, friendly locals, and vibrant cities makes it a compelling winter escape. Travelers can sip coffee in Hanoi’s old quarter one day and cruise through limestone peaks in Ha Long Bay the next.

In southern Vietnam, beach life dominates December plans. Clear waters, lively night markets, and fresh seafood define the scene. The mix of natural beauty and affordable travel keeps Vietnam high on the list of warm countries to visit in winter.

December average temperature: 30-32 °C (Ho Chi Minh City); 28-30 °C (Phu Quoc)

Best winter destinations: Phu Quoc for palm-fringed beaches; Hoi An for history and lantern-lit charm; Ha Long Bay for scenic cruising.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

When much of the world is cold, Dubai enjoys flawless weather – warm days, cool nights, and endless sunshine. December here feels like a well-balanced summer: ideal for the beach, desert safaris, or rooftop dining. Modern architecture meets Middle Eastern tradition, offering a festive yet exotic atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.

Dubai isn’t just for luxury seekers. You can ride camels across golden dunes, wander through historic souks, or lounge beside turquoise pools overlooking the skyline. Few destinations blend urban glamour with desert adventure quite like the UAE.

December average temperature: 25-28 °C (Dubai); 26-29 °C (Abu Dhabi)

Best winter destinations: Dubai City for beaches and shopping; Abu Dhabi for culture and the Grand Mosque; Liwa Desert for stargazing and dunes.

Maldives

If there’s a definition of tropical perfection, December in the Maldives comes very close. Days stretch out in calm shades of turquoise and gold, the water stays so warm you barely feel the difference between air and sea, and life naturally slows down.

What makes the Maldives one of the best countries to visit in December for sun isn’t just the weather, it’s the sense of escape. You can snorkel with manta rays off Hanifaru Bay, sip coffee on a private water villa deck, or take a boat between tiny coral islands where the only noise is the sea. It’s the kind of heat that soothes rather than tires, and the kind of quiet that stays with you long after the trip ends.

December average temperature: 27-31 °C

Best winter destinations: Malé Atoll for easy access; Baa Atoll for diving; Ari Atoll for romantic escapes.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southern and western coasts bask in sunshine during December. Expect golden beaches, lively markets, and cultural treasures, from Galle Fort to Kandy’s temples. It’s a vibrant island that rewards curious travelers with both relaxation and adventure.

Beyond beaches, you’ll find tea plantations, waterfalls, and elephant safaris. Sri Lanka’s diversity makes it one of the best countries to visit in December for sun and culture.

December average temperature: 26-31 °C (Colombo); 22-27 °C (Kandy)

Best winter destinations: Galle for colonial charm; Mirissa for whale-watching; Ella for mountain views; Bentota for beaches.

Spain (Canary Islands)

For Europeans seeking nearby sun, the Canary Islands in Spain are unbeatable. Sitting off Africa’s coast, the archipelago enjoys spring-like warmth all year. December brings blue skies, mild sea temperatures, and volcanic landscapes that look like another planet.

Tenerife offers resort life and hiking trails; Lanzarote impresses with lava fields and art; Gran Canaria balances beaches with nightlife. Warm, accessible, and wallet-friendly – the Canaries make escaping winter wonderfully easy.

December average temperature: 22-25 °C (Tenerife)

Best winter destinations: Tenerife for variety; Lanzarote for landscapes; Gran Canaria for beaches and culture; Fuerteventura for surfing.

Portugal

Portugal doesn’t freeze in winter, instead, it glows quietly. December days along the Algarve coast are mild and sunny enough for seaside walks without the summer crowds. Lisbon stays lively with cafés spilling onto cobbled streets and Christmas lights reflecting off the old town’s tiled façades. It’s one of the few warm countries in December within Europe where you can comfortably explore outdoors without layering up too much.

The southern coast can be surprisingly warm, with locals surfing in light wetsuits and terraces filled with sun-seekers. Inland, the Douro Valley offers crisp air, vineyard scenery, and cozy guesthouses with fireplaces, perfect if you want warmth and quiet rather than heat and crowds.

December average temperature: 16-19 °C (Algarve); around 14 °C (Lisbon)

Best winter destinations: Algarve for gentle sun and sea views, Lisbon for culture with mild weather, Madeira for year-round spring-like climate.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers gentle sunshine, Mediterranean flavors, and a calm pace that’s ideal for winter relaxation. December is mild but bright, perfect for coastal walks and archaeological exploring.

From the old port of Limassol to the mosaics of Paphos, history and warmth intertwine. You won’t find tropical heat, but you’ll enjoy peaceful weather and authentic hospitality – a hidden gem for off-season travel.

December average temperature: 18-22 °C (Paphos); 16-20 °C (Nicosia)

Best winter destinations: Paphos for heritage and sea views; Limassol for wine and harbor walks; Larnaca for beaches.

Australia

December is full-blown summer in Australia, so you’ll find beach weather from Sydney to the Gold Coast. Days are long and sunny, perfect for road trips or surfing sessions. Sydney buzzes with energy, while Melbourne hums with art and food. If you love nature, head north for the Great Barrier Reef or west for wild coastlines and vineyards.

Locals celebrate Christmas outdoors – surfing, barbecuing, or catching fireworks over the harbour. For visitors, it’s a complete seasonal flip: bright sun, warm nights, and endless outdoor festivals.

December average temperature: 25-30 °C (Sydney); 28-34 °C (Cairns)

Best winter destinations: Sydney for beaches and city life; Great Barrier Reef for diving; Melbourne for culture; Perth for sunsets and wine.

How to Choose Your Warm Winter Destination

With so many warm countries in December to choose from, how do you decide? Think about your priorities:

For beaches and all-inclusive resorts: Mexico, Maldives, and the Caribbean islands top the list.

For adventure and nature: Costa Rica and South Africa offer incredible wildlife and landscapes.

For short-haul winter sun (from Europe): Canary Islands or Cyprus are convenient and mild.

For culture and food: Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil deliver energy, flavor, and sunshine in equal measure.

For affordable travel: Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and parts of southern Spain often offer great value in December.

Also, consider flight duration and festive timing. Early December is cheaper and quieter; late December brings Christmas buzz but higher prices. Matching your destination to your travel style ensures you’ll find your perfect patch of December sunshine.

FAQ

Where is hot in December and cheap?

Destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and the Canary Islands are among the most affordable warm spots in December. Flights and hotels tend to be cheaper before Christmas week.

Where in Europe is it warmest in December?

The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Madeira, and southern Portugal offer the mildest European weather in December, often reaching the low 20s °C.

Where is it hot to go over Christmas?

For real heat over Christmas, try Thailand, Mexico, the Caribbean, or South Africa — all see steady sunshine and festive atmospheres.

Is December good for beach holidays?

Absolutely. Many tropical regions have dry, sunny weather in December — ideal for swimming, diving, or just escaping the cold.

What should I pack for a December trip to warm countries?

Light clothing, swimsuits, a hat, and sunscreen. Evenings can be cooler in desert or coastal areas, so pack a light jacket too.