Warm Places to Visit in December For Winter Sun
As winter creeps in and temperatures start to cool across the northern hemisphere, you may be looking for some warm places to visit in December to escape the cold and soak up the sun.
I’m a sunshine and sea girl through and through — somewhere with cold weather and snow is far from my favorite type of destination. I often dream of warm places to visit during those cold winter days.
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Whether it’s a trip to the warm beaches of the Caribbean islands, the mild weather in Southern California, or the start of summer in the southern hemisphere, there are plenty of warm places to visit in December!
December usually brings the holiday cheer, with school breaks, time off work, and cozy Christmas mornings. Despite this, you may experience winter blues and seasonal depression that only a warm, sunny day can dispel.
If you need some sunshine (and maybe a tropical beach or two), these are my top picks for warm places to visit in December!
Warm Places in the USA in December
San Diego, California
When I lived in San Diego, winter was one of my favorite times of the year to be there!
Though summer is hot with your quintessential Southern California beach days, the crowds of tourists make it less enjoyable. Luckily, San Diego still has lovely weather even in December, without the summer crowds.
It’s not too hot, not too cold; just a perfect 65–70ºF with sunshine. Rainy days in San Diego are a rarity, but there is a potential for a few days of rain in December. The evenings cool down, so you can still wear that cute winter outfit at dinner!
San Diego proper (downtown San Diego) is both a beach town and a big city. My preferred spot to visit is the North County area. For a laid-back beachy December getaway, I recommend Encinitas.
Where To Stay in San Diego
Encinitas: Kate Stanton Inn
Carlsbad: Beach Terrace
Downtown SD: Townhouse At Balboa Park
Palm Springs, California
There’s truly no place like Palm Springs. It’s like a town frozen in time with bright colors and mid-century modern design set in the desert.
After the triple-digit temps throughout summer and early fall, December is a popular time to visit Palm Springs for some warmth without melting in the scorching heat.
You can typically expect daytime highs in the 70sºF with very few rainy days. Due to being in the desert, the weather isn’t always predictable, and rain can be erratic. Check the forecast leading up to your trip, as it can change day-to-day.
Palm Springs is a fun destination for a girls' trip, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or even a fun couples getaway! Stay at a hotel with a pool, explore the funky downtown, check out the art galleries, or stroll through the fun mid-century neighborhoods.
If you’re craving a bit of snow on your warm December getaway, take the aerial tram to the top of San Jacinto Mountain! It gets the most snow between mid-December and February.
Are you a big film fan or just want to spot celebrities? Visit at the end of December and stay through early January to catch the annual Palm Springs Film Festival! This year it’s January 2–12, 2026.
Where To Stay in Palm Springs
El Noa Noa (adults only)
Santa Barbara, California
My second home and favorite place is the coastal town of Santa Barbara. Known as the American Riviera, it has gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, Spanish architecture, and an endless list of things to do.
Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate has temperatures in the 60sºF in December. It may not be enough for a hot beach day, but it has many sunny days! There can be a few days of rain in December between the warm days — check before you go.
Like many tourist destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, there are far fewer tourists in Santa Barbara in December. It’s actually an ideal time to visit for nice weather, Christmas festivities, and the best sunsets of the year!
Beaches aren’t the only attraction in Santa Barbara! The mountains that give Santa Barbara its beautiful backdrop have tons of hiking trails, waterfalls, and even hot springs. Wineries more your thing? Santa Barbara has plenty of those, too!
Where To Stay in Santa Barbara
Maui, Hawaii
December in Maui is the peak rainy season, but daytime temps are still in the high 70sºF and the rain doesn’t usually last long. If you time it right (and luck is on your side), you can easily have a tropical, beachy vacation in Maui in December!
Much of Maui gets less rain than the other islands, aside from the Big Island. We typically stay on the west shore in Ka’anapali when we visit, which tends to get less rain in December than the north shore.
Maui is a perfect destination for a relaxing December getaway with warm weather, picturesque beaches straight out of a magazine, fresh fruit, incredible fish (I literally eat poké for breakfast here), and lush forests.
I grew up visiting Maui as our annual summer vacation. It’s a popular vacation spot for Californians since it's a relatively short flight away.
Maui has always been a special place to my family and me, but it became even more special when my now-husband and I eloped on the beach there!
Stay in Wailea or Kihei on the south shore for the lowest chance of rain, or in Ka’anapali on the west shore for a lower chance of rain.
Recommended: What To Pack For Hawaii
Where To Stay in Maui
Wailea: Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott
Kihei: Ali'i Kai Condo
Ka’anapali:
Warm Places in Europe in December
Malta
The tiny island of Malta is just south of Sicily, Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s best known for the ancient sites and rich history that are celebrated throughout the country.
Malta isn’t just one island; it’s an archipelago with three inhabited islands! Before I started researching for my first trip to Malta, I knew little to nothing about the country or its three islands.
Now that I’ve explored the majority of regions across Malta and Gozo, I can confidently recommend it as an adventurous vacation destination for a winter getaway!
I visited Malta in October and experienced hot days that sometimes made it less enjoyable to walk 20,000+ steps a day in the sun.
December in Malta is usually sunny, with daytime highs in the low-mid 60sºF. When you’re out and about all day soaking up the history, walking the coastline, or going on a boat trip, these temperatures are perfect.
Summer is peak season for Malta, which means December sees far fewer crowds from overseas tourists.
Recommended: Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas of Every Budget
Where To Stay in Malta
Valetta: Avalon Boutique
St. Paul’s Bay: Seaview Hotel
Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia is a region in the south of Spain known for Flamenco music & dancing, tapas, and beautiful Moorish architecture.
We spent a couple of weeks exploring this region in winter. We were pleased with sunny days and mild temperatures in the low 60sºF after visiting other European countries that were cold and rainy.
Seville (or Sevilla, in Spanish) is the capital of Andalusia. It’s my favorite of the three cities that make up the “Golden Triangle” in this region: Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba.
Its main attraction is the Alcazar, a historic royal palace dating back to the 1100s. One area that may look familiar to you is the Plaza de España, which was a filming location for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
Granada and Córdoba are slightly cooler, with temps in the mid–50s°F with mostly sunny days. While it’s not hot summer weather, it’s still much warmer than the rest of Europe in December.
Granada and Córdoba also have incredible Moorish-style architecture, with the Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba. They’re both small, charming towns with delicious food and rich culture.
Where to Stay in Andalusia
Crete, Greece
Greece is at the very top of my list in terms of favorite countries. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, fresh and tasty food, a friendly and welcoming culture, and dozens of stunning islands.
My favorite island, Corfu, is cold and rainy in December, but Crete is one of the warmest spots in Europe in December with temps in the mid–60s°F. It’s Greece’s largest island and one of the southernmost islands in the country!
December is a lovely time to visit Crete as there are fewer tourists, lower prices, and it still has warm weather. Being the most populous Greek island, it doesn’t shut down for winter like Santorini since many locals live there year-round.
Though winter in Crete does get snow, this is because of the mountainous regions on the island. You won’t get any snow at sea level, but it’s not exactly bikini temperatures either.
The southern coast tends to be warmer with fewer days of rain, while Chania on the northern coast is an ideal area to stay. Since it’s one of the most populated towns, restaurants in Chania are usually open year-round, and you will still have access to some of the beautiful beaches.
Where To Stay in Crete
Photo by Vladimir Carrer on Unsplash
Warm Places in the Caribbean & Latin America in December
Puerto Rico
U.S. travelers won’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, as it’s a territory of the United States. Puerto Rico has long been on my must-visit list, but I’ve yet to make it there.
It’s in the Caribbean, nestled between the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. Though it’s a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico has a rich culture entirely its own, with influences from the indigenous Taíno population, Spanish colonizers, and Afro-Puerto Ricans.
December in Puerto Rico is warm and tropical, with daytime temperatures in the 80s°F — perfect weather, if you ask me! It is also the start of the dry season in this region, so you won’t need to pack a raincoat or umbrella.
In addition to the vibrant culture, the diverse landscapes of Puerto Rico are part of what draws me to this island. Though it definitely has beaches, there are also rainforests, mountains, and colorful cities.
Puerto Rico is the perfect warm place to visit in December, where you can immerse yourself in the culture, explore the cities, and spend your days in nature.
Where To Stay in Puerto Rico
Photo by Ethan Jameson on Unsplash
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, or SVG, is a chain of islands in the southern Caribbean. It’s a popular spot for yachters to anchor, with many picturesque bays.
I know it as the filming location of Pirates of the Caribbean! As the Pirates movies are my lifelong obsession, visiting the still-standing set was at the top of my bucket list.
For my 30th birthday, we spent 10 days exploring three of the islands: Saint Vincent, Union Island, and Bequia. Plus, a few of the stunning, uninhabited Tobaga Cays on a boat day trip.
It’s a less touristy country in the Caribbean, with a lively culture and friendly locals. There are a total of 32 islands that make up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with just nine inhabited islands.
Though we visited during the off-season in June, December is peak season when the weather is warm and the wet season is over. You can expect warm December temperatures in the 80s°F, sunny days at the beaches, perfect conditions for sailing, and lobster on the restaurant menus.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained its independence in 1979, making it a proudly independent country. It’s a unique experience with adventure, culture, local food, and warm winter weather!
Recommended: 10 Tips For Visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Where To Stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent: Mariners Hotel
Bequia:
Union Island: Tenuta Chatham Bay
Costa Rica
December in Costa Rica is the start of the dry season, with warm temps and sunny days. This is an ideal destination if you’re looking for truly warm weather in December! Daytime highs range between the 70sºF and 80sºF.
Costa Rica was the first country I visited outside of the U.S. Even though it was many years ago (I was 13), the dense jungles and abundant wildlife left a lasting impression.
Our group tour was adventurous, with ziplining through the rainforest and watersliding in the middle of the jungle.
On the Pacific coast, towns like Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are famous for their beaches, surfing, and national parks (with sloths and toucans!!).
In La Fortuna, you can hike around Arenal Volcano, soak in natural hot springs, and trek through hanging bridges in the rainforest.
Since the weather is so idyllic in Costa Rica in December, it’s peak season with more visitors and higher prices. But if you’re looking for a warm-weather destination filled with adventure, wildlife, and beaches, Costa Rica checks all those boxes.
Where To Stay in Costa Rica
La Fortuna (inland):
Tamarindo (coastal):
Photo by Darcy Calvin on Unsplash
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular beach towns on the Riviera Maya, known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lively downtown. Though it’s just an hour south of party-central Cancun, Playa del Carmen has a much more laid-back vibe.
December is one of the best times to visit Playa del Carmen, with warm weather in the low 80s°F and plenty of sunshine. It’s also the dry season, so you won’t have to worry about getting rained out.
The turquoise sea is calm and clear in December, making it perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving at the Meso-American Barrier Reef (the second-largest reef in the world!), or taking a ferry to the nearby island of Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen has a variety of activities aside from relaxing at the beach. You can also take a day trip to explore the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, swim in one of the nearby cenotes, or check out the shops and restaurants that line the pedestrian-friendly Quinta Avenida.
December is peak season in Playa del Carmen, though it is known for being a quiet, relaxing destination, it can get crowded during the school winter breaks.
If you’re looking for a warm tropical beach destination in December with resorts, snorkeling, and white sand beaches, then visit Playa del Carmen!
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Photo by Leo Escala on Unsplash
Warm Places in Africa in December
Morocco (Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira)
Morocco is just south of Andalusia, Spain, separated from it by the Strait of Gibraltar. When you picture Morocco, you likely think of the bustling city of Marrakech or the unique blue city of Chefchaouen.
December in Morocco has mild temps in the mid-60s°F — a welcome change after the sweltering summer weather. It’s perfect for visiting the vibrant souks and spice stalls in Marrakech or exploring and camping in the Sahara Desert.
Photo by Milad Alizadeh on Unsplash
If you’re looking for something more nature-focused, head to the Atlas Mountains and hike to the Ouzoud Falls with natural pools!
Though it isn’t hot summer weather, the mild December temps in Morocco make it a perfect place to escape the cold of winter, stay at a luxurious Riad, and explore its energetic cities.
Where To Stay in Morocco
Marrakech:
Chefchaouen:
Sahara Desert Camps:
Photo by Selina Bubendorfer on Unsplash
Egypt (Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts)
I am deeply fascinated with ancient Egyptian history and the grand temples and tombs that were created for the mummified dead. Egypt has always been a bucket list destination for me, and I planned a trip in 2024, but it didn’t end up happening.
In all my research for my own trip to Egypt, one thing is consistent: it gets HOT. This is why December is the perfect time to visit Egypt! The weather is lovely, with temps in the 70s–80s°F, which makes exploring the ancient cities much more enjoyable.
Visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan for some of the most well-known ancient sites, like the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. Want to explore Egypt by water? Take a cruise on the Nile River or sail on a Felucca (traditional wooden boat).
Enjoy a warm December getaway in Egypt, filled with ancient exploration and Egyptian culture, without the scorching summer heat.
Where To Stay in Egypt
Cairo:
Luxor:
Aswan:
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (famous, luxury hotel)
La Terrace (Elephantine Island)
Photo by Siddhesh Mangela on Unsplash
Warm Places in Oceania in December
Australia (Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns)
December is the start of summer in Australia since it’s in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia is a massive country, with the majority of people living on the coasts, while the center is the wild Outback.
I’ve visited Cairns in northern Queensland and Sydney in New South Wales on the east coast. Both are beautiful places, very different from each other.
While Cairns in December is an awful time to visit (Cyclone season, stinger season, and unbearably hot/humid weather), Sydney has drier weather with warm temps and occasional heat waves.
Sydney has a wide variety of activities, with beaches, the famous Opera House, a large zoo, and the beautiful Darling Harbour. The city of Sydney felt familiar, as it reminded me of big cities in the U.S. and had similar architecture to California cities.
While in Sydney, I recommend taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for gorgeous views, visiting the famous Bronte Baths (you’ve definitely seen photos of them before), and starting the scenic Bondi to Coogee Walk early in the morning before it gets too hot.
December is peak tourist season and has local school holidays, meaning many places are crowded with both Australians and overseas tourists. If you’re planning to visit during this time, book as far in advance as possible.
Australia is large and has so much to offer, but Sydney is a must-visit spot in my opinion. If you want to venture to other regions, visit Melbourne in Victoria on the south coast, Tasmania (an island) south of Melbourne, or Perth on the southwest coast.
Where To Stay in Australia
Sydney: The Grace Hotel
Melbourne: Lifestyle Apartments
Tasmania: Moss Hotel
Perth: Pan Pacific Perth
December Travel Tips
Book early: For many places that are warm and dry in December, this is peak season. This means hotels can get booked up quickly! The earlier you book, the more options you will have.
Check local school holiday dates: If you can avoid it, visit in December before the local schools break for the holidays. Otherwise, you may encounter more crowds and families with kids.
Research local events: Some countries have major events in December that can draw massive crowds and book out hotels many months in advance. Before you decide on a location, check dates for their December events and local holidays.
Pack layers: December in the northern hemisphere is still winter, even if these destinations are on the warmer side. Some places may have a few days of rain, and it’s always better to be prepared for it!
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Discover some of the warmest places to visit in December for a sunny winter getaway, from Caribbean islands to the land down under.