Warm Destinations to Visit in December
December is one of the best months to escape the UK. Days are short and cold at home, but a handful of destinations around the world sit in full sunshine with daytime temperatures well above 20°C. Whether you want a beach, a city, or an island with nothing but warm water and clear skies, there is a practical option at almost every budget.
Why December Works So Well for Sun Seekers
The winter sun season runs October through March, which means December sits squarely in the sweet spot for reliable warmth. Destinations within or near the tropics are largely unaffected by European winter, and many experience dry, low-humidity conditions at this time of year. Crowds at popular beach resorts are beginning to build, but they have not yet reached the peak levels seen in January and February. Booking 3–6 months in advance gives you the best combination of availability and price.
The Canary Islands - Closest Warm Winter Option
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura all deliver average daytime highs of 20–24°C in December. These islands sit off the coast of northwest Africa, which keeps them warm enough for beach days even in midwinter. Flights from most UK airports are short-haul, typically around 4 hours, with return fares generally falling in the £80–£250 range per person in economy, excluding luggage. All-inclusive resorts are abundant here, with budget-tier options running £80–£150 per person per night based on two adults sharing.
Gran Canaria vs Tenerife
Gran Canaria's south tends to stay sunnier and drier in December than the north of Tenerife, which can attract low cloud. Tenerife's south coast, around Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, is comparably reliable. Both islands offer a wide spread of accommodation from self-catering apartments to large resort complexes.
Cape Verde - Uncrowded and Genuinely Tropical
Cape Verde sits in the Atlantic about 570 kilometres off the West African coast, placing it just inside the tropics. December temperatures hover around 24–28°C, sea temperatures are comfortable at around 23–24°C, and the islands see very little rainfall at this time of year. Sal and Boa Vista are the flattest and sunniest islands, both well set up for beach holidays with direct UK flights typically landing in the £250–£400 range. The pace is quieter than the Canaries, which suits travellers looking for something more relaxed.
The Maldives - Long-Haul Luxury in Clear Water
December marks the start of the dry season in the Maldives, making it one of the best months to visit. Sea temperatures average 26–30°C year-round, and underwater visibility commonly reaches 15–30 metres, which is excellent for snorkelling and diving. The Maldives is a long-haul destination, with flights from the UK running over 10 hours. Economy return fares typically sit between £400–£900 per person, and resort costs reflect the premium location: luxury-tier all-inclusive options cost £300–£700 per person per night.
Mid-range overwater and beach-bungalow resorts come in at roughly £150–£300 per person per night.
Most UK passport holders can enter the Maldives on a free visa-on-arrival basis, though you should always verify current entry requirements with official government sources before booking.
Thailand - Beach and Culture Combined
Thailand's Gulf Coast, including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, does receive some rainfall in December, so the Andaman Coast is a better bet at this time of year. Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta typically see dry, sunny weather with temperatures around 28–32°C. Flights from the UK are long-haul, usually 11–12 hours, with economy returns generally available in the £400–£700 range. Bangkok makes a strong city-break starting point, with mid-range hotels running £90–£200 per room per night.
Practical Notes for Thailand in December
December is high season, so popular islands book up quickly. Aiming to secure accommodation and flights at least 4–5 months ahead gives you the widest choice. UK citizens can currently visit Thailand visa-free for short stays, but always check the current rules with official sources.
Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
The Caribbean's dry season begins in December, making it one of the most reliable months for sun across most of the islands. Barbados is particularly popular with British travellers: direct flights take around 8–9 hours, average daytime temperatures reach 28–30°C, and the island has a solid range of accommodation from self-catering to five-star resorts. Economy return flights typically cost £500–£800 per person. All-inclusive resorts on the island range from mid-tier at £150–£300 per person per night up to luxury at £300–£700 per person per night.
St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada offer similar weather and slightly fewer crowds than Barbados in December. All are worth considering if you want a quieter atmosphere without sacrificing sunshine.
Marrakech - Warm Without the Beach
Not every December escape needs to be beach-focused. Marrakech sits at a higher elevation than the coast, giving it mild daytime temperatures of around 18–22°C in December, cool evenings, and clear blue skies. It is a short-haul destination, with flights from the UK typically taking 3–3.5 hours and return fares regularly available for £80–£200 per person. Budget hotels and riads cost £40–£90 per room per night, and mid-range options sit at £90–£200.
The souks, food scene, and day trips to the Atlas Mountains give the city strong appeal for travellers who want culture rather than sunbeds.
Dubai - City Sunshine with a Beach Side
Dubai in December offers some of the most reliably pleasant weather in the world at this time of year, with daytime highs around 24–26°C and almost no rain. It works well as a beach destination, a shopping trip, or a stopover between the UK and Australia or Southeast Asia. Flights from the UK are just over 7 hours, putting it firmly in long-haul territory. Luxury hotels are the headline offering, typically running £200–£500 per room per night, though more moderate options exist.
UAE entry for UK passport holders is currently visa-free for short stays, but confirm the latest rules before travel.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your Budget
Short-haul options such as the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Marrakech keep overall trip costs lower, as flights and accommodation are both more affordable. Long-haul destinations such as the Maldives, Barbados and Thailand offer more intense warmth and a wider range of water-based activities, but the flight cost alone adds significantly to the total spend.
A useful rule of thumb: a 7–10 night short-haul winter sun trip for two adults can come in well under £2,000 all-in if you book early, while a 10–14 night Maldives or Caribbean trip for two will typically cost £3,000–£8,000 or more depending on accommodation standard. Always check the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before booking any overseas trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Cheapest Warm Destinations to Visit in December from the UK?
The Canary Islands and Marrakech are the most affordable options. Short-haul return flights typically cost £80–£250 per person, and budget accommodation starts from around £40–£90 per room per night. Cape Verde is another low-cost alternative with a genuine tropical feel and direct UK flights.
Is December a Good Month to Visit the Maldives?
Yes. December marks the start of the dry season in the Maldives, with sea temperatures of 26–30°C and underwater visibility reaching 15–30 metres. It is one of the most popular months to visit, so booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended to secure the best rates.
Which Caribbean Islands Are Best to Visit in December?
Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada are all excellent choices. December sits at the start of the Caribbean dry season, so rainfall is low and temperatures average 28–30°C. Barbados has the most direct UK flight options and a well-established resort infrastructure.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Warm December Destinations from the UK?
UK citizens can visit many popular winter sun destinations, including the Maldives, Thailand and Dubai, without a pre-arranged visa or on a visa-on-arrival basis. Entry rules do change, so always verify the current requirements with official government sources and check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a December Sun Holiday?
Booking 3–6 months in advance is the standard recommendation for December travel, as it is a peak period for UK winter sun holidays. Popular destinations such as the Canary Islands, Barbados and the Maldives fill up quickly, and early booking usually secures better prices on both flights and accommodation.