There’s something extremely satisfying about a winter getaway, swap stocking-stuffing for sun-drenched Blue Flag coastlines in Thailand or sweeping sand dunes in Fuerteventura. Why get caught in the rain or snow, when you could be taking advantage of exotic climates in far-flung destinations or African rays on tiny archipelago islands? The festive season is all about giving, and what better self-indulgent gift than a tropical holiday? You may be asking, where is hot in December? Trust us, sizzling destinations are a lot closer than you think. Check out which hotspots will guarantee sunshine this winter.
1. Hurghada, Egypt
At the foot of the Sahara Desert and moments from the Red Sea, Hurghada benefits from a subtropical climate. The chance of rain is extremely unlikely with November to March being its driest months. Although not the hottest season in Egypt, holidaymakers can still bask in 24°C heat – sometimes even higher, perfectly suiting avid sunbathers. Nights may dip below the 20s, so a light jacket is recommended.
Why go?
Famed for its flawless stretches of sand gazing out onto the Red Sea, world wonders in neighbouring Luxor with its Valley of the Kings and bustling souks in its enchanting Old Town, Hurghada is more than just a hot destination. It’s home to some of the world’s best underwater adventures, so certified diving centres are aplenty. Alongside a fancy harbour where boat trips to Giftun Island await. Or, how about floating along the longest river in Africa? The Nile is just another perk of your Hurghada holiday.
Best beaches in Hurghada
- Old Vic Beach
- Sahl Hasheesh Beach
- Makadi Bay
- Soma Bay
Things to do in Hurghada
- El-Dahar Square
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Jungle Aquapark
- Diving the Red Sea
- Luxor day trips
Flight time
5 hours and 20 minutes
Suggested hotels in Hurghada
Hawaii Riviera Aqua Park: With a private stretch to its name and unparalleled Red Sea views, you’ll instantly be captivated by this family favourite. Its All Inclusive options allow you to feast on Asian, seafood and international options thanks to its buffet and a la cartes. But the main draw is its waterpark with 12 thrilling slides and six mini shoots.
Swiss Inn Hurghada Resort: 5-star surroundings anyone? From its trio of pools to its four restaurants and endless activities, you won’t get bored at this showstopper. Upgrade to take advantage of rooms with premium bathrobes, slippers and enhanced views. But even its most standard features will impress.
2. Fuerteventura
Who needs Christmas markets when Fuerteventura’s year-round climate is calling your name? While most places in Europe are preparing for the snowy season, this Canary Island favourite is still enjoying mild 20°C temperatures owing to its 100-kilometre distance from Africa. There’s only a max of three rainy days in the entire month, meaning you should definitely pack your swimming gear. As for the evenings, they dip to around 17°C but shorts are still recommended.
Why go?
As the oldest Canary Island, it’s brimming with culture from its 4,000-year-old unique volcanic formation to its famous beaches which rank in Europe’s top 25 and its myths leading back to the lost civilization of Atlantis. Surfers will be in their element too, thanks to the island’s legendary winds, wild waves are ensured along the Atlantic. If you want to escape reality, its lavish All Inclusive properties will transport you to a whole new world, while its lunar terrain entices thrill-seekers.
Best beaches in Fuerteventura
- Corralejo
- Costa Calma
- Cofete Beach
- Morro Jable
- Caleta de Fuste
Things to do in Fuerteventura
- Oasis Park Fuerteventura
- Lobos Island
- Montana de Tindaya
- Dune buggy at Parque Natural de Corralejo
- Acua Waterpark
Flight time
4 hours
Suggested hotels in Fuerteventura
Eurostars Las Salinas: Steps from the sun-kissed sands of Caleta de Fuste this 226-room hotel offers pure comfort and tranquility. There’s even a selection of villas for those who’d like to take advantage of a private pool, living area, and kitchen. Facilities include sweet orange revitalisation treatments from the spa, a playground for tiny tots and premium sports facilities.
Arena Suite Hotel: Offering the ultimate all inclusive regime, this contemporary hotel invites you to indulge in its endless buffet of Mediterranean food. Lap up the hot weather via the sun terrace or by the pool. There’s a games room for teens and the free Wi-Fi keeps you connected to the world.
3. Lanzarote
Lanzarote is hotter than its sister island Fuerteventura with average highs of 22°C during the festive period. Keep south of the island in resorts such as Playa Blanca to avoid overcast days and wind protection. Costa Teguise is ideal for watersports with its gentle breeze, but it can also appear cooler, so pack a cardigan ready for sunset.
Why go?
You can create everlasting memories in Lanzarote from enjoying meals cooked over volcanic heat among its natural terrain to getting lost in lava rock formations – it’s an island worth exploring and December is the prime time to do so with a mild climate on your side. Speaking of natural allures, its Valley of a Thousand Palms will have you reaching for your camera, as will its green lagoons. But most importantly, its wide selection of family-focused hotels and Self Catering hideaways will provide unlimited options.
Best beaches in Lanzarote
- Playa Francesa
- Playa de Papagayo
- Playa Chica
- Playa de Famara
- Playa Flamingo
Things to do in Lanzarote
- Timanfaya National Park
- Cueva De Los Verdes Caves
- Ranchos Texas
- Pirate Museum
- El Golfo
Flight time
4 hours
Suggested hotels in Lanzarote
Sandos Papagayo: Spread over seven buildings and made up of over 488 suites and twin rooms, this All Inclusive complex is larger-than-life. Sample fine dining at its a la carte, swim in three different pools or battle it out on a trio of sports courts – the possibilities are never-ending.
H10 Rubicon Palace: Standing on the seafront of Playa Blanca, this iconic 5-star resort has been recently renovated and is ready to impress with its fancy interior design and mod-cons. Its lagoon-style pool accessorised with wooden bridges is the perfect base on a hot day, while its Thalasso Centre has a treatment list a mile long and the Daisy Adventure children’s area provides endless fun.
4. Madeira
As a top choice for winter warmer breaks, you can expect temperatures to range between 19 to 24°C during the day and the sea sits at a comfortable 20°C too. Some days you may feel a light breeze, but don’t be fooled you’ll still need sun protection. When dusk falls, you may need to pack some jeans or trousers to keep you covered from the night draft. But if you hit its clubbing scene, you’ll work up a sweat in no time.
Why go?
Alongside its major highlights including Pico do Arieiro Mountain and its fortified wine dating back over 1,000 years, Madeira also celebrates Christmas. So not only can you top up your tan on black sand beaches, but you can explore its market stalls full of handcrafted gems and towering Christmas trees. It’s award-winning too, claiming the title of the ‘World’s Best Island Destination’, which is hardly surprising with its 14th century history, hillside orange-roofed houses and art adorned streets.
Best beaches in Madeira
- Ponta Gorda
- Porto Moniz
- Camara de Lobos
- Prainha
- Canico
Things to do in Madeira
- Funchal Farmers Market
- Funchal Cable Car
- Toboggan Ride
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Cabo Girao
Flight time
4 hours
Suggested hotels in Madeira
VidaMar Resort: Tempting you in with its three infinity edge pools, exclusive Funchal location and five restaurants offering five different taste bud tantalising experiences – this is a 5-star stay is like no other. Mini travellers can enjoy its opulence too courtesy of the Aquatic Kids World and if you’re planning a wedding, this spot positions you at the foot of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pestana Royal Premium Ocean & Spa Resort: For an all inclusive stay that pulls out all the stops, look no further. We’re talking a duo of swimming pools, mini golf, four restaurants, sports courts alongside a playground for little ones. Not forgetting its stand-out location on Formosa Beach, the city’s largest stretch.
5. Florida
With over seven hours of sunshine, an inviting 25°C sea temperature and an average 22°C climate – sunglasses are essential. In fact, if you head to Miami, you’ll benefit from an even higher weather forecast at 26°C due to its southern location. It’s one of the driest months of the year with less than 2.58 inches of rain, making theme park adventures all the more pleasurable.
Why go?
If visiting Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Epcot, reliving your favourite movies in Universal Studios or heading for NASA’s primary spaceflight centre feature on your bucket-list, you’re in luck! Not only is December the perfect temperature for rollercoaster rides, shopping down International Drive and exploring nature reserves, but you’ll find its most popular spots come alive with festive firework displays at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter alongside eggnog stalls and ballet performances of the famous Nutcracker.
Best beaches in Florida
- Clearwater Beach
- South Beach
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Bahia Honda
- Fort Lauderdale
Things to do in Florida
Walt Disney World Resort
Everglades National Park
Universal Studios
Kennedy Space Centre
Busch Gardens
Flight time
9 hours and 20 minutes
Suggested hotels in Florida
Liki Tiki Resort: Water babies will adore this hotel with its five waterslides, erupting water volcano, heated lagoons and splash zones. This complex is that big, it even features its own supermarket and pharmacy. Not to mention the mini golf course, games room and tasty dining options. You’re also just minutes from Orlando’s biggest parks.
Seralago Hotel & Suites: This is one of the most affordable family-friendly properties in Kissimmee. Take your pick from 614 beautifully decorated rooms, perfect for unwinding after an adrenaline-pumping day. Onsite find two Olympic-style pools, a video arcade and a theatre for movie nights.
6. Thailand
For exotic shores, Thailand in December won’t let you down. We’re talking soaring temperatures of nearly 30°C and comfortable humidity of 70%.Tropical rain storms can occur briefly, but this is nothing compared to its 21 days of showers in monsoon season. Expect over eight hours of sunshine, leaving you infinite time to dive its 28°C sea water, which is some of the clearest in the world.
Why go?
With over 35,000 temples, home to the hottest city, Bangkok and made up of approx 1,430 islands – Thailand is a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles’ thanks to its welcoming nature, fantastic hospitality is just one of its favourable features. Tick off more than one destination in a single trip with our multi-centre breaks, or simply kick back and relax on Krabi’s 150 kilometres of powder white sands amidst 5-star hotels.
Best beaches in Thailand
- Patong Beach
- Railay Beach
- Long Beach
- Hua Hin Beach
- Kata Beach
Things to do in Thailand
- The Grand Palace
- Elephant Experience
- Island Hopping
- Floating Markets
- Full Moon Party
Flight time
11 hours 15 minutes
Suggested hotels in Thailand
The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa: With direct access to Patong Beach, a freeform pool and spa, nothing screams glamour like a stay in this 4-star paradise. Located in Phuket among its shopping district, you’re in Thailand’s beating heart. There are over 300 rooms boasting panoramic views of the city and when it comes to dining, there’s five restaurants and a sky bar for post-dinner cocktails.
Beyond Resort Krabi: Nestle yourself among wild beauty thanks to Krabi’s towering limestone cliffs, jungle terrain and off-the-beaten-track sand spots. It’s won awards for its outstanding hospitality and beach weddings. As for its facilities, there’s a 40-metre pool directly on the coastline, Eastern and Western treatments in the spa and Thai cooking classes.