Where’s hot in December?

All you want for Christmas is a tan, right? December’s all festive and frosty in the Northern Hemisphere, but there’s plenty of sun shining in the south. Shake things up this year and pick to spend the season somewhere hot – Mariah’s invited too, she can come with on your Spotify playlist…  

In terms of where to go, we back the Canary Islands for some winter sun and they’re great value so close to home. Further afield, Aruba’s coming into its dry season, Phuket’s bringing the sunshine to Thailand and the Caribbean calls for the Dominican Republic. Senegal’s also a shout for sun with a side of safari, and there’s always our plot twist destination if you’re after something unexpected… 

So, here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in December. If you’ve already spied your pick, then don’t wait for us… check out our deals page.  

Spain 

Hottest pick – Canary Islands   

Trade your turkey in for a canary this year to keep your Christmas nice and warm. This archipelago of seven Canary Islands sits closer to Africa than Spain in the Atlantic Ocean, sotemperatures are off the European charts at this time ofyear. In particular, Tenerife is boasting 25°C and you can even still get your Christmas market fix. Climb Spain’s tallest mountain, Mount Teide – it’s not too hot for an active adventure – or the beach is always calling…  

Aruba 

‘Tis the season for a bit of Caribbean sun. It’s the start of the dry season in Aruba and this island is already hitting 31°C. The beaches here are some of the best in the region, like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach – Condé Nast Traveller actually named the second as one of the best in the world. Spread out on the sand or take your pick of watersports like jet-skiing and windsurfing. You’ve got seven hours of sunshine a day to make the most of, so we’re sure you can do both.  

Thailand 

Hottest pick – Phuket 

Say goodbye to the rain this month in Phuket and hello to 31°C and eight hours of sun a day. Santa knows you’ve been nice. Not everywhere in Thailand is this ideal weather-wise – Koh Samui might be warm but it’s still pretty wet right now, for example. In general, the dry season starts around November so by Christmas, Phuket has to be the best present you get this year. Think island hopping, temple visits and plenty of mango sticky rice. How about hanging around for a full moon festival or New Year’s Eve? There’ll be plenty of beach parties to pick from.  

The Dominican Republic 

The Caribbean really is calling in December – Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is reaching 31°C. This northern city’s got sandy beaches, rainforest-coated mountains and lively towns to make the most of. But it’s all pretty nice to be honest – Punta Cana in the east and La Romana and Samana in the south are all hitting 30°C, so it’s your pick. Wherever you are, the Caribbean Sea is primed for a rather less chilly Christmas Day dip to cool you off. 

Senegal 

Senegal shines the spotlight on some of Africa’s most stunning nature and wildlife, and in December you can see it all in a toasty 28°C. This month is in the dry season here, which means animals are easier to see on a safari. Delta Saloum National Park and Bandia Animal Reserve are two highlights but the beaches are up there, too. The west coast is where it’s at, with soft sands and unreal seafood – ‘tis the season to fill your belly, after all.   

Plot twist… 

Trinidad and Tobago  

The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is actually from January to May, so you can get in there a bit early by picking December. Afternoon showers are to be expected but with temperatures around 30°C on Tobago and high humidity, they’re actually pretty welcome. The rest of the time can easily be spent on the beach so you can still get some sunbathing in, but you shouldn’t have to spend as much to stay there.  

Ready to turn it up for December? Check out our holidays to narrow down your perfect pick.  

Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.  

Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 28/06/2024