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Where's hot in December?

Wondering where to go for your vitamin D fix? Check out these hot picks for December sun.
Dreading the thought of wrapping up just to pop outside? We get it. Rather be lounging on a beach, cocktail in hand? Us too. That’s why we’ve lined up this list of getaways made for a winter escape. So, if you fancy leaving the sweater weather behind for toastier temps, take a look at our top picks to score some sun this December.

And once you’ve got all the inspo you need, check out our deals page to get away for less.

Tenerife

Make a break for Tenerife and get your sunshine fix closer to home. With daily temperatures averaging around the early 20s during December, plus lots of beaches and national parks, it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular Canary Island – no shade to the rest. We’d suggest heading to coastal spots like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas. Why? The temps can reach a toasty 24°C across these southern spots.

Average temperature: 21°C
Average December rainfall: 1mm
Average hours of sunshine: 6.5 hours

Find out more about holidays to Tenerife.
El Duque Beach, Costa Adeje.

Cape Verde

If the winter blues have got you dreaming of a sunny beach break, December is the ideal time to visit Cape Verde. Choose between the beautiful islands of Boa Vista or Sal and trade in your cosy snugs for sandals, beach towels and those cocktails we mentioned earlier. Plus, since it’s mostly flat, there’s plenty of wind to keep the humidity nice and low – perfect for the adventure lovers looking to try out some water sports like kitesurfing.

Average temperature: 25°C
Average December rainfall: 0mm
Average hours of sunshine: 11 hours

Check out our All Inclusive holidays to Cape Verde.

Mexico

With up to 11 hours of sunshine a day and average temps in the mid-20s throughout December, there’s plenty of time to explore Mexico’s dreamy white sands, including Cancun’s 22 kilometre stretch. Plus, with cooler temps in the early AM, you can slot in a sightseeing session before things heat up. Our picks? A visit to Chichen Itza – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – has to be on the cards. Or, take off to Tulum, which is one of the best-preserved coastal sites in Mayan history.

Average temperature: 24°C
Average December rainfall: 21mm
Average hours of sunshine: 11 hours

Take a look at our Mexico holiday deals.

Costa Rica

You’ll find the perfect mix of beaches and jungles on a trip to Costa Rica. And since December’s the start of the dry season – where temps reach highs of 31°C – it’s the best time to tick off both. Get ready for zip-lining adventures through the treetops – spotting sloths while you go – and lazy days lounging on Tamarindo beach.

Average temperature: 26°C
Average December rainfall: 15mm
Average hours of sunshine: 6 hours

Check out more top things to do in Costa Rica.

Barbados

Holidays to Barbados are all about sandy beaches backed by swanky seafront resorts. And a visit in December is no exception. We’re talking balmy temps in the mid-30s and 11 hours of sunshine a day. Sounds dreamy, right? If you’d prefer a break from the sand, head to the capital city, Bridgetown, where you sip on rum from St Nicholas’ Abbey – one of the oldest distilleries on the island – and pick up fresh fruit from the Cheapside Street Market.

Average temperature: 29°C
Average December rainfall: 42mm
Average hours of sunshine: 11 hours

Take a look at our best Barbados holiday deals.
Harrismith, Barbados

Dominican Republic

Thanks to its Caribbean postcode, the Dominican Republic’s in the same league as Barbados in December, with soaring temps and minimal rainfall. It’s also a pro when it comes to top-class beaches, especially around the area of Punta Cana, on the eastern side of the island. It’s home to headlining resorts like Cap Cana and Bavaro. Here you’ll find white sands to sink your toes into, clear waters for a dip and fancy All Inclusive hotels.

Average temperature: 29°C
Average December rainfall: 73mm
Average hours of sunshine: 7 hours

See more of our All Inclusive holidays to the Dominican Republic.
Beach in Dominican Republic

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Reasons to book with TUI

Price-Match Promise.
Hotels, flights, transfers and more all packed up.
Trusted by families, loved by kids.
Book and pay, your way.
Start local. Go global.
24/7 support
Life's memories, made on holiday.
Ready to book your December getaway?

Take a look at our December holiday deals.

Plus, check out our tips for flying long haul.

Or, if you don't want to fly far this winter, find out which Canary Island is for you and where to go for its best beaches.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Ben Staff and Conor Braniff

Last updated: 06.11.24

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