December rolls around, and suddenly everyone’s bundling up in scarves and fighting for a spot near the heater. But here’s what most people don’t realize: while half the globe freezes over, incredible destinations are basking in sunshine and warmth, waiting for you to show up in shorts and sandals.
Your Instagram feed is probably full of snow-covered cabins and cozy fireplaces right now. That’s beautiful, sure. But what if you’d rather feel sand between your toes than ice scraping your windshield?
The good news is that December is actually one of the best months to escape to warmer climates because you’re hitting these places during their absolute sweet spot—perfect weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and enough sunshine to make your winter blues completely disappear.
Best Places to Visit in December to Avoid Cold
These ten destinations offer everything from pristine beaches to cultural experiences, all with temperatures that’ll make you forget what a winter coat feels like. Each spot brings something different to the table, so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect escape.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali in December sits right at the beginning of its wet season, which sounds like a dealbreaker until you realize what that actually means. You get warm temperatures hovering around 80-85°F, occasional afternoon rain showers that last maybe an hour, and then sunshine again. The rain usually arrives predictably in the late afternoon, so you plan your beach time for the morning and your temple visits for whenever you want.
What makes Bali special in December is that you’re visiting during a shoulder season. Fewer tourists mean better prices on everything from accommodations to tours. That fancy villa with the infinity pool? Suddenly affordable. The restaurant you’ve been dying to try? No reservation needed. You can actually enjoy Ubud’s rice terraces without fighting through selfie-stick crowds.
Your days here can look however you want them to. Surf lessons at Canggu beach run about $35 and the water stays warm year-round. If you prefer cultural experiences, temples like Tanah Lot become even more atmospheric with dramatic cloudy skies as backdrops. The food scene is incredible too—you can eat amazing nasi goreng for $3 or splurge on a multi-course meal at a cliff-side restaurant for $50.
The Balinese people celebrate their culture openly, and December often brings traditional ceremonies you might stumble upon. Pro tip: stay in Seminyak if you want beach clubs and nightlife, or pick Ubud if you’re after yoga retreats and jungle vibes. Either way, pack light clothes and a small umbrella.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
December might be peak tourist season here, but there’s a reason everyone flocks to Dubai during this month. The temperature drops to a perfect 75-80°F. No oppressive heat, no humidity making you feel like you’re walking through soup, just ideal conditions for actually enjoying everything this city offers.
Dubai feels like someone took every luxury experience on earth and crammed it into one place. You can ski indoors at Mall of the Emirates in the morning, then hit the beach at JBR in the afternoon. The contrast is wild and that’s exactly what makes it work. Your Instagram will thank you when you’re taking sunset photos at the Burji Khalifa—the viewing deck offers 360-degree views that look especially stunning during December’s clearer skies.
Beach clubs here operate at full capacity during December. Places like Nikki Beach or Zero Gravity charge entrance fees ranging from $30-70, but that usually includes pool access, beach loungers, and sometimes food credit. The Persian Gulf stays warm enough for swimming, hovering around 75°F, which feels refreshing without being cold.
Shopping reaches fever pitch with the Dubai Shopping Festival often running through December. We’re talking actual deals, not just tourist traps. Gold souk bargaining becomes an experience in itself. Street food at places like Al Dhiyafah Road costs under $10 for a full meal, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune here despite Dubai’s luxury reputation.
3. Maldives
December in the Maldives is what postcards are made of. This string of islands scattered across the Indian Ocean experiences its dry season, which means day after day of blue skies meeting even bluer water. Temperatures hang around 84-86°F with low humidity. Basically perfect.
Each resort occupies its own island, so when you’re there, you’re really there. No day-trippers, no crowds, just you and whoever else is staying at your resort. Snorkeling happens right off the beach—no boat needed. You wade into bath-warm water and suddenly you’re swimming with sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish that look too colorful to be real. Many resorts offer complimentary snorkeling gear, so you can explore whenever the mood strikes.
Yes, the Maldives has a reputation for being expensive, and luxury resorts can run $500-2000+ per night. But here’s what people miss: guesthouse islands offer the same incredible beaches and water for $100-150 per night. Places like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo let you experience the Maldives without selling a kidney. You still get the turquoise lagoons, just with a more local vibe and actual restaurants to choose from.
Water sports dominate activities here. Surfing picks up at certain atolls in December. Diving conditions are excellent with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Even if you just float in your overwater bungalow’s private lagoon access, you’re winning. The Maldives isn’t about doing everything—it’s about being somewhere so beautiful that doing nothing feels like an accomplishment.
4. Cancun, Mexico
Mexican Caribbean beaches in December offer something special: consistent 80°F weather, calm seas, and a vibe that shifts depending on which part of Cancun you pick. The hotel zone brings spring break energy (minus the actual spring breakers since they show up later), while downtown Cancun and nearby areas offer authentic Mexican culture.
Your money goes far here compared to other beach destinations. All-inclusive resorts start around $150 per person per night, covering food, drinks, and entertainment. Or skip the resort route entirely and stay at a boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen for $60-80 per night, eating fresh ceviche at local spots for $8 and drinking beers on the beach for $3.
Day trips from Cancun reach some of Mexico’s best attractions. Chichen Itza sits about two hours away—you can visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the ancient world and be back by dinner. Cenotes (natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water) dot the region. Swimming in these underground caves ranks among the most unique experiences you’ll have. Tours typically cost $40-60 and include transportation plus a guide who actually knows the history, not just memorized facts.
The ocean stays calm enough for water activities throughout December. Snorkeling trips to the nearby reefs cost around $50. If you’re into fishing, December brings sailfish and marlin closer to shore. Even just hanging on the beach works because Cancun’s beaches feature that impossibly soft white sand and water in every shade of blue. Hotel zone beaches are public by law, so you can beach-hop even if you’re not staying at the resorts.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island hits its stride in December. After months of monsoon rains, everything turns green and lush, the Andaman Sea calms down, and the humidity drops to actually tolerable levels. You get temperatures around 82-88°F with low rainfall chances.
Phuket works for any travel style. Party seekers head to Patong Beach where bars blast music until sunrise and bucket drinks flow freely. Families prefer Kata or Karon beaches with gentle waves and nearby restaurants serving pad thai that’ll ruin the takeout version for you forever. If you want quiet, the northern beaches like Mai Khao offer long stretches of sand with barely anyone around.
Island hopping becomes a must-do activity during December’s calm seas. Tours to Phi Phi Islands run about $30-40 including lunch, and you’ll visit Maya Bay (yes, from “The Beach” movie) plus snorkeling spots teeming with fish. James Bond Island tours cost similar and include canoeing through limestone caves. These aren’t tourist traps—the islands genuinely look like something from a fantasy movie.
Street food in Phuket deserves its own paragraph. Night markets pop up across the island where you can eat grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and pad see ew for under $5 total. Local restaurants charge $3-6 for full meals. Even nice beachfront dinners rarely exceed $20 per person. Thai massage costs $8-12 for an hour. Your vacation budget stretches incredibly far here, meaning you can upgrade accommodations or splurge on activities without guilt.
6. Queensland, Australia
While the Northern Hemisphere shivers, Australia’s Queensland region celebrates summer. December brings temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s, perfect for the outdoor lifestyle this place is known for. The Great Barrier Reef reaches peak diving conditions with water temps around 82°F and visibility that can exceed 80 feet.
Cairns serves as your gateway to reef adventures. Dozens of operators offer day trips ranging from budget snorkeling tours ($70) to premium diving expeditions ($200+). You swim among coral formations that look like underwater gardens and fish species you didn’t know existed. December also marks the beginning of stinger season, but all tour operators provide protective suits, so it’s really not an issue.
Further south, the Whitsunday Islands offer a different flavor of paradise. Whitehaven Beach regularly ranks among the world’s best beaches, and one visit shows you why. The sand is 98% pure silica, meaning it stays cool under your feet even in direct sunlight and squeaks when you walk on it. Sailing trips through the Whitsundays range from day tours ($100-150) to multi-day liveaboard experiences where you wake up to a different island view each morning.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast bring urban beach culture. Surfers Paradise lives up to its name with consistent waves and a boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops. Australia Zoo (yes, Steve Irwin’s zoo) makes a fantastic day trip from Brisbane. The wildlife here is unlike anywhere else—kangaroos, koalas, and cassowaries roaming in well-maintained habitats. Cities stay lively during December with Christmas markets and outdoor concerts taking advantage of the summer weather.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town in December means South African summer at its finest. Temperatures range from 70-80°F, Table Mountain wears fewer clouds than usual, and the Atlantic Ocean warms up just enough to make swimming bearable for more than five minutes. This city offers something rare: stunning nature combined with sophisticated urban culture, all wrapped in a warm-weather package.
Your mornings might start with a hike up Lion’s Head for sunrise views over the city and ocean. The trail takes about an hour and rewards you with 360-degree views. Alternatively, take the cable car up Table Mountain and wander the flat summit where rock hyraxes (they look like large guinea pigs) pose for photos. The mountain creates its own weather system, so December’s clearer conditions mean better chances of actually seeing the view.
Beaches here surprise people. Clifton has four beaches separated by granite boulders, each with its own personality. Camps Bay stretches along a boulevard lined with restaurants and backed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Yes, the Atlantic is cold compared to tropical destinations (around 65-68°F), but locals swim regularly and the beaches themselves are gorgeous. Boulder’s Beach lets you swim alongside African penguins—one of the few places on earth where this happens.
The Cape Winelands sit just 45 minutes from the city. December is harvest season, so wineries operate at full capacity. Wine tasting tours cost $50-80 and include visits to multiple estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. The food scene in Cape Town rivals any major city, with restaurant prices significantly lower than European or American equivalents. A fantastic meal with wine might run $40 per person at places that would cost triple that in London or New York.
8. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena combines Caribbean beaches with colonial charm and keeps temperatures in the mid-80s throughout December. The Old City, with its colorful buildings and flower-covered balconies, feels like stepping into a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. Streets wind past centuries-old churches and plazas where vendors sell fresh fruit cups and locals play dominos in the shade.
This city works because you get multiple vacation types in one location. History buffs can spend days exploring the colonial architecture and Castillo San Felipe fortress. Beach lovers take a 20-minute water taxi to Islas del Rosario where white sand beaches meet calm Caribbean water. Party people find the Getsemani neighborhood, where bars and clubs stay open until sunrise and cocktails cost $3-5.
December falls during Cartagena’s dry season, so rain won’t interfere with your plans. Walking tours of the Old City run about $20 and provide context for the architecture and history you’re seeing. The city walls become particularly beautiful at sunset when golden light hits the stone and street performers set up along the ramparts. You can walk the entire wall circuit in about 30 minutes.
Colombian food deserves more recognition. Arepas filled with cheese and eggs make perfect breakfasts for under $2. Fresh seafood restaurants serve whole fried fish with coconut rice and plantains for $10-12. The nearby Bazurto Market offers an authentic local experience where you’ll find exotic fruits and fresh juice stands. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels ($15-20 per night) to boutique hotels in restored colonial mansions ($100-150), giving you options regardless of budget.
9. Goa, India
Goa flips the script on what people expect from India. This coastal state feels more laid-back than frenetic, more beach shacks than chaotic streets, and December brings perfect weather—around 75-85°F with minimal rain. After monsoon season ends in November, December shines as the ideal month to visit before peak crowds arrive in January.
North Goa and South Goa offer different experiences. North Goa brings party beaches like Anjuna and Vagator where electronic music festivals pop up and full moon parties draw international crowds. South Goa slows down with quieter beaches like Palolem and Agonda, where you can actually hear the waves. Beach shack restaurants serve fresh kingfish tandoori for $5 and cold Kingfisher beers cost about $2. You eat with your feet in the sand and nobody rushes you.
Portuguese colonial history shows up everywhere. Old Goa houses stunning churches from the 16th century. The Latin Quarter in Panjim features colorful Portuguese villas and narrow streets perfect for wandering. Markets like the Saturday Night Market in Arpora sell everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothes, and live music fills the air. Haggling is expected and you can score unique finds for cheap.
Goa makes budget travel easy. Guest houses start at $20 per night for basic but clean rooms. Beach huts right on the sand cost $30-50. Scooter rentals run about $5 per day, giving you freedom to explore hidden beaches and spice plantations. Yoga retreats operate throughout December, offering week-long programs that include accommodation, meals, and daily classes for $300-500 total. The combination of affordability and quality makes Goa a backpacker favorite that’s slowly getting discovered by everyone else.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica during December means you’re catching the tail end of green season (their term for rainy season) or the very beginning of dry season, depending on which region you visit. Either way, temperatures stay comfortable in the 75-85°F range and the country’s famous biodiversity is on full display. This Central American gem packs incredible variety into a small space—you can visit rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and beaches all in one trip.
The Pacific coast, particularly areas like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo, tends to be drier in December. Manuel Antonio National Park combines hiking trails through jungle where monkeys swing overhead with pristine beaches perfect for swimming. Park entrance costs about $18, and you’ll spot sloths, iguanas, and toucans without even trying hard. Beaches inside the park feature that rare combination of calm water and actual waves, so both swimmers and surfers find what they need.
Arenal Volcano area offers something completely different. The volcano itself stopped major eruptions in 2010 but remains active, and the surrounding area features hot springs heated by volcanic activity. Resorts and day-use facilities let you soak in naturally heated pools while gazing at the volcano. Prices range from $30 for basic hot springs to $100+ for luxury resort day passes. Hanging bridges near Arenal take you through the rainforest canopy where you’re eye-level with birds and butterflies.
Costa Rica invented the zipline canopy tour, and December’s weather makes it perfect for flying through the trees. Tours cost $50-80 and often include multiple platforms and cables, some stretching over half a mile long. The country’s “pura vida” lifestyle (pure life) isn’t just a saying—people genuinely seem more relaxed here. Locals are helpful without being pushy, and the infrastructure works well enough that traveling feels easy. You can rent a car and drive yourself to different regions, or book shuttles that handle the logistics while you enjoy the scenery. Either way, your December escape includes adventure, nature, and beaches all rolled into one manageable destination.
Wrapping Up
December doesn’t have to mean scraping ice off your windshield or avoiding going outside because your face hurts from the cold. These ten destinations prove that you can chase sunshine instead, whether you’re after beach relaxation, cultural experiences, adventure activities, or some combination of all three.
The best part? You’re traveling during what’s often the perfect weather window for these places—not too hot, not too crowded, and definitely not cold. Your winter coat can stay in the closet while you’re collecting stamps in your passport and actual tan lines. Book that ticket.
