Published 22nd Dec. 2024
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While there’s lots to be excited about in the UK during December, there’s no denying that winter is well underway and so it’s only natural to dream of warmer climes. The good news? It’s possible to escape to certain corners of the world where you’ll be reaching for the air con instead of the heating. If you’re wondering where’s hot in December, read on for our round-up of top destinations, ranging from Thailand to Costa Rica. Christmas has never looked so sunny…
1. The Maldives (29°C)
2. Florida, USA (20°C)
3. Thailand (26°C)
4. South Africa (23°C)
5. Sri Lanka (27°C)
6. Costa Rica (27°C)
1
Average December temperature: 29°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: ten hours and 15 minutes (to Male)
Kicking off our list of where’s hot in December is the Maldives, an archipelago of 1,200 islands once known as ‘Treasure Island’ when the country was a port for traders travelling the ancient Silk Road. The Maldives’ proximity to the equator ensures temperatures remain between 26°C and 38°C throughout the year, with a dry season that runs from December to March. This makes our winter months the perfect time to visit the string of island idylls. In fact, December is usually the warmest month, so there’s no need to switch to your winter wardrobe just yet: swimwear and sarongs are the uniform here. Arriving by seaplane, overlooking the threads of bungalows encased in the azure ocean, you’ll quickly forget about the dreary winter months back home. A Maldives holiday in December is the ultimate form of escapism (and where better to spend Christmas Day?).
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to the Maldives.
Image by Gerhard Westrich/LAIF REA
2
Average December temperature: 20°C
Average daily sunshine hours: six to seven hours
Flight time from the UK: nine hours and 40 minutes (to Miami)
Head to the sunny Florida Keys in December, where the average temperature remains around 24°C, to soak up some winter sun. The architecture of Key West – located at the top of the archipelago – is imbued with West Indian influences (which are also evident in the island’s cuisine). Experience a ‘Floribbean’ atmosphere in the Florida Keys with its charming bougainvillea-lined alleyways, eclectic wooden houses and authentic bars and restaurants. Back on Florida’s mainland, Everglades National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including alligators, turtles and panthers. And if you’re in search of diving and snorkelling, the coral islands of Islamorada are well worth a visit.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Florida, USA.
Image by Andrew Hetherington/REDUX REA
3
Average December temperature: 26°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 40 minutes (to Bangkok)
In our search for December hot holidays, Thailand is another destination that tops the list. While the seasons vary throughout the country, December is generally a good month for avoiding rain in all regions, making it an optimal time to visit. From exploring ancient temples to sampling delicious street food, don’t miss the bustling capital city of Bangkok which reaches highs of 32°C in December (despite it being one of the year’s coolest months). Chiang Mai, located in the northwest, has highs of 29°C and little to no rain. In Koh Samui and Krabi, you’ll find comfortable temperatures sitting between 25°C and 30°C, while Phuket enjoys a more humid, tropical climate. A visit to Thailand in December is sure to be one of incredible variety, offering everything from culinary discovery and cultural exploration to relaxing beach days.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Thailand.
Image by Olivier Romano
4
Average December temperature: 23°C
Average daily sunshine hours: ten to 11 hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 35 minutes (to Cape Town)
Now for another December hotspot with added variety: South Africa. Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa has opposite seasons to us, and boasts such a diversity between its regions that it's often referred to as a ‘world in one country’. With everything from mountains and beaches to game reserves and winelands, a South Africa holiday can satisfy every appetite for travel. The climate of Cape Province on the southern coast resembles that of the Mediterranean, and Cape Town is a great starting point, allowing you to explore Table Mountain and Robben Island, before heading along the wine route. In the southeastern region of KwaZulu-Natal, visit the multicultural city of Durban, where temperatures average around 25°C in December (perfect weather for exploring). And if it’s a safari you’re after, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s best and largest game reserves, with a subtropical climate and wildlife viewing opportunities galore.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to South Africa.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
5
Average December temperature: 27°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: ten hours and 45 minutes (to Colombo)
The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka boasts a rich and captivating cultural heritage, with ancient temples and colonial fortresses steeped in over 2,000 years of history. In December, the best areas to visit include the western, southern and mountain regions, with temperatures averaging around 27°C both on land and at sea. Lush vegetation, tea plantations and stunning man-made lakes comprise the Sri Lankan landscape and are looking their best in December. As the centre of the spice trade, Sri Lanka’s food is another draw for travellers; in one meal, you could be served up to 14 different vegetable curries to sample alongside fresh fish and rice – a delicious alternative to Christmas dinner. Other highlights include surfing at unspoilt beaches, rafting on the Kelaniya Ganga river, and visiting the stone Buddhas in Buduruwagala and Maligawila. Still relatively uncrowded, the dramatic landscapes and welcoming locals make Sri Lanka a truly special December holiday destination.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Sri Lanka.
Image by SJ Travel Footage/Adobe Stock
6
Average December temperature: 27°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight to nine hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 40 minutes (to San Jose)
Our final pick for a December hot holiday takes us to sunny Costa Rica, where the dry season is kicking off. Recent rains transform this colourful country into a verdant wonderland replete with rushing rivers, smouldering volcanoes, lively wildlife and giant green canopies. Traverse tropical rainforest in the biodiverse-rich Tortuguero National Park, search for sloths and scarlet macaws on the Osa Peninsula, raft down the Sarapiqui River or laze on the postcard-perfect Caribbean Coast (enjoying highs of 30°C) – the choice is yours in December. Costa Rica holidays really have it all: where else could you surf world-class waves on the Pacific Coast, climb an active volcano and experience the magic of a cloud forest all within a few days?
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Costa Rica.
Image by Duarte/stock.adobe.com
Written by Luisa Watts
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