15 incredible warm places to visit in December

In the mood for winter sunshine? Say no more! Here are our picks for warm places to visit in December. These sunny destinations will put a smile on your face and give you some of that much-needed vitamin D.

Mexico

Mexico is a large country, so let’s be clear: we’re talking about its tropical south, where December means sizzling temperatures and perfectly swimmable water. This is one of our favourite warm travel destinations in December, as it gives you the chance for a beach holiday right when you need one the most.

Mexico is a Catholic country, so it’s particularly magical at Christmastime. You’ll be singing along to Feliz Navidad as you admire the traditional nativity scenes in many shop windows. You may even be lucky enough to go to a fiesta de posada, one of the festive parties that takes place in the run-up to Christmas Eve. The emphasis is on food and drink — and we’re talking about a lot of good Mexican food here. Don’t worry if you stuff yourself silly. You’ll soon sweat it off in the heat as you head back to the beach for some scuba diving or snorkelling.

We’ll be taking a trip to the Riviera Maya this December for fun on the beach, ancient Mayan ruins, and plenty of great Mexican food. Want to join us for some margaritas?

Tanzania

December is part of the short rainy season in Tanzania, but don’t panic. It’s not as rainy as the long rainy season. The long dry season is over, and in fact, if you travel in late December, you may even catch the start of the short dry season. Confused? Don’t worry. All you have to know is that Tanzania is one of our favourite warm places to visit in December.

In some parts of Tanzania, the wildebeest calving season starts in mid-December. This makes it one of the best times of year to see predators like lions, leopards and cheetahs as they follow the herds, trying to hunt down the vulnerable newborns. It can be a grisly sight —but, hey, that’s nature, right?

Tanzania’s fabulous Zanzibar Island is also one of our favourite hot places to go in December. It’s the height of scuba season and is when sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks can be seen in the water. Not a diver? You can still take a soothing dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Our December group trip to Tanzania will show you two sides of the country. We’ll start with an epic safari adventure before continuing to Zanzibar for some island fun. If you want warm places in winter, come along for the ride.

Cuba

Why take a trip to Cuba? Well, there are a thousand reasons. Maybe you’re fascinated by the unique history of this politically isolated island nation. Perhaps you want to see sea turtles and go snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. You might be in the mood for dancing the night away to some infectious Latin rhythms at a bar in Old Havana, or maybe you just want to find places to go in December that are hot. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered.

This may well be the best choice for warm Christmas destinations if you want a low-key festive season. The Cuban government really doesn’t care for the consumerism of Christmas, so it’s a very small, laid-back affair. This makes it one of the favourite warm places to visit in December, where you can guarantee you won’t hear annoying Christmas music in the shops or have to dodge around Santa’s grottos.

We’ve got an action-packed 12-day trip to Cuba coming up this December, and you’re more than welcome to join us for a totally unique holiday season. Let’s go!

Ecuador

Christmas in Cuba may be a low-key affair, but in Ecuador, people go mad for it. Expect decorations, carol singing, and lots of great food, but that’s not the reason we think Ecuador is one of the best warm places for Christmas. We just love this country, with its gorgeous landscapes, lush rainforests and sandy beaches.

Ecuador is also home to one of our favourite destinations ever, the Galapagos Islands. Ever since Charles Darwin sailed here to check out the tortoises, this tiny archipelago has delighted nature-loving travellers. We particularly enjoy the world-class scuba diving here, not to mention a chance to see huge schools of manta rays, sharks, sea lions and more. Best of all are the marine iguanas, which are endemic to these islands. They’re the only lizards in the world that have evolved to live at sea, and seeing them is such a thrill.

Our 15-day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos is sure to banish the winter blues. Grab your swimsuit and come with us!

Sri Lanka

We can’t really call Sri Lanka a hidden gem anymore, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s become one of the most popular warm places to visit in December. This teardrop-shaped Asian island is packed with gorgeous natural scenery and intriguing cultural sights. When you’re hiking up Sigiriya to see the ancient fortress at the top, you’ll forget that winter even exists.

Sri Lanka has great beaches and beautiful old colonial architecture, but the safaris are the biggest draw. This is the best place in Asia to see wildlife, including rare leopards and free-roaming elephants. The waters around the island are also renowned for their wildlife — and yes, December is whale-watching season.

Want some of the best weather in December? Then come join us on our epic Sri Lanka group trip this winter!

Costa Rica

Here’s one for all you nature lovers. Among the hottest places to go in December, Costa Rica is always a treat. There are two main attractions here: the magnificent rainforests and the equally amazing beaches. The sheer number of animals, birds and insects that live in this country’s lush natural surroundings is off the scale. If you’re into nature, this is one for you.

December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, which means fewer of those pesky tropical rainstorms to deal with. The rains haven’t gone long, though, so the landscape will still be green as far as the eye can see. In other words, this is paradise.

Our December trip to Costa Rica is a must for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Join us for a winter break you’ll never forget.

The Maldives

How’s this for a destination that needs no introduction? When it comes to warm places to visit in December, it’s hard to top the Maldives. This tiny island nation, located deep in the Indian Ocean, is a true paradise on earth. Stay in one of the trademark Maldivian overwater bungalows, and go to sleep each night with the gentle sounds of the waves lapping below you. This is sheer bliss.

By day, you can happily just lounge on the pristine beaches, but there are some fun activities to keep fans of water sports happy, too. The Maldives is a world-class diving destination, and December is one of the best months for spotting reef sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. There are dozens of reefs to explore if you’re keen on snorkelling. Fancy something more thrilling? Skydiving and submarine tours are some fun activities to try, but if you prefer to just chill on that beach, we won’t blame you.

The Maldives offers some of the best weather in December — and we’re taking you there. Join us for a trip to paradise this winter.

Colombia

Colombia’s tropical location means that it’s always summer here —or close enough! December is a great time to hit the Caribbean coast. We particularly love Cartagena de las Indias, with its old colonial architecture and laid-back vibe. We’d even say it’s one of the best places to party in South America — and there’s some tough competition there.

A trip to Colombia brings the chance to explore different landscapes, from the highlands of Bogotá to the tropical rainforest. As you travel through this remarkable country, it’s easy to see why Colombia has inspired so many artists and writers over the centuries. Will you be the next?

Our Colombia holiday is the perfect antidote to winter. You’ll see everything from the mountainous interior to the white sand beaches of the Caribbean coast, and we bet you’ll fall in love with Colombia just like we have.

Kenya

December marks the end of the rainy season in Kenya, so we think it’s the perfect time to go on safari. If you wait until the end of the month, you’ll find that Kenya is one of the best warm places to visit in December. The weather is dry enough that your safari is unlikely to meet with any unexpected rainstorms, but the landscape is still green from the recent wet season. In other words, it’s the perfect formula for great safari photos that will make all your friends jealous!

We’ve got a nine-day trip to Kenya planned this December. That includes enough time to go on safari and explore the national parks, as well as a spot of sunbathing on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Perfect!

Bali, Indonesia

It’s always a good time to visit the beautiful island of Bali. December is the height of the dry season, which makes it particularly nice. In fact, we might even say that it has some of the best weather in December of any destination on Earth.

You’ll never be bored in Bali, whether you want to explore the island’s numerous waterfalls, dive at iconic sites like the wreck of the USS Liberty, or indulge your spiritual side with a visit to the temples of Ubud and a spot of yoga. Don’t forget the Sacred Monkey Forest, where you’ll be surrounded by curious grey macaques.

Our eight-day Bali tour is a great way to enjoy some winter sunshine. Join us to discover why we think Bali is one of the best warm places to visit in December.

Thailand

Thailand is a big country with distinct climates depending on where you go. December is the dry season in beautiful Chiang Mai, so this is the perfect time to explore the lush green surroundings of the Thai hinterland. This is a great choice if you want to get away from it all. The weather is warm and pleasant but not uncomfortably hot, and you can spend your days immersed in the magic of nature. White water rafting and trekking are among the popular activities on offer here, as well as enjoying some spicy Thai food, of course!

We’ve got a great winter trip to Thailand planned, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a spot of island hopping. Why not join us in the Land of Smiles?

The Philippines

Speaking of island hopping, if you want a tropical island adventure, then it’s hard to beat the Philippines. When December rolls around, the annual monsoon season has finished, leaving pleasant, warm weather for you to enjoy. With over 7,000 islands to choose from, you’re bound to fall in love with one of them.

We’ll be heading to the Philippines on an island-hopping group trip this December. Come along for a festive season with a difference!

Brazil

It’s time to samba! We’ve got something very special planned for this December — the chance to spend New Year’s Eve in Brazil. It’s the next best thing to Carnival! This is one of the coolest trips around. Not only will you enjoy one of our favourite warm places to visit in December, but you’ll also get to ring in the new year on the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. If that’s not enough for you, we’ll also be heading to Iguazú Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

Forget the dreary, cold New Year’s parties at home and come along on our Brazilian New Year’s Eve trip instead. This is going to be one of our best trips ever — are you in?

Australia

Back in primary school, you learned that when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere, the Land Down Under is basking in the sunshine. This makes Australia one of the best places to go in winter for sun. Whether you want the culture and architecture of a vibrant city like Sydney, you’re dreaming of surfing the world’s best waves, or you’d rather lose yourself in the tropical rainforests of Queensland, a trip to Oz is always a good idea.

Our annual winter Australian adventure takes you from Sydney to Brisbane, letting you see different sides of Australia — and you might even catch a few waves along the way!

Oman

Last, but not least, how about a trip to the desert if you want warmth this December? Winter is the perfect time to visit Oman, as it’s a lot more temperate than other times of year, so you can spend all day exploring.

We love the imposing Hajar Mountains and the spectacular Jebel Shams, known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. This desert kingdom also has some surprisingly good beaches, as you’ll see when you join us for a trip to Oman this winter.