15 Hot Destinations for December (Including NYE Ideas)

December: Festivities & Sunshine

In December, the Maldives (86°F / 30°C), Australia (79°F / 26°C), or Guadeloupe (86°F / 30°C) are dream destinations for spending the holiday season in the sun. This month offers exceptional conditions in many tropical regions: Costa Rica enjoys a dry and sunny climate, while Rio de Janeiro embodies the perfect place to flee the northern winter.

December combines the advantage of perfect weather with the magic of the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a paradise beach in the Caribbean, a safari in Kenya, or a festive New Year’s Eve in Bangkok, here are the 15 best destinations to go for sun in December.

Top 15 Best Sun Destinations in December

Indian Ocean – Tropical Luxury & Authenticity

Southeast Asia – Affordable Tropical

Thailand (79-82°F / 26-28°C): Peak dry season. Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Philippines (82°F / 28°C): Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol in optimal conditions. Southern Vietnam (81°F / 27°C): Dry climate in Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.

Americas & Africa

Other Gems

Australia (79°F / 26°C): Summer in Sydney. Guatemala (77°F / 25°C): Mayan culture. Florida (77°F / 25°C): Miami and Keys. Mexico (79°F / 26°C): Yucatan and beaches. Cuba (73°F / 23°C): Authenticity. Canaries (66°F / 19°C): Eternal spring.

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Destinations

Festive and Traditional

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): 2 million people on Copacabana, fireworks, and free concerts. Bangkok (Thailand): Spectacular rooftops and river celebrations. Sydney (Australia): The first major fireworks of the world over the harbor.

Intimate and Romantic

Maldives: Dinners on private beaches and exclusive fireworks. Zanzibar: Beach parties and Swahili music. Costa Rica: Nature celebrations and jungle sounds.

Cultural

Marrakech (Morocco): Traditional Riads and Jemaa el-Fna excitement. Cartagena (Colombia): Colonial parties and Caribbean atmosphere.

Destination Comparison Table

How to Choose Your Destination?

By Budget

Tight: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), Guatemala. Medium: Canaries, Brazil, Costa Rica. Comfort: Maldives, Australia, Mauritius.

By Flight Time (from Europe)

< 7h: Canaries, Morocco, Cape Verde, UAE. 7-12h: Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Africa. > 12h: Asia, Oceania.

By Trip Type

Relaxation: Maldives, Mauritius, Dom. Rep. Culture: India, Vietnam, Morocco. Adventure: Costa Rica, Kenya, Philippines.

Practical Tips for December

Booking & Health

Book between August and September for the best prices. December is high season: prices double. Check vaccines (Yellow Fever, Typhoid) and passport validity.

Budget Hacks & Places to Avoid

Hacks: Travel on off-peak days (Dec 27 – Jan 3). Accept layovers for Asia. Compare all-inclusive packages.

Destinations to Avoid

• Cold: Northern Europe, Russia, Canada, North Asia.
• Rain: Indonesia (start of wet season), Amazon, Northern Australia.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

In Conclusion

December is an excellent month to travel: summer crowds are gone, but prices drop after the holidays, and many tropical destinations enter their best season. Don’t wait any longer to book!