Desperate for a little winter sun? With summer a distant memory, it’s only natural that our thoughts turn to places where it’s hot in December. Thankfully, the choice of hot destinations is plentiful — whether you’re looking for luxury or a good deal.
From popular picks like Miami to more off-the-beaten-track places in Asia and beyond, I’ve got the lowdown on all the hottest countries in December for a winter sun getaway.
Where is hot in December?
Filter below by price or temperature to find the best warm destination for you based on KAYAK data, or keep reading for more info on the best hot spots this month.
Where’s hot in December for a beach break?
If you are looking for a hot beach break, you’re in luck. There are many paradise islands and coastal cities in the Southern Hemisphere where you can switch off and feel the sand between your toes. For something a little closer to home, check out the Canary Islands or Morocco.
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Average December temperature: 24°C
Turquoise seas, white sand beaches, delicious food, a warm and welcoming local culture. A trip to Hawaii is the stuff of dreams.
Honolulu on the island of Oahu is Hawaii’s capital and it has everything you’ll need for an easy winter sun holiday in December. It’s a particularly brilliant time to visit if you want to ride some waves, especially on Oahu’s North Shore beaches. Prefer to relax? Head for the island’s calmer west coast beaches to lay on the sand next to swaying palms.
Honolulu is a wonderful destination for a hot Christmas, with many unique festive events to experience. This includes festive markets and twinkling light displays in the city centre. You could also catch a holiday-themed show at the Polynesian Cultural Centre. Most hotels will also decorate for Christmas and offer special menus to get you in the festive spirit.
2. Koh Samui, Thailand
Average December temperature: 27°C
Koh Samui is a great option for some December sun, with temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s. The month also marks the end of the rainy season, so you can expect fewer showers and less humidity.
And what better way to kick start a brand new year than with cocktails on a butter-soft sand beach in Thailand. Koh Samui has no shortage of dreamy spots to sunbathe, swim and snorkel. Lamai is a good spot to base yourself for a more laidback getaway. Or you could stay near Chaweng for a wide choice of restaurants, bars and beach clubs.
As well as enjoying Koh Samui’s gorgeous coastlines, it’s well worth venturing inland at some point. There are waterfalls to trek to and the Koh Samui Big Buddha temple in Bophut.
3. Durban, South Africa
Average December temperature: 23°C
With summer in full swing by December, it’s easy to see why South Africa makes my list for where’s hot in December. Durban on the country’s south coast has long been a magnet for surfers of all abilities – and the last month of the year couldn’t be a better time to visit.
Warm ocean waters and plenty of swells means there’s usually pletny of great waves. Plus, the outside air temperature is typically in the high 20s. Meaning? You can strip off your wet suit and leisurely dry off on the sand in the sunshine. If surfing’s not your bag though, not to worry. There’s plenty of other things to do in December. The city’s botanic gardens are usually in full bloom at this time of year and a wonderful location for some peace and quiet.
You could also venture out of the city into the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The lush area is a paradise for outdoor fanatics – with hiking trails and mountain biking routes galore. You could also visit a local Zulu village to uncover more about the region’s indigenous culture. You’ll also find a selection of vineyards in the area if you fancy sampling some of South Africa’s famous wines straight from the source.
4. Miami, USA
Average December temperature: 21°C
For one of the best cities to visit in December with plenty of sunshine, say hello to Miami. The capital of the USA’s Sunshine State is the perfect spot for a little vitamin D, plus you’ll be able to nab return flights from the UK for under £689 through the month.
As well as its golden beaches (including world-famous South Beach) and proximity to the Everglades National Park, Miami has plenty of other allures. Take a ride down Ocean Drive to admire its art deco buildings, take a dip in the Venetian Pools or check out one of several amazing art museums.
Miami is also well-known for its multiculturalism and a visit to Little Havana is a must-do. Calle Ocho is its beating heart and where you’ll find vibrant salsa bars, inviting Cuban restaurants, colourful street arts and ventanitas serving up strong Cuban coffee.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Average December temperature: 20°C
December is the perfect time to visit Cape Town as it sits firmly in South Africa’s summer. Make sure to venture to the city’s gorgeous beaches, such as Clifton and Camps Bay, where you can relax on butter-soft sand or swim in the crystal-clear sea.
Table Mountain is essential viewing (whether you’ve visited before or not). Elsewhere, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a must-see. They’re beautiful throughout the year, but the end of November is when they kick off the Summer Sunset Concerts. The festival hosts live music acts from around the world, with something to suit all tastes.
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Average December temperature: 25°C
For a true winter sun beach getaway, it’s hard to beat the Caribbean. The paradisaical Punta Cana region on the Dominican Republic’s east coast is also a brilliant pick if you’re searching for where’s hot and cheap in December.
White-sand beaches, turquoise seas and temperatures that often soar into the high 20°Cs make it a dreamy option for a more relaxed Christmas break. December is one of the best months to visit if you’re keen to experience dry, warm weather conditions.
Plus, you’ll have over 32 kilometres of coastline to stretch out your towel on – many home to bougie all-inclusive resorts.
Where is warm in December: City breaks
If you are looking for a more urban hot destination, there are plenty of cities to choose from. Here are some of my favourite places to soak up a little culture and history while enjoying warmer temperatures.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Average December temperature: 26°C
Want to know where’s hot and cheap in December? Bangkok is a good bet. And if you’ve never been to Thailand, it’s a brilliant place to begin your adventure before heading to a beachy locale.
The Thai capital is renowned for its scorching hot weather which can make wandering around uncomfortable. Nevertheless, December sees temperatures drop into the blissful mid-20s. It’s also just past the rainy season, making it a great month for some city sightseeing without the humidity.
There’s so much to see in Bangkok, too. Breathtaking temples, royal palaces, vibrant street food markets, bustling shopping centres and some excellent hoetls.
8. Sydney, Australia
Average December temperature: 21°C
Australia is easily one of the hottest countries to visit in December. It marks the start of Sydney‘s summer season and is arguably one of the best times to plan a trip. That’s partly down to the manageable day time temperatures which make exploring the great outdoors – both in the city and beyond – much more comfortable.
If you visit earlier in the month and avoid the Christmas period, you can expect fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation. In fact, according to KAYAK data, hotels are an average of £140 per night in December, meaning you’ll have more money to spend on thrilling city experiences like catching a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House or visiting a local wildlife park to say hello to the resident koalas.
Temperatures can peak in the mid 20s in December, so you can definitely look forward to a few beach days. Bondi Beach is the obvious pick but you’ll also have a lovely time at Manly Beach: the home of Australia’s very first surfing contest in the 1960s.
9. Hanoi, Vietnam
Average December temperature: 18°C
Vietnam’s capital city has a lot going for it – and it’s a great December holiday destination. That’s because temperatures are warm in Hanoi but not overbearing for exploring, while there’s a relatively low chance of rain throughout the month.
You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Quarter where you’ll find everything from great shopping – including fantastic local markets and seemingly endless places to eat. You could grab a pint with the locals at Ta Hien Beer Street or venture to a rooftop bar for a sophisticated cocktail. Majesty Sky Bar on the top floor of La Sinfonia Majesty Hotel is a lovely spot and has incredible views of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Elsewhere, history buffs will want to check out key landmarks like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Hanoi is also a brilliant starting point for various other destinations in northern Vietnam, including Halong Bay and scenic Ninh Binh.
Whether you stay in Hanoi for a week or just a couple of nights, you’ll find some fabulous hotel options. And, with average nightly prices sitting at just £41, you’ll easily be able to afford something pretty special.
10. Medellin, Colombia
Average December temperature: 21°C
One thing that’s guaranteed: you’re bound to find somewhere where it’s hot in December in South America. The continent is well and truly in its summer season – and that includes the vibrant country of Colombia.
Medellin is the perfect city to get an introduction t this fascinating nation. It’s famously nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its lovely weather and KAYAK data can definitely attest to this, with December daily averages at a comfortable 21°C.
December also has mostly dry weather, making it an ideal month for sightseeing. Wander around the leafy botanical gardens or ride the cable car up to Comuna for majestic city views. For a dose of festiveness, keep your eyes peeled for the Alumbrados Navideños, Medellin’s annual light displays that illuminate the riverfront and numerous major sights.
Where is hot and cheap in December?
If you’re looking for the cheapest countries to visit in December, you can’t go too far wrong with a Southeast Asian escape. Hanoi, and the rest of Vietnam, are incredibly affordable, while you’ll be able to afford a dreamy island escape on Koh Samui for less than £120 a night.
Recommendation ranking of cities:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on the presented four weather factors: average, high, and low temperatures, and average precipitation. Precipitation is an inverse factor, the less the better. All four weather factors are equally weighted. Average flight and hotel prices are provided as additional information. From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK and associated brands’ internal data from the search period ‘03/06/2025 to 03/09/2025’ for the travel period ‘03/11/2025 to 31/12/2025.’ Flight prices include Economy Class return trips for one traveller, and hotel prices represent the nightly rates for a standard double room for hotels with three stars or below. Price insights may vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.Weather (monthly average, high and low temperatures, and average precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data are based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
