December’s on the horizon, bringing with it the familiar hum of carollers, twinkling lights on trees and streets glowing with festive cheer. It’s not even been two months since the clocks went back, and you’re already feeling a little sallow, long deprived of glorious sunlight. You swear you’re not a Scrooge, but here you are, huddled in your warmest coat, blowing hot breath into your gloves, mind wandering somewhere warmer…
If you’re thinking of heading somewhere hot, we’ve got just the thing. After all, who said Christmas had to be cold?
1. Where’s hot for easy winter sun? Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are the ultimate short-haul winter reset: warm enough for swims and sundowners, but never overbearing. Each island is beautifully volcanic, think rugged coastlines, black-sand pockets, palm-green interiors, and national parks that feel almost lunar. And with sea temperatures still inviting, beach days are very much on the menu.
Weather: Max. 21°C (approx.) | Min. 16°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Ride the cable car up Mount Teide, Tenerife, for sky views above the clouds.
- Walk the crater trails in Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote.
- Beach-hop the golden bays of Gran Canaria (Las Canteras is a classic).
- Take a coastal drive to cliff-ringed viewpoints and sleepy fishing villages.
- Spend a lazy afternoon in a vine-lined volcanic bodega in La Geria.
Where to stay: Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to feel slightly warmer in December; Lanzarote can be breezier.
Further reading: Which Canary Island is right for you?
2. Where’s hot in December for culture and coast? Barbados
Barbados does winter sun with style, bright days, balmy evenings, and an island rhythm that’s instantly contagious. Come for the beaches (soft, honey-hued, and endlessly swim-able), and stay for the Bajan life: rum, music, markets, and that easy warmth that runs through everything.
Weather:Max. 29°C (approx.) | Min. 23°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Spend Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry for grilled mahi-mahi, music, and dancing.
- Tour Mount Gay Distillery (and taste your way through the classics).
- Swim with turtles off the west coast, then snorkel the reefs nearby.
- Wander Bridgetown and the old plantation houses for a dash of history.
- Pick a beach: Carlisle Bay for calm waters, Bathsheba for drama.
Where to stay: We’ve got a standout collection of luxury villas in Barbados.
Further reading: The best reasons to visit Barbados
3. Where’s hot in December for rainforest drama? St. Lucia
St Lucia is made for travellers who like their beach time broken up by something a little wilder. Between the Pitons, steamy jungle, and hidden coves, it’s a place that invites you to explore and rewards you with a perfect stretch of sand at the end of the day.
Weather: Max. 28°C (approx.) | Min. 22°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Hike one (or both) of the Pitons for postcard views.
- Swim beneath jungle-wrapped waters at Toraille or Diamond Falls.
- Soak in the Sulphur Springs for a natural hot-spring reset.
- Zip-line through rainforest canopy in Soufrière.
- Take a boat trip for snorkelling and coastline-spotting at golden hour.
Where to stay: Our handpicked collection of villas in St Lucia will make you feel like an A-Lister.
Further reading: Top 10 Caribbean islands for a holiday
4. Where’s hot in December for island hopping? Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand in December is all sugar-soft beaches and clear-blue days. The Andaman coast is at its best now, dry, bright, and just breezy enough, ideal for switching between do-nothing days and salt-air adventures.
Weather: Max. 31°C (approx.) | Min. 23°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Island-hop by longtail boat around Krabi and Phang Nga Bay.
- Spend a beach day on Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi.
- Snorkel the shallows off Koh Tao or Similan Islands.
- Kayak through mangroves and limestone caves near Ao Thalane.
- Watch the sun set with your feet in the sand in Phuket.
Where to stay: Villas in lively Koh Samui, upmarket Hua Hin, or stunning Phuket.
Further reading: Best beaches in Thailand
5. Where’s hot in December for short-haul sun? Cyprus
Cyprus is winter sun without the long flight. Light-jacket days, crisp evenings, and plenty of space to roam make this an attractive option. It’s an island of old harbours and ancient stories, where you can switch between beach walks, archaeological wonders, and slow lunches that drift into dusk.
Weather: Max. 23°C (approx.) | Min. 12°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Visit Tombs of the Kings and the mosaics of Paphos Archaeological Park.
- Spend a sunny afternoon at Nissi Beach.
- Stop at Aphrodite’s Rock for myth-soaked sea views.
- Cross north for a day in Kyrenia and Bellapais Abbey.
- Settle in for a long meze lunch in a village taverna.
Weather: Max 23° | Min 12° (avg.)
What to do: Beautiful golden beaches, ancient archaeological sites that are steeped in history and mythical legends, and incredible cuisine. You’re not short of interesting things to do and see in Cyprus. Check out the Tomb of Kings, Blue Flag Nissi Beach, and Aphrodite’s Rock, to name a few.
Where to stay: We’ve got an extensive selection of handpicked villas to choose from in Cyprus.
Further reading: The local’s guide to authentic Cyprus
6. Where’s hot in December f Mexico
Mexico in December is bright, dry, and gloriously alive. Once the rains fade in October, the country slips into its sunniest season, perfect for long beach days, cenote swims, and ancient sites that feel all the more magical under clear skies.
Weather:Max. 28°C (approx.) | Min. 20°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Swim in the cenotes near Tulum: Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos are favourites.
- Explore the clifftop Tulum ruins, then drift down to the beach below.
- Make time for Chichén Itzá (or Uxmal for something quieter).
- Take a boat to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel for snorkelling and slow lunches.
- Eat your way through markets and beach shacks: tacos, ceviche, mezcal.
Where to stay: We’ve got villas in the jungle paradise of Cancun & The Riviera Maya and on the Pacific Coast!
We hope we’ve managed to answer your question about where’s hot in December… would you add any other countries to our list? Find more inspiration for villa holidays on Oliver’s Travels. Our friendly concierge team is on hand to help you book all manner of fabulous extra services to make your winter getaway super special.
