17 Warm Places to Visit in December (Tested by Tomiko Harvey)

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If you’re asking where is warm in December, here’s the short answer: Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast all reach the mid to high 80s°F this month, and December kicks off the dry season across much of the Caribbean.

I’ve spent 15 years researching the best warm weather destinations, and I stopped spending Christmas over a hot stove a long time ago.

I would rather have a butler bring me a rum punch than scrub a roasting pan while my family gets on my last nerve.

This guide covers the 17 warm places to visit in December that I’d recommend to my own friends, with real average temperatures, where I’d stay, and the safety notes most lists leave out.

If your trip falls outside December, I also have guides to hot places to visit in November and where is warm in January.

Warm Places to Visit in December at a Glance

Here are the average December highs for all 17 destinations.

The table also shows which ones U.S. travelers need a passport for.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

Jump to a destination: Jamaica · Santa Teresa · Los Cabos · Maui · Belize · Cancun · Bahamas · Mauritius · Cape Town · Tempe · Canary Islands · Saint Lucia · Sri Lanka · Cape Verde · Puerto Rico · Dominican Republic · Aruba

Hotel price guide (typical December nightly rate): $$ is under $250, $$$ is $250 to $500, and $$$$ is over $500.

Best Warm Places to Visit in December for Couples, Families, and Girls’ Trips

For couples: Saint Lucia, Mauritius, and Jamaica are my top romantic picks.

Book a suite with a private pool at Jade Mountain, a villa at the Four Seasons in Mauritius, or one of the heart-shaped overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast. Cape Town’s wine country is a strong choice if you’d rather tour than lounge.

For families: Cancun, Maui, and Puerto Rico make it easy, with short flights from most of the U.S., kid-friendly resorts, and no passport needed for Maui or Puerto Rico. Belize works well for older kids and teens who want adventure.

For a girls’ trip or mother-daughter trip: Tempe, Los Cabos, and Santa Teresa all have spas, good restaurants, and easy outdoor activities. See my Sandals resort rankings if you want an all-inclusive where meals and drinks are covered.

When to Book a Warm December Trip (and Avoid Christmas Week Prices)

Go in the first two weeks of December if you can. Airfare and hotel rates are still reasonable, and crowds stay manageable.

From about December 20 through New Year’s, prices jump worldwide. If you have to travel over the holidays, book as early as you can and look at midweek departures.

1. Jamaica: 86°F and the Start of Dry Season

December weather: Highs around 86°F, lows around 73°F, and sea temperatures near 82°F.

December is the start of the dry season, with about 8 to 11 hours of sunshine a day. Read my Sandals South Coast review and my picks for Jamaica luxury resorts.

Jamaica is one of the easiest warm-weather trips from the U.S., with short nonstop flights from most East Coast cities. December is also far less humid than summer.

My trip was a blast. I lounged on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, climbed Dunn’s River Falls (nerve-wracking but worth it), and couldn’t get enough of the jerk chicken from roadside stands.

I also took a bamboo raft ride down the Martha Brae River, danced to reggae in Kingston, and snorkeled the Montego Bay Marine Park.

Make time for a rum tasting and a night trip to the Luminous Lagoon, one of the few places in the world where you can swim in a bioluminescent bay.

In December: Don’t miss Grand Market on Christmas Eve, when towns across Jamaica turn into all-night street markets with food stalls, music, and families shopping for the holidays.

My safety tip: Use licensed transportation (look for the red PP license plates on taxis) or book transfers through your resort, and avoid walking around at night outside resort areas.

Where to Stay in Jamaica

Sandals South Coast has 12 overwater bungalows arranged in the shape of a heart, each with 24-hour butler service.
Price level: $$$$

It’s about an hour’s drive from Montego Bay airport, and once your butler greets you, the guilt about not cooking Christmas dinner disappears. This is a guilt-free vacation.

2. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: 88°F Beaches on the Pacific Coast

December weather: Highs around 88°F on the Pacific coast, lows around 73°F, and sea temperatures near 82°F. The dry season usually settles in by mid-December.

Mountain towns are cooler, in the 64°F to 72°F range. Before you book, see my guide to the best hotels in Santa Teresa and my Costa Rica safety guide.

Santa Teresa is my favorite place in Costa Rica. My husband and I go every year because it’s a small, undeveloped surf town without the crowds you find in other parts of the country.

My routine starts at the beach. The waves are serious, and I took a surf lesson and stood up a few times. Sunsets call for a cold Imperial on the sand.

One morning I rented an ATV and found a waterfall for a swim, and I had some of the best fish tacos of my life at a beachfront shack.

My safety tip: Rip currents are strong in Santa Teresa, so swim near other people and ask locals where the water is calm. Don’t leave anything in your car or on the beach while you surf.

Where to Stay in Santa Teresa

Hotel Nantipa is a boutique hotel right on Santa Teresa beach with just 15 suites and bungalows, five of them steps from the sand. There’s a pool, yoga and spa treatments, and Manzu, an open-air restaurant on the beach that’s made for sunset cocktails. It’s where I’d book if you want December to revolve around the beach.
Price level: $$$$

3. Los Cabos, Mexico: 79°F Desert Sun by the Sea

December weather: Highs around 79°F, lows near 61°F, sea temperatures around 75°F, and almost no rain.

Bring a light layer for evenings. Check out my guide to things to do in Cabo for couples and my Cabo safety guide.

The holidays in Mexico last for weeks, from the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations on December 12 through Three Kings Day on January 6.

The plaza in Cabo San Lucas fills with lights, a big Christmas tree, and a nativity scene, and you’ll find holiday events with music, art, and food all month.

December is also the start of whale watching season, when gray and humpback whales migrate to the waters off Baja California Sur.

The rainy season is over, so it’s an easy time for boat trips, beach days, and a sunset dinner cruise.

My safety tip: Skip the timeshare reps at the airport and book your transfer before you land. Many Pacific-side beaches have dangerous currents, so swim on the Sea of Cortez side at spots like Medano Beach.

Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is built into the cliffs at Pedregal, with private plunge pools and a short ride to the marina, The Arch, and Medano Beach.
Price level: $$$$

Add parasailing or ziplining if you want some adrenaline. For more options, see my list of the best Los Cabos all-inclusive hotels.

4. Maui, Hawaii: 80°F and the Start of Whale Season

December weather: Highs around 80°F, lows near 66°F, and sea temperatures around 77°F.

The south and west shores stay the driest, and humpback whale season starts in December. See where to stay in Maui and my Road to Hana guide.

Maui makes my list because the island goes all in on the holidays, and locals are as welcoming as you’ve heard.

Whale season starts too, so book a Molokini snorkel trip and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Lahaina is coming back after the August 2023 wildfire. Front Street reopened on August 1, 2026, and restaurants like Māla Ocean Tavern, Star Noodle, and Honu Oceanside are open again, along with the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

The historic Banyan Tree is showing new growth. Parts of town are still under construction, so check Maui Recovers before you go, stay out of fenced areas, and spend your money with local businesses that are reopening.

For holiday shopping, I like Whalers Village in Kaanapali (my Kaanapali restaurant guide has where to eat nearby) and The Shops at Wailea, and a Road to Hana tour is worth a full day.

My safety tip: Winter brings big surf to the north shores, so check ocean conditions before you swim or snorkel, and never turn your back on the waves. Keep valuables out of sight at trailheads and beach parking lots.

Where to Stay in Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea sits on Wailea Beach next to the golf course, with Polo Beach and Keawakapu Beach close by.
Price level: $$$$

It’s an easy base for snorkeling, whale watching, and long, quiet pool days.

 

5. Belize: 82°F Reef and Rainforest

December weather: Highs around 82°F, lows near 70°F, and sea temperatures around 80°F.

Early December can still bring showers as the rainy season winds down, and it dries out toward the holidays. For more hotel options, read my guide on where to stay in Belize.

Belize gives you warm Caribbean water and jungle adventure in the same trip. You can spend Christmas week snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start inland at the Maya ruins of Xunantunich. Climbing El Castillo is a workout, but the view is worth every step.

Try cave tubing through the jungle, then head to Ambergris Caye to snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve with nurse sharks and stingrays.

On Christmas Eve, join the celebration in San Pedro with punta music and rice and beans, and end with a few slow days on the beach in Placencia.

My safety tip: Book jungle tours and cave tubing through licensed operators, use hotel-arranged transportation between San Ignacio and the coast, and avoid Belize City after dark.

Where to Stay in Belize

If it’s just you and your hubby, stay at Ka’ana Resort in San Ignacio.
Price level: $$$

It’s a jungle resort, not a beach resort, at the doorstep of an ancient Maya city, with luxury rooms, all-inclusive packages, and daily trips to the ruins, the rainforest, and the Blue Hole.

6. Cancun, Mexico: 83°F with Easy Nonstop Flights

December weather: Highs around 83°F, lows near 70°F, and sea temperatures around 80°F.

Hurricane season ends November 30, so December brings calmer, drier days. Before you go, read my Cancun safety guide and my Isla Mujeres day trip.

Cancun is the classic Mexican beach vacation, with easy nonstop flights, big resorts, and plenty of nightlife. Just know it gets busy from late December through April.

Spend your mornings on Playa Delfines, then take a boat to Isla Mujeres and rent a golf cart to explore.

Make a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and visit Mercado 28 for souvenirs and Mexican street food. If you want a rush, go parasailing over the Hotel Zone.

In December: Las Posadas runs nightly from December 16 to 24, with candlelit processions, piñatas, and ponche, a warm fruit punch, in towns across Mexico.

My safety tip: Stick to the Hotel Zone and well-known spots after dark, use authorized airport taxis or prebooked transfers, and watch your drinks at clubs.

Where to Stay in Cancun

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun is adults-only and all-inclusive, right on the beach in the Hotel Zone.
Price level: $$$$

It’s close to La Isla Shopping Village and Playa Delfines, with snorkeling, diving, and kayaking nearby.

7. The Bahamas: 79°F and a Short Flight from the East Coast

December weather: Highs around 79°F, lows near 67°F, and sea temperatures around 77°F.

A cold front can cool things down for a day or two, so pack a light sweater. Read my Bahamas travel safety guide.

The Bahamas sit just 182 miles off the coast of Miami, which makes them one of the fastest warm-weather escapes from the East Coast. Most visitors land in Nassau or Freeport, but the Out Islands are where it gets quiet.

Take a boat to the Exumas to see the swimming pigs, or cruise to Rose Island for snorkeling and kayaking. On Grand Bahama, Lucayan National Park has one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Peak season starts in mid-December, so book early.

In December: Junkanoo takes over Bay Street in Nassau on Boxing Day, December 26, with costumed dancers, cowbells, and goatskin drums from the early morning hours. It’s the biggest party of the year in the Bahamas.

My safety tip: In Nassau, stay alert around downtown and the cruise port, especially at night, and use licensed taxis. Book water excursions through companies with strong reviews.

Where to Stay in the Bahamas

Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is adults-only and all-inclusive, with its own offshore island, swim-up suites with butler service, 12 dining options, and the Red Lane Spa. Butler guests get VIP airport transfers.
Price level: $$$$

8. Mauritius: 86°F Indian Ocean Summer

December weather: Highs around 86°F, lows near 72°F, and sea temperatures around 80°F.

December is summer, so it is humid, and cyclone season runs roughly November through April. Buy travel insurance.

Mauritius is a long trip from the U.S., usually with a connection through Europe or the Middle East, so plan on at least 10 days. You get calm lagoons, warm water, and some of the best resorts in the Indian Ocean.

Spend a day on a catamaran to Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock and look for dolphins along the way, then take a full-day tour of the southwest coast for waterfalls and mountain viewpoints.

My safety tip: Mauritius is one of the calmer destinations on this list, but watch for petty theft at beaches and markets, and keep an eye on cyclone forecasts during your trip.

Where to Stay in Mauritius

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita sits on the east coast, with private villas that each have their own garden and pool, 18 holes of golf, an overwater spa, and a private beach on Ile aux Cerfs.
Price level: $$$$

For more ideas, see my guide to luxury travel in Africa.

9. Cape Town and the Western Cape, South Africa: 79°F Summer Wine Country

December weather: Highs around 79°F, lows near 60°F, and long sunny days. December is peak summer and dry season, but the southeasterly wind, known as the Cape Doctor, can be strong.

Before you go, read my guides on whether Cape Town and South Africa are safe for American tourists.

The Western Cape is South Africa’s most mountainous province. A road trip here takes you over mountain passes, past empty bays, and into historic wine towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Spend a day in the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch wine country, ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and book a coastal cruise with lunch out of Cape Town. Traveling as a couple?

My guide to romantic getaways in South Africa has more ideas.

In December: The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts bring live music to the botanical garden lawns, so pack a picnic and a bottle of local wine. If you stay into the new year, the Cape Town Street Parade fills the city on January 2.

My safety tip: Use Uber or a hotel driver instead of walking at night, don’t hike Table Mountain alone, and keep your phone out of sight on the street. My Cape Town safety guide covers neighborhoods in detail.

Where to Stay in Cape Town and the Western Cape

I suggest staying at Boschendal Wine Estate, one of the oldest wine farms in the Western Cape.
Price level: $$$

For a group or family trip, book the Mountain Villa. It sleeps 12 and has a wraparound terrace, a pool, a pizza oven, and mountain views from the bedrooms.

10. Tempe, Arizona: 67°F Desert Sun (Mild, Not Beach Hot)

December weather: Highs around 67°F, lows near 45°F, and almost always sunny.

This is mild desert weather, not beach weather, so it is best for golf, hiking, and patio dining. See my Arizona mother-daughter trip ideas.

Arizona has a reputation for extreme heat, but December in Tempe brings sunny days, cool nights, and great sunsets.

It’s next door to Phoenix, usually with lower hotel prices, and it’s a good fit for a romantic getaway, a mother-daughter trip, or a girls’ trip.

Take advantage of the mild weather with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, hiking, golf, patio dining on Mill Avenue, or a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Pack sunscreen, because the desert sun is strong even in winter.

My safety tip: Carry more water than you think you need on desert hikes, even in December, and pack layers, because temperatures drop fast after sunset.

Where to Stay in Tempe

Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown sits across from Arizona State University, a short walk from Mill Avenue restaurants and the light rail.
Price level: $$

It has a rooftop bar, an indoor pool, and free loaner bikes, and the Desert Botanical Garden is a quick drive away.

11. Canary Islands, Spain: 72°F Winter Sun in Europe

December weather: Highs around 72°F in the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, lows near 61°F, and sea temperatures around 70°F.

It is the most reliable winter sun in Europe.

I spent a December in the Canary Islands, and it felt like late spring while everyone back home was bundled up.

In Tenerife, I hiked Teide National Park for views from Spain’s highest peak. On Gran Canaria, the Maspalomas sand dunes feel like a mini desert, and on Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park looks like another planet.

I also took a whale-watching trip and saw pilot whales up close, and I couldn’t stop eating Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.

In December: Spain celebrates through January 6, and the Three Kings parades on the evening of January 5 are the highlight, with floats and candy tossed to the crowds.

My safety tip: Petty theft from rental cars at trailheads and beaches is the main concern. Check wind and wave warnings before swimming on north-facing beaches.

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

I stayed at the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach in Costa Adeje, an adults-only resort right on the coastline.
Price level: $$$

My suite had a private terrace and hot tub facing the sunset, and dinner at the Michelin-starred El Rincón de Juan Carlos was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

The staff arranged a private yacht tour and kept my favorite wine stocked.

12. Saint Lucia: 85°F with Views of the Pitons

December weather: Highs around 85°F, lows near 74°F, and sea temperatures around 82°F.

The dry season begins in mid-December, so expect a few passing showers early in the month.

I went to Saint Lucia in December to get away from the Tennessee cold. The island is green and mountainous; the Pitons rise straight out of the sea, and local holiday festivals were going on during my visit.

Hike the Gros Piton (it’s tough, but the view from the top is worth the climb), take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs, the drive-in volcano, and snorkel Anse Chastanet, where I saw a sea turtle.

A catamaran tour down the west coast with a rum punch at sunset is worth booking, and the chocolate-making class at Hotel Chocolat was one of my favorite experiences.

In December: Saint Lucia’s National Day is December 13, and Castries lights up the night before with the Festival of Lights and Renewal, a lantern parade and lighting ceremony.

My safety tip: Hike Gros Piton with a registered guide, use taxis arranged by your hotel, and keep valuables close in Castries and at the Gros Islet Friday night street party.

Where to Stay in Saint Lucia

Splurge on Jade Mountain Resort. The open-air sanctuary suites have private infinity pools and unobstructed views of the Pitons, the restaurant cooks with produce from the resort’s organic farm, and the staff remembers your name from day one.
Price level: $$$$

13. Sri Lanka: 87°F on the South Coast

December weather: Highs around 87°F on the south and west coasts (Galle, Weligama, Colombo), lows near 75°F. December starts the dry season on that side of the island, while the east coast gets its monsoon rain.

The hill country stays cool, so pack a sweater for Kandy and Ella. You’ll also see Christmas decorations in Colombo and along the coast.

Climb Sigiriya for sweeping views, take a safari in Yala National Park for elephants and leopards, and visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The train from Kandy to Ella through tea country is a highlight.

End on the south coast with a whale-watching tour from Mirissa and a walk through Galle’s Dutch colonial fort, and try the seafood curries and hoppers.

My safety tip: Use registered tuk-tuks or the PickMe app and agree on prices first, dress modestly at temples, and swim only where conditions are calm.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka

Treat yourself to Cape Weligama on the south coast. It sits on a cliff above the Indian Ocean; the villas have private plunge pools, and the main infinity pool is the best spot on the property for sunset.
Price level: $$$$

14. Cape Verde: 77°F with Steady Trade Winds

December weather: Highs around 77°F, lows near 68°F, sea temperatures around 75°F, and very little rain. Steady trade winds make Sal one of the best kitesurfing spots in the Atlantic.

Cape Verde sees far fewer American travelers than the Caribbean, and that’s part of the appeal.

The mix of African and Portuguese culture shows up in the food, the music, and the people.

On Sal, I spent days on Santa Maria beach, tried kitesurfing, and took a trip to Buracona to see the Blue Eye natural pool.

I hiked the green valleys of Santo Antão, climbed the volcano on Fogo and tasted wine grown in volcanic soil, and caught live morna music in Mindelo.

Don’t leave without trying cachupa, the national dish, and grogue, the local rum.

My safety tip: Petty theft is the main risk on Sal, especially on the beach in Santa Maria, so don’t leave bags unattended. Kitesurf only with a certified school.

Where to Stay in Cape Verde

I stayed at the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, right on Santa Maria beach. My room had a balcony over the Atlantic, the infinity pool was my sunset spot, and the staff set up island tours for me.
Price level: $$$

15. Puerto Rico: 84°F Caribbean, No Passport Needed

December weather: Highs around 84°F, lows near 72°F, and sea temperatures around 81°F. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport, and hurricane season is over by December.

I made Vieques my home base, and it felt far less crowded than other Caribbean islands. December also brings parrandas, Puerto Rico’s version of Christmas caroling, and holiday lights across Old San Juan.

Kayak through the Bioluminescent Bay at night, then spend your days on Sun Bay or snorkeling at Blue Beach.

Try horseback riding on the beach, take a day trip to Culebra, and save a day for Old San Juan and El Yunque National Forest. December is peak season, so book early.

My safety tip: Vieques roads are dark at night and wild horses wander onto them, so drive slowly after sunset. In San Juan, stick to busy areas at night and lock up your rental car.

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

I chose Lejos Eco Retreat in Vieques, and I’d stay there again. My casita was simple and comfortable, with a private deck and a hammock for sunsets.
Price level: $$

Mango and banana trees cover the property, breakfast uses fruit from those trees, and the retreat offers yoga and locally sourced meals.

16. Dominican Republic: 84°F and the Start of Dry Season

December weather: Highs around 84°F in Punta Cana, lows near 71°F, and sea temperatures around 80°F. December is the start of the dry season, so expect mostly sunny days with short passing showers.

The Dominican Republic is one of the easiest Caribbean trips from the East Coast, with nonstop flights to Punta Cana from most major cities.

It’s also bigger and more varied than people expect.

You can split your time between the resort beaches of Punta Cana and Cap Cana, the golf and marina life of La Romana, and the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement in the Americas.

Take a boat to Saona Island for a beach day, swim in the Hoyo Azul cenote in Cap Cana, and walk the stone streets of Altos de Chavón above the Chavón River.

If you love wind sports, Cabarete on the north coast is one of the top kitesurfing spots in the Caribbean.

Christmas Eve, called Nochebuena, is the big celebration here, with roast pork, family dinners, and merengue playing late into the night.

My safety tip: Fill out the free e-ticket entry and exit form at eticket.migracion.gob.do before you get to the airport.

Book transfers through your resort or a licensed company, skip excursions sold by vendors on the beach, and drink bottled water outside your hotel.

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic

Eden Roc Cap Cana is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in the Dominican Republic, with just 65 suites and villas, many with private pools, plus its own cenote.
Price level: $$$$

It’s small, quiet, and right on the water in Cap Cana. It works for couples and for families who want a villa with a private pool.

17. Aruba: 86°F and Outside the Hurricane Belt

December weather: Highs around 86°F, lows near 77°F, and sea temperatures around 81°F. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and gets very little rain, and the steady trade winds keep the heat comfortable.

Aruba is the Caribbean island I recommend most to friends who want guaranteed sunshine.

It’s about a four-hour nonstop flight from much of the East Coast, the water on the west side is calm and clear, and the island is easy to get around on your own.

Spend a morning on Eagle Beach under the famous fofoti trees, then take a 4×4 tour through Arikok National Park to the Natural Pool.

Snorkel at Mangel Halto or Boca Catalina, and save an afternoon for Baby Beach on the southern tip.

Between Christmas and New Year’s, you’ll hear dande, a local music tradition where groups go house to house singing New Year’s wishes, and on New Year’s Eve the island lights up with fireworks and long strings of pagara firecrackers.

My safety tip: Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but you still need to fill out the online ED card and pay the $20 sustainability fee before you check in for your flight.

Don’t swim on the rough north coast, and don’t leave bags in your rental car at beaches and trailheads.

Where to Stay in Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba sits on Palm Beach and offers oceanfront suites, an adults-only pool, one of the island’s largest spas, a casino, and a Club Level lounge. It’s the pick if you want full luxury service with restaurants and nightlife steps away.
Price level: $$$$

Travel Safety Tips for a Warm December Trip

I write a lot about travel safety, and December comes with its own risks. Airports and resorts are more crowded, holiday flights sell out, and pickpockets work the busy markets and beaches.

This is my routine before every warm-weather trip.

I check the U.S. State Department travel advisory for my destination and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the embassy can reach me in an emergency. If you signed up before October 2024, you need to re-enroll, because the State Department moved STEP to a new system and old accounts didn’t carry over.

I also buy travel insurance that covers trip delays and medical care, especially for long-haul trips like Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Cape Town.

I book airport transfers through my hotel instead of grabbing a ride at arrivals, keep my passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy, and never leave my phone or bag unattended on the beach.

Watch your drinks at bars and beach clubs, and stick to licensed tour operators for boat trips and excursions.

Before I leave, I send my itinerary and hotel details to someone at home and turn on location sharing with them. If you’re traveling solo, ask the front desk not to say your room number out loud at check-in.

For destination-specific advice, read my guides on Cancun safety, Cabo safety, Costa Rica safety, Bahamas safety, and Cape Town safety. I also have a list of safe cities in Mexico for solo female travelers.

What to Pack for a Warm December Trip

These are the beach essentials I pack for a warm December trip.

For sun protection, bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.

Pack a couple of swimsuits, a rashguard for water activities, and light cover-ups like maxi dresses. Add a waterproof phone pouch, a reusable water bottle, after-sun lotion, and a power adapter.

Don’t forget your passport, travel insurance details, any prescriptions, and a small first aid kit.

For travel safety essentials, shop my Amazon store, or see my full packing list. Heading to Mexico or Costa Rica? I have packing lists for Mexico and Costa Rica.

FAQs About Warm Places to Visit in December

Where is it 80 degrees in December?

Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Puerto Rico, Cancun, Belize, Maui, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast all average highs in the 80s°F in December. Aruba, Mauritius, and the south coast of Sri Lanka run even warmer, in the mid to high 80s°F.

Where is warm and cheap in December?

Cancun, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica are usually the best value from the East Coast because of frequent nonstop flights. Travel in the first two weeks of December, before holiday pricing starts, to get the lowest fares and hotel rates. Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Cape Town are long flights, but your money goes further on food, drivers, and hotels once you land.

Where in the U.S. is it hot in December?

Hawaii and Puerto Rico are the warmest U.S. options, with highs in the low to mid 80s°F, and neither requires a passport for U.S. citizens. In the continental U.S., Key West, Miami, and Naples average in the mid to upper 70s°F.

What is the warmest Caribbean island in December?

Most Caribbean islands average highs between 82°F and 86°F in December. Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Aruba are among the warmest, and Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt with very little rain.

Is December hurricane season in the Caribbean?

No. Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, so December is one of the best months to book a Caribbean or Mexico beach trip. Mauritius is different, since its cyclone season runs roughly November through April.

When is the best time in December to travel somewhere warm?

The first two weeks of December. Flights and hotels cost less, and resorts are less crowded than during the last 10 days of the month, when Christmas and New Year’s pricing kicks in.

My Top Pick for a Warm December Trip

Cape Town is still my top pick for December. It’s summer there, the wine country is at its best, and Boschendal Wine Estate is where I’d stay. If you want the shortest flight from the East Coast, go with Jamaica, Puerto Rico, or Cancun. If you want a true splurge, book a sanctuary suite at Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia.

Still planning a warm Christmas vacation? Turks and Caicos, Barbados, and the United Arab Emirates are also warm in December.

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More Warm-Weather Travel Guides

• 16 Hot Places to Visit in November
• 19 Warm Places to Visit in January
• 15 Warm Places to Visit in October
• Best Sandals Resorts, Ranked
• Jamaica Luxury Resorts
• The Best Los Cabos All-Inclusive Hotels
• Is Cape Town Safe for American Tourists?
• Safe Cities in Mexico for Solo Female Travelers

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