Warm destinations for December become incredibly popular once the UK slips into freezing mornings, grey afternoons and endless rain. Instead of spending winter wrapped in layers, many travellers now swap December in Britain for beach weather in the Canary Islands, rooftop dining in Dubai, or tropical sunsets in Thailand.
The best warm destinations for December offer more than warm weather. Most travellers want short flight times, affordable hotels, outdoor experiences and destinations that still feel lively during the festive season. That is why places like Tenerife, Madeira, Morocco and Egypt continue to rank among the most searched December warm destinations from the UK.
If you are wondering what country is warm in December, the answer depends on the type of winter escape you want. Some individuals prefer warm places in December in Europe with short-haul flights and mild temperatures around 20°C. Others chase hotter weather in destinations like Dubai or Thailand, where temperatures climb past 30°C even during Christmas.
This guide covers the best warm places to visit in December for every travel style, including:
- Cheap winter sun breaks
- Luxury December holidays
- Family-friendly beach destinations
- Hot places in December in Europe
- Long-haul tropical escapes
- Short-haul winter sun from the UK
Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural city break or a tropical adventure, these warm countries in December deliver better weather and a genuine escape from winter.
Where Is Hot in December?
If you want warm destinations for December without spending hours researching weather charts and flight routes, these are the destinations UK travellers book most for reliable winter sun. The table below compares temperature, flight time and the type of holiday each destination suits best.
Destinations | Average December Temperature | Flight Time from the UK | Best For |
Canary Islands, Spain | 21–23°C | 4–4.5 hours | Short-haul beach holidays |
Dubai, UAE | 26–29°C | 7 hours | Luxury winter sun |
Egypt | 24–26°C | 5–6 hours | Cheap hot weather holiday |
Madeira, Portugal | 19–21°C | 4 hours | Hiking and scenic escapes |
Morocco | 20–22°C | 3.5–4 hours | Culture and affordable winter sun |
Thailand | 28–32°C | 11-13 hours | Tropical beaches and island hopping |
Malta | 16–18°C | 3 hours | Mild European winter breaks |
Cyprus | 17–20°C | 4.5–5 hours | Relaxed winter sun |
Algarve Portugal | 16–19°C | 3 hours | Quiet coastal escapes |
Cape Verde | 24–27°C | 6 hours | Hot winter beach holidays |
For travellers asking where is hot in December in Europe, the Canary Islands are the strongest option. They combine reliable sunshine, warm temperatures and relatively short flights from the UK. Madeira, Malta and southern Portugal also stay mild enough for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor dining throughout December.
If your priority is guaranteed heat, Dubai, Egypt, and Thailand offer some of the hottest December warm destinations with beach-ready weather all month long. Meanwhile, Morocco and Cape Verde are for travellers searching for warm places to visit in December without the premium prices of Caribbean resorts.
Best Warm Destinations for December
Canary Islands, Spain — The Best Short-Haul Winter Sun Destination
When you search for warm destinations for December from the UK, the Canary Islands almost always top the list. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura stay warm throughout winter, with daytime temperatures averaging 21–23°C and plenty of sunshine even during Christmas week.
Unlike many warm places in December in Europe, the Canary Islands still feel genuinely beach-ready in winter. You can swim, surf, hike volcanic landscapes and eat outdoors without needing layers by sunset. The short 4 to 4.5-hour flight from the UK also makes the islands one of the easiest winter sun escapes for families, couples and solo travellers.
Each island offers a different experience:
- Tenerife suits travellers who want resorts, nightlife and hiking around Mount Teide
- Lanzarote attracts surfers, food lovers and travellers who enjoy volcanic scenery
- Gran Canaria mixes beaches, dunes and city breaks
- Fuerteventura works best for long beach days and water sports
The Canary Islands also remain one of the more affordable December hot holiday destinations compared to Dubai or the Caribbean. Package holidays, direct winter flights and all-inclusive resorts make them especially attractive during peak festive travel periods.
For individuals looking for where is hot in December in Europe, few destinations compete with the Canary Islands for weather reliability, flight convenience and overall value. That balance explains why they consistently rank among the best warm countries in December for UK travellers.
Best Warm Places in December in Europe
Not everyone wants a long-haul flight to enjoy winter sunshine. Several warm places in December in Europe still offer mild temperatures, sunny afternoons and outdoor-friendly weather without the jet lag or expensive flight costs.
For most UK travellers, these destinations are the balance between warmth, affordability and convenience.
1. Malta
Malta stays pleasantly mild throughout December, with temperatures averaging 16–18°C. While it may not feel tropical, the island still delivers enough sunshine for coastal walks, outdoor dining and sightseeing without heavy winter clothing. Valletta, Mdina and Gozo are quiet in winter, making December one of the best times to experience Malta without summer crowds.
2. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira ranks among the top December warm places in Europe thanks to its spring-like climate and scenery. Temperatures usually sit around 19–21°C, and the island stays green and vibrant even in winter.
You can visit Madeira for:
- Coastal hikes
- Scenic road trips
- Whale watching
- Festive Christmas markets
- Famous New Year fireworks in Funchal
Unlike traditional beach destinations, Madeira is more appealing to individuals who enjoy nature, walking and slower-paced winter escapes.
3. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve remains one of the most underrated warm countries in December Europe for relaxed winter breaks. While the temperature is cooler than the Canary Islands, sunny days around 16–19°C still feel far more comfortable than winter in the UK.
December in the Algarve works well for:
- Coastal hiking
- Golf holidays
- Quiet beach towns
- Affordable off-season hotels
- Food-focused city breaks in Lagos and Faro
4. Cyprus
Cyprus combines warm winter weather with cultural attractions and beach resorts that remain active through December. Temperatures often reach 17–20°C, especially around Paphos and Limassol.
The island suits travellers who want:
- Mild beach weather
- Historical sites
- Scenic drives
- Winter hiking
- Relaxed Mediterranean food and nightlife
For travellers searching for where is hot in December in Europe, Cyprus offers warmer temperatures than much of mainland Europe while avoiding the longer flight times of tropical destinations.
5. Seville, Spain
Seville delivers one of the best winter city breaks in Europe. December temperatures reach 16–20°C, and the city stays lively with tapas bars, flamenco shows and Christmas lights.
Unlike beach resorts, Seville works best for travellers who want culture, food and sunshine in one trip. Winter also makes sightseeing far more comfortable compared to the intense summer heat.
How to Choose the Right December Warm Destination
The best warm destinations for December depend on the type of winter escape you actually want. Some individuals prioritise beach weather and guaranteed heat, while others care more about short flights, lower costs or cultural experiences.
Here is how to narrow down the right destination for your trip.
- Choose short-haul if you want a Quick winter escape
If you only have a few days off, short-haul destinations make far more sense than spending half your holiday travelling.
The best short-haul December warm destinations from the UK include:
- Canary Islands
- Madeira
- Morocco
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Algarve
- Pick long-haul for guaranteed heat
Individuals asking what country is warm in December usually want genuinely hot weather rather than mild sunshine. In that case, long-haul destinations deliver the highest temperatures and the best beach conditions.
Top options include:
- Thailand
- Dubai
- Caribbean islands
- Mexico
- Prioritise budget-friendly destinations for better value
December prices rise sharply closer to Christmas, especially for luxury resorts and long-haul flights. Travellers searching for where is hot and cheap in December Europe often find the best value in:
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Canary Islands
- Algarve
These destinations combine affordable accommodation, cheaper flights and warm winter weather without premium Caribbean pricing.
- Families should focus on convenience
Families usually benefit more from direct flights, all-inclusive resorts and destinations with reliable weather.
The best family-friendly warm countries in December include:
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Dubai
- Egypt
These destinations offer large resorts, family activities and consistent warm weather throughout the festive season.
- Choose based on the experience, not just temperature
The hottest destination does not always create the best holiday. Some travellers prefer scenic hikes and cosy cafés over beach clubs and pool resorts.
Choose:
- Madeira for hiking and scenery
- Morocco for culture and markets
- Thailand for island hopping
- Dubai for luxury
- Seville for winter city breaks
- Canary Islands for balanced winter sun
Conclusion
Finding warm destinations for December has become easier than ever, whether you want a short European sunshine break or a long-haul tropical escape. From the beaches of the Canary Islands to the heat of Dubai and Thailand, there are plenty of December warm destinations that let you trade grey skies for sunshine before the year ends.
For travellers who want short flights and reliable weather, the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco remain among the best warm places in December in Europe. If guaranteed heat matters more, destinations like Egypt, Dubai and Thailand offer hotter temperatures, beach weather and plenty of winter sun throughout December.
The best destination ultimately depends on your travel style, budget and how much warmth you want. Some travellers prefer relaxing beach resorts, while others look for hiking, food, culture or festive city breaks with milder temperatures.
One thing stays consistent every year: the best warm countries in December book up quickly, especially around Christmas and New Year. Booking early usually means better flight prices, better hotel choices and more affordable winter sun holidays overall.
FAQ Section
1. Where is it warm in December in the UK?
The UK does not stay hot in December, but a few areas feel milder than the rest of the country. Cornwall, Brighton and parts of southern England usually experience slightly warmer temperatures compared to northern regions and Scotland.
Many travellers also visit UK winter destinations like:
- Bath for Christmas markets
- Edinburgh for festive events
- York for winter city breaks
- The Cotswolds for cosy countryside stays
While these are not warm destinations for December in the traditional sense, they remain some of the most beautiful places in the UK in winter.
2. Where is hot but cheap in December?
Morocco, Egypt and the Canary Islands usually offer the best combination of hot weather and affordable winter travel from the UK.
Travellers can often find:
- Budget airlines
- All-inclusive resorts
- Off-season hotel deals
- Cheap food and transport
Egypt often delivers the hottest temperatures for the lowest overall cost, especially in resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
3. Where is hot in December, 4 hours from the UK?
The Canary Islands remain the best option for reliable winter sun within around 4 hours from the UK. Temperatures often reach 21–23°C even during late December.
Other nearby warm destinations include:
- Madeira
- Morocco
- Malta
- Southern Portugal
These destinations offer much warmer weather than the UK without requiring a long-haul flight.
4. Where to go in the UK during December?
If you prefer staying in the UK during winter, several destinations become especially popular in December because of festive events, winter scenery and Christmas markets.
Top choices include:
- Edinburgh
- London
- Bath
- York
- Manchester
- The Lake District
Families often visit these destinations for festive lights, seasonal food markets and winter activities, making them some of the best places to visit in the UK in December with family.
