10 Warm Places to Escape To in December Before You Lose Your Mind
December is dark, wet and full of office parties. Here is where travelers on Reddit actually go to defrost, with budget picks flagged and a hotel for each.
Intro
Updated October 2026
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If you are searching for the best places to visit in December for warm weather, you are probably wearing two sweaters right now. We see you.
Our top pick: Thailand’s Andaman coast for the best value, or the Canary Islands if you are flying from Europe and want sun without a long-haul flight.
December is dry season in a lot of the tropics, which is why Reddit threads on r/travel and r/solotravel keep naming the same places: Thailand, Mexico, and the Canary Islands for Europeans.
How we picked: Places travelers recommend for December sun in public Reddit threads and travel guides. We do not quote temperatures we could not verify, so check a weather site for your exact dates. Hotels are our picks.
Quick Selection Guide: Best places to visit in december for warm weather
| Pick | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Krabi, Thailand (Budget Pick) | Budget beach lovers | Check price |
| 2. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Budget Pick for Europe) | Europeans who want sun without jet lag | Check price |
| 3. Puerto Escondido, Mexico | Foodies who also want a beach | Check price |
| 4. Madeira, Portugal | Walkers and New Year’s Eve fans | Check price |
| 5. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (Budget Pick) | Beach days on a budget | Check price |
| 6. Goa, India (Budget Pick) | Budget travelers who like a party | Check price |
| 7. Galle, Sri Lanka | Culture plus beach | Check price |
| 8. Tamarindo, Costa Rica | Active travelers | Check price |
| 9. Cartagena, Colombia | Couples and photographers | Check price |
| 10. Cape Town, South Africa | Big city plus nature | Check price |
1. Krabi, Thailand (Budget Pick)
The hook: The value king of December sun.
Reddit travelers looking for warm budget destinations in December keep pointing to Thailand for cheap food, cheap rooms and beaches.
The common tip: pick the Andaman side (Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta), since the Gulf islands can be rainy this time of year.
Key Features
- Dry season on the Andaman coast
- Cheap street food
- Island hopping
Best For: Budget beach lovers.
Book: Railay Bay Resort & Spa
2. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Budget Pick for Europe)
The hook: Europe’s winter sunroom.
For Europeans, the Canaries are the go-to cheap and reliable warm option in December, according to travelers in r/TravelHacks threads.
One honest note from those threads: it is warm, not scorching, and evenings can feel cool in late December. Pack a light jacket.
Key Features
- Short flights from Europe
- Mild, not tropical
- Volcanic landscapes
Best For: Europeans who want sun without jet lag.
Book: Hotel Botánico
3. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
The hook: Surf town energy and Oaxacan food.
Reddit threads on December trips suggest pairing Mexico City with the Pacific coast, with Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca coming up again and again.
Travelers do warn that December is peak season, so book early.
Key Features
- Pacific beaches
- Pairs with Oaxaca or Mexico City
- Peak season pricing
Best For: Foodies who also want a beach.
Book: Hotel Santa Fe Puerto Escondido
4. Madeira, Portugal
The hook: Eternal spring, a short hop from Lisbon.
Madeira is known for mild weather all year and big New Year’s Eve fireworks over Funchal bay.
It is mild rather than beach hot, so think hiking and gardens more than sunbathing.
Key Features
- Mild year round
- Famous New Year fireworks
- Levada hikes
Best For: Walkers and New Year’s Eve fans.
Book: Belmond Reid’s Palace
5. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (Budget Pick)
The hook: Southern Vietnam island in its dry season.
December falls in the dry season for southern Vietnam, which makes Phu Quoc a popular winter beach escape.
Vietnam is a budget friendly destination, so rooms and food tend to stretch further than in the Caribbean.
Key Features
- Dry season
- Good value
- Sunset beaches
Best For: Beach days on a budget.
Book: Salinda Resort Phu Quoc
6. Goa, India (Budget Pick)
The hook: Beach shacks and fresh fish curry.
December is peak season for Goa, with dry weather and a busy party calendar around New Year.
Go north for the lively scene, south for quieter beaches.
Key Features
- Dry season
- Beach shacks
- Busy around New Year
Best For: Budget travelers who like a party.
Book: Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa
7. Galle, Sri Lanka
The hook: South coast season kicks off.
Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts head into their main beach season around December.
Galle Fort is walkable, photogenic, and close to beaches like Unawatuna.
Key Features
- South coast season
- Colonial fort town
- Nearby beaches
Best For: Culture plus beach.
Book: Jetwing Lighthouse
8. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The hook: Dry season starts on the Pacific side.
Guanacaste on the Pacific coast heads into dry season around December, which is why it fills up over the holidays.
Tamarindo is a beginner friendly surf town with an easy beach scene.
Key Features
- Dry season begins
- Beginner surf
- Wildlife day trips
Best For: Active travelers.
Book: Hotel Tamarindo Diria
9. Cartagena, Colombia
The hook: Colorful walls and rooftop sunsets.
Cartagena is warm year round, and the walled city glows at night with holiday lights.
Plan for heat and humidity. Midday is for naps and pool time.
Key Features
- Warm year round
- Walkable old town
- Island day trips
Best For: Couples and photographers.
Book: Casa San Agustín
10. Cape Town, South Africa
The hook: December is summer here.
The Southern Hemisphere flips the script: December is summer in Cape Town.
Expect long days, wine country trips and beaches, plus the famous wind.
Key Features
- Southern summer
- Winelands day trips
- Long daylight hours
Best For: Big city plus nature.
Book: Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge
FAQ: Best places to visit in december for warm weather
Where is warm in December on a budget?
Travelers most often name Thailand (Andaman coast), Vietnam, Goa and the Canary Islands for Europeans.
Where in Europe is warm in December?
Nowhere is truly hot, but the Canary Islands and Madeira stay mild.
Is December peak season in Mexico and Costa Rica?
Yes, holiday weeks are busy and pricey, so book early.
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Details checked in October 2026. Where we could not verify a price, we link to current listings instead of quoting one. Prices, schedules and offers change, so check the official site before you go. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general travel information, not medical or safety advice.
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