As the British winter tightens its grip with long nights and plummeting temperatures, the allure of swapping heavy coats for swimwear becomes irresistible. While December at home is synonymous with frost and early darkness, a world of summer sunshine awaits in the Southern Hemisphere and select European hotspots. For those seeking a vital dose of vitamin D, we've compiled the ultimate list of destinations where you can reliably find warmth and blue skies this December.
European Escapes: Sun Closer to Home
You don't need to embark on a marathon flight to find welcoming winter warmth. Several European destinations defy the continental chill, offering average temperatures in the comfortable high teens. The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, are a perennial favourite for UK holidaymakers.
Gran Canaria boasts an average December temperature of 18°C with around six hours of daily sunshine. Beyond its famous resorts like Puerto Rico and Maspalomas—home to stunning sand dunes—the island offers cosmopolitan Las Palmas city and dramatic natural landscapes perfect for hiking, including the iconic Roque Nublo rock.
Fellow Canary Island Lanzarote also enjoys December highs of around 22°C. This unique island is a geological wonder, shaped by volcanic activity. Visitors can explore the otherworldly Timanfaya National Park, the artistic Jameos del Agua caves, and the charming, less-developed port capital of Arrecife.
Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, provides average December highs of 21°C, catering to all types of travellers. The island is dominated by the mighty Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, and offers everything from the bustling capital of Santa Cruz to the cliff faces of Los Gigantes and family-friendly southern resorts.
Further east, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus remains one of Europe's warmest winter locations. The city of Limassol offers a vibrant marina and historical sites with average December temperatures of 15°C. For ancient history, Paphos is unrivalled, home to remarkable archaeological parks and beautiful beaches like Coral Bay, all under similarly mild winter skies.
Portugal's Atlantic jewel, Madeira, is another superb option. With December highs around 20°C, its capital Funchal is a picturesque coastal city, while the island's interior offers incredible levada walks through lush, mountainous landscapes.
For a uniquely British twist abroad, the territory of Gibraltar provides mild December weather (around 15°C) and a fascinating cultural blend. The iconic Rock offers breathtaking views, resident Barbary macaques, and a rich military history to explore.
Long-Haul Heat: Southern Hemisphere Summer
For those craving proper summer heat, December marks the start of the sunny season in the Southern Hemisphere. Sydney, Australia, comes alive with average temperatures of 21°C and eight hours of sunshine. Iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Bondi Beach are complemented by vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class galleries, and glorious harbour ferries.
Similarly, Cape Town, South Africa, enters its prime summer season in December, with temperatures above 22°C and a remarkable eleven hours of sunshine daily. It's the perfect time to hike Table Mountain, explore the Kirstenbosch gardens, visit the poignant Robben Island, or relax on the beaches of Camps Bay.
Perennial Sun Seekers: Year-Round Warmth
Several destinations offer guaranteed heat regardless of the season. In the Middle East, Muscat, Oman, presents a compelling mix of modern luxury and ancient tradition, with December temperatures of 23°C and nine daily sunshine hours. Explore the historic Muttrah Souq, the grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque, and the stunning surrounding Hajar Mountains.
Across in Southeast Asia, the vibrant capital of Bangkok, Thailand, is perennially hot and humid, with December averaging 27°C. The city is a thrilling chaos of glittering temples like Wat Pho, bustling street markets, frenetic nightlife, and some of the world's best street food.
Mexico's Cancun emerges from its rainy season in December, offering perfect beach weather with highs around 30°C. Beyond the famous Hotel Zone, visitors can explore Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, swim in cenotes, or dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Finally, for a Red Sea retreat, Hurghada, Egypt, provides excellent value winter sun with December temperatures around 21.5°C. This resort town is a gateway to world-class diving and snorkelling, desert safaris, and simply relaxing on its sandy beaches without the peak summer heat.
Planning a winter sun holiday in December 2025 offers a fantastic opportunity to break the seasonal cycle and recharge under warmer skies. Whether you prefer a short-haul European break or a long-haul summer adventure, this list provides a reliable starting point for your search for the perfect escape from the British winter.
