At these destinations, the only chill you'll experience is from a refreshing beverage on a sun-soaked beach. Whether you're looking for a bucket list vacation, warm places to visit in Europe, or an affordable getaway, there's a hot spot on this list for you.

Warm places to visit in December

Here's a closer look at the top warm places to visit in December, whether you're a snowbird searching for your next destination or you're simply craving extra sunshine.

Guadeloupe is one of the warmest places to travel in December, and this French Caribbean island is home to lush rainforests and white sand beaches.

Guadeloupe highlights include the coastline of Pointe des Chateaux, world-class scuba diving among reefs and coral gardens, and French Creole cuisine. Explore Guadeloupe National Park to spot local wildlife, or challenge yourself with a hike up the active Soufrière volcano for rewarding views of the sea. End each day of your December getaway with an ocean sunset with a Ti’ Punch (a local cocktail classic) in hand.

Stay at an apartment or wooden chalet in nature at PARADIS Tropical appart'hotel, or enjoy a luxurious villa at Résidence de la Cousinière with an infinity pool and garden terraces.

It's hard to find somewhere warmer and more welcoming than Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles. Take a long-haul adventure this December with a flight to Bangkok, then head south to Krabi for its tropical climate, warm beaches, and delicious cuisine.

Located on Thailand's southwest coast, Krabi is also the jumping-off point for the islands of the Andaman Sea, including traveller favourites such as Koh Hong, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi. December is the dry season in Krabi, so you can hop between islands on calm seas and explore towering limestone cliffs under sunny skies.

Thailand vacations can adapt to a range of budgets, so you can find accommodations, activities, and more at a price point that suits you. For a mix of luxurious and sustainable accommodations, book a stay at the High Tree Resort and sleep in tranquil treehouses among Krabi's wetlands and mangroves. On Koh Lanta, check in at a private one-bedroom villa right on the beach at The Lazy Lodge.

The Maldives is a popular and splurge-worthy winter destination, with balmy weather and experiences unique to this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Scuba dive at the coral reefs, where the clear water lets you see dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays from far away.

Choose a private overwater villa on the coast, and treat yourself to a front-row-seat viewing of sunsets over sparkling seas at resorts like Coco Bodu Hithi, LUX* South Ari Atoll, and The Barefoot Eco Hotel.

Montego Bay in Jamaica is the perfect destination to kick off your winter boots in exchange for a bathing suit and cocktail. With seasonal direct flights from Canada, Montego Bay offers an immersive island culture, fun outdoor activities, and a warm turquoise ocean.

Check out the rooms at Sandals Montego Bay, a couples-only all-inclusive with oceanside views and hospitality. As a stylish alternative, the S Hotel Montego Bay features amenities including two on-site pools and three bars for enjoying Jamaican rum at sunset.

Travel to Zanzibar, Tanzania, this December for an adventurous getaway to a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar refers broadly to an archipelago with more than 50 islands and islets, with Unguja as the main island.

Get lost in the labyrinth-like alleys of Stone Town, go on a tour of a local spice farm, or take a boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank. Popular accommodations in Stone Town include The Neela Boutique Hotel and the historic Zanzibar Serena Hotel.

Malta is a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Malta enjoys an average of 300 days of sun annually, and December is the perfect time to soak up the rays.

Get to know Malta by wandering the historical streets of Valletta and its Baroque architecture. Valletta is busier and more densely populated than other island destinations, which means that you can find world-class dining and visit 16th-century palaces and churches on foot. Near the city, you'll find more spacious beaches that are ideal for a day of lounging or water sports as well as smaller rocky beaches for off-the-beaten-path exploring.

Stay at The Barrister, just steps from the Grand Harbour, or book a room at the prestigious Iniala Valletta.

The city of Paphos in Cyprus is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a mild Mediterranean climate, a wide array of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and a mix of rocky coves and sandy bays along the clear water.

Start with a visit to Kato Pafos Archaeological Park just beyond the harbour to explore the once-capital of ancient Cyprus and the mosaic floors in the House of Dionysos. Aphrodite's Rock is one of the most popular attractions in Paphos—legend considers the sea stack to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and it's located on a pebble beach with some of the best local sunset views.

Check out Alykes Beach, Venus Bleu Beach, and Sodap Beach. End your day at the beach with Turkish and Greek dishes and local wine served at relaxed restaurants throughout Paphos. Popular accommodations in Paphos include Almyra and Anemi Hotel & Suites.

December is a cooler month in Portugal, but it's perfect for comfortable sunshine with fewer crowds in the Algarve. 

Make your way to the iconic limestone arches with deep blue sea views at Praia da Marinha, and hike to Ponta da Piedade for steep golden cliffs. Although it's the tourist off-season in December for the Algarve, most of the beaches are empty—you'll mainly find locals and travellers surfing some of the best swells with uncrowded lineups.

Accommodation rates are usually lower in December. Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at The Lighthouse Hostel in the surf town of Sagres, or splurge at the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort in Lagos.

Canadians have been flocking to Cancun for what seems like forever, thanks to its idyllic beaches, friendly locals, and cuisine. Visit in the first few weeks of December to enjoy Cancun's warm weather without the crowds of winter vacations, or visit over the holidays for special entertainment and events.

Comfortable temperatures make it easy to spend long days on the powdery-sand beaches or exploring Mayan ruins. Don't miss out on snorkelling at Puerto Morelos or swimming in natural cenotes throughout the jungle. Cancun is a major tourist destination, so there's no shortage of resorts to stay at, such as Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun or Hotel NYX Cancun.

Victoria in December may not be as warm as tropical islands in the southern hemisphere, but British Columbia's capital city is one of the warmest destinations in Canada. As a welcome change from the freezing temperatures and snowstorms in many other Canadian cities, the average daily high in Victoria during December is 7.5°C to 9°C, and the average low is 1.5°C to 4°C.

Head to Victoria for a Canadian staycation of hikes, ocean views, and quaint cafés. There are plenty of places to stay in Victoria, such as Abigail’s Hotel by Victoria Harbour on McClure Street. The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is also one of Victoria's most luxurious accommodations to treat yourself at.

Choose your next adventure to warm December destinations

Winter seems to always be around the corner in Canada, but so too is your next December getaway. Start planning your holidays and searching for flights to the top hot places in December.