To help you find that perfect sunshine destination for an end-of-the-year adventure, we’ve done some research to inspire you with options for warm places to travel in December this year. Whether you're looking for a big bucket list destination, a warm place to visit in Europe, or an affordable getaway, there's a hot spot on this list for you.

Warm places to travel in December

Top bucket list warm places to visit in December

In search of sunny skies once that winter chill arrives? Here's a closer look at the top warm places to visit in December that offer something for everyone, starting with some tropical paradise destinations for that bucket list.

Guadeloupe

This French Caribbean Island is beaming with some of the region’s best-kept secrets. Not only is it one of the warmest places to travel in December in the Caribbean, but Guadeloupe is home to jaw-dropping landscapes and stunning beaches to boot. In Guadeloupe National Park, you can explore more wildlife and even hike up to La Soufrière volcano if you’re feeling up for a challenge.

Other highlights for Guadeloupe include the spectacular coastline of Pointe-des-Chateaux, world-class scuba diving, and delicious French Creole cuisine. Top it all off with a panoramic sunset over the water accompanied by Ti’ Punch, a local cocktail classic.

Krabi, Thailand

Take it from this full-time traveller -- it's pretty hard to find somewhere more warm and welcoming than the Land of Smiles. If you're planning a long-haul adventure this December, hop on a flight to Bangkok and then head south to Krabi where you'll be greeted with stunning tropical landscapes, warm beaches, and so much delicious food that you'll never want to leave.

Krabi is the jumping off point to the islands off of Thailand's southwest coast in the Andaman Sea. Some travellers' favourites include Koh Hong, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi. One of the great things about Thailand is that you can build your trip according to your travel budget -- so whether you're in search for something more mid-range or looking to splurge, you can find quality accommodation and lots of options for day trips to suit your taste.

Maldives

The Maldives is the perfect go-all-in winter vacation splurge. This stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean is the ideal destination for a relaxing and romantic vacation with your partner. Choose a private villa on the sparkling waters and treat yourself to a glorious front-row seat viewing to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Basically, the Maldives is the paradise you deserve this December.

Some eye-catching resorts that fit the bill are Coco Budu Hithi, LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, and The Barefoot Eco Hotel.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica might just be what you’re longing for in a warm place to visit this December. With lots of seasonal direct flights from Canada, Montego Bay offers everything from culture, fun outdoor activities, and warm ocean waters for you to enjoy on your holiday getaway. Consider it the perfect destination to kick off your winter boots and long work hours in exchange for a bathing suit and cocktail.

If you’re looking for a resort vacation, Jamaica is calling your name. Check out the gorgeous rooms at Sandals Montego Bay, a couples-only all-inclusive with beautiful oceanside views and amazing hospitality. As a stylish alternative, the S Hotel Montego Bay is packed with amenities, including 2 on-site pools and 3 bars where you can enjoy some Jamaican rum at sunset.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

If you fancy something a bit more adventurous for a vacation this December, yet still with a warm climate – have you considered Tanzania? This beautiful East African country has beautiful beaches and adventures aplenty for an unforgettable getaway.

Whether it's getting lost in the markets of Stone Town, going on a tour of a local spice farm, or a boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank, Zanzibar is a great warm winter destination to re-energize and recharge as a solo traveller, family, or couple. It’s the trip of a lifetime that you’ve been dreaming about, so maybe now’s the time to check Tanzania off of that bucket list.

Warm places to travel in December in Europe

While not exactly the Caribbean, Europe has lots of destinations that offer warm weather fun during the month of December. Check out some of our top picks below.

Valletta, Malta

Malta is a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Small on the outside but mighty on the inside, it’s time to put this hot spot on your travel radar. Malta benefits from an average of 300 days of sun per year, which makes it a great choice for a warm place to travel in December in Europe.

The attractive, historical streets of Valletta are a perfect way to get to know Malta. There’s larger beaches near the city that are ideal for a day of lounging or water sports and smaller, rockier beaches if you desire some off-the-beaten path exploring. December is Malta's off-season for travel, which means that you'll get to escape the crowds and take in the beach views without the usual hustle and bustle.

Paphos, Cyprus

Have you ever considered adding Cyprus to your warm December vacation bucket list? Cyprus is a bit more under-the-radar, but once you arrive, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go sooner. This island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea has warm weather throughout the whole year, especially compared to other parts of Europe. Get lost in its rich history which spans over 10,000 years here in Cyprus.

In Paphos along the island's southwest coast, you'll be treated with so many different beaches to visit and soak up your fair share of sun and sea. Check out the Alykes Beach, Venus Bleu Beach, and Sodap Beach. Hungry after a day at the beach? Cyprus has a delectable blend of Turkish and Greek dishes to sink your teeth into during your trip.

The Algarve

While Portugal weather in December isn’t necessarily “hot”, it’s just warm enough for you to manage some awesome sightseeing during the day, especially in the southern region of the Algarve.

Fly into Faro and land in a paradise with some of the most stunning cliffside beaches you will ever see. Be sure to make your way to some of the renowned, scenic rock formations with deep blue sea views like Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade. This is the off-season in the Algarve, which means you can find accommodation on discount and enjoy some of the area's most beautiful beaches all to yourself.

Cheap warm places to travel to in December

With lots of seasonal and year-round flight deals from Canada, Cancun and Cuba are perfect for an affordable winter getaway.

Cancun, Mexico

Canadians have been flocking to Cancun for what seems like forever. And it still holds up due to its idyllic beaches, amazing people, food, and holiday packages made for everyone from families to couples to solo travellers.

If you’re looking for an affordable and short getaway to experience a bit of warmer weather this December, there’s no shortage of fun beach activities, historical ruins to explore, or places to just laze out in the sun with a good book when you book a trip to Cancun.

Cayo Coco, Cuba

Cuba has some of the clearest blue waters in the Caribbean and has consistently been an affordable destination for Canadian travellers during the winter months. After all these years, the island remains one of the best warm places to visit in December for a much-needed winter vacation. Want an alternative to Varadero? More flight routes to Cayo Coco from Montreal and Toronto have been added by major airlines in 2025, so now's the time to visit this beautiful island off the north coast of Cuba.

Whether you just want to dip into the ocean to start your day or you’re a dive fanatic looking for some colourful coral reefs and aquatic life, Cayo Coco will truly feel like paradise.

Warm places to travel in December in Canada

Victoria, British Columbia

We know what you’re thinking…there are warm places to travel in December right here in Canada? Well, it might not be warm as in tropical beaches or t-shirts and shorts, but the capital of British Columbia happens to be one of the warmest cities in Canada in December. Daily average highs in Victoria during December reach 7.6-9 degrees Celsius and the average low is 1.5-4 degrees Celsius. And that’s definitely a welcome change from the below freezing temperatures in the rest of the country.

If you’re up for a little Canadian staycation this December, head out to Victoria to enjoy some hikes, ocean views, and quaint cafés. There are plenty of great places to stay in Victoria such Abigail’s Hotel by the Victoria Harbour on McClure Street. The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is a top hotel in Victoria if you really want to treat yourself.