Best Winter Sun Destinations in December

Looking for the best winter sun destinations and best places to visit for winter holidays? But not all warm places to visit are equal in December. Some are drenched in rain. Others are shuttered and quiet. A few are vibrant, affordable, and reliably sunny with endless sunny days.

Here’s what matters most: your flight time tolerance, budget, and whether you want bustling streets or peaceful beaches.

December pricing shifts dramatically:

• Early December (1-15): Budget sweet spot, 30-40% cheaper than late December
• Mid-December (16-23): Prices jump 20-30% as school holidays start
• Late December (24-27): Peak pricing with 15-25% markup; hotels fill fast
• New Year (28-31): Premium pricing with 20-50% markups; book 3-4 months ahead

The flight-time rule matters:

• Under 4 hours: Works for families with young kids and tight weekends
• 4-8 hours: Suits long weekends or short weeks
• 8+ hours: Demands a full week minimum to justify the journey

This is where the real value happens.

Understanding the December Sun Decision

Instead of scrolling through generic lists, use this framework:

1. Filter by flight time
2. Match your budget tier
3. Check December’s liveliness rating
4. Verify weather reliability
5. Confirm family suitability

Most travel articles skip this last part. They recommend beautiful places to visit without mentioning that half the businesses shut in December.

What “December weather” actually means: It’s not about heat. It’s about sunshine hours, rainfall days, and whether you can sit outside comfortably enjoying sunny days. An island with 18°C and three dry days per week beats 25°C with monsoon showers most afternoons.

SHORT-HAUL SUN: UNDER 4 HOURS

Canary Islands (Fuerteventura & Gran Canaria)

Most travelers lump all Canary Islands together. This is your first mistake.

Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are genuinely warm and dry in December. Lanzarote and Tenerife? Less reliable. The northern coast of Tenerife gets chilly and damp by December standards.

FUERTEVENTURA AT A GLANCE

Fuerteventura’s main towns, Corralejo and Morro Jable, stay busy in December without feeling overcrowded like summer. These are favorite places for families seeking reliable sun. Family amenities are excellent: safe beaches with white sand, water sports centers, and reliable restaurants everywhere. Early December is noticeably cheaper than mid-December.

GRAN CANARIA AT A GLANCE

Gran Canaria offers similar temperatures with more variety. The south coast (Playa del Inglés) buzzes year-round with sunny days and white sand beaches. It’s not quiet, but that’s the point if you want liveliness. The west coast near Arguineguín stays warmer and sunnier than the north.

Morocco (Marrakech & Agadir)

MARRAKECH AT A GLANCE

Marrakech stays vibrant in December, a perfect city break destination. The medina markets hum with energy. Restaurants cater to tourists and locals equally. Consider day trips to nearby mountain villages and gardens for authentic experiences.

One warning: The medina can feel disorienting. Hire a guide for your first day. Early December offers especially good value before the holiday rush.

AGADIR AT A GLANCE

Agadir’s beachfront stays busy. The old town has quieter stretches perfect for day trips and exploration. Families appreciate Agadir’s straightforward beach setup with white sand and accessible water. The atmosphere is more organized but less atmospheric than Marrakech.

Both offer reliable sunshine and very few rainy days in December. December is Morocco’s high season, but prices haven’t inflated like they do in European destinations.

Portugal (Algarve & Lisbon)

Portugal’s coast enjoys decent sunshine in December with most days staying dry.

ALGARVE AT A GLANCE

The Algarve feels quiet in December compared to summer. Some restaurants and attractions close seasonally. This is the trade-off for cheap pricing. Liveliness rating: medium. Consider day trips to nearby coastal towns and hiking trails.

Key tip: Stick to established towns like Albufeira. Avoid tiny villages where businesses close.

LISBON AT A GLANCE

Lisbon stays busy year-round making it ideal for a city break, one of the best places to visit in winter. Museums, restaurants, and markets all operate normally. Liveliness rating: high. Christmas markets run mid-December through early January, and day trips to nearby Sintra and Cascais are perfect. The trade-off: hotels cost more.

Choose Lisbon for culture and food. Choose the Algarve for beaches and quiet. Book early December for the best prices.

Southern Spain (Andalusia)

AT A GLANCE

Coastal Andalusia (Málaga, Almería, Granada) brings fewer tourists than summer. Some beach bars close seasonally. Liveliness is medium to low in coastal towns. Day trips inland to white villages and mountain towns offer authentic experiences.

Exception: Granada, inland, stays busier year-round due to its cultural draw.

The weather is cool for swimming, though some brave souls do it. This option works best if you want the absolute shortest flight combined with Mediterranean culture. It’s less sunny and warm than Canary Islands or Morocco, but it’s quick to reach. Early December is significantly cheaper than late December.

MID-RANGE SUN: 4-8 HOURS

Turkey (Antalya & Mediterranean Coast)

AT A GLANCE

The big catch: some hotels and attractions close December through February. Always verify before booking.

The Mediterranean coast has decent sunshine but occasional rainy stretches. Weather reliability: moderate. Liveliness factor: low in December as the tourist infrastructure powers down. Many all-inclusive resorts close entirely.

Critical step: Check TripAdvisor recent reviews (specifically from December of previous years) before booking any hotel. Look for comments like “everything was closed” or “very quiet.” Book directly with the hotel to confirm December operations.

This works if you want Turkish culture, markets, history, food, and don’t mind cooler weather and reduced infrastructure. Day trips to historical sites and day trips to nearby attractions may be limited.

Tunisia (Djerba & Tunis)

DJERBA ISLAND AT A GLANCE

Djerba has beach resorts that stay open year-round. December offers reliable sunshine with very few rainy days. Liveliness factor: medium. The island features beautiful white sand beaches and is becoming a favorite place for travelers seeking something different. Day trips to nearby towns and historical sites are excellent.

Tunisia flies under the radar for December travel, meaning fewer crowds than Mediterranean alternatives. Food is excellent. Safety is solid.

Main downside: Limited English in some areas. Have translation apps ready. Early December pricing is noticeably cheaper than late December.

Egypt (Red Sea Resorts)

AT A GLANCE

Red Sea resorts near Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh offer genuinely warm and dry weather in December with abundant sunny days. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches create ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Sunshine is nearly guaranteed. Liveliness factor: high. These are among the best places to visit for reliable winter sun.

December is Egypt’s peak season. Beach resorts stay open and busy. Restaurants thrive. This is the most reliably pleasant December weather option in the 4-8 hour range.

Trade-off: Higher pricing due to peak season. Early December (1-15) is significantly cheaper than mid-December. Late December inflates prices another 20-30%.

Families appreciate the calm Red Sea beaches and resort infrastructure. Snorkeling is excellent year-round. Day trips to nearby towns and desert excursions are readily available.

Greek Islands (Crete & Rhodes)

AT A GLANCE

Big issue: Many smaller hotels, restaurants, and attractions close in December. Liveliness factor: low.

This destination requires careful location research. Day trips to nearby islands and mountain villages may be unavailable due to seasonal closures.

What stays open:

• Larger resort areas like Rethymno operate partially
• Crete’s north coast stays busier than the south
• Smaller villages shut down entirely

What to avoid: Booking in small tourist villages.

If you’re willing to be flexible and book in established resort areas, you can make it work. The weather is cool and occasionally rainy, not ideal for beach relaxation. It works better for cultural exploration if you don’t mind the weather.

Critical step: Before booking anything in Greek islands, check December TripAdvisor reviews specifically. Verify December status directly with your chosen hotel.

LONG-HAUL SUN: 8+ HOURS

Caribbean (Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia)

Not all Caribbean islands are equal in December. Parts of the region are still in wet season. Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia are the reliable choices.

AT A GLANCE

December is the Caribbean’s high season and one of the best times to visit. Prices reflect this. Early December (1-15) is cheaper than mid-December. Late December inflates another 30-40%. The islands boast white sand beaches and turquoise waters ideal for sunny days.

Weather & safety:

• Dry and reliably sunny
• Hurricane season ended November 30
• Safety record is good for tourists

Liveliness factor: excellent. Beach bars, restaurants, and water sports operate at full capacity. These are favorite places among travelers.

December celebrations:

• Barbados: Christmas markets and New Year celebrations on beaches
• Antigua: Christmas traditions with local events
• St. Lucia: Mid-December celebrations and festivities

Families enjoy calm beaches, water activities, and friendly locals. The long flight justifies a full week minimum. Day trips and excursions are abundant.

Avoid: Puerto Rico and the Bahamas in December, still too much residual rain from hurricane season.

Mexico (Playa del Carmen & Tulum)

Mexico’s Caribbean coast averages 24-28°C in December with excellent reliability and abundant sunny days.

AT A GLANCE

December is peak season for good reason, these are among the best places to visit with perfect weather. Prices are high but justified by excellent sunny days and beautiful turquoise waters with white sand beaches. Liveliness factor: excellent. The region buzzes with tourists, local festivals, and open businesses. Water activities are at their best.

Best locations:

• Playa del Carmen: 5th Avenue stays busy with restaurants and bars. Hotels: £60-110/night. Middle ground for price and action. Perfect for a city break atmosphere.
• Tulum: Smaller town center but increasingly active. Hotels: £50-90/night. More character, lower prices. Excellent day trips to nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins.
• Cancun: Busier and pricier (£80-140 mid-range). Skip unless you love crowds.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are reliably dry by December 1.

December atmosphere: Las Posadas celebrations (December 16-24, reenactments of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter). Christmas markets fill plazas. New Year celebrations are huge. The vibe is festive and family-oriented.

Early December is noticeably cheaper than mid-December. This destination justifies a full week to recover from the long flight.

Cape Verde (Sal Island)

AT A GLANCE

Advantage: Weather is absolutely reliable with endless sunny days. December has virtually zero rain. Liveliness factor: medium, islands stay quieter than Caribbean or Mexico, which some travelers prefer. The white sand beaches and turquoise waters make it one of the best winter sun destinations.

Beaches are uncrowded. Restaurants operate but without the chaos of peak destinations. This destination is becoming a favorite place for those seeking winter sun without overwhelming crowds.

Cape Verde works for travelers seeking reliable sun without overwhelming crowds. The higher flight cost and extra flight time mean booking a full week makes sense. Early December is cheaper than late December, but less dramatically than other destinations. Day trips and beach exploration are ideal.

Main towns to stay: Santa Maria and Espargos (Sal Island) stay open. Mid-range hotels: £55-100/night. Avoid smaller villages.

Southeast Asia: Reality Check

Southeast Asia requires nuance in December. Not all areas are equally sunny or suitable for winter sun seekers.

Reliable in December:

• Thailand’s Phuket and Pattaya (entering dry season, reliably sunny)
• Southern Vietnam coast
• Coastal towns (not inland areas)

Less reliable:

• Northern Thailand (occasional rain)
• Cambodia (shoulder season, variable)
• Inland Vietnam

BEST OPTION: PHUKET AT A GLANCE

Patong Beach stays busy with sunny days. The liveliness factor is high. Facilities are excellent and inexpensive. Day trips to national parks, islands, and waterfalls are readily available.

What to avoid: Inland Cambodia and northern Thailand entirely, they’re wetter and less reliable.

If you’re set on Southeast Asia in December, stick to coastal Thailand and southern Vietnam. The long flight justifies a full week. December is mid-season pricing, not peak or budget season.

Families appreciate the food, culture, and beach experiences. Book early December for better prices than late December.

Additional Winter Sun Destination: South Africa

AT A GLANCE

South Africa in December offers warm, sunny days combined with incredible natural attractions. The Cape Peninsula features white sand beaches and turquoise waters, while nearby national parks offer world-class wildlife viewing and hiking. December is summer season in South Africa, providing long sunny days ideal for exploration. Cape Town is an excellent city break destination with first-class restaurants, museums, and day trips. This is one of the best places to visit if seeking combination wildlife, culture, and beaches, though it requires significant flight time.

DECEMBER PRICING BREAKDOWN BY WEEK

Real numbers example:

• Mid-range Canary Islands hotel: £50/night early Dec → £65-75 mid-Dec → £80-90 late Dec → £100-120 New Year
• Morocco flights: £140 early Dec → £165-180 mid-Dec → £200 late Dec → £240+ New Year

Daily meal and activity costs stay relatively stable regardless of when you travel. Real savings come from accommodation and flight timing.

LIVELINESS & SEASONALITY: WHICH DESTINATIONS ACTUALLY STAY BUSY

This is the section that makes or breaks a December trip. Booking somewhere pretty but shuttered is a massive waste.

Destinations That Stay Vibrant in December

✓ Canary Islands (established year-round infrastructure) ✓ Caribbean (high season boom) ✓ Mexico (peak season) ✓ Cape Verde (tourism focus) ✓ Egypt Red Sea resorts (peak season) ✓ Portugal (open year-round in coastal towns) ✓ Marrakech, Morocco (continuous tourist draw)

In these places: Restaurants stay open. Beaches have lifeguards. Tour operators run normal schedules. Day trips and activities operate as planned.

Destinations That Go Quiet in December

✗ Greek islands outside major resorts ✗ Turkish coast (many hotels close) ✗ Smaller Spanish beach towns ✗ Inland Tunisia ✗ Portuguese Algarve villages away from main centers

In these places: You might book a beautiful hotel that closed at 6 PM because the owner went on holiday. Restaurants can’t find staff. Tour operators shut down. Day trips become unavailable.

The difference is enormous. A vibrant destination means you can spontaneously find dinner at 9 PM. A quiet destination means discovering restaurants closed for the season.

Before booking anything in the 4-8 hour category (Turkey, Greek islands, smaller Spanish towns), take this action:

1. Check December reviews on TripAdvisor specifically
2. Look at reviews dated December from previous years
3. If you see comments like “everything was closed” or “very quiet,” reconsider

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DECEMBER SUN

Families with Young Children (Under 8)

Priorities: Short flights, calm beaches, reliable infrastructure

Best choices: Canary Islands, Portugal’s Algarve, Morocco’s Agadir

Why: Flights are 3-6 hours. Beaches are calm and monitored. Restaurants cater to families everywhere.

Families with Teenagers

Priorities: Action, adventure, local culture

Best choices: Mexico, Caribbean, Southeast Asia

Why: Water sports, snorkeling, adventure activities, and nightlife for older teens exist. The longer flight feels worth it given the week-long experience.

Safety Considerations

All these destinations have good safety records for tourists:

• Canary Islands ✓
• Portugal ✓
• Morocco (in tourist areas) ✓
• Turkey ✓
• Tunisia ✓
• Egypt (Red Sea resorts) ✓
• Caribbean (Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia) ✓
• Mexico ✓
• South Africa ✓

General rule: Avoid non-resort areas in unfamiliar destinations. Stay in established tourist zones.

Dietary Restrictions

Easy accommodation:

• Mediterranean destinations (vegetarian needs)
• Morocco (most diets)
• Turkey (variety)

Requires more specificity:

• Southeast Asia (communicate with hotels ahead of time)

Specific Family Amenities

Kids’ clubs & water parks:

• Canary Islands: Kids’ clubs, water parks, and family beaches everywhere
• Egypt Red Sea resorts: Excellent at keeping kids entertained
• Mexico: Similar appeal with water sports and activities
• Caribbean: Full family-friendly infrastructure

What to research: Each resort’s specific kids’ programs. Email hotels ahead of time with dietary, activity, and safety questions.

Health Considerations

Carry: Basic medications (pain relief, anti-diarrhea, cold medicine)

Tap water is safe in:

• Canary Islands ✓
• Portugal ✓
• Morocco (main cities) ✓
• Turkey (main areas) ✓
• Tunisia ✓
• Egypt (Red Sea resorts) ✓

Use bottled water:

• Southeast Asia (standard practice)
• South Africa ✓

Travel insurance: Worthwhile for all international trips. Check coverage for your destination before booking.

AVOIDING DECEMBER TRAPS: WHAT ACTUALLY CLOSES AND WHEN

Trap 1: Hotel Closures

Many Mediterranean and Greek island hotels close November through February. They’re not on booking sites. When you arrive, they’re simply dark.

Action: Call the specific hotel directly. Don’t trust “we might be closed” notes on websites. Confirm December operations before payment.

Trap 2: Wet Season Remnants

Southeast Asia’s Pacific coast (Thailand’s east side, Cambodia, Vietnam’s inland regions) still gets rain in December. It’s not like November’s heavy monsoon, but it’s more rain than you expect for a “sun destination.”

Action: Specify which parts of these regions. Verify recent December reviews.

Trap 3: Hurricane Remnants

Some Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico, Bahamas, southern Mexico) experience residual rain into early December. By mid-December it clears. By late December it’s reliable.

Action: Stick with Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia, outside the primary hurricane belt.

Trap 4: Overbooked Luxury Resorts

Premium resorts in peak destinations (Caribbean, Mexico, Egypt) reach capacity in mid-December. Prices skyrocket. Quality sometimes drops because they’re packed. Staff gets overwhelmed.

Action: Mid-range hotels often offer better value in December. Consider downgrading one tier for better experience.

Trap 5: Attraction & Activity Closures

Some museums, tours, and activities close December 24-26 and/or 31-January 1. Plan accordingly. Beach and outdoor activities operate regardless. National park visits and day trips may be restricted.

Action: Check specific attraction websites before booking. Plan non-dependent activities for these dates (beach days, relaxation).

Trap 6: Crowding Without Liveliness

Some destinations get packed with other tourists but lack local energy. Beach resort towns in Turkey in December can feel this way. You’re around crowds but no genuine atmosphere.

Action: Choose destinations with a mix of tourists and locals (Canary Islands, Marrakech, Portugal).

Trap 7: Limited Flight Options

December’s last week (27-31) has limited flight availability. Prices spike. Connections become mandatory.

Action: Book this window 2-3 months ahead if necessary. Consider flying out earlier in late December if possible.

Trap 8: Ground Transportation Delays

Fog and occasional weather patterns affect airport operations in December. Build extra time into airport arrival.

Action: Arrive 3 hours before international flights. It’s minor but worth planning.

LOCAL DECEMBER EVENTS & FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

Canary Islands

• New Year celebrations are major. December 31st, fireworks light up beaches.
• Local markets continue normally
• No big religious holidays
• Vibe: Straightforward beach town with holiday bustle

Morocco

• December doesn’t feature major religious holidays (varies by Islamic calendar year)
• Marrakech’s medina fills with holiday shoppers
• Street performances increase
• Local celebrations happen but aren’t heavily promoted to tourists

Portugal

• Lisbon: Christmas markets mid-December through early January
• Algarve: Quieter; celebration focused on beaches and restaurants
• New Year celebrated on beaches and in restaurants

Turkey

• Muslim traditions mean limited December-specific festivals
• Coastal resort towns install Christmas decorations despite Muslim population
• New Year celebrations happen in tourist zones
• Local traditions are quieter than Western countries

Egypt

• December doesn’t feature major religious celebrations
• Coptic Christmas (January 7) falls slightly after typical December trips
• Resort towns celebrate New Year internationally
• Egyptian New Year in September is bigger culturally

Caribbean

• Barbados: Christmas markets and New Year celebrations on beaches
• Antigua: Christmas traditions with local events
• St. Lucia: Mid-December celebrations and festivities
• Jamaica: Reggae festivals in December (if visiting)
• Overall vibe: Embrace Caribbean holiday culture with music, parades, and special food

Mexico

• Las Posadas celebrations (December 16-24): Reenactments of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter
• Christmas markets fill plazas
• New Year celebrations are huge
• December 26 starts post-holiday sales
• Vibe: Festive and family-oriented

Cape Verde

• December features year-end celebrations but fewer major festivals than Caribbean
• New Year celebrated internationally
• Local music and culture continue normally
• Vibe: Less festival-heavy than Caribbean or Mexico, but still celebratory

Southeast Asia

• Buddhist and secular traditions mean December holidays are less prominent
• New Year in January is celebrated culturally
• Christmas exists in tourist zones but isn’t a local cultural focus
• Vibe: December celebrations are limited compared to Western destinations

South Africa

• December 26 (Boxing Day) is a public holiday
• Summer season features outdoor festivals and open-air concerts
• Local celebrations blend African, Dutch, and British traditions
• Vibe: Festive outdoor celebration season aligned with summer weather

WHERE TO ACTUALLY STAY: NEIGHBORHOOD & RESORT RECOMMENDATIONS

Canary Islands

Corralejo, Fuerteventura:

• Stays busy and sunny
• Hotels: £40-80/night
• North beach is protected and calm with white sand
• Best for: Relaxed beach families
• Day trips: Nearby beaches and natural reserves

Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria:

• Lively year-round
• Hotels: £45-85/night
• Beach is wild and busy with turquoise waters and white sand but packed with activities
• Best for: Active families seeking action
• Day trips: Nearby towns and natural attractions

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria:

• Quieter than Playa del Inglés
• Still fully operational
• Best for: Middle ground between busy and peaceful

Morocco

Marrakech Medina (Old Town):

• Hotels (riads): £35-75/night
• Chaotic but alive year-round
• Best for: Culture seekers; adventurous families
• Tip: Hire a guide for the first day
• Day trips: Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, Agafay Desert

Marrakech New Town:

• Quieter and less atmospheric
• Hotels: Similar price range
• Best for: Those seeking calm over culture
• Day trips: Atlas Mountains, Agafay Desert

Agadir Promenade:

• Hotels: £40-80/night
• Organized beach setup with white sand and turquoise water
• Lacks authentic atmosphere but easier navigation
• Best for: Beach-focused, low-stress trips

Portugal

Lisbon (Alfama & Bairro Alto neighborhoods):

• Hotels: £60-100/night
• Stay busy and open year-round
• Best for: Culture, food, and mixed experiences
• Day trips: Sintra, Cascais, nearby beaches

Algarve (Albufeira):

• Hotels: £40-75/night
• Busier than smaller towns
• Best for: Beach focus
• Day trips: Coastal towns, cliffs, hiking trails
• Avoid: Tiny villages in Algarve where businesses close

Turkey

Antalya Old Town (Kaleici):

• Mid-range hotels: £45-75/night
• Has character but verify operations before booking
• Best for: History and culture
• Day trips: Waterfalls, historical ruins, nearby national parks

Modern Beach Areas:

• Better reliability than old town
• Less character
• Action: Always verify December status directly with hotel

Tunisia

Djerba Island Resort Areas:

• Mid-range hotels: £40-70/night
• Stay open year-round
• White sand beaches and turquoise waters
• Best for: Beach focus
• Day trips: Local villages, historical sites, nearby islands
• Avoid: Isolated properties; stick to established resort clusters

Egypt

Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada Area):

• Hotels: £50-110/night
• Sheraton, Hilton, and mid-range chains operate fully
• Turquoise waters and white sand beaches ideal for sunny days
• Resort infrastructure is reliable and family-friendly
• Best for: Families seeking comprehensive resort amenities
• Day trips: Snorkeling excursions, desert safaris, nearby towns

Greek Islands

If you insist on Greek islands in December:

Rethymno, Crete:

• Hotels: £45-80/night
• More open than other areas
• Best option for Greek islands
• Day trips: Beach towns, mountain villages (availability varies)

Rhodes Main Town:

• Hotels: £45-80/night
• Moderate reliability
• Avoid: Small villages entirely
• Action: Verify December operations before booking
• Day trips: Beach areas and nearby sites (some may have limited access)

Caribbean

Barbados (South Coast – St. James):

• Hotels: £70-130/night
• Stays busy year-round
• White sand beaches and turquoise waters
• Bridgetown has culture and restaurants open
• Best for: Beach + local experience
• Day trips: Bridgetown, natural pools, nearby islands

Antigua (Dickenson Bay & Half Moon Bay):

• Hotels: £65-120/night
• Stay active in December
• Stunning white sand beaches
• Best for: Family beaches and activities
• Day trips: Nelson’s Dockyard, Fig Tree Drive, other beaches

St. Lucia (Rodney Bay):

• Hotels: £65-120/night
• Most reliable December bustle
• Turquoise waters and scenic beauty
• Best for: Mix of activity and relaxation
• Day trips: Pitons, Diamond Falls, nearby beaches

Mexico

Playa del Carmen (5th Avenue):

• Hotels: £60-110/night
• Busy restaurants and bars open late
• Perfect city break destination
• Best for: Action and nightlife
• Day trips: Cenotes, Mayan ruins, nearby beach towns

Tulum Town Center:

• Hotels: £50-90/night
• Smaller but increasingly active
• White sand beaches and turquoise water nearby
• Best for: Character and lower prices
• Day trips: Cenotes, national parks, Mayan ruins, nearby beaches

Cancun:

• Hotels: £80-140/night (mid-range)
• Busier but pricier
• Best for: Those seeking crowds and all amenities
• Day trips: Nearby Mayan ruins, cenotes, small coastal villages

Cape Verde

Sal Island (Santa Maria & Espargos):

• Hotels: £55-100/night
• Stay open; moderate liveliness
• White sand beaches and turquoise waters
• Consistent restaurants and activities
• Day trips: Beach exploration, nearby villages
• Avoid: Smaller villages (quieter but less reliable)

Southeast Asia

Phuket (Patong Beach):

• Hotels: £35-80/night
• Stays busy and fully operational
• Best for: Water sports and nightlife
• Day trips: National parks, nearby islands, waterfalls

Pattaya:

• Similar to Phuket
• Hotels: £35-80/night
• Day trips: Nearby beaches, local towns

What to avoid: Inland areas entirely.

South Africa

Cape Town:

• Hotels: £70-130/night (mid-range)
• Perfect city break destination
• Excellent restaurants and cultural attractions
• Best for: Urban exploration, beaches, nature
• Day trips: Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain, nearby national parks, wine regions

Garden Route (Knysna & Mossel Bay):

• Hotels: £50-100/night
• Beautiful coastal scenery
• Best for: Nature and relaxation
• Day trips: National parks, hiking trails, scenic drives

Kruger National Park Area:

• Hotels: £60-120/night
• World-class wildlife viewing
• Best for: Safari and nature experiences
• Day trips: Game drives, walking safaris

YOUR FINAL DECISION CHECKLIST

Use this to narrow your choice:

Flight Time Tolerance

□ Can you handle 3-4 hours? → Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain, Morocco □ Four to eight hours? → Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, Greek islands, Cape Verde □ Eight-plus hours? → Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia, South Africa □ Honestly assess. A miserable flight ruins the trip.

Budget Tier Per Person (Full Week)

□ Under £800? → Morocco, Portugal, Canary Islands □ £800-1,200? → Egypt, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Turkey □ Over £1,200? → Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia, South Africa (all available at higher comfort)

Family Needs

□ Young kids (under 8)? → Canary Islands, Portugal, Agadir Morocco □ Teenagers? → Mexico, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Africa □ Solo travelers? → Egypt Red Sea, Cape Verde, Caribbean, South Africa □ Couples seeking relaxation? → Any destination works if you choose quieter areas

Weather Reliability Priority

□ Need guaranteed sun + warmth? → Egypt (22-26°C), Caribbean (26-29°C), Mexico (24-28°C), Cape Verde (24-27°C), South Africa (20-25°C) □ Accept some clouds + coolness? → Portugal, Canary Islands, Morocco, Turkey

Liveliness Priority

□ Want restaurants and activities open everywhere? → Canary Islands, Caribbean, Mexico, Egypt, Cape Verde, Lisbon, South Africa □ Accept quieter destinations? → Turkey, Greek islands, Portuguese Algarve smaller areas

Local Experience Preference

□ Want authentic culture? → Marrakech Morocco, Turkish coast, nearby Egyptian desert tours, South Africa □ Want beach resort structure? → Caribbean, Mexico, Egypt Red Sea, Cape Verde □ Want mixed experience? → Portugal, Canary Islands, South Africa (all balance culture + beach) □ Want wildlife and nature? → South Africa, national parks throughout destinations

Now make your call. The best winter sun destination depends on weighing these factors honestly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

✓ Book early December (1-15) for 30-40% savings on accommodation and 15-30% cheaper flights compared to late December, saves ~£400/week total. This is the best time to visit.

✓ Flight time matters psychologically: Under 4 hours suits families with young kids; 4-8 hours works for long weekends; 8+ hours requires committing to a full week to justify the journey.

✓ Canary Islands’ Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are genuinely warmer and sunnier than other Canary Islands in December, offering reliable winter sun weather with liveliness, short flights (4-4.5 hours), and mid-range hotel prices (£35-80/night). White sand beaches and sunny days are guaranteed.

✓ Verify December operations before booking any hotel, especially in Turkey, Greek islands, and smaller Mediterranean towns, check TripAdvisor reviews specifically dated December from previous years to confirm businesses stay open.

✓ Caribbean islands like Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia are reliably sunny and dry in December (26-29°C), offer excellent family infrastructure and holiday celebrations, feature white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but require 8-10 hour flights and a full week commitment.

✓ Don’t chase the absolute lowest price, destinations that are half the cost are often half-empty in December. Mid-range pricing often reflects reliable liveliness and infrastructure.

✓ South Africa in December combines winter sun with incredible national parks, city break experiences in Cape Town, and white sand beaches with turquoise waters, making it one of the best places to visit for travelers seeking variety.