December is often a month people associate with winter coats and fireplaces — but for those of us who crave the sun, it’s a golden opportunity to chase warm breezes instead. Every year around this time, I find myself longing for places where the sand is soft, the skies are endless, and the ocean breeze feels like a hug. Whether you’re looking to escape the chill of Europe or just need a tropical refresh, there are destinations that make December feel like midsummer.
From the golden coastlines of Africa to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, these are the best places to travel in December for warm weather — destinations that will keep your spirits high and your skin sun-kissed all season long.
1. Seychelles – The Island of Endless Summer
If paradise had a postcode, it would probably be in Seychelles. December here is pure magic — the weather is warm, the water is crystal clear, and the mood is slow and luxurious. I remember walking along Anse Source d’Argent beach, where giant granite boulders meet white sand and calm, turquoise waves. It’s one of those places that makes you forget time even exists. You can go snorkelling, sailing, or just enjoy a quiet sunset cruise — every moment feels postcard-perfect.
Top Places to Visit
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Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue)
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Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
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Curieuse Island
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Victoria Market
2. Ghana – Where Culture and Warmth Collide
I’ve spent a few Decembers in Ghana, and every single time, it feels like home. From the festive buzz in Accra to the golden beaches of Cape Coast, December in Ghana is an experience you’ll never forget. The weather is warm, the music is vibrant, and the energy is contagious. The “Detty December” vibe brings both locals and visitors together — rooftop parties, cultural events, beach festivals — it’s endless joy under African sunshine.
Top Places to Visit
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Labadi Beach (Accra)
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Cape Coast Castle
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Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
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Aburi Botanical Gardens
3. Zanzibar – The Spice Island That Never Sleeps
Zanzibar has a rhythm that instantly makes you slow down. December here is sun-soaked and breezy, with perfect temperatures for long days by the ocean. I still remember the smell of spices in Stone Town’s markets, and the sound of waves crashing against the coral reefs. The island feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from — it’s romantic, adventurous, and wonderfully laid-back all at once.
Top Places to Visit
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Nungwi Beach
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Stone Town
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Prison Island
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Jozani Forest
4. Bali, Indonesia – Paradise for Soul Seekers
Bali in December is warm, spiritual, and full of life. Even during its mild rainy season, the island feels alive — waterfalls are fuller, rice terraces greener, and the sunsets more dramatic. Walking through Ubud’s temples or catching waves in Canggu always feels like therapy for the soul. The locals are welcoming, and the food — especially the beachside seafood grills — makes every evening memorable.
Top Places to Visit
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Ubud Monkey Forest
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Tanah Lot Temple
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Seminyak Beach
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Mount Batur
5. South Africa – From Cape Town to Coastal Sunshine
December marks summer in South Africa, making it one of the best places to travel in December for warm weather. I once spent Christmas in Cape Town, and it was everything — warm beaches, mountain hikes, and outdoor concerts. The city is alive with laughter, wine, and sea breeze. A drive along the Garden Route is the perfect way to soak in South Africa’s beauty, from rugged coastlines to quiet vineyards.
Top Places to Visit
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Table Mountain
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Camps Bay
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Boulders Beach
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Stellenbosch Wine Route
6. Dubai, UAE – Desert Luxury Under the Sun
December in Dubai is what perfection feels like. Warm enough for the beach, cool enough for exploring. I still remember watching the sunset from the Burj Khalifa — the city glowing gold beneath me. Dubai is where modern glamour meets desert calm, offering everything from luxury shopping to traditional souks and dune adventures. It’s a place that blends cultures, energy, and elegance effortlessly.
Top Places to Visit
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Jumeirah Beach
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Burj Khalifa
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The Dubai Desert
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Al Fahidi Historical District
7. The Gambia – Africa’s Smallest Gem
I stumbled upon The Gambia almost by accident a few years ago, and it ended up being one of my favorite warm-weather getaways. December brings pleasant sunshine without the crowds, making it perfect for travelers on a budget. The beaches are wide and peaceful, and the locals’ hospitality is unmatched. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe, and truly live in the moment.
Top Places to Visit
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Kololi Beach
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Kunta Kinteh Island
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Abuko Nature Reserve
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Tanji Fishing Village
8. Thailand – Sunshine and Street Food
Thailand is one of those countries that makes December feel like a festival of light and flavour. From the golden temples of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket, warmth fills both the weather and the people. I still remember the feeling of kayaking through limestone caves in Krabi — it was pure magic. The night markets, the food, the energy — Thailand is a love story written in sunshine.
Top Places to Visit
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Bangkok’s Grand Palace
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Phi Phi Islands
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Chiang Mai
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Krabi Caves
9. Mauritius – Indian Ocean Elegance
Mauritius in December is like stepping into a glossy travel magazine. The weather is sunny, the water calm, and the air filled with the scent of sugarcane. I loved how easy it was to switch between adventure and relaxation — one day you’re snorkelling near coral reefs, and the next, you’re sipping coconut water under a palm tree. Mauritius is beauty in its purest form.
Top Places to Visit
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Le Morne Brabant
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Chamarel Waterfall
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Grand Baie
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Île aux Cerfs
10. Mexico – A Tropical December Fiesta
There’s something about Mexico that makes it impossible not to smile. December brings perfect beach weather and endless cultural festivals. Cancun and Tulum are the stars of the show, but I also fell in love with Oaxaca’s charm and the ancient ruins scattered across the Yucatán. Whether you’re chasing sun, surf, or tacos, Mexico has it all.
Top Places to Visit
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Tulum Beach
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Chichen Itza
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Playa del Carmen
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Oaxaca City
Where Warmth Meets Wanderlust
Travelling in December doesn’t have to mean escaping the cold — it can mean chasing the sun. These destinations prove that summer can live in your heart all year long. Whether it’s the rhythm of Ghana’s beaches, the calm of Zanzibar, or the elegance of Seychelles, the world is full of warm corners waiting to be explored.
So pack your sunscreen, book that flight, and let December be your season of sunshine and adventure. ☀️
