It’s December, it’s winter and the landscape is grey and cold all around. Maybe you’re sitting by a warm fireplace, sipping hot tea and dreaming of escaping this winter slumber. You’re wondering where to go on holiday in December for warmth by the sea to recharge your batteries. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a list of 10 destinations for a seaside holiday in December. ❤️
10 destinations for a warm seaside holiday in December
Whether you crave warm sunshine and azure seas or safaris and swimming with dolphins, there are plenty of options. This article is a guide for all those who want to spend December in a different way than at home under a blanket. For those of you looking for inspiration for your next trip together, here’s an overview of the most beautiful destinations for a holiday in December to the warmth of the sea.
Sri Lanka – the best holiday destination in December
We went to Sri Lanka with my family to the sea in December many years ago. It was our first winter holiday over New Year’s Eve, and I would say it was the best New Year’s Eve celebration abroad I’ve ever had.
Tip: If you don’t want to travel on your own, you can go with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours has the portal Invia.
December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, and it’s also good for people who like active holidays, as well as those who want to lounge on the beach. This month marks the start of the dry season in the southwest of the island, bringing sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
Holidays in Sri Lanka: weather in December
Average temperatures in December are around 27°C to 30°C, which is just perfect for visiting golden sandy beaches such as Mirissa and Unawatuna, or exploring national parks such as Yala and Udawalawe, where you can spot wildlife including elephants and leopards.
Sri Lanka is rich in culture and history. December is a great time to visit ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa or the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The mild weather will allow you to explore these historic sites in comfort.
Best hotels in Sri Lanka
One of the best resorts in all of Sri Lanka is the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. But if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, though still luxurious by local standards, check out R Degrees.
Mexico – Yucatan in December – where to go for a warm holiday by the sea
If you’re looking for a December seaside holiday that’s not just about lounging on the beach, but also experiencing stunning nature, exploring a rich exotic culture and embarking on a journey through history, the Yucatán is the perfect choice for you.
During our five-month stay in Mexico, Lukas fell in love with the Mayan culture, while I was enchanted by the amazing nature, beautiful white beaches, freshwater cenotes and colourful local life.
The most luxurious accommodation can be found in Tulum , but we were most enchanted by Holbox Island, where there was no signal, and the area around Bacalar.
Why go to Mexico in December? Temperatures in Yucatán are ideal this month, ranging from 24°C to 28°C.
Even though December is the beginning of the main tourist season, you can still find quieter places to escape the crowds. Plus, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and special events that Mexico offers at this time. A real treat is guaranteed. 😊
Tip: If you don’t want to travel to Mexico on your own, you can go with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours has the portal Invia.
Tips for the best hotels in Mexico
The most popular destination, and the most luxurious, is Tulum, where one of the top-rated accommodations is Trece Lunas.
Holidays by the sea in Dubai in December in the United Arab Emirates
December is here, and with it our thinking about where to go for a seaside holiday in December. How about a week of lounging in the sun, luxury shopping and enjoying delicious food?
For us, Dubai or another emirate in the United Arab Emirates becomes the ideal destination. December in these parts offers pleasant weather with air temperatures around 26°C to 30°C. The sea temperature is ideal for swimming, ranging between 21 and 25°C – exactly what we are looking for on a seaside holiday in December.
What to do in Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates offers much more than just relaxing on the beach. We can enjoy panoramic views from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, or explore the gigantic Dubai Mall with its luxury shops. Our hearts are drawn to the traditional marketplaces of Deira and the chance to experience an adrenaline-fuelled desert safari with a dune ride.
It’s worth a visit to the Dubai Aquarium, with its underwater tunnels, or take a dip in the waves of the artificial surfing pool. For those times when you’re looking for relaxation and luxury, there are lavish beach clubs and resorts along the Jumeirah coastline. And culture lovers? They can enjoy history at the local museum or in the historic Al Fahidi district. Where to go for warmth in December? Definitely the United Arab Emirates. For more information, see our article on Dubai.
Tips for the best hotels in Dubai for your December holidays
- Hotel Arabian Park Edge By Rotana in Dubai, you will find it close to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain.
- The Cove Rotana Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Hotel Rotana Fujairah Resort & SPA in Fujairah, which has spectacular views of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
- The Citymax Bur Dubai in the heart of Dubai and the Royal Regency Suites, just a short walk from the Marina.
Tip: If you do not want to travel to Dubai on your own, you can go with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours has the portal Invia.
Maui – Hawaiian Islands in December
If you’ve been following us for a while, you may know that we spent an amazing two weeks on Maui, during which we even camped. Maui is a beautiful, exotic destination that offers not only white beaches, but also the opportunity to hike into a crater or explore tropical forests.
Holidays in Hawaii: Hahekili Beach Park Maui Hawaii
Where to go on holiday to the sea in December? How about Hawaii. December on Maui brings beautiful weather, with average air temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and sea water temperatures around 25°C.
Maui boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the famous Kaanapali Beach and the tranquil Wailea Beach, where you can relax in the sun or go snorkeling and diving to explore the underwater world.
For nature lovers and trekkers, there is the Haleakalā National Park where you can go for a short hike or go on a two-day trek like we did. December is also the ideal time for whale watching, when these majestic creatures often visit the waters around Maui.
Best Maui hotels for December holidays
When it comes to accommodation, you can also camp on Maui. 😁 If camping doesn’t appeal to you, Maui offers many luxury hotels that guarantee comfort and first-class service. Some of the most popular are the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Grand Wailea Resort and Andaz Maui. For families with children is excellent Napili Surf Beach Resort .
Holidays in December in Thailand – Koh Samui and other islands
Since December, more tourists start to flow to Thailand, because it is the beginning of the high season. However, there are still fewer tourists on Koh Samui in December than in January or February. This time of year in Thailand brings cooler and drier weather, making it ideal for exploring the island.
Holidays by the sea in December in Thailand
Although there may be the occasional brief shower in December, these showers are usually quick and quickly followed by a return to sunny weather. 😁
Air temperatures range between 23°C and 30°C, while the sea temperature remains pleasant at around 27°C. Nature on the island Koh Samui is beautifully green in December and ideal for hiking inland to discover waterfalls like Na Muang, or hiking to Koh Nang Yuan or Koh Tao.
Tip: If you do not want to travel to Thailand on your own, you can go with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours has the portal Invia.
Tips for the best hotels on Koh Samui in December
If you’re looking for the best hotels on Koh Samui for your December holiday, try looking at Sasitara Thai Villas, which you’ll find a short walk from Choeng Mon Beach, these villas are styled in the Thai Ayudhya architectural style, built from authentic Thai teak wood.
But really the best location is the golf hotel The Spot which is by the most beautiful beaches on the island – Chaweng and Lamai or Amaya Resort which is just an 18-minute walk from Lamai Beach.
If you are looking for cheaper accommodation, we recommend Aforetime Beach House. It is a 63-year-old original Thai wooden house by the sea on Taling Ngam beach.
Aruba – holidays by the sea in December
December in Aruba is beautiful and warm, making this Caribbean island the perfect retreat for a winter escape from the cold. This month is perfect for those who want to spend the festive season in tropical style.
Holidays in Aruba: Weather in December
December in Aruba is dry and warm, with average temperatures around 28°C to 31°C, ideal for lounging on famous beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. These beaches offer not only relaxation on the white sand, but also a wide range of water sports.
Aruba is also great for nature lovers
For nature lovers and adventurers, Aruba is home to beautiful natural parks such as Arikok National Park, where you can explore caves, rock formations and natural pools. Don’t forget to explore the famous Natural Bridge or go snorkelling and discover the underwater world of coral reefs.
Tip: If you don’t want to travel on your own to Aruba, you can go with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours is the portal Invia.
Christmas atmosphere in Aruba
In December in Aruba you can experience a unique combination of Dutch influence and Caribbean culture, which is reflected in the local cuisine, music and art. Be sure to take part in the local holiday festivals and events, which are full of music, dancing and merriment.
Tips for the best hotels in Aruba
Some of the best hotels in Aruba include the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (just off Eagle Beach) and Coral Reef Beach. Both of these hotels are right on the beach, which will be appreciated by anyone who wants to go on a seaside vacation in December.
Zanzibar – exotic holidays in December
December in Zanzibar is luxurious. It’s the start of the dry season, so there still aren’t as many tourists on Zanzibar as in other months, but there are pleasant water and air temperatures, making it ideal for a rollicking beach holiday.
Tip: You can easily go to Zanzibar with a travel agency, the largest offer of tours has the portal Invia.
Holidays in Zanzibar: Weather in December
With average temperatures around 28°C to 31°C, Zanzibar offers perfect conditions for relaxing on its famous beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa. These beaches are famous for their fine white sand and crystal clear waters, making them ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Tips for excursions in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, you can easily book interesting excursions if you’re tired of lounging on perfectly white beaches. We mostly use GetYourGuide because it’s transparent and we don’t have to chase local ticket sellers. You can go snorkelling with dolphins and on safari.
Tips for the best hotels in Zanzibar
The most popular in the Czech Republic is the Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, which was built in Zanzibar by Czechs. Hekaya Zanzibar is also great.
Maldives – luxury beach holidays in December
If you’re wondering where to go for a truly luxurious and exotic seaside holiday in December, then the Maldives probably springs to mind. There is no more beautiful and idyllic destination where the tropical sun meets the endless shades of blue sea. December is also the beginning of the dry season here, making it one of the best times to visit these exotic islands.
Holidays in the Maldives: weather in December
With average temperatures of around 27°C to 30°C and little chance of rain, December in the Maldives is the ideal destination if you want a warm beach holiday in December, love snorkelling and diving or want perfect sunsets over the sea.
A paradise for water sports enthusiasts
The Maldives is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy kayaking, sailing, windsurfing but there are also fishing trips. The Maldives is probably best known for diving and snorkelling around the coral reefs. For those looking for quieter activities, many resorts offeryoga or wellness treatments right on the beach.
Tips for the best hotels in the Maldives
When you go to the Maldives, you don’t want to go to a regular hotel. In short, these islands are worth paying extra for a bit of luxury. Among the best hotels in the Maldives is Kuramathi Maldives. Another really great resort is the Royal Island Resort at Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
Cape Verde – holidays by the sea in December
Have you been to all of the above destinations and are wondering where else to go for a seaside holiday? How about the Cape Verde Islands, where you can expect pleasant weather and warm seas, perfect for our December adventure.
Holiday Kaprverdy: Weather in December
Air temperatures hover around a pleasant 24°C to 26°C, which is perfect for exploring the islands and relaxing on the beach without worrying about rain, as rainfall is very rare in Cape Verde in December .
This group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic offers a beautiful variety of landscapes, from sand dunes and salt lakes to majestic mountains and green valleys. We can enjoy sunbathing at the seashore, but also explore nature reserves such as the Serra Malagueta Park on Santiago Island or the craters and lava tunnels on Fogo Island.. Cape Verde in December is a true paradise for all who want to go on holiday in December in the heat.
Tips for the best accommodation: hotels in Cape Verde
Costa Rica – a paradise for nature lovers
If you’re not the rollicking type, a vacation to Costa Rica in December is perfect for you. In December, you can explore the untouched nature of Costa Rica and enjoy its diversity in all its glory.
Holidays Costa Rica: Weather in December
December marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, which makes everything green and beautiful, but it’s not raining anymore, so you can head to the misty mountain forests of the Santa Elena reserve, the endless water channels of Tortuguero and Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast.
Temperatures on the Pacific coast range from 21°C to 32°C, in San José from 15°C to 23°C and on the Caribbean coast from 21°C to 31°C.
What you can do in Costa Rica
One of the main attractions is a boat trip on the Tárcoles River, where you can watch crocodiles, or a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can meet sloths and capuchin monkeys.
For nature lovers, there are trekking opportunities to the lakes hidden in the craters of the extinct volcanoes Barva and Cerro Chato, and relaxation in the thermal springs under the Arenal volcano. In Tenorio National Park, you will be amazed by the waterfall falling into the azure lagoon of Río Celeste.
In the capital city of San José you can see Costa Rica’s pride, the National Theatre. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there’s rafting on the tropical Pacuare River.
December is the ideal time to visit Costa Rica, offering comfortable temperatures for a variety of activities and the opportunity to see the country in its full glory without fear of rain.
Where to stay in Costa Rica: Best hotels
Jeden z nejlepších hotelů na Kostarice na pláži je Faith Glamping Dome Costa Rica nebo Casa Cecilia Beach Front. Pokud nepotřebujete být hned na pláži, jeden z nejúžasnějších hotelů je Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs a nebo Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience.
TIP: Chcete si v zimě užít především relax? Poradíme, kam se vydat za relaxem v Česku.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
