Best Winter Sun Holidays in December
Christmas lights or beach umbrellas? December lets you choose both, with a few clever decisions before you pack the sunglasses.
December in Britain has its charms: twinkly streets, mince pies and the annual discovery that your winter coat no longer closes quite as enthusiastically as it used to. But imagine swapping a freezing bus stop for a sea-view breakfast, a desert sunset or a Christmas market beneath palm trees. December winter sun holidays aren't one single kind of escape. Some are properly hot. Some are perfect for walking and sightseeing. And some offer a surprisingly festive atmosphere, minus the obligation to wear three jumpers.
Quick answer: Choose Fuerteventura or Lanzarote for convenient Canary Island sunshine, Boa Vista in Cape Verde for warmer beach days, Sharm el-Sheikh for Red Sea snorkelling, The Gambia for tropical warmth and nature, or Muscat, Oman for comfortable outdoor adventures. For a December trip that actually feels festive, Madeira is exceptionally appealing; for city-and-beach comfort, consider Dubai. Agadir and Taghazout are appealing for Atlantic sunshine, souks and surf, although they are not guaranteed swimming holidays.
This guide is about December specifically: what changes when the festive season approaches, when a supposedly cheap getaway becomes expensive, and which experiences are especially rewarding at this time of year. If you're still deciding between months, start with our November winter sun guide or best months for winter sun. There is more to a good escape than seeing a sun icon next to the weather forecast.
What makes December different from November and January?
December is really two holiday seasons squeezed into one calendar. The first part can suit travellers who are free before schools finish and popular Christmas departures begin. The second brings festive events, family travel, peak-date pressure and sometimes a very different hotel atmosphere. A quiet beachfront resort in early December may be hosting gala dinners, children's entertainment and special menus closer to Christmas or New Year.
- Before the festive rush: compare early-December departures if your schedule allows; some packages can be more competitive, but never assume bargains without checking actual prices.
- Christmas week: prioritise suitable flights, family facilities and the precise meal plan over an attractive headline deal. Special dinners may cost extra or require reservations.
- New Year: decide whether you want fireworks and lively hotels or a quiet beachfront retreat. They are not the same product, even at the same destination.
- For proper warmth: look towards The Gambia, the Red Sea, Cape Verde, Oman or the Gulf rather than relying on Mediterranean winter temperatures.
- For a gentler escape: the Canaries, Madeira and Morocco offer more comfortable conditions for sightseeing, coastal walking and relaxed lunches.
School break dates vary locally in the UK, so use GOV.UK's school holiday guidance rather than assuming every family starts and finishes the holidays together. If you have fixed leave, planning around bank holidays and annual leave can help you work out which dates actually suit your household.
Where is warm enough for a December beach holiday?
The most important distinction is pleasant sunshine versus proper swimming-and-sunbathing warmth. Cape Verde, The Gambia and parts of the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula generally offer warmer December conditions than Madeira or the Canary Islands. But December averages are not a promise: Cape Verde can be breezy, the Red Sea may feel cool when you step out of the water, and desert destinations can have much cooler evenings than afternoons.
- For a beach-first week: compare Boa Vista, Sharm el-Sheikh and The Gambia, including each hotel's beach, wind exposure and pool facilities.
- For families wanting an easier resort choice: southern Canarian resorts can be convenient, particularly when a heated pool is more valuable than a slightly higher air temperature.
- For snorkelling: Sharm can be superb, but make sure your particular hotel has suitable, safe reef access rather than relying on a photograph of coral in the brochure.
- For sunshine with walks and food: Madeira, Lanzarote and Agadir offer much more than beach loungers, and cooler conditions can actually improve the exploring.
For a deeper explanation of beach safety, coastal wind and sea temperatures, see our winter sun beach holiday guide. A sunny beach and a swimmable beach are sometimes two entirely different things.
See where your available December dates could take you
These are four varied upcoming package-holiday examples from the wider TripsByDate inventory, ordered by departure date. They are not filtered to December, Christmas, New Year, winter warmth or the destinations below. Choose your UK departure airport and actual free dates to browse more possibilities, then check the final price, nights, flight times, baggage and availability with the holiday provider.
BHX • 7 nights
RO · On the Beach
DUB • 7 nightsHB · On the Beach
BRS • 7 nightsB&B · Iglu Ski
GLA • 7 nightsB&B · SkilineThe December destinations worth choosing, and what makes each special
1. Fuerteventura: wide beaches, volcanic valleys and time to slow down
Best for: couples wanting space, families after a relaxed resort, and friends who prefer sea air to a packed itinerary. Fuerteventura's appeal is not that it turns into the Caribbean every December. It is that you can swap grey skies for broad beaches, huge dune landscapes and a much less hurried daily rhythm. The island has a drier, more windswept character than its greener Canarian neighbours.
Do more than lie on the beach: explore Corralejo's dunes from permitted paths, investigate the sheltered-looking bays around El Cotillo while following local sea warnings, and visit Betancuria for a very different view of the island. Order queso majorero, its celebrated goat's cheese, perhaps alongside local potatoes with mojo sauce. If you've brought somebody who thinks a cheese-tasting counts as a cultural activity, congratulations: you have chosen excellent company.
The December trick: choose your specific coastal location, not just the island. Wind can make exposed beaches much cooler than the thermometer suggests. Ask whether your hotel's pool is heated and whether its nearby beach is suitable for children. Our winter sun islands guide compares the personalities of Fuerteventura and the other island choices.
2. Boa Vista, Cape Verde: warmer sand, bigger space and an important ocean warning
Best for: travellers dreaming of expansive sand, resort relaxation and a genuine change from a British December. Boa Vista's desert-like interior and pale coastline can make you feel gloriously far from home. There are villages, salt landscapes and interesting island culture beyond the resort boundary, but a quieter holiday is a perfectly legitimate reason to come too.
A more interesting day: explore Sal Rei, sample local food and learn about the island's salt-trading past on an appropriate guided visit. Look for Cape Verdean dishes such as cachupa, a slow-cooked stew made with maize, beans and other ingredients. Some hotels emphasise international buffets; venturing into a local restaurant can be the tastiest part of the trip.
Think carefully about the sea: Atlantic waves and currents can be powerful even when the weather is lovely. Use guarded beaches, take local advice seriously and never assume an empty beach is a safe swimming beach. December is also not the peak season for watching nesting sea turtles; avoid operators that promise wildlife encounters regardless of the animals' actual seasonal behaviour. Review UK travel advice for Cape Verde for entry and practical requirements before you book.
3. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: a colourful winter escape that extends beyond the reef
Best for: snorkelling couples, family resort holidays and friends who like alternating downtime with adventures. In December, the Red Sea can still offer rewarding marine experiences, but the details matter. A hotel with a long jetty over shallow reef flats may provide a completely different swimming experience from a sheltered sandy bay. Ask precisely where you can enter the water and whether the house reef is appropriate for beginners.
The unusual alternative to a second boat trip: explore the Nabq Protectorate, where mangroves, desert landscapes and coastal ecosystems offer a very different kind of Egyptian wilderness. Egypt's official tourism site also highlights Ras Muhammad National Park's marine life and protected landscapes. Choose licensed guides, follow environmental rules and don't stand on coral to take a photo. The fish have enough problems without becoming somebody's selfie furniture.
Family reality check: winter breezes can make getting out of the water chilly. Look for heated pools, wind protection and sensible evening entertainment. British travellers should check the Egypt entry rules: some short resort-only stays in South Sinai have special permission arrangements, but excursions or longer stays can change visa requirements.
4. Muscat, Oman: sunshine with mountain trails, souks and spectacular coastline
Best for: curious couples, groups keen on road trips and families with older children who enjoy exploring. Muscat isn't just a place to escape winter; December is one of the months when its outdoor attractions become particularly inviting. Visit Oman describes December to February as the coolest, driest season, well suited to hiking, camping and sightseeing.
A satisfying Muscat day: stroll the Mutrah waterfront, browse Mutrah Souq for frankincense and crafts, visit historic neighbourhoods, then finish with seafood rather than a hurried dash back to the hotel. For a longer trip, explore the possibility of a responsibly organised wadi outing or a mountain excursion, but check access, road conditions, swimming safety and the need for a suitable vehicle. A wadi is not an ornamental hotel pool with extra rocks.
Try something local: Omani halwa is a rich sweet, often eaten with coffee. For a bigger food experience, seek out shuwa, traditionally slow-cooked meat associated with celebrations, where genuinely available. December is comfortable for exploring by day but desert and mountain evenings can be cool; pack layers. Check current UK travel guidance for Oman before travelling.
5. The Gambia: tropical warmth with birdsong, river life and real local character
Best for: beach lovers who want some culture, nature enthusiasts and people open to a destination with a very different everyday rhythm from a European resort. December falls within The Gambia's dry season, according to the Gambian government. That makes it an appealing time to combine coastal relaxation with outdoor experiences rather than planning every excursion around heavy rain.
Swap one beach morning for binoculars: try a responsible birdwatching walk around Kotu Creek or another suitable wetland, ideally with a knowledgeable local guide. The Bird Watchers' Association of The Gambia describes a rich mix of resident and migratory birds during the cooler, drier months. Even beginners can enjoy watching brilliantly coloured kingfishers and other birds without needing to know their Latin names. 'That blue one!' is a perfectly fine starting point.
Eat and explore: taste benachin, a one-pot rice dish, explore an appropriate craft market and consider a river or village outing with a reputable operator. For families, check travel health guidance, transfer arrangements, midday heat and suitability of excursions. The Gambia deserves more than a hurried decision based on its highest temperature figure.
Four more December escapes that offer something genuinely different
6. Madeira: Christmas with palm trees, early-morning traditions and extraordinary lights
Best for: couples looking for festive romance, families who love atmosphere, and friends who would trade an ordinary beach week for food, walking and beautiful evening streets. Madeira is not a hot December beach guarantee. But if your version of winter sun involves a light jacket, dramatic views and Christmas celebrations with genuine local character, it is arguably one of December's most compelling trips.
Here's what makes it special: Madeira's official tourism board describes early-morning Missas do Parto services during the run-up to Christmas, followed in some communities by music and shared food, including carne de vinha d'alhos, pork marinated with wine and garlic. There is also the bustling traditional market night in Funchal, festive stalls and illuminations, while New Year's celebrations famously feature fireworks above the bay. These are meaningful local traditions, not simply decorations put up for visitors. Check the official Madeira festivities programme for each season's arrangements.
Try this instead of another souvenir: taste bolo de mel, the island's richly spiced honey cake, and look for locally made crafts. Walk a suitable levada trail on a dry day, using the official Madeira nature authority for current trail access and restrictions. An ocean-facing hotel can be delightful, but mountain weather changes quickly. No photograph of a sunny Funchal promenade tells you what conditions will be like above the clouds.
7. Lanzarote: a volcanic Christmas without the traditional winter scenery
Best for: families who like exploring, design-loving couples and groups keen on food and landscapes. Lanzarote makes December feel unusual without requiring a very long flight. You can spend the morning among lava fields, the afternoon admiring César Manrique's island-changing approach to art and architecture, and the evening having a relaxed meal by the harbour.
A truly unusual lunch story: at Timanfaya's Montañas del Fuego visitor site, volcanic geothermal heat is still part of the experience, including demonstrations and food prepared using the earth's heat. The official visitor information explains the controlled visit routes and ticket options. It is impressive, but this is a protected landscape; visitors cannot simply wander wherever the lava looks photogenic.
Another unexpected stop: explore La Geria's vineyards, where growers use volcanic ash and carefully sheltered planting techniques. Pair a vineyard visit with responsible transport arrangements; nobody needs a wine tour followed by a creative interpretation of the driving rules. Winter sun is pleasant for walking and sightseeing, though sheltered beaches and heated pools matter if swimming is the main goal.
8. Dubai: December makes the outdoors part of the city experience
Best for: friends combining beach clubs and dining, families interested in attractions, and couples who want contemporary city comforts with warm weather. Dubai in December is more than shopping malls. Compared with the fierce summer, its outdoor side becomes easier to enjoy: waterfront walks, terraces, neighbourhood markets and a morning or evening by the sea.
Break up the skyline photographs: visit the historic Al Fahidi area and take an abra across Dubai Creek to see a different side of the city. Browse spices and textiles with curiosity rather than treating every stall as an obligation to buy something. A carefully chosen desert experience can also be memorable, but select reputable operators and appropriate activities for children; 'extreme dune bashing' is not everybody's idea of quality family time.
The festive catch: December's pleasant outdoor weather can attract plenty of visitors, and Christmas or New Year events may affect restaurant reservations and hotel pricing. Check what is included, especially mandatory meals or celebrations. For an accessible comparison of destinations with stronger historical winter warmth, see our winter sun weather reliability guide, which explains why no destination can truly guarantee perfect weather.
9. Agadir and Taghazout: beach promenades, argan flavours and winter surf
Best for: couples who enjoy long lunches, friends curious about surf lessons, and travellers wanting Moroccan culture alongside some winter sunshine. The Moroccan tourism board highlights Agadir's wide promenade and Souk El Had, while the nearby Taghazout coast has become a major surfing destination.
Try an edible souvenir: look for amlou, a rich spread traditionally made with almonds, argan oil and honey, and enjoy a properly cooked tagine. Spend time browsing the souk, understanding the craft behind an item rather than rushing to collect identical fridge magnets. For a more active day, choose a licensed surf school that matches your ability and the day's conditions; Morocco's official beach guide distinguishes the relatively calmer bay around Agadir from the stronger surf along sections of the Taghazout coast.
December reality: sunny afternoons can be pleasant, but the Atlantic can be cool and evenings require layers. It is a strong option for food, beach walks and exploration, not a promise of hot-water swimming. If value is your priority, compare actual dates and total package contents with our cheapest winter sun destinations guide.
Want December sunshine without another complicated search?
Start with the UK airport and days you have free, then browse upcoming package holidays across destinations on TripsByDate. Less form filling, more discovering.
Find holidays by dateChristmas abroad: the little details that can make or break the holiday
Christmas abroad sounds wonderfully simple until somebody realises their idea of the perfect day is a formal festive lunch and somebody else's is swimming, followed by absolutely no scheduled activities. Decide what matters before booking:
- Christmas Day arrangements: check whether restaurants and attractions operate, and whether the hotel offers a special meal included in your booked board basis.
- New Year's Eve requirements: some resorts have mandatory gala dinners or entertainment supplements. Check the booking conditions, not just the marketing banner.
- Family expectations: ask about kids' clubs, heated pools, suitable meal times, connecting rooms and whether seasonal activities actually run on your dates.
- Local customs: Christmas isn't celebrated in the same way everywhere. Respect local religious practices and enjoy the different traditions rather than expecting a British festive schedule transplanted to the beach.
- Transfers and flights: holiday-period schedules, arrivals late at night and reduced transport options can change the usable time in your holiday.
Fun alternative: celebrate on a different day. If your best-value travel dates require flying on the 25th, there is no international rule against having the family Christmas dinner before you leave. The turkey won't report you. What matters is that everyone knows the plan.
Which December winter sun holiday suits your travelling companions?
- Couples wanting romance without relentless heat: Madeira for festive lights, beautiful dinners and landscapes; Oman for peaceful evenings and cultural discovery.
- Families wanting an established beach resort: investigate Fuerteventura or Sharm, depending on your tolerance for flight time and the importance of warm swimming conditions.
- Friends wanting adventure and stories: Lanzarote for volcanic exploring, Taghazout for surf and food, or Muscat for a carefully planned road trip.
- Travellers craving properly warmer weather: compare Boa Vista, The Gambia and the Gulf, weighing beach conditions, journey times and hotel facilities.
- Foodies who see lunch as a major attraction: Madeira's festive specialities, Moroccan markets and Oman's traditional dishes can be as memorable as the scenery.
- Travellers who want Christmas atmosphere: choose Madeira deliberately rather than expecting a similar festive programme in every warm destination.
Seven smart ways to book a better December holiday
1. Compare early December, Christmas week and New Year separately
They're effectively different travel markets. Look at complete packages for the exact days you can go, rather than trusting claims that one country is always cheap in December. Our guide to comparing holiday prices across months explains the wider pricing picture.
2. Count useful holiday days, not just advertised nights
An awkward outbound flight, a slow transfer and a dawn return can make a seven-night deal feel considerably shorter. Add journey time from home to airport, arrival procedures and the transfer to your actual resort. A late-night landing with excited children is not a bonus festive experience.
3. Check pool heating before falling for the pool photograph
A gorgeous infinity pool may be unheated, seasonally heated or heated only in certain sections. Ask the hotel directly if swimming comfortably is important. Even warmer destinations can have breezy afternoons or chilly nights.
4. Check what's really included in a festive package
Compare board basis, hold baggage, airport transfers, meals, local taxes and any compulsory seasonal supplement. An attractive initial price is only useful when you know the total. Our package holiday comparison guide covers the checks that matter.
5. Look at wind, sea temperature and shelter together
Atlantic islands can be breezy; Red Sea beaches differ in safe entry points; desert evenings may surprise you. A sheltered hotel terrace and a warm pool might deliver more winter enjoyment than a beach with a theoretically higher daytime temperature.
6. Check the actual festive programme
Fireworks, markets, concerts and opening hours can change. If you want a specific event, confirm the current official programme and book necessary tickets. Our Christmas holiday destination guide offers broader ideas beyond classic beach escapes.
7. Search by your free dates, not an endless list of destinations
This is where TripsByDate comes in. Instead of deciding on a destination and filling in the same forms repeatedly, start with your UK departure airport and the dates you can leave. Scroll through packages in date order, notice places you hadn't thought of, and explore the options that actually fit your life. It feels closer to browsing an interesting feed than fighting another complicated travel search.
December winter sun FAQs
Where is hot for a December holiday from the UK?
The Gambia, Cape Verde, Oman, Dubai and Red Sea resorts are generally better starting points for higher December temperatures than Madeira or the Mediterranean. Check the particular location, coastal wind, sea temperature and recent forecasts before choosing.
Are the Canary Islands warm enough in December?
They can be pleasantly mild and sunny, particularly in suitable southern coastal resorts, but not every day will be hot beach weather. Heated pools and a mix of beach and sightseeing activities are sensible priorities.
Is early December cheaper than Christmas?
It can be, particularly for travellers who can avoid the main school-holiday period, but there is no universal rule. Prices depend on UK airport, destination, demand, flight schedule and what's included. Compare like-for-like packages on actual dates.
Where can I have a festive Christmas and still enjoy winter sunshine?
Madeira stands out for its established December festive traditions, Funchal lights, markets and New Year celebrations. Its weather is generally more suitable for mild exploring than a guaranteed hot beach holiday.
Is December a good month for a family holiday?
Yes, provided you choose suitable flights, transfers, pool facilities, meal arrangements and age-appropriate activities. Check the school's holiday dates and the hotel's precise festive programme before booking.
Should I book an all-inclusive December winter sun holiday?
All-inclusive can make budgeting easier, especially for families staying at a resort over Christmas. But a self-catering or half-board stay can suit travellers who want to explore local restaurants and culture. Compare the total price and what you will actually use rather than assuming one board basis is always better.
Make December memorable, not just warmer
December can be a week of total relaxation, a family Christmas somewhere wonderfully unexpected or a little adventure involving mountains, markets, birds, reefs or volcanoes. Pick the experience first. Then check the reality: your travel dates, the weather you actually need, the hotel location and everything included in the holiday.
And don't feel obliged to choose a destination before you've seen what's possible. On TripsByDate, you can start with your free dates and UK departure airport, browse a wide range of package holidays and discover ideas as you scroll. The best December escape might be a place you hadn't even considered before breakfast. That seems a much better Christmas surprise than another pair of novelty socks.
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