🗺️ December 2026: 10 destinations where it is warm and where real winter is

December divides travelers into two camps. Some want snow, Christmas markets, and mulled wine. Others want a sea warmer than the air and a beach instead of a fur coat.

Look at the weather and entry requirements, not just the tour price. In Sharm El Sheikh you swim, in Budapest you skate between Christmas markets, and in Dubai you ring in the New Year under fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.

Below are ten destinations for a winter vacation: from the warm Red Sea and a safari in Kenya to the ski slopes of Turkey and festive Budapest. For each place we have put together a short overview: weather, what to do in December, and where to look for accommodation.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

1. Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh)

💡 In short:

Pick a warm destination if you want to swim, or a snowy one if you want winter.
Compare weather and travel advisories for all ten destinations in advance.
Entry requirements and advisories: 09/2026, checked on Auswärtiges Amt

In December the Red Sea is warmer than the air in most European cities. You swim, snorkel, and forget about a jacket. The Ras Mohammed reefs are open for day boat trips, and in the evening Naama Bay and the promenade are waiting for you.

Sharm El Sheikh is packed with hotels for every budget: from simple guesthouses to large resorts with their own beach. Food, excursions, and souvenirs cost noticeably less here than in Europe. In winter you get warmth without the summer heat and humidity.

Who it's for: for those who want to swim and dive in December.
Not for: for those who are after snow and Christmas markets.
The catch: according to Auswärtiges Amt (09/2026), a partial travel advisory applies to certain areas of the country.
See Sharm El Sheikh hotels on Trip.com

Panorama of Sharm El Sheikh waterfront with yachts and hotels

2. Kenya (safari and ocean)

December in Kenya falls in the short dry season: rains ease off, roads in the parks are passable, and safaris run on schedule. Some people celebrate the holiday by a Christmas tree, others by an elephant in the Maasai Mara.

Putting together a trip like this on your own is difficult. You need parks, licensed guides, lodges, and transfers between them. It is more reliable to take a ready-made tour with transfers and add a beach segment on the Indian Ocean coast, for example in Diani.

Who it's for: for those who want to combine safari and ocean in one trip.
The catch: the trip costs more than a beach holiday in Egypt, and safari mornings start early.
Safari tours with GetYourGuide

Safari jeeps with tourists in the Maasai Mara savanna

3. Maldives (overwater villas)

The Maldives enters its dry season in December. Rain is rare, the ocean is calm, and underwater visibility is good. You stay on an atoll where the lagoon is visible right from your bungalow.

Malé waterfront with turquoise water and palm trees

The holidays are celebrated brightly here: dinner on the sand, fireworks, live music. Villas stand directly over the water. The entertainment program keeps both children and adults busy. High season pushes up villa and flight prices, so book well in advance, several months before the trip.

Who it's for: for couples who want a calm ocean and minimal logistics.
The catch: expensive flights and the highest villa prices of the year.
Compare Maldives hotels on Trip.com

4. UAE (Dubai)

Dubai wins you over in winter with mild weather. The summer heat subsides, and the city becomes comfortable for long walks along the waterfront, parks, and old quarters. December here is the time for beaches, desert safaris, and boat trips along the skyscrapers.

New Year is celebrated at the Burj Khalifa: guests from all over the world gather on the promenade and in the parks for the fireworks. A quality vacation is possible even outside five-star hotels, because the beaches and infrastructure maintain a high standard.

Who it's for: for those who want warmth, a big city, and nightlife in one place.
The catch: hotels get more expensive around New Year, and lines at attractions grow.
Dubai tours on GetYourGuide

5. Vietnam (Nha Trang)

Nha Trang has long been one of Vietnam's most popular resorts: a long beach, bay islands, and a lively resort scene. New Year here is never boring: cafes, bars, the promenade, and boat trips to the islands.

In December, rain is still possible in central Vietnam. For swimming at this time, choose the south of the country, for example Phu Quoc. Nha Trang in December is more suited to the city, food, and excursions. We covered the resort in more detail in a separate Nha Trang guide.

Who it's for: those who want an affordable Asia trip with street food and excursions.
The catch: the center of the country can be rainy in December.
See Nha Trang hotels on Trip.com

Nha Trang panorama: high-rises along the sandy beach

6. Venezuela (Caribbean tropics)

Venezuela opens up the tropics beyond the usual routes: a long Caribbean coast, jungles, and high waterfalls. The mild climate lasts all year, so Christmas holidays here are spent by the water and in nature.

Check safety before buying tickets. The German Federal Foreign Office currently warns of partial travel risk in the country (as of 09/2026, official website). Restrictions apply to some regions, and the situation changes.

Who it's for: experienced travelers ready for complex logistics.
The catch: unstable conditions and a partial travel risk warning.

Angel Falls against the backdrop of Auyán-tepui

7. Sri Lanka (beaches and tea)

In December, Sri Lanka shows its strong side in the west and south: dry season, clean beaches, and ancient temples. You combine the ocean with tea plantations, safaris, and a train ride through the mountains.

The island is large, so transfers take time. Plan at least two bases: a beach in the south and the mountains in the center. Then you will see exotic plants, animals, and old fortresses.

Who it's for: those who want beach and culture in one trip.
The catch: in December, rain falls on the east and north coasts.
Sri Lanka hotel options on Trip.com

Tropical beach with palm trees and rocks

8. Turkey (skiing and spas)

A winter vacation in Turkey has long become a classic. The climate is milder than in Central Europe, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Low-season prices are also lower.

In December, you can ski at the country's mountain resorts, warm up in thermal springs, and go shopping. Festivals take place in cities during the holidays. New Year in Istanbul or Antalya is celebrated without the summer crowds. We covered more accommodation options in our Turkey hotel roundup.

Who it's for: those looking for an affordable winter getaway, skiing, and shopping.
The catch: the sea is cold in winter; only the south is suitable for swimming on warm days.
Winter hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

Pamukkale travertine terraces with blue pools

9. Dominican Republic (beach and diving)

The Dominican Republic is in its dry season, which lasts until spring. You get beach time, diving, windsurfing, and an active nightlife on one coast. The climate is steady, and the food is simple and tasty.

Many direct flights operate from Europe, so a winter vacation does not require complex logistics. Book a hotel by the sea, and you will be within a couple of hours of the main attractions.

Who it's for: those who want a classic beach vacation on an all-inclusive basis.
The catch: during high season, hotel prices stay at their peak.
Dominican Republic hotel prices on Trip.com

Bávaro Beach with palm trees and turquoise sea

10. Hungary (Budapest)

Hungary is especially good in winter, and Budapest becomes the center of the country's Christmas program. You stroll between markets, warm up with mulled wine, and go ice skating, then head to the thermal baths.

Christmas in Budapest is easy to combine with other festive cities. You can build your itinerary around markets, ice rinks, and old streets. Ideas for walks are in the article about Margaret Island.

Who it's for: those who want a real winter without ski gear.
The catch: December is cold and it gets dark early, so bring warm clothes.
Budapest tours on GetYourGuide

Budapest: Chain Bridge and St. Stephen's Basilica

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go in December for warm weather?

Beach season in December is still going in Egypt, the Maldives, the UAE, and the Dominican Republic. For a beach with a short flight, pick Sharm El Sheikh; for a calm ocean, fly to the Maldives; and for a big city and nightlife, head to Dubai. Central Vietnam can be rainy, so look for beaches in the south of the country.

Where to go for New Year's?

For fireworks and a big city, choose Dubai: guests from all over the world gather at the Burj Khalifa. For markets, mulled wine, and an ice rink, go to Budapest. In the Maldives, New Year's is quieter, but with dinner on the sand and live music.

Is it safe to travel to Venezuela?

The German Federal Foreign Office warns of partial travel risk in Venezuela (as of 09/2026). Certain areas are closed to tourists, and the situation in the country is unstable. If you still plan to travel, check the latest warnings and arrange insurance in advance.

When should you book a December trip?

December is high season, so hotels and flights get booked up early. Start booking several months ahead: the closer to the holidays, the higher the prices and the smaller the selection. This is especially important for the Maldives, Dubai, and ski resorts in Turkey.

Where can you ski and experience winter in December?

For snow and slopes, go to Turkey: the country's ski resorts open their season in December. In Budapest, the winter program is built around markets, ice rinks, and thermal baths rather than slopes. If you want skiing and snow, combine Anatolia with a couple of days in Istanbul.

In short: what's worth booking

December works well in two scenarios: a warm beach and a real winter. If you want a beach without a long flight, pick Sharm El Sheikh. If you want the ocean and overwater villas, look at the Maldives. If you want a city, nightlife, and fireworks, choose Dubai. For snow and markets, go to Budapest, and for safari and ocean in one trip, head to Kenya.

Check entry requirements and book in advance: prices rise fastest in December. See hotels on Trip.com

Where to go in December 2026: 10 destinations for a winter getaway