Where to fly in December: 15 beach destinations with warm water

In December, Europe gets dark early, and it's damp and cold. At the same time, dozens of beaches on other continents are in their dry season with warm seas. We've put together 15 destinations for a winter getaway and broken down what's happening in each one in December.

Your choice depends on what matters most to you: a short flight, calm water for little kids, or diving and exotic experiences. Below you'll find resorts within a five-hour flight as well as islands on the other side of the world. For each destination, we've listed the resorts, who it's for, and the honest catch.

As of: season data was checked against official tourism portals. For example, the Tourism Authority of Thailand places December in the middle of the dry season (tourismthailand.org). We applied the same check to the climate data for the UAE, Maldives, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

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Where to go in December: comparison

💡 In short:

• Short flight and beach: UAE, Egypt.
• Diving, reefs, and islands: Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, Bali.
• Summer in winter with a long flight: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Brazil.
• Weather in December: 09/2026, verified on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

1. Thailand: dry season on the Andaman coast

In December, the Andaman coast is in the peak of its dry season. It's hot during the day, the sea is warm and calm, and there's almost no rain. You can swim with kids from morning to evening without having to work around the waves. Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta offer different experiences: from lively beaches to quiet bays.

© This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov . Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the · CC BY-SAPhoto: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov . Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Beyond the sea, you'll find Buddhist temples, hot air balloon rides, and New Year's celebrations on the islands. In Bangkok, December coincides with sale season, and Phuket has plenty of dive centers open. Almost every major beachfront hotel offers activities for kids.

The flight is long, so plan for at least ten days so acclimatization doesn't eat into your vacation. With kids, Phuket is the most convenient base: it has a gentle entry into the water, plus plenty of cafes and pharmacies nearby.

• Resorts: Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta
• The catch: long flight and an expensive high season

See hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

2. UAE: short flight and a warm winter

Dubai and Abu Dhabi show their best side in winter: from October to April, the weather is comfortable for the beach and for walking around (as of: 09/2026, Visit Dubai). The heat eases off, the sea stays warm, and the humidity doesn't get in the way of exploring. You'll have time to sunbathe and see the city without the exhausting mugginess.

It's easy here with kids: a water park with a huge slide, an aquarium with thousands of creatures, and the chance to swim near sharks. In winter, the country celebrates Union Day and hosts festivals along the waterfront. The beaches are fully equipped, and hotel staff are used to families with young children.

The flight takes about five hours from Europe, so the UAE is often chosen for a short trip. The catch is that December falls in the high season: hotels and flights get more expensive, so it's worth booking early.

• Resorts: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah
• The catch: prices are higher in December due to the holidays

See hotels in the UAE on Trip.com

3. Vietnam: sun, surfing, and sightseeing

At Vietnam's resorts in December it's sunny and warm, with water temperatures around thirty degrees. Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne remain the country's main beach destinations.

December is not great for diving because the waves pick up. But for surfing, it's the golden season. Excursions will fill your free days: temple complexes, the coconut prison on Phu Quoc, a pearl farm, and a Mekong River cruise.

Kids usually love the coconut candy factories and boat trips. Choose the south of the country: it's drier there. If you're planning for New Year's, book your accommodation in advance, otherwise hotel options will narrow down.

© [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trantuonglam Trantuonglam] · CC BY-SAPhoto: [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trantuonglam Trantuonglam], CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Resorts: Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne
• The catch: waves make diving difficult

See hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com

4. Dominican Republic: whales, reefs, and Punta Cana

December in the Dominican Republic marks the start of the dry season, along with the best conditions for the sea (as of 09/2026, the country's official tourism website). Water and air temperatures stay around twenty-five degrees, with little rain. For kids, this is the first truly warm December.

From January, whales stop near the coast, and whale watching has become its own type of vacation. Divers head to the coral reefs, while on land there are parks with rare birds and animals. Most families choose Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

With kids, pick a hotel with a pool and a kids' club. Plan rainforest walks for the morning, before the sun gets too intense.

© Robbtronic · CC BYPhoto: Robbtronic, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Resorts: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Saona Island
• The catch: high season and above-average prices

See hotels in the Dominican Republic on Trip.com

5. India, Goa: mild climate and a long season

Goa has long been a European-style resort, yet it remains cheaper than other tropical destinations. In December it's dry, sunny, and warm here, with a calm sea. You get a mild climate with no rain and long daylight hours.

Excursions take you inland: Dudhsagar Falls, a spice garden, a crocodile farm, and the Kumbarjua canal with its wild crocodile population. You can also take a jeep ride through the jungle. The national cuisine is served on banana leaves, which kids find interesting too.

Closer to New Year's, package prices go up, so book early. With kids, choose the beaches of South Goa: the water is calmer there and there are fewer noisy parties.

© Mahabalaindia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mahabalaindia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Excursions: Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Hampi
• The catch: prices rise closer to New Year's

See hotels in Goa on Trip.com

6. Sri Lanka: quiet beaches of the west coast

Sri Lanka lies almost on the equator, so in December it's warm here and without strong storms. The west and south coasts offer calm water that's easy for kids to swim in. Instead of a Christmas tree, the beach has a palm tree decorated with toys.

December is valued for its quiet: there are no big cities nearby, and the ocean stays calm. Kids enjoy the orphanage for baby elephants left without parents. For divers, this is one of the best months on the island.

With little ones, stick to the coast: excursions inland take a full day and are tiring. On the other hand, tea plantations and temples can be seen on the way to the sea.

© Pavan Lulla · CC BYPhoto: Pavan Lulla, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Coasts: west and south
• The catch: long transfers to attractions

See hotels in Sri Lanka on Trip.com

7. Cuba: dry winter and New Year lights

In Cuba, December passes without rain, with plenty of fruit and seafood. City streets sparkle with thousands of lights, and the country lives in anticipation of the New Year. Beach vacations here are easy to combine with trips to natural sites.

Cuba is interesting not only for its sea. In December, the Latin American film festival takes place, drawing well-known actors. Any resort on the island, such as Varadero or Cayo Largo, offers a full range of beach activities. Kids enjoy the mix of sea, music, and old cars on the streets.

Include at least one trip inland in your plan: the landscapes and towns there are different. Hotels in December get booked up quickly, so reserve early.

© Андрей Бобровский · CC BYPhoto: Андрей Бобровский, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Resorts: Varadero, Cayo Largo
• The catch: high season, lodging gets picked over early

See hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

8. Mexico: Mayan pyramids and the dry season

In winter, the dry season begins on the Yucatan and the Pacific coast: sunny, warm, and without oppressive heat. Rain is rare here until spring, and the sea stays warm. The trip requires minimal paperwork, and most tourists do not need a visa.

Cancun, Acapulco, and Los Cabos suit families: warm sea, white sand, and modern hotels with extensive amenities. With kids, you can build sandcastles, go down into caves, and see Mayan pyramids. National parks add wildlife to the beach experience.

For kids, it is worth setting aside time for the underwater museum in Cancun: that is where they can take their first dive. Tours of Mayan sites take a full day, so plan them with a rest day in between.

© Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Resorts: Cancun, Acapulco, Los Cabos
• The catch: hotel prices are higher in high season

See hotels in Mexico on Trip.com

9. Tanzania: Zanzibar and safari nearby

By December, Tanzania's second rainy season ends, and the north and west enter the best time for travel. Zanzibar offers white coral beaches and the warm Indian Ocean. You can combine the beach with a safari in the country's largest reserves.

Selous National Park and other parks show Africa's animals in their natural environment. Mount Kilimanjaro remains the destination's calling card. December is also good for diving off Zanzibar: the water is warm and clear.

The catch is that the rest of the country is extremely hot at this time. So it is better to build your route around the north and the coast, and schedule transfers for the morning.

© Morten Idriss Nygaar… · CC BY-SAPhoto: Morten Idriss Nygaar…, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Resorts: Zanzibar, Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara
• The catch: the interior of the country is very hot

See hotels in Zanzibar on Trip.com

10. Egypt: the Red Sea and gentle sun

Egyptian winter begins in December and is nothing like European winter: sun, warmth, and a warm Red Sea. It is better to plan your trip for this cooler time, because summer here is too hot. A visa is issued right at the airport on arrival.

Red Sea resorts offer gentle sun, clean beaches, and extensive amenities for children. Coral reefs are accessible right from the shore, so snorkeling is possible without a boat. Travelers easily find excursions to Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria.

New Year tours rise in price the most, so book early. Choose a hotel with a heated pool: evenings by the sea can be windy.

© Андрей Бобровский · CC BYPhoto: Андрей Бобровский, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Excursions: Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria
• The catch: high prices for New Year tours

View hotels in Egypt on Trip.com

11. Maldives: clear water and coral gardens

In the Maldives, December is the height of the dry season, and the national tourism portal considers this the best time to visit (visitmaldives.com). The sun shines, the sea stays warm, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom. Humidity drops, and breathing becomes easier.

For kids, there are pools and water activities, and restaurants serve seafood dishes and fresh fruit. The islands host fairs with concerts and shows. Coral gardens start right at the shore, so snorkeling is accessible even to beginners.

The catch is that December falls in the peak season, and villa prices are noticeably higher. Book in advance if you want to choose a good atoll.

© vivali · CC BYPhoto: vivali, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Activities: diving, snorkeling, surfing
• The catch: peak season and high prices

View hotels in the Maldives on Trip.com

12. Seychelles: granite beaches and turtles

Winter in the Seychelles runs from December to February, but it feels more like a warm autumn. Instead of cold, short warm showers arrive, and on the shore sun and rain easily take turns. The beaches here vary: rocky, sandy, snow-white, and even pink.

Giant turtles calmly walk near people and delight children. Unlike the Maldives, excursions to neighboring islands of the archipelago are common from here. This is due to the granite origin of the islands and their more developed infrastructure.

The catch is that during the rainy season, jungle walks with toddlers are tough. With small children, it's better to plan time by the pool and short trips to the water.

© Giles Laurent · CC BY-SAPhoto: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: calm family vacations
• The catch: rain and difficult walks with toddlers

View hotels in the Seychelles on Trip.com

13. Indonesia, Bali: ocean and celebrations

Bali remains Indonesia's most popular island for a beach vacation. In December, Bali has its rainy season, but the air and ocean stay warm. Each island has its own character, but Bali is the most convenient for a first visit.

New Year's celebrations in Bali are vibrant: shows and discos fill cafes and waterfronts. Excursions take you to Ubud, the Tirta Gangga water palace, and Mount Batur. Kids love the rice terraces and encounters with monkeys.

The catch is that rainy days are frequent in December, so keep a bad-weather backup plan in mind. If you're going only for the beach, factor this in ahead of time.

© Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Places: Ubud, Tirta Gangga, Mount Batur
• The catch: rainy season in December

View hotels in Bali on Trip.com

14. Brazil: start of summer and a warm ocean

In December, summer begins in Brazil, and the air warms up to nearly thirty-two degrees. The Atlantic Ocean becomes as warm as fresh milk. In the north of the country, the weather is dry, while in the south, downpours begin closer to February.

Families choose the resorts of Paraty, Fortaleza, Natal, and Recife. In the towns of Florianopolis and Buzios, you'll find calm beaches and comfortable hotels for vacations with toddlers. New Year's here is celebrated as a festival of water and the sea.

Excursions include Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina, the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, and the Amazon jungle. The catch is that in the south of the country, December is already rainy, and the peak of downpours comes in February.

• Resorts: Paraty, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Buzios
• The catch: downpours possible in the south of the country

View hotels in Brazil on Trip.com

15. Miami: high season and parks

In December, Miami's high season begins, and the most tourists of the year arrive. The weather stays warm but not hot: dry air and a light sea breeze. You can swim and stroll along the promenade without the mugginess.

Miami Beach offers a calm sea and a long boardwalk. In Miami itself, Zoo Miami is open. Lion Country Safari and Discovery Cove park in Orlando require a separate trip. For kids, this is a full itinerary of entertainment, and for adults, large shopping centers are nearby.

The catch is that during high season, hotel and rental prices are at their highest. Book your accommodation in advance, otherwise the selection will be limited.

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• Who it's for: families and city lovers
• The catch: the most expensive season of the year

See Miami hotels on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to fly for a beach vacation in December if you want a short flight?

From Europe, the UAE and Egypt are the closest options: about five hours to Dubai, even less to the Red Sea. The water is warm, there are plenty of direct flights, and hotels have kids' facilities. For a short trip, pick a hotel where the beach and pool are right next to each other.

Where is the dry season in December with no rain?

The dry season in December holds on Thailand's Andaman coast, the Maldives, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba. In the UAE, rain is rare throughout the winter season. Bali and the Seychelles have a rainy season in December, so keep a rainy-day backup plan in mind.

Where to go with young children?

Destinations with a gentle entry into the water are the most convenient: the UAE, Egypt, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic. Hotels at these resorts have kids' pools, clubs, and child-friendly food. Choose a hotel right by the shore so you don't waste energy on transfers.

Which destinations are cheaper than the rest in December?

Goa and Vietnam keep prices lower than the Maldives or the Seychelles. In Egypt, it's cheaper to vacation before the New Year holidays, while in Thailand prices climb toward the end of December. Book early wherever you want to spend New Year's.

What to pack for a beach vacation with a child?

Bring sunscreen, hats, and light cotton clothing. For the sea, swim vests and spare swimsuits will come in handy. Check passport expiration dates ahead of time and print out your hotel bookings.

In short: what's worth booking

If you want a short flight, go with the UAE or Egypt: the warm sea is waiting for you from day one. If you want diving and islands, look at the Maldives, the Seychelles, or Thailand. If you're traveling with little ones, choose the UAE, Egypt, Phuket, or the Dominican Republic.

• If you're short on time: go with the UAE.
• If reefs and clear water matter: go with the Maldives.
• If you're on a budget: go with Goa or Vietnam.
• If you dream of a safari: go with Tanzania.
• If you want hot summer weather: go with Brazil.

See hotels at your chosen destination

Book early: December is high season almost everywhere, and the best family hotels get snapped up by November.