⛱️ December by the sea: 11 countries with warm water and easy entry

December in Europe means gray skies, short days, and daydreaming about warmth. In the tropics, this is when the dry season begins. We've rounded up 11 destinations where people fly in winter for sea and sun: some are visa-free, and for the rest an online permit is enough.

In the Maldives, you get a visa on arrival free of charge (as of 09/2026, Maldives Immigration). In the UAE, you get a visa on arrival, and in Sri Lanka a free ETA electronic authorization is enough. Below you'll find December weather, sea conditions, suitable resorts, and the honest catch of each destination.

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How to choose a destination in December

💡 In short:

The dry season starts in December in Thailand, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, the UAE, and Mexico.
The Maldives and Seychelles are warmer but more humid, and windier in the second half of December.
New Year's week is peak pricing, so book accommodation in advance.
Visa and entry rules: as of 09/2026, double-check them on the official portal of the country you need.

Don't focus on price, focus on climate and travel time. A cheap flight to a rainy region will ruin your vacation more than a small overpayment.

Destination	December weather	Sea	Who it's for
Thailand	dry and sunny, cooler evenings	warm	beach and excursions
Vietnam	dry south, cool north	calm in the south	families, spa, diving
Sri Lanka	southwest without rain	warm ocean	surfing, heritage
Dominican Republic	dry and hot	calm Caribbean	beach, diving
UAE	warm, no humidity, winds	calm	excursions, shopping
Cuba	warm and almost dry	warm, waves on the ocean side	Havana, rum, mountains
Mexico	heat eases off	almost calm	ancient cities, whales
Seychelles	start of summer, humid	warm ocean	diving, seclusion
Maldives	hot, then windy	clear water	diving at the start of the month
Tanzania, Zanzibar	dry and hot by the holidays	warm ocean	diving, safari
India, Goa	warm, lower humidity	calm	beach, heritage

1. Thailand

December marks the start of the dry season in Thailand. Most resorts are sunny and hot, but the air cools down by evening, so a light jacket will come in handy. There's one exception: Koh Samui, where it still rains in December. The water stays around +28 °C (checked on 14.09.2026 on the Phuket weather page). The ocean breeze softens the daytime heat, so you'll handle midday on the beach easily.

In winter, both beach and sightseeing vacations are in full swing here. From Phuket and other resorts, tours go to protected forests and national parks, and boat trips and diving are popular. Hotels and shopping malls decorate Christmas trees for European New Year, and on New Year's Eve the streets of Bangkok stay lively until morning with fireworks.

The catch: Koh Samui is rainy in December, so choose the Andaman coast for the beach.
Who it's for: families with kids and those who combine the beach with island trips.

Hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

2. Vietnam

Vietnam in December varies: the north is already cool, the center gets rain, and the south enters the dry season. There's almost no rain here, the air is comfortable, and the sea is calm. The south is exactly what you need for a beach vacation and for combining it with spa time. Citizens of some EU countries can enter visa-free, and everyone else can use an e-visa issued online before the trip.

Beach and high-rises of seaside Nha Trang along the coast

Phu Quoc means calm, clean beaches and clear warm sea. In Nha Trang you'll find the coast of a large bay, in Phan Thiet pine trees and wide sandy beaches, and in Vung Tau villas right by the water. For spa and massage, head to Da Nang or Da Lat. December is also great for diving: at the reefs you'll see moray eels, clownfish, cuttlefish, and rays.

The catch: the north and center are cool and rainy in December, so pick the south for the beach.
Who it's for: families with kids and those who want to add a spa program to the beach.

Hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com

3. Sri Lanka

December opens the best season on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The monsoon moves north, and on the southern coast rains are short and rare. You'll find white sandy beaches, a warm ocean, and exotic fruit. Entry requires an ETA electronic authorization, which you get online before the trip, and for citizens of several countries it's free.

Tropical Unawatuna beach with palm trees and boats

The southwest is a favorite with surfers: the waves there are consistent. But it's not the best choice for a vacation with little kids, swimming with children on the south coast is harder. Besides beaches, the island has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Christmas and New Year are celebrated across the country: hotels put up Christmas trees, organize entertainment programs, and cities are decorated with lights.

The catch: the southwest has strong waves, so swimming with little kids there is difficult.
Who it's for: surfers and those who want to combine beach time with heritage tours.

Hotels in Sri Lanka on Trip.com

4. Dominican Republic

In December, the Dominican Republic settles into dry, hot weather. It's hot during the day, cooler in the evening, and constant sea breezes help you handle the heat. Even on cloudy days, don't skip sunscreen: you can easily get burned here. The Caribbean Sea is warm and calm, but the Atlantic coast can see storms.

Punta Cana beach with white sand and palm trees by turquoise water

People come here from all over the world primarily for the beach and diving. At developed beaches you can sunbathe, play beach games, parasail over the Caribbean, and dive to shipwrecks. If you get tired of lying around, go on a tour: the country has the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the largest salt lake, and the oldest city in the region. New Year here is celebrated in the streets, with carnivals and fireworks going until morning.

The catch: the Atlantic coast gets rough, so choose the Caribbean side for calm swimming.
Who it's for: families with kids and divers.

Hotels in the Dominican Republic on Trip.com

5. UAE

December in the UAE suits those who don't handle heat well. It's warm and sunny here, but the high humidity and scorching sun are gone. So besides beach time, you can confidently plan sightseeing. The warmest spots are the Persian Gulf resorts: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Evenings are cool, and short rains happen occasionally. Citizens of the EU and several other countries don't need a visa in advance: it's issued on arrival right at the airport.

Aerial view of Dubai: skyscrapers, beaches and turquoise water

In December, winds pick up more often, which can bring sandstorms, but they don't last long. For diving, this is a good month: visibility is excellent. See Dubai from the water, where ancient minarets stand next to skyscrapers, visit the Hili tomb and the Mubbazzarah hot springs. For souvenirs and jewelry, head to the souks and malls.

The catch: sandstorms and winds do happen in December, so keep that in mind when planning.
Who it's for: those who don't like heat and those who want lots of sightseeing.

Hotels in the UAE on Trip.com

6. Cuba

In December, Cuba is warm and almost dry. The sun is no longer as harsh, so you can enjoy the beach without worry. The southeast of the country is warmer with less rain, and the air cools down at night. The water in the sea and ocean also stays warm. The ocean side can have waves, but storms are short and the water doesn't cool down after them.

Retro convertible with Cuban flag near the Capitol in Havana

This is a good time for swimming in the ocean and hiking in the mountains. Beach time is easy to combine with sightseeing: the national park on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, the village of Santa Cruz del Norte, a Havana Club rum tasting. In December, Havana hosts the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema. New Year is celebrated with carnivals across the country.

The catch: the south coast gets strong storms more often than other resort areas.
Who it's for: those who want to combine beach, mountains, and city.

Hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

7. Mexico

Hot Mexico welcomes visitors year-round, but in December the heat eases off. You can combine the beach with trips to Mayan and Aztec cities, the pyramids of Teotihuacan, humpback whales, and parties in Acapulco. The coast stays hot, central regions are cooler, and closer to the US border it sometimes snows. At southern resorts, rain showers are short and last no more than half an hour.

CANCUN letters in the central square at night

In Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun, most visitors spend December on the beach. The ocean is almost calm, and a light breeze softens the heat, so families with children often come here. Divers open the season, and surfers gather on the Pacific coast. This month also brings many holidays: the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Posadas, and the Day of the Holy Innocents between Christmas and New Year. On New Year's Eve, cities stay up all night.

The catch: central regions and the northern border are cold in December, so warm clothes are a must.
Who it's for: families with children and anyone interested in ancient cities.

Hotels in Mexico on Trip.com

8. Seychelles

December marks the start of summer in the Seychelles. It's warm and the ocean is calm, but humidity is high. Ocean breezes make the heat easier to handle even at midday, so you can spend time on the beach comfortably. This is a good time for diving, snorkeling, and lazy relaxation. Surfers gather on Mahé Island, where long waves build up. Before flying out, everyone needs to get an electronic Travel Authorisation (as of 09/2026, Seychelles official system).

Beau Vallon beach with mountains on Mahe

Be sure to visit the forest on Silhouette Island, the nature reserve on Aride Island, and on Moyenne Island you'll hear the legend of a pirate treasure. During the New Year holidays, resorts decorate palm trees with lights, throw beach parties, and serve Creole dishes. The liveliest celebrations take place on Beau Vallon Beach near the capital. Keep in mind: a New Year tour is expensive, and the gala dinner is often not included.

The catch: high humidity and peak prices during New Year's week.
Who it's for: couples and divers who want a quiet getaway without crowds.

Hotels in the Seychelles on Trip.com

9. Maldives

The Maldives in December delight with warm water and sunshine. Mornings are already hot, by midday the air heats up further, and evenings are warm too. A visa is issued free on arrival for 30 days (as of 09/2026, Maldives immigration official website). The weather is changeable: the first days of the month are dry and hot, then winds pick up, bringing clouds, and the ocean can see storms with heavy rain. This weather lasts almost a week.

Overwater bungalows above a turquoise lagoon

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Rain falls mostly at night, and during the day you see the sun again. For diving, plan your vacation for the beginning of the month: waves interfere with dives and reduce visibility. Surfers, on the other hand, will find the second half of December suitable. All beaches offer rentals for water skis, canoes, and jet skis. During the holidays, hotels put on shows, and in the first half of the month you can catch Fisherman's Day and try local cuisine.

The catch: the second half of December is windy, and diving visibility drops.
Who it's for: surfers in the second half of the month and divers in the first.

Hotels in the Maldives on Trip.com

10. Tanzania, Zanzibar

Zanzibar is hot in December. The rainy season is already ending, but downpours can still occur in the first half of the month. If you go closer to Christmas and New Year, the weather will be dry and hot, and evenings will stay warm. The ocean water gets very warm, and winds are moderate in most areas. Beaches in the northeast, such as Mapenzi, Uroa, and Kiwengwa, are favorites among divers. Entry requires an e-visa, which you apply for online before your trip.

Diving in Zanzibar is very popular. Here you'll see lobsters, barracuda, and moray eels, and you can explore shipwrecks that have been lying on the bottom for several centuries. Surfers gather on the southeast coast, where it's windy and the waves are good. The island's nature is diverse: tropical vegetation, coral lagoons, dolphins near the shore. Head to the Monkey Park, Turtle Island, or go on safari in the national parks: in winter, many animals have offspring.

The catch: the first half of December is still humid, so plan your trip around the holidays.
Who it's for: divers and those who want to add a safari to their beach vacation.

Zanzibar hotels on Trip.com

11. India, Goa

In December, Goa is just as warm as in the summer months. Humidity drops, so you can handle the heat more easily, and it gets cooler at night. The sea along the coast is calm, with small waves and very warm water. It's a good time for a beach vacation, windsurfing, and diving. You need an e-visa to enter, so apply for it online in advance. Keep in mind that accommodation and package tour prices rise around the holidays.

Beyond its natural riches, Goa is known for its history and architecture. It's worth visiting Aguada Fort and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further on, you'll find nature reserves, markets, and spice plantations, plus meditation on the beach in Betalbatim. In December, India celebrates several national holidays: it's a chance to experience the country's traditions. New Year's Eve in Goa is celebrated in hotels and tourist areas.

The catch: holiday dates hit your budget hard, as accommodation and tours get more expensive.
Who it's for: those who want to combine the beach with heritage and spice markets.

Goa hotels on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is it warm in December without a visa?

The UAE, Maldives, Dominican Republic, and Mexico accept you without a visa in advance. In the UAE and Maldives, you get a visa on arrival. For Seychelles, you need to get an electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. For Sri Lanka, you need an electronic ETA, which is done online. Thailand is also open to most travelers. Before buying tickets, check the requirements for your passport on the country's official portal.

Where should I fly in December on a budget?

Southeast Asia works out cheapest: Thailand, Vietnam, and India, Goa. Accommodation and food there cost less than in the Caribbean. The most expensive is New Year's week in the Maldives, Seychelles, and the UAE. Go for the first half of December or the first days of January, when the price peak has already passed.

Where is the best diving in December?

The best is in the Maldives at the beginning of the month and in Zanzibar. Visibility is also good in the Dominican Republic and Thailand. In the UAE, the waters of the Persian Gulf are clear for almost all of December.

Where should I go in December with kids?

The Dominican Republic and Mexico: the Caribbean Sea is calm, and the resorts of Cancun and Acapulco have plenty of family options. Vietnam also works if you choose the south: Nha Trang and Phan Thiet with wide sandy beaches. For little ones, Sri Lanka is not the best option, as there are strong waves and wind. In the UAE, kids are drawn to the parks, and the sea in the Persian Gulf is warm.

Where is there almost no rain in December?

The dry season in December is in southern Vietnam, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the UAE. In southwest Sri Lanka, rains are short and rare. But in the Maldives, the second half of the month is windy, and in Seychelles it's humid. In Zanzibar, downpours still occur in the first half of December.

In short: what's worth booking

December opens the high season in the tropics, and accommodation for New Year's week gets booked up first. Choose based on climate, not price: the dry season is in Thailand, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, while it's wet in the Maldives and Seychelles.

If you're traveling with family: go for the Dominican Republic or southern Vietnam.
If you want sightseeing: the UAE or Mexico are good options.
If you need diving: the Maldives in early December or Zanzibar.

Book in advance to catch a reasonable price: Thailand hotels on Trip.com.

Where to fly in December for warmth: 11 visa-free and e-visa countries