December
If you want a beach trip in December, Dubai comes out first, with average highs around 26°C and very high crowds.
Beach destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events. Each card shows the real average temperature, crowd level and price level for December, and links to the full December guide for that destination.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
#1 on this list: Dubai
+Around 26°C with perfect weather and a festive atmosphere — beach days by day, celebrations by night.
–The busiest and most expensive month, especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
+Dry-season conditions return and the islands have a festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create the year's biggest demand spike.
+Excellent beach weather and festive atmosphere.
–Christmas/New Year is one of the most expensive and crowded periods.
+Beach holidays, festive atmosphere and New Year's celebrations
–Higher prices and busy resorts around the holidays
+Holiday events, decorated neighborhoods and generally mild winter weather.
–Christmas/New Year demand pushes up prices.
+Peak summer, beach weather and an incredible festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create extreme demand, especially around the harbour.
+Festive atmosphere + mild winter
–Too cool for dependable beach days
+A strong escape from European winter, with excellent weather compared with the hot, wet summer months.
–Demand rises significantly toward the holidays.
+Long, warm summer days.
–High demand and expensive accommodation.
+Mild winter atmosphere
–Shorter daylight and more rain
+Festive lights and mild weather.
–Rain and limited services.
+Mild winter weather and festive atmosphere.
–Cooler and increased demand around the holiday period.
+Low prices and local Christmas atmosphere.
–Wet, windy weather and limited services.
+Warm weather and lush scenery
–Higher seasonal demand and frequent showers
+Seasonal lights and a quiet, local feel.
–Cold, wet days and a reduced restaurant scene.
Temperatures are monthly averages. Crowd and price levels are my own judgement. Want to narrow it down? Filter all destinations for December.
FAQ
Dubai, Maldives and Phuket come out best in December. Beach destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events.
Phuket, with average highs around 32°C in December.
Santorini, where crowds in December are very low.
Best beach destinations in another month
More ideas for December