Maldives
Maldives
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 31°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Dry-season conditions return and the islands have a festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create the year's biggest demand spike.
Winter escapes
Winter sun: where it is actually warm from December to February
If you want to leave the cold behind, the right destination depends on how warm you want to get. Average highs between December and February range from around 30°C in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean to around 16°C in southern Spain.
Every card shows the average December–February high, how busy and how expensive December is, and the main reason to go or to think twice. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks almost everywhere on this list, so booking early or travelling in January and February can save a lot.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Photo: Bangkok
Hot and beachy
Warm sea and long beach days. Most of these are in their dry season over Christmas, though not all, so read the pro and con on each card. December is their high season.
Thailand
Phuket
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 33°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Excellent beach weather and festive atmosphere.
–Christmas/New Year is one of the most expensive and crowded periods.
Thailand
Bangkok
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 33°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Dry, sunny and comfortable by Bangkok standards, with excellent conditions for exploring.
–Christmas and New Year push crowds and hotel rates higher.
Tanzania
Zanzibar
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 33°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Beach holidays, festive atmosphere and New Year's celebrations
–Higher prices and busy resorts around the holidays
Seychelles
Seychelles
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 30°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Warm weather and lush scenery
–Higher seasonal demand and frequent showers
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 32°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
+Drying conditions
–Holiday demand
Mexico
Tulum
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 29°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Major event season
–Holiday prices
Colombia
Cartagena
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 31°C
- December crowds
- Very high
- Prices
- $$$$
+Excellent dry-season weather returns.
–The busiest and most expensive period of the year.
Warm cities and southern-hemisphere summer
Warm enough for the beach or the rooftop, with more to do than lie in the sun. Sydney and Cape Town are in their summer.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 25°C
- December crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Around 26°C with perfect weather and a festive atmosphere — beach days by day, celebrations by night.
–The busiest and most expensive month, especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 25°C
- December crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale and festive events.
–Race weekend prices and busy hotels.
Australia
Sydney
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 27°C
- December crowds
- Very High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Peak summer, beach weather and an incredible festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create extreme demand, especially around the harbour.
South Africa
Cape Town
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 27°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+Long, warm summer days.
–High demand and expensive accommodation.
United States
Miami
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 24°C
- December crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+A strong escape from European winter, with excellent weather compared with the hot, wet summer months.
–Demand rises significantly toward the holidays.
Mild winter sun in southern Europe and North Africa
Not swimming weather, but bright days, light jackets and far shorter flights. A good choice if you want a winter break without the long-haul price.
Spain
Valencia
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 17°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
+Festive atmosphere + mild winter
–Too cool for dependable beach days
Spain
Málaga
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 18°C
- December crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€€
+Mild winter atmosphere
–Shorter daylight and more rain
Spain
Seville
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 17°C
- December crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Prices
- €€
+Mild winter weather + Christmas lights
–Rain is still common, and the holiday week gets busier
Spain
Palma de Mallorca
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 16°C
- December crowds
- Low
- Prices
- €€
+Festive lights and mild weather.
–Rain and limited services.
Morocco
Marrakech
- Dec–Feb avg. high
- 20°C
- December crowds
- Moderate–High
- Prices
- $$$
+Comfortable daytime sightseeing
–Cold nights and date-sensitive demand
Before you book
Good to know
Book early for Christmas and New Year
The weeks around 20 December to 5 January are usually the most expensive of the year in warm-weather destinations. Leaving a few days earlier or later often changes the price a lot.
Check the rainy-season trade-offs
Not every warm destination is dry in December. Read the pro and con on each card, and open the December page for the full month-by-month picture.
January and February are often calmer
Once the holiday weeks are over, many of these destinations stay warm while crowds and prices ease.
FAQ
Common questions
Where is the warmest place to go in winter?
The Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia are the warmest on this list, with average December–February highs around 30°C or more. Most hot beach destinations are in their dry season during these months, but they are also at their most expensive over Christmas.
Where can I find winter sun without a long flight from Europe?
Southern Spain and Marrakech are the closest options. They are mild rather than hot, with bright days and cooler evenings, but are much cheaper and quicker to reach than long-haul beaches.
When is winter sun cheapest?
Usually in January and February, after the Christmas and New Year peak. Check each destination's January and February pages for the crowd and price picture.
More winter ideas