December in the UK can feel endless, which is why I’m usually dreaming of the best winter sun destinations.
Grey skies, drizzle and cold winds.
You know — the kind that warms your skin and feels like an instant reset.
That’s why I’ve rounded up 13 of the best winter sun destinations in December.
These spots are all about warmth, adventure, and a quick winter fix.
Some are just a short flight from the UK. Others take a little longer but are worth every mile.
Are you after beaches? Do you prefer cultural sights? Or maybe you just want to sun that skin — I’ve got you.
Affiliate links ahead in this post. Your clicks may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you, which keeps this site online and the ideas coming. Thanks for being part of it.
Why These Winter Sun Destinations Are Perfect in December
Winter sun isn’t just escaping the cold. It’s about recharging. Grey skies can weigh you down. A week of bright skies, blue seas, and fresh air can do wonders.
These winter sun destinations are perfect for:
Boosting your vitamin D
Recharging energy
Exploring somewhere new without crowds
Enjoying off-season prices
And there’s something special about visiting a place in December. Winter at home, sunshine abroad — it just works.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK are quick to many destinations. Some under four hours. Others are long-haul, ideal if you want a proper escape.
Tip: book early. December can get busy, especially near New Year. Flexible dates can save you cash.
Once there, a rental car is handy for islands or remote spots. Otherwise, taxis and buses work fine.
Where to Stay Near These Winter Sun Destinations
Accommodation depends on your destination.
For short-haul, boutique hotels and guesthouses often give the best local feel.
Long-haul? Resorts, eco-lodges, and boutique hotels work well.
I’ll mention a few favourites for each spot — places with charm, comfort and a little wow factor.
1. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the biggest of Spain’s Canary Islands, sitting in the Atlantic just off the coast of Africa.
That location is why it stays warm when most of Europe is freezing.
Head south and you’ll find sunshine almost guaranteed in December.
Highlights
This island is all about variety.
Golden beaches in the south, volcanic peaks in the centre and green valleys up north.
You can be hiking in the morning and stretched out on the sand by afternoon.
How to Get Around
Hire a car if you can. It’s the easiest way to hop between beaches, villages and viewpoints.
Buses work, but they’re slower and won’t get you everywhere.
Best Things to Do
- Explore Mount Teide National Park — it feels like another planet.
- Take a boat trip and look out for whales and dolphins.
- Wander the colourful old streets of La Laguna, a UNESCO site.
- Hit Playa de las Américas for surfing or nightlife.
Where to Stay: Costa Adeje is perfect if you want luxury resorts, pools and spas. For something more low-key, Los Cristianos has cosy apartments close to the beach.
2. Dubai, UAE
Dubai sits on the Persian Gulf, part of the United Arab Emirates, and is a real mix of desert, city and coastline.
December is ideal — warm days, clear skies, no sticky heat. Perfect for exploring without melting.
Highlights
Think futuristic skyscrapers, giant malls, traditional souks and golden desert dunes.
You can shop one minute, ride a camel the next. The contrasts are what make Dubai fun.
How to Get Around
Taxis are everywhere and pretty affordable.
The Metro is good for zipping between major sights like the airport, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
For desert trips you’ll need a tour or a 4×4.
Best Things to Do
- Head up the Burj Khalifa for sweeping views.
- Spend a day at Jumeirah Beach soaking up the sun.
- Take a desert safari — dune bashing, camels, sunset dinners.
- Wander the old Al Fahidi neighbourhood for a glimpse of traditional Dubai.
Where to Stay: Downtown Dubai for city buzz, Jumeirah Beach for sun and sand.
If you want to venture out of Dubai for something a bit more off the beaten path but still easy to get to, why not check out Sharjah.
3. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic, southwest of Portugal.
Mountains meet the sea and the island stays green year-round.
December is mild and quiet — ideal for exploring.
Highlights
Dramatic cliffs, lush valleys and flowing waterfalls make Madeira breathtaking.
Levada walks follow historic irrigation channels through verdant landscapes.
Coastal villages, botanical gardens and local seafood add charm.
Funchal has cobbled streets, colourful markets, and a buzzing café culture.
How to Get Around
Buses cover most towns but are slow.
Renting a car gives you freedom to visit viewpoints and hidden villages.
Best Things to Do
- Walk a levada trail through mountains and forests.
- Stroll Funchal’s old town and market.
- Take the cable car up to Monte.
- Taste Madeira wine at local wineries.
Where to Stay: Funchal for city convenience, countryside quintas for peace and charm.
4. Cyprus: A Top Winter Sun Destination
Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey.
The south coast, especially Paphos and Limassol, is warm enough for shorts in December.
Ancient ruins, cute villages and golden beaches make it perfect for culture and relaxation.
Highlights
The island blends beaches, mountains and history.
You can hike, sunbathe and wander charming towns all in one day.
Meze and local cuisine are a must-try.
How to Get Around
Buses run between major towns, but a car is better for reaching beaches and inland villages.
Best Things to Do
- Explore Paphos’ ancient mosaics and tombs.
- Hike the Troodos Mountains.
- Relax on Coral Bay beach.
- Wander traditional villages and try local meze.
Where to Stay: Limassol has stylish resorts; Paphos offers boutique charm.
5. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is dramatic, with black volcanic beaches meeting turquoise seas.
December is quiet, so it’s easy to explore without crowds.
Highlights
Timanfaya National Park is surreal with volcanic craters.
Vineyards, villages and coastal walks add variety.
How to Get Around
A car is best for exploring the parks, beaches and towns.
Best Things to Do
- Visit Timanfaya National Park and see geothermal activity.
- Relax in the natural pools at Punta Mujeres.
- Stroll through César Manrique’s creations, like Jameos del Agua.
- Check out the Sunday market in Teguise.
Where to Stay: Playa Blanca for resorts, Arrecife for boutique hotels with local vibe.
For a detailed guide, check out my 3 Days in Lanzarote: A First Timer’s Guide.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is vibrant, with colourful souks, palaces and gardens. It sits at the edge of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.
December brings warm days and crisp nights — perfect for wandering without heat exhaustion.
Highlights
The city is full of colour, smells and energy.
Souks sell spices, lanterns and textiles. Palaces and gardens offer calm.
The medina is a labyrinth of surprises, where alleyways hide riads, cafés and hammams.
Street food is abundant.
How to Get Around
Walking works in the medina.
For trips further afield, taxis are cheap and plentiful.
Best Things to Do
- Get lost in the medina and souks.
- Sip mint tea in a traditional café.
- Visit Jardin Majorelle for a peaceful break.
- Explore palaces and hidden gardens.
Where to Stay: Riads in the medina are full of character, or modern hotels on the outskirts for convenience.
7. Florida, USA: A Classic Winter Sun Destination
Florida is warm in December — beaches, theme parks and sunshine await.
Miami, Key West and Orlando are top spots.
Highlights
Florida is diverse. You have Miami’s art deco streets, Orlando’s theme parks and the Keys’ turquoise waters.
Soft beaches, nightlife and outdoor adventures keep days full.
December is dry and pleasantly warm, perfect for sightseeing.
How to Get Around
A car is essential for exploring beyond the cities. Taxis work in Miami, but for the Keys and Orlando, driving is easiest.
Best Things to Do
- Relax on Miami Beach.
- Visit Orlando’s Disney and Universal Studios.
- Drive the scenic Overseas Highway to Key West.
- Spot wildlife in the Everglades.
Where to Stay: Miami Beach for ocean views, Orlando for family-friendly resorts.
For the full plan, see my Perfect Florida Road Trip Adventure.
8. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, sitting in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa.
Its location keeps it warm in December, even when most of Europe is freezing.
Highlights
The island is all about contrasts.
The south has golden beaches and surf, while the north is lush, green and mountainous.
Maspalomas dunes feel like a desert by the sea.
How to Get Around
Hire a car for freedom. Public transport is slow for remote beaches.
Best Things to Do
- Walk along Playa de Amadores.
- Visit Maspalomas sand dunes.
- Explore Las Palmas old town.
- Hike in the island’s interior.
Where to Stay: Maspalomas for beachfront resorts, Las Palmas for boutique hotels with local vibe.
9. Phuket, Thailand: The Ultimate Winter Sun Destination
Phuket is warm, dry and sunny in December.
Crystal-clear waters and soft beaches make it a tropical dream.
Highlights
Beaches, islands, street food and nightlife all in one place. Island-hopping is easy and unforgettable.
How to Get Around
Tuk-tuks, taxis and scooters are best for getting around. Ferries for trips to nearby islands.
Best Things to Do
- Relax on Kata or Karon beaches.
- Island-hop to Phi Phi and James Bond Island.
- Try street food in Patong.
- Visit Big Buddha and local temples.
Where to Stay: Patong for nightlife, Kata or Karon for quieter beaches.
Check out my Perfect 2-Week Thailand Itinerary.
10. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an island nation off the west coast of Africa. It’s made up of ten volcanic islands.
December is dry, sunny and perfect for escaping winter.
Highlights
The islands are incredibly diverse.
Sal has golden beaches and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Boa Vista is more remote, with sand dunes, volcanic landscapes and quiet fishing villages.
You can hike rugged trails, kite surf in windy bays and explore colourful colonial towns.
Music is everywhere — traditional morna tunes give the islands a special vibe.
How to Get Around
Car hire is useful for exploring Sal and Boa Vista.
Ferries connect some islands, but travel between islands can take time.
Best Things to Do
- Relax on Santa Maria beach in Sal.
- Hike volcanic landscapes on Boa Vista.
- Try local Creole dishes and fresh seafood.
- Kite surf, swim or simply wander the colourful towns.
Where to Stay: Sal for beaches, Boa Vista for remote escapes.
11. Antigua: One of the Best Winter Sun Destinations
Antigua is in the Caribbean and famous for having 365 beaches — one for every day of the year.
December brings warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures.
Highlights
White sand, turquoise water and postcard-perfect scenery define Antigua.
Beyond beaches, explore colonial forts, historic towns and vibrant local markets.
Paddleboarding, sailing and snorkelling are all popular.
Rum distilleries give a taste of local culture. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it ideal for a winter reset.
How to Get Around
Taxis are easy to find, and hiring a car gives freedom to explore the island fully.
Roads are straightforward and traffic is light.
Best Things to Do
- Relax on Dickenson Bay or Half Moon Bay.
- Explore Nelson’s Dockyard and historic forts.
- Visit a rum distillery for tasting.
- Stroll through local markets and colourful villages.
Where to Stay: West Coast for luxury, South Coast for livelier beaches.
Read more in my Discover Antigua: A Beginner’s Guide to the Perfect Island Getaway.
12. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island.
It’s famous for long beaches, windsurfing and wide open spaces.
December brings mild weather, perfect for lazy days.
Highlights
Endless sand, calm villages and excellent seafood make it a chilled escape.
Corralejo’s dunes feel like another world.
How to Get Around
A car is essential for beaches and natural parks. Towns are spread out, buses are limited.
Best Things to Do
- Relax on Corralejo beaches.
- Explore Corralejo Natural Park dunes.
- Try windsurfing or kitesurfing.
- Stroll coastal villages.
Where to Stay: Corralejo for energy, Costa Calma for relaxation.
13. Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean coast is warm in December, with golden beaches, turquoise water, and vibrant culture.
Highlights
From Riviera Maya to Tulum, you’ll find cenotes, Mayan ruins and colourful towns.
December is sunny and perfect for swimming, exploring markets or sampling street food.
The culture is lively and welcoming.
How to Get Around
Car hire is ideal for Riviera Maya. Taxis and buses work for towns.
Best Things to Do
- Swim in cenotes around Tulum.
- Visit Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza or Tulum.
- Relax on Playa del Carmen beaches.
- Explore colourful towns and local markets.
Where to Stay: Riviera Maya for resorts, Tulum for boutique hotels.
Food & Local Eats
Each of these winter sun destinations offers unique food experiences.
And if you’re anything like me, food plays a major part on any trip.
Seafood, street food and traditional dishes — trying them is part of the adventure.
From tapas in Madeira, meze in Cyprus to street food in Thailand, every bite becomes part of the journey.
Hidden Gems
Some spots are quieter, off the beaten path, but unforgettable.
Tiny beaches where you can have sand all to yourself.
Cafés where locals outnumber tourists.
Desert landscapes that feel completely untouched.
Finding these gems makes the trip feel personal, not touristy.
Your Next Winter Sun Destination Awaits
So if you’re tired of December gloom – head to one of these gorgeous destinations for a proper dose of sunshine.
You have so many options: Tenerife, Thailand, Florida, Mexico. Book that trip, pack light and let the sun recharge you.
