Mulled wine, festive markets and the promise of a roast dinner might take the edge off the blistering cold of December in the UK, but why not mix it up this year with a sunny escape? Whether you’re embracing the festivities or seeking something different, do it in the sun this season with these hot December destinations.
1. Brisbane, Australia
Where better to catch some rays than in the Sunshine State of Australia? This culture-rich, sports-loving city not only regularly hits highs of 29C in December, but is also bursting with fantastic events to enjoy the warm weather with.
Like most of Australia’s major cities, this future Olympic Games’ host has a wealth of museums and galleries you can lose days in. But you came to Brisbane for the weather, so make time for the city’s famously picturesque Riverwalk network.
Feeling festive? The city is bursting with Christmas markets, community-run celebrations and seasonal performances. We recommend Fish Lane Market on 16 December. This bustling event sees an entire street packed with wares from local vendors including arts, ceramics, plants and more – the perfect spot to pick up some presents.
Music festivals abound in Brisbane in December. Good Things brings in global rock talent including US favourites Fall Out Boy and Limp Bizkit alongside Brit rockers Enter Shikari. Dance in the new year at Wildlands, a festival showcasing some of the hottest electronic, dance and hip hop music.
For a more classical experience, check out Part Two of the Brisbane Music Festival (4-10 December) whose programme includes the ‘Hellish Cellist’, ‘Concorde’ and ‘Jingle Fingers’. Not quite the vibe you’re after? Well, endless sandy beaches, turquoise waters and surfing are just an hour away on the Gold Coast. As one of the hottest countries in December, Australia has got it all.
2. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The call of the Caribbean is hard to ignore at the best of times, but when it comes to winter sun, resistance is futile. One particularly hot December destination is the Dominican Republic, which hits highs of 30C during the day and rarely dips far below 20C at night.
Before reclining on its beautiful beaches and in its luxurious resorts, spend a day or two in the Caribbean’s largest metropolitan city: Santo Domingo. A melting pot of history and culture, this UNESCO Heritage Site blends blue, green and ochre-coloured buildings with colonial architecture and cobbled streets. Book a walking tour to get to know it better, or hop on the tourist train for a cheap and cheerful overview of the city’s history.
Caves are a thing here. Explore the limestone corridors beneath Los Tres Ojos National Park and the Cueva de Santa Ana then make time for refuelling. At El Mesón de la Cava, you can dine on Spanish and seafood dishes 12m below ground while stalactites loom overhead. Elsewhere, Dominican cuisine is a mix of African, Caribbean and Spanish flavours, making it a particularly tasty culinary experience. Look out for mangú (mashed plantain), sweet pastilitos and of course the chimichurri burger.
Christmas is a big celebration here, so finding festive fun is easy. Look out for charamicos (Dominican Christmas trees usually made of wood and decorated with dazzling ornaments) and listen for aguinaldos, Christmas carollers going door to door.
3. Johannesburg, South Africa
Whatever the weather, South Africa’s largest city is a year-round attraction. But as the calendar year comes to a close, balmy climes of 26C make it a fantastically warm location to bask in, and a worthy representative for one of the hottest countries to visit in December.
This destination is a great mix of urban and wilder activities. Visit the Apartheid Museum for a moving exploration of the country’s past, experience the historic prisons of Constitution Hill and shop at artisan craft studios in Victoria Yard. Then, explore South Africa’s amazing outdoor scene with river rafting, hot air balloon rides and horse riding, which are all just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
If the weather’s not hot enough for you, head a few hours northeast of Joburg for the quintessential South African experience: safari. Kruger National Park heats up to 33C in December, so you can tick off the Big Five in suitably toasty temperatures. December is an excellent time to visit, as recent rains make foliage lush and animals often have newborns in tow. Hire a car (the taller the better – and get good insurance) to explore by yourself, or join an organised tour to ditch the logistics.
Ready to book a holiday somewhere hot in December?
Now that you know where’s hot in December, you can look forward to shedding those layers in favour of a tan. Plenty of locations offer summer heat in December – you just need to book time off and flights. Take a look at the table below to discover all the hottest countries in December.
| City | Average temperature in December |
|---|---|
| Koh Samui, Thailand | 27°C / 81°F |
| Melbourne, Australia | 24°C / 75°F |
| Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 30°C / 86°F |
| Praia, Cape Verde | 28°C / 82°F |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 27°C / 81°F |
| Key West, USA | 25°C / 77°F |
| Cancun, Mexico | 28°C / 82°F |
| Lanzarote, Canary Islands | 21°C / 70°F |
| Tenerife, Canary Islands | 21°C / 70°F |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 30°C / 86°F |
Where’s hot in December? FAQs
With over 200 white sandy beaches, the Dominican Republic is a fantastic winter sun holiday destination. As one of the hottest countries in December, temperatures are perfect for sun bathing, water sports and lounging by the pool. Other Caribbean islands including Jamaica, Barbados and St Lucia also offer heat pushing 30 degrees most of the month.
Praia in Cape Verde is a great option for a city escape in December. With fantastic shopping, tasty seafood eateries and artsy streets, it’s a great destination for some warm, winter culture.
