As the winter months set in, many of us find ourselves dreaming of sunny destinations to escape the cold. Whether you're looking for a tropical beach to unwind or a vibrant city that stays warm all year, there are plenty of options to make your winter holiday unforgettable. With warm weather, exciting activities, beautiful scenery and incredible resorts, here are the best warm places to visit in December. Use these links to jump to a specific section of the article: Best Warm Places to Visit in December Top Budget-Friendly Warm Destinations Warm Travel Destinations in the U.S. Family-Friendly Warm Destinations Warm Destination Ideas for Couples Tips for Planning Your Warm December Vacation Best Warm Places to Visit in December Orlando, FL Famous for Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is a top choice destination for families and theme park lovers alike. While the parks offer fun vacations year round, December brings special holiday events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, transforming the parks into magical winter wonderlands. In December, Orlando enjoys average highs of 72°F (22°C), making it perfect for those seeking to avoid the chill of winter. For accommodations, consider Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek or Club Wyndham Orlando International—both offer family-friendly amenities and are located close to the parks, providing a convenient and comfortable home base for exploring everything Orlando has to offer. Rainy days: December is Orlando's driest month with around 5 days of rain. But the weather can change suddenly, so bring a light jacket or umbrella just in case! Big Island, HI If you're searching for a tropical paradise to escape the cold in December, look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island boasts diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to volcanic terrain, and offers a range of activities like snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay or exploring the active volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With average December temperatures ranging from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), this island is perfect for a sun-soaked holiday. Stay at one of these excellent resorts: Club Wyndham Kona, Shell Vacations Club Kona Coast Resort, Shell Vacations Club Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village, Paniolo Greens, or WorldMark Kona. Each provides fantastic amenities and easy access to the island's best attractions. Rainy days: December brings about 10 days of rain, but showers are typically brief. Isla Mujeres, Mexico Located off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a laid-back island known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Whether you're lounging in the sand on Playa Norte or snorkeling in the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, Isla Mujeres is a tropical dream. December offers perfect beach weather, with temperatures averaging 77°F (25°C). Enjoy stunning tropical views at WorldMark Isla Mujeres. This luxurious resort is located in the center of the island, with nearly every local attraction just a short walk, bicycle or golf cart ride away. Rainy days: December has minimal rainfall, with around 3-4 rainy days. Honolulu, HI For those who love city life but also crave the beach, Honolulu is an ideal choice for your December getaway. Enjoy surfing at Waikiki Beach, hiking up Diamond Head and visiting historic sites like Pearl Harbor. December temperatures hover around 80°F (27°C), the perfect weather for outdoor adventures. For an unforgettable stay, consider Club Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk®, located just one block from Waikiki Beach. Beyond the beach, resort guests can take advantage of the close proximity to island shopping, dining, live entertainment, and other Oahu attractions. Rainy days: Expect about 9 days of rain, but these showers are usually light and don't last long. Clearwater Beach, FL Known for its powdery white sand and stunning Gulf of Mexico sunsets, Clearwater Beach is a top pick for a warm December beach getaway. You can spend your days exploring the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or simply lounging by the water. Clearwater Beach offers incredible December beach weather with daytime temperatures averaging 70°F (21°C). Stay at Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach, a family-friendly resort that's just steps from the sand. Enjoy ocean views, beach access, and excellent amenities such as private cabanas and on-site dining. Rainy days: December typically sees 5 rainy days, so your vacation should stay sunny and clear. St. Thomas, USVI Escape to the Caribbean and enjoy the beauty of St. Thomas. The island offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, especially around the coral reefs of Coki Point Beach and Secret Harbour. If you're more into relaxation, unwind on the sandy shores of Magens Bay Beach. December temperatures in St. Thomas range from 77°F and 82°F (25°C to 28°C), allowing for water sports and sunbathing. For accommodations, Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas is a fantastic option offering breathtaking views of Water Bay. Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham is a great choice for couples, offering massage services, swim-up pool bars and on-site dining. If a boat trip is on the itinerary, Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort is conveniently located right next to the St. Thomas Yacht Club. Rainy days: With only 7 rainy days on average, St. Thomas is perfect for a December vacation full of sunshine. Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach, located just north of Fort Lauderdale, is another fantastic Florida destination to visit. Pompano Beach is known for its fishing pier, where in addition to fishing, you can catch a glimpse of local wildlife or simply take in the picturesque ocean views. With temperatures in the low 70s°F (21°C), it's great for relaxing on the beach during the day and walking along the fishing pier at sunset. Stay just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean at Club Wyndham Santa Barbara and enjoy private beach access, top-notch accommodations and stunning views of the marina. Rainy days: December typically sees 6 rainy days. Phoenix, AZ If you prefer a desert adventure over a tropical beach getaway, then Phoenix is perfect for a warm but dry December escape. Take a hike among the saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, play a round of golf at one of the many championship golf courses like the Raven Golf Club or the Troon North Golf Club, or explore the thousands of trees and flowers at the Desert Botanical Garden. And if you are looking for a milder heat, Phoenix offers December weather with highs around 68°F (20°C). Enjoy a central location just minutes from downtown Phoenix at WorldMark Phoenix - South Mountain Preserve. This resort offers stunning desert views and access to over 50 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Rainy days: You can enjoy dry weather on your trip as Phoenix has only 3 rainy days in December. Kauai, HI Known as the 'Garden Island,' Kauai is a lush paradise that stays warm throughout the year. Between the miles of thousand-foot cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, Kauai is a haven for nature lovers. And with the stunning beaches like Hāʻena Beach and Poʻipū Beach, it's also a great choice those simply seeking a beautiful, peaceful retreat. With December temperatures hovering around 78°F you can enjoy spending all day outdoors. Nestled into the cliff terrain of Princeville, Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas offers scenic views and close access to many of the island's top attractions. Lush gardens line the resort, making for a luxurious, tropical atmosphere for relaxation. Rainy days: Expect around 15 rainy days, but rain is often light and part of Kauai's charm. San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, San Jose del Cabo is a warm, sunny escape with something for everyone. Surf the waves at Costa Azul Beach, explore the historic art district, or indulge in fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant like 7 Seas Seafood Grille or Zipper's. With average temperatures of 77°F (25°C), San Jose Del Cabo is a great option for a warm place to visit in December. For accommodations, consider WorldMark Coral Baja. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and historic sites, the resort features beachfront views and world-class amenities, including an on-site restaurant with live music and great food. Rainy days: December typically sees 2 rainy days, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Top Budget-Friendly Warm Destinations Hottest Spots That Won't Break the Bank If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy some December sunshine, there are plenty of affordable destinations to choose from. Isla Mujeres, Mexico and Pompano Beach, FL are both budget-friendly and offer fantastic warm weather in December. Affordable Warm Travel Destinations Other wallet-friendly options include Phoenix, AZ and Clearwater Beach, FL. These destinations not only offer warm weather but also have a range of affordable accommodations, including Extra Holidays resorts that cater to budget-conscious travelers. And you can save up to 20% on most Extra Holidays bookings when you join Insider Extras. Best Value for Money in Warm Weather Locations For the best value, consider visiting St. Thomas in the USVI, where you can often find deals on resorts and activities that offer a great balance between cost and experience. Make sure to keep an eye on Extra Holidays' Offers page for the latest deals. Warm Travel Destinations in the U.S. Warm Spots Within the U.S. for December If you're looking to stay within the U.S., Florida and Hawaii offer some of the best warm destinations in December. Florida's Orlando, Clearwater Beach and Pompano Beach, along with Honolulu and Kauai in Hawaii, guarantee a sunny escape without leaving the country. Best Stateside Places to Escape the Cold Phoenix, AZ and Big Island, HI are also top contenders for warm December vacations. Whether you're into exploring the desert or lounging on a tropical beach, these destinations all have something to offer. Tips for U.S. Warm Weather Vacations When planning a December vacation in the U.S., book early to secure the best deals on resorts and flights. Don't forget to check the weather forecast for each destination, as some places, like Kauai, may have more rain during the winter months. Ideal Warm Destinations for Families Family-Friendly Warm Destinations Orlando, FL is a family favorite thanks to its world-class theme parks and holiday festivities. Big Island, HI, and Clearwater Beach, FL are also excellent choices for families looking for a combination of relaxation and adventure. Activities for Kids in Warm Locations In Orlando, the holiday-themed events at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are sure to delight kids of all ages. On Big Island, children will love visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about active volcanoes. While Clearwater Beach offers dolphin-watching tours and fun-filled beach days. Best Resorts and Hotels for Families For a family-friendly stay, check out Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek in Orlando and Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach in Clearwater Beach. Both resorts offer kid-friendly amenities and easy access to the area's top attractions. Warm Destination Ideas for Couples Romantic Warm Getaways For couples, Kauai, with its lush landscapes, and San Jose Del Cabo, with its tranquil beaches, are perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a sunset cruise, a couples massage or a candlelit dinner on the beach. Top Spots for a Winter Honeymoon Honeymooners will love the luxury and seclusion of Honolulu or Big Island, HI. Here, you can indulge in world-class dining, spa treatments and breathtaking views. Best Resorts for Couples Consider staying at Wyndham Bali Hai Villas on Kauai or WorldMark Coral Baja in San Jose Del Cabo for an unforgettable romantic experience that combines luxurious amenities with tropical, relaxing environments. Tips for Planning Your Warm December Vacation How to Pack for Warm Weather in Winter When packing for a warm weather vacation in December, think light and comfortable. Bring sunscreen, light layers and a swimsuit for beach destinations. And don't forget a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you're visiting a desert location like Phoenix as desert evenings can get chilly. Best Times to Book Your Trip The best time to book your warm December trip is early—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance. This ensures you get the best deals on flights and resorts, especially in popular vacation destinations like Hawaii and Florida. Travel Insurance and Health Tips Always consider travel insurance, especially when traveling internationally. Ensure you're covered for trip cancellations, medical emergencies and unexpected delays. For warm-weather destinations, make sure to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly to protect against sunburn. From adventure seekers to those who want to relax by the beach, these warm places to visit in December offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, escape the winter chill and head to one of these sunny destinations!
