Where to Find Winter Sun in December: 13 Great Holiday Destinations

Every December, the days in the UK get shorter and the temperatures drop fast. Many people choose to escape the cold by travelling to warmer parts of the world. From the beaches of Mexico to the sunny islands of Spain, there are plenty of great places to visit for winter sun in 2026.

While Britain shivers through dark winter days, the Southern Hemisphere is actually enjoying summer. Places like Sydney, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa, have warm temperatures in the low 20s during December. Even closer to home, Spanish islands like Gran Canaria and Lanzarote stay warm throughout the winter months.

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands and is a great all-round destination. Its capital, Las Palmas, has museums and historic streets, while resort towns like Maspalomas are famous for huge sand dunes that lead to the beach. The island also has mountains and hiking trails, including the striking 80-metre-tall Roque Nublo volcanic rock.

Cancun in Mexico is another top pick for December. The rainy season has ended by then, and temperatures can reach around 30°C. Visitors can enjoy white sand beaches, dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or explore ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza.

Closer to Europe, Lanzarote in the Canary Islands offers volcanic scenery and golden beaches. Timanfaya National Park is perfect for guided walks through dramatic volcanic landscapes. The island's natural caves, like the Jameos del Agua, are also fascinating to visit.

For something a little different, Muscat in Oman blends modern city life with ancient Arab culture. The Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, full of spices, jewellery, and frankincense. The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace are stunning examples of the city's architecture.

Back in Europe, Tenerife and Limassol in Cyprus are reliable winter sun spots. Tenerife has Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain, and lively beach resorts like Los Cristianos. Limassol offers a pretty marina, ancient ruins, and beaches perfect for swimming in December.

Further afield, Bangkok in Thailand is warm, exciting, and full of things to do. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple are breathtaking sights, and the street markets and food stalls give visitors a real taste of Thai culture. The city is also a great base for trips to Thailand's famous tropical islands.

Madeira, Portugal, and Cape Town, South Africa, round out the list beautifully. Madeira has dramatic volcanic scenery and a network of levada walking paths through its forests and mountains. Cape Town has beaches, Table Mountain, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once held as a prisoner.

Whether you choose a lively city, a quiet beach, or a destination full of history, there is something for every type of traveller this December. From the Canary Islands to Sydney and everywhere in between, the world is full of warm and welcoming places to escape the winter cold.