As December rolls around and much of the U.S. gets hit with cold weather and early sunsets, it’s no surprise that many people start dreaming of warmer destinations. Whether you’re craving a relaxing beach getaway or just want to stroll through a sunny city in your favorite shorts and T-shirt, there are plenty of warm places to visit in December.
So, if you’re ready to escape the chill and soak up the sun, we’ve got you covered with a list of great spots where the holiday season feels a little bit warmer and a whole lot more relaxing.
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island, located off of Florida’s northeast coast and just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, is a serene beach escape perfect for getaways in winter. With 13 miles of shoreline, 99 golf holes, and a 50-block historic district, this Southern destination is the perfect place to be.
You don’t need a car on Amelia Island, as it’s easy to get around using bikes, Segways, golf carts, or even on foot. The island, which ranges from just a quarter-mile to 3 miles wide, is perfect for exploring at your own pace.
For families, Main Beach and Fernandina Beach are popular spots. At the island’s southern end, Amelia Island State Park offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding along the beach. The island also has several amazing restaurants, and you can get anything from fresh seafood to diverse Mexican to freshly roasted coffee.
Savannah, Georgia
A jewel of Georgia, Savannah is not only an unblemished beauty; she is one of the most interesting and exciting towns to visit in the South. December and January can be a little more dicey weather-wise than the high-tourist season of February through March, but this also means that you can skip the crowds, get the most out of your budget, and still get the best of Savannah.
First off, December offers a number of seasonal festivals during the coastal city’s downtime. Mix in with locals and get a good view of the Hostess City by leaping into a running race, touring the incredible Christmas displays on land and on the Savannah River, or strapping on a pair of skates to cruise the Savannah Civic Center’s giant ice rink.
Bike tours are one of the most popular activities to take in this antebellum town, but if the weather is chilly over a day or two, simply stay inside by taking a tour of Savannah’s historic (and allegedly haunted) homes. For film buffs, there’s the Telluride Film Festival. For the literary folk, the Savannah Book Festival is one of the largest gatherings of emerging and established writers in the country. Of course, you’ll get hungry and thirsty doing all this sightseeing. Luckily, there are few better places for Southern grub and genteel cocktails than Savannah.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
If it’s wind through palm trees, fine sand through your toes, and crystal water on your buns that your heart is set on, you can’t go wrong with the Caribbean. While places like Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Jamaica will be jammin’, the Dominican Republic offers an offbeat alternative.
The epitome of a winter getaway, the Caribbean island country (astride Haiti) is wrapped by 900 miles of beach after beach (highlighted by Punta Cana’s unspoiled coast) and crystal-blue waters. Inland, adventure and nature lurks. From rainforest sojourns through rolling green mountains to merengue dances, market shopping, and culinary merriment in the capital of Santo Domingo, there’s too much to explore in the Dominican for one trip.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Speaking of rainforests, the rain pours down in Costa Rica for almost six months of the year. At the end of November, however, the incessant water ceases, and the sun and 85-degree days hearken in the dry season. Catching the critical December window is key as Costa Rica is quite busy in the late winter and early spring. During this period of little rain, you can also find stunning days on the beach, horseback rides through scenic trails, and hikes up to volcanic peaks with minimal crowds, making this one of the best getaways in winter.
Guanacaste is on Costa Rica’s Pacific side. This leads to some of Central America’s best surf, snorkel, and dive destinations. When you’re not plunging into adventure, Guanacaste also features some of the most beautiful beaches in this hemisphere. Kick back on the shore and dig into fresh seafood at any of the eco-friendly, cost-effective, or luxury resorts that you want to choose from. Nearby beaches are just short drives away, and for the Eastern-minded, there are multiple yoga and mindfulness classes and retreats to choose from.
Patagonia, Chile
At the end of the coast is Patagonia, Chile. December and January aren’t typically considered warm weather primetime here, but they’re the heart of the southern hemisphere’s summertime. That means that though the weather may have a bit of bite, this is the absolute best time of year to enjoy some of the most spectacular, stunning places on Earth.
Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with hundreds of miles of trails that pass by incredible (melting) glaciers and icefields, shining bright during the 17-hour days. Naturalist guides and boat tours can take you down to Magdalena Island to say hi to penguins. When hunger calls, you can check in at Punta Arenas, a stop that features local food and brews. Like Guanacaste, your bed can range from rustic cabañas to luxe resorts that are paired with boat and trek tours.
It may seem too late to organize a trip to the other side of the world, but last-minute plans often have the upside of last-minute accommodations — inexpensive and open because people made their plans six to 12 months ago.
Cape Town, South Africa
Speaking of endless days at the southern tip of the globe, in December and January, Cape Town closes up its constant safari treks to shake out her skirt and dance out long, hot days during the height of the southern hemisphere’s summer. One of the African continent’s most cosmopolitan locales, Cape Town’s nightlife is at its best during the down season. In addition to incredible dining and summer concerts, South Africa’s winelands are bursting with grapes during the North American wintertime. Just a short jaunt away are regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Swartland waiting for your palate to sample some of the best, freshest wines this side of the world.
In addition to all a city has to offer when the sun is high, Cape Town sits under Table Mountain and upon the Indian Ocean. Dive into indigo waters, hop into a cage to visit great white sharks, or cruise up to the green, rocky plateaus that surround the town. With endless outdoor adventures and urban exploration combined with some of the best prices you can find at any time of the year, you could do much worse than heading to Cape Town this winter.
Perth, Australia
We’re cheating a bit here, as December and January mark Perth, Australia’s busy season, when Aussies bask in the sun during summer vacations. The largest city on the country’s west side, however, remains 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit after the crowds thin and Australians return to work and school in February.
Being on the coast, Perth is one of the Great Down Under’s most popular places to visit. The laid-back town exudes a coastal cool that will make leaving an enclosed winter hubbub well worth traveling all the way across the planet. Get a surfing lesson from the locals, hike around the 42-acre Kings Park and Botanic Garden, or cruise the town to check out its colorful murals.
For indoor culture, the Perth Cultural Centre is home to the state ballet and opera companies. This central precinct also features theater, libraries, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. For foodies, there’s plenty of red meat and seafood to be had. Perth’s bars range from seaside shacks to underground palaces that mix cocktails that will make your tongue sing.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the best warm places to visit in December, despite it being the start of the rainy season. While there may be brief downpours, they typically only last a few hours, leaving the rest of the day sunny and warm. This time of year is also off-peak season, meaning fewer tourists and lower hotel prices, especially if you visit earlier in the month.
Bali’s beaches offer the perfect spot to unwind, but if you’re up for more adventure, there’s plenty to explore. You can visit Sekumpul Waterfall, the tallest and one of the most stunning waterfalls in Bali, or challenge yourself by climbing Mount Batur. This active volcano offers a relatively short hike (around 2 hours) to the summit, making it a great choice for less experienced climbers.
While Bali does get busier around Christmas and the New Year, visiting early in December provides the perfect balance of great weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to explore at a more relaxed pace. However, the province also has several fun New Year’s celebrations to take part in if you’re up for staying a bit longer.
Wintertime can be one of the best times of year, but even the most hardy among us get tired of the snow and cold at some point. Whether it be a hop to a nearby city or a junket to faraway lands, make sure to take some time to yourselves this season before cabin fever sets in.
