Christmas Without Snow: Tropical Beaches With Crystal Waters and Temps Above 25 °C in December
If winter wipes the smile off your face, on the other side of the globe bright sunshine and warm seas are waiting for you. Temperatures between 25°C and 30°C and crystal-clear waters replace scarves and gloves with flip-flops. From the Atlantic to the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, here are the destinations for December.
While Europe turns gray, the map offers alternatives with clear skies, warm waters, and long days. The rule is to choose tropical or subtropical latitudes and, when possible, the dry season. With this filter, the chances of finding turquoise seas and the perfect breeze multiply. The rest is deciding between short hops or long flights.
From Nearby Routes to Faraway Journeys to Enjoy Summer in December
For those who prefer to stay close, Fuerteventura is the gateway to wintertime summer. In December, the Canary Islands offer mild maximum temperatures, wide beaches, and winds ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with more sheltered coves for swimming. The clear light, volcanic landscapes, and coastal trail network perfectly complement days filled with sand and sea spray.
In the Caribbean, the calendar works in your favor. In Cuba, Cayo Largo offers pale sands and transparent waters with temperatures perfect for late-afternoon snorkeling. The Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos combine mild weather with exceptional underwater visibility—ideal for diving or simply floating over coral reefs. Aruba stays drier than the regional average and offers protected beaches popular among visitors.
The Dominican Republic remains the classic choice for uncomplicated holidays. In Punta Cana, the beach stretches for miles and the logistics are simple. In Puerto Rico, San Juan allows you to split your day between historic neighborhoods and its urban beach. In Jamaica, the relaxed atmosphere pairs with deep-blue waters, while in the Bahamas, the clarity of the Exumas lives up to its reputation, with postcard-worthy coves and seas that rarely cool down.
Closer to the continent, the Yucatán–South Florida axis guarantees a mild winter. Cancún and Tulum offer a complete menu of beaches and Maya ruins, with temperatures ranging from around +20 °C at night to +30 °C during the day. In Miami, the combination of sand, art deco architecture, and coastal walks provides a quick break in mild weather, without complicated time-zone adjustments.
In the Southern Hemisphere, December means summer. Rio de Janeiro offers iconic beaches with trails and viewpoints just minutes from the sand. In Punta del Este, Uruguay, wide beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and the South Atlantic breeze create an elegant alternative for those seeking warmth with a holiday feel.
Between the Indian and Pacific Oceans: A Chance to Enjoy Golden Sands
On the Indian Ocean side, the Maldives are dotted with atolls—ring-shaped islands—where your room may be just steps from the coral reef. The constant temperatures allow you to plan days spent in overwater bungalows, snorkeling with mask and fins.
In Zanzibar, spices, Swahili culture, and white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters that shift with the tides. In the Seychelles, bays like Anse Lazio combine granite rocks, coconut palms, and an almost motionless lagoon.
In the Pacific and Southeast Asia, choices abound. In Thailand, Ko Chang maintains a quieter profile than nearby destinations, with green hills plunging into the sea and beaches that stay peaceful even in high season. In the Philippines, Palawan offers lagoons, limestone cliffs, and beaches like Nacpan, with average temperatures that encourage daily dives. In Hawaii, Kaua‘i blends green valleys, waterfalls, and golden-sand coves, with temperatures around 25 °C.
In Western Australia, December is officially summer. Ningaloo’s coastline, with Turquoise Bay as its emblem, brings together coral reefs, turtles, and sands in almost surreal colors. The experience boils down to morning swims among abundant marine life and late-afternoon coastal trails as the heat eases—keeping temperatures high but bearable during the Australian summer.
A few practical notes help narrow down the choice. First, check the rainy season and wind patterns, especially in the tropics. Then, book with flexibility and insurance that covers flight changes. And finally, bring sunscreen, a hat, and proper hydration for long days in the sun.
In the end, the decision comes down to geography and your available time: a quick escape to the Canary Islands or Miami, a week in the Caribbean, or a longer trip to the Indian or Pacific Oceans. What they all share is that December replaces coats with sandals, clouds with blue horizons, and leaves room for a simple New Year’s resolution: to start the year with sand between your toes and salt on your skin.