Matteo Giordani
If you're looking for a tropical paradise to escape to this December, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering its own unique attractions and charms. Whether you're seeking pristine beaches, vibrant cultures, or thrilling adventures, here are some of the best tropical destinations to consider for your holiday:
- The Seychelles: With crystal-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and a tropical climate, the Seychelles is a true paradise. It's also the perfect time to immerse yourself in the local culture with the Creole Festival and various local festivities.
- Maldives: The Maldives is a tropical dream, with calm waters and stunning coral reefs. It's the ideal place for couples, offering romantic experiences like snorkelling among manta rays, whales, and sharks.
- Aruba: Aruba, located in the Caribbean, offers a mix of all-inclusive resorts and long-term villa rentals. You can relax on white-sand beaches or explore Arikok National Park.
- Bali, Indonesia: Bali has something for everyone, from exploring sacred sites like the Monkey Forest Sanctuary to relaxing at all-inclusive resorts. It's also known for its safety, making it a great choice for travellers with safety concerns.
- US Virgin Islands: With white-sand beaches and clear, warm waters, the US Virgin Islands are a convenient getaway for US citizens. St. Croix offers a relaxed atmosphere and superb diving, while St. John is home to the unspoiled Virgin Islands National Park.
- Cancun, Mexico: Cancun is known for its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and high-quality, all-inclusive resorts. It's a convenient and easy-to-plan option for a relaxing tropical getaway.
- Bora Bora: Surrounded by turquoise waters, Bora Bora offers luxury resorts, relaxation, and adventurous activities like scuba diving.
- Hawaii: Hawaii is a popular choice for a tropical escape, with a mix of microclimates and plenty of festive cheer during the Christmas season.
- Belize: Belize is an excellent choice for adventurous travellers, families, or couples seeking a romantic getaway. December brings consistent sunshine and warm weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the vibrant local culture.
- Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam: Known as Vietnam's Pearl Island, Phu Quoc boasts pristine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. It offers pleasant weather, warm sunshine, and a range of activities, including surfing and exploring traditional fishing villages.
No matter which destination you choose, you're sure to find sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences to create lasting memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Temperature | 25-35°F |
| Weather | Snowy, warm, tropical |
| Activities | Skiing, wildlife tours, snorkelling, hiking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, surfing, boat parades, holiday markets, whale watching, hot air balloon rides, etc. |
| Tourist Crowd | Moderate |
| Food | Local cuisine, Cuban food, seafood, Italian, Mexican, etc. |
What You'll Learn
The Seychelles
December in the Seychelles offers a magical blend of nature, adventure, and cultural immersion. While it falls within the rainy season, the short showers provide a welcome respite from the sun and contribute to the lush green landscapes. The start of the Creole Festival season adds to the allure, with the annual Festival Kreol celebrating the island's rich cultural heritage in Creole cuisine, music, and art.
When planning a trip to the Seychelles in December, it's important to keep in mind that it's the peak tourist season due to its favourable weather. While it can get relatively crowded, the archipelago still offers a blend of solitude and social interaction. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, as resorts can fill up quickly. Embrace the relaxed island vibe and enjoy all that the Seychelles has to offer during this magical time of the year.
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The Caribbean
Aruba
Aruba is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, offering a range of accommodation options, from all-inclusive resorts to long-term villa rentals. Relax on the white sandy beaches, explore Arikok National Park, and indulge in the local cuisine at The Renaissance Market, an outdoor marketplace with a variety of dishes.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands, with glistening clear waters and a vibrant mix of great bars and serene beaches. Popular islands include Grand Bahama and Paradise Island.
Barbados
Barbados is known for its culinary delights and offers both casual and fine dining experiences. You can explore limestone caves and lounge on beautiful beaches such as Dover Beach.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico, is a great choice for a winter getaway, with turquoise waters and pristine beaches. It is also home to many high-quality, all-inclusive resorts, making it a convenient and relaxing option for travellers.
US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands, set in the Caribbean Sea, offer white-sand beaches and clear, warm waters. The largest island, St. Croix, provides a relaxed atmosphere, superb diving opportunities, and the annual Crucian Christmas Festival with parades, pageants, and events. St. John, the smallest island, is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, featuring ancient petroglyphs, unspoiled beaches, and hiking trails. St. Thomas, the most convenient island for travellers, offers natural beauty and duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie.
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The Maldives
December is also a festive time in the Maldives, with resorts hosting jubilant celebrations, delectable feasts, and cultural performances. It is a romantic destination, offering intimate moments under starry skies and unique underwater dining experiences. The weather is delightful, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C, and dry, sunny days are common.
The local cuisine is a delightful blend of South Asian and Middle Eastern flavours, with grilled fish, fish curries, lobster, and crab dishes to savour. Traditional "roshi" flatbreads and "bondibai" desserts made with coconut and condensed milk are also worth trying.
December is a peak season in the Maldives, so it's best to book accommodations in advance. The country offers a range of options, from luxurious overwater bungalows to budget-friendly guesthouses on local islands.
With its breathtaking natural beauty, festive spirit, and abundance of activities, the Maldives is a magical destination to visit in December.
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Hawaii
Weather
A typical December day in Hawaii sees temperatures in the low 80s (°F), with the evenings a little cooler, dipping to the upper 60s. The ocean is warm and inviting, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts and those who want to feel the Pacific Ocean underfoot. The ocean temperature is around 78°F (26°C), perfect for swimming and surfing.
Although December is the rainiest month in Hawaii, the showers are usually short, lasting about 10 minutes, and often occur at night. Maui is the driest island, with just 0.87 inches of rainfall on average, making it a dream destination for those seeking sunshine and crystal blue waters.
Costs and Accommodation
After Thanksgiving, hotel rates start to dip, but they increase as Christmas approaches. The week leading up to New Year's Day is the most expensive time to visit, with hotel prices rising by about $100 more than the annual average. It is recommended to book accommodations early, as prices increase closer to Christmas due to high demand.
Activities and Events
December offers a range of activities, including surfing, swimming, snorkelling, and hiking. The trade winds and warmer ocean temperatures make it a great time for surfing, especially on Oahu's North Shore, which sees large waves during this month.
For snorkelling, popular spots like Hanauma Bay in Oahu and Molokini in Maui offer crystal clear waters, where you can see colourful fish, sea turtles, and even whales.
Crowd Levels
December is historically one of the busiest months for tourism in Hawaii, with crowds flocking to the islands for the holidays, especially closer to Christmas. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting earlier in the month.
Overall
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The Canary Islands
If you're looking for a tropical destination to visit in December, look no further than the Canary Islands. Located just off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands offer a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and year-round mild weather. With seven main islands to choose from, each with its distinct personality and attractions, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your winter getaway.
One of the biggest draws of the Canary Islands in December is the weather. While many parts of Europe are blanketed in snow, the Canary Islands enjoy warm and sunny days, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s°C. The islands are known for their low humidity and lack of hurricanes, making them a safe and comfortable destination for travellers seeking a winter escape.
When it comes to choosing which island to visit, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are popular choices. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, boasts a diverse landscape ranging from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches. It's also one of the hottest islands in December, with temperatures reaching 23ºC to 24ºC. Gran Canaria, on the other hand, is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively capital city of Las Palmas. Lanzarote, dubbed the "island of eternal spring", offers breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich cultural programme during the Christmas season. Fuerteventura, with its year-round summery weather, is perfect for those seeking a coastal Christmas celebration.
December is also a great time to explore some of the smaller islands, such as La Gomera and La Palma. La Gomera, a tiny island that embraces Christmas traditions, offers a host of festive activities, including Christmas carols, open-air cinemas, and traditional cooking workshops. La Palma, known as "the beautiful island", is renowned for its nativity scenes and choral groups that fill the streets with Christmas carols.
Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventures, the Canary Islands have something for everyone. With its mild weather, vibrant festivities, and diverse natural attractions, it's no wonder that the Canary Islands are a top choice for travellers seeking a tropical escape in December. So, pack your bags and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this island paradise!
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Frequently asked questions
Some great tropical places to visit in December include the Seychelles, the Maldives, Aruba, the Bahamas, Cancun, Bali, and Bora Bora.
If you're looking for tropical destinations closer to North America, consider Miami, Florida, or Honolulu, Hawaii. The U.S. Virgin Islands are also a great option, offering white-sand beaches and clear, warm waters without the need for a passport for U.S. citizens.
For European travelers seeking tropical destinations in December, the Canary Islands offer year-round warm temperatures. Dubai is another option, with year-round sunshine and a short flight time from Europe.
