Where is it warm in December? Best destinations from the Netherlands

Overview: temperature, flight time and price

Daytime temperature is the average maximum in December, sea temperature is the monthly average. Flight time is the typical duration (direct or shortest connection). The indicative price is per person for seven nights including flight and a basic hotel. Always check the current price for your specific dates.

Canary Islands: reliable sunshine, short flight

The Canary Islands are the obvious choice in December for anyone who wants warmth without flying too far. On Tenerife the average daytime temperature is 21 to 23 degrees, the sea stays around 19 to 21 degrees and you get an average of seven hours of sunshine per day.

That is not classic beach weather, but it is more than enough for sitting on a terrace in a t-shirt, hiking through the interior and driving around the south without a coat.

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote perform similarly in December: dry and sunny, though a few degrees cooler than in summer. The south-west of each island gets the most sun. A big advantage: flights from Eindhoven run year-round, December included, and the journey time of roughly four hours and three quarters is one of the shortest on this list.

Gran Canaria combines city sightseeing in Las Palmas with one of Europe's finest sandy beaches at Maspalomas in the south. The southern coastline catches the most sun and is drier than the north in December. Direct flights from both Eindhoven and Amsterdam are available.

Madeira has a similar climate to the Canaries but with a slightly higher chance of rain, especially on the north side. The flight from Amsterdam takes around three and a half hours, making it the shortest option on this list. Madeira is ideal for hikers and anyone who prefers a green, quiet island over a beach resort.

Egypt: dry, sunny and affordable

In Hurghada, December may actually be the nicest month of the year: around 24 to 26 degrees by day, virtually no rain (Hurghada is one of the driest places on earth) and a sea temperature of around 23 to 24 degrees. That is warmer than the Mediterranean during the European summer peak.

The same goes for Sharm el-Sheikh: dry, sunny and a perfect setting for snorkelling or diving in the Red Sea. Underwater visibility in December is excellent. Note that evenings and nights can get quite cool in December in Egypt, especially away from the coast. A light fleece or jacket is handy after sunset.

Egypt offers one of the best value-for-money options in December. All-inclusive hotels on the Red Sea tend to be cheaper than in the European summer, while the weather is actually more pleasant, with no extreme heat. The flight from Amsterdam takes around five hours and fifteen minutes.

Dubai: winter sun in the Gulf

Dubai is at its best in December. Daytime temperatures of 27 to 28 degrees, almost no rain and a cool sea breeze that makes it far more comfortable than the 40-degree summer heat.

The sea is around 24 degrees, fine for a swim. The real appeal of Dubai in December, though, is the city itself: impressive architecture, souks, desert safaris, diving, vast shopping malls and a vibrant night scene.

The flight from Amsterdam takes around seven hours. December is peak season in Dubai, so book early if you want the best room rates. A week including flight and hotel starts from around 550 euros per person, with luxury options considerably higher.

Phuket and Thailand: tropical temperatures in December

December marks the start of the dry season on Thailand's west coast, the Andaman Sea. In Phuket, the average daytime temperature is 31 to 32 degrees, the sea is around 28 to 29 degrees and the sun shines for an average of eight to nine hours a day. This is one of the best times to go: the wet season from May to October is over and the tourist peak of January and February has not yet arrived.

From Amsterdam, Phuket is roughly eleven and a half hours away, usually via a Gulf connection. Bangkok is also excellent in December: around 32 degrees by day, little rain and relatively low humidity. Bangkok works well as a city base with day trips to nearby beaches and temples.

One important note: Koh Samui and other islands on Thailand's Gulf coast (east side) have their rainy season in November and December, with heavy showers and sometimes stormy conditions. Choose Phuket and the Andaman coast if you want guaranteed December sunshine in Thailand.

Cape Verde and Curacao: Atlantic islands beyond winter

Cape Verde (especially Sal and Boa Vista) may be the most underrated December destination from the Netherlands. Around 27 to 29 degrees by day, a sea temperature of 24 to 25 degrees, virtually no rain and a constant trade wind that keeps the heat pleasant.

The flight from Amsterdam takes around five and a half hours. Cape Verde is smaller and quieter than the Canary Islands, with wide sandy beaches and a distinctive Afro-Portuguese atmosphere.

Curacao sits outside the hurricane belt and has a dry, warm climate all year. In December it reaches 30 to 31 degrees with a sea temperature of around 27 degrees. The flight takes just over ten hours.

Curacao combines beautiful coral reefs for snorkelling and diving with colourful colonial architecture in Willemstad. Further to travel than most options here, but ideal for a true Caribbean December holiday.

Avoiding the rainy season: what does not work in December

December is not a good travel window for some popular destinations. Here is an overview of what to avoid:

• Bali in DecemberBali's rainy season runs from November to March. Expect daily afternoon and evening showers, higher humidity and less sunshine. A visit is still possible for culture, rice terraces and temples, but do not count on dry beach weather. For tropical warmth without rain, choose Phuket or Curacao instead. See the Bali page for more on when Bali is at its best.
• Koh Samui in DecemberThe islands on Thailand's Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) have their wettest period in November and December, with the risk of storms. Thailand's west coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is dry and excellent at exactly this time.
• Caribbean islands and hurricane riskHurricane season officially ends on 1 November. Most Caribbean islands are fine in December. Curacao and Bonaire sit permanently outside the hurricane zone and are reliably dry and warm year-round.
• Sri Lanka: choose the right coastSri Lanka has two coastlines. The west coast (Colombo, Unawatuna, Mirissa) is dry and warm in December, perfect for the beach. The east coast has its wettest period then. If you want Sri Lanka in December, fly to the west coast.

How to book cheaply

• Avoid the Christmas weekThe period from 21 December to 3 January is the most expensive of the year for sunny destinations. Flying on 19 or 20 December or after 4 January can save you hundreds of euros per person on the same trip.
• Compare airportsFor the Canary Islands and Egypt you can fly from Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam and sometimes Weeze or Brussels. Eindhoven often has more competitive options for the Canary Islands than Amsterdam.
• Book early for Dubai, Cape Verde and ThailandDecember is peak season for these destinations. Book at least three months ahead for the best combination of price and availability.
• Choose all-inclusive in EgyptAll-inclusive hotels in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are relatively affordable. Calculate what food and drinks would cost separately, as the saving often outweighs the difference between a budget and a mid-range hotel.
• Use the planner for a complete proposalEnter your departure airport, dates and budget on CheapTrips and get a proposal with flight, hotel and total price per person. See all destinations from this article separately via the destinations page.

Plan your December holiday in the sun