Sun holiday in December 2026: 6 warm destinations from the Netherlands

Overview: best sun destinations for December 2026

Daytime temperature is the average maximum temperature in December. Guide price per person for 7 nights including return flight and budget accommodation outside the Christmas period. Not a fixed price; check current rates for your dates.

Egypt (Hurghada): the warmest choice with direct flights

For those who really want warmth, Hurghada in December is the strongest option from the Netherlands. Average daytime temperatures of 24 to 26 degrees, dry air with no rainfall, and a Red Sea at 24 to 25 degrees: better swimming conditions than the Canary Islands. Hurghada is known for its clear water, coral reefs and affordable all-inclusive hotels.

From Amsterdam Schiphol there are direct flights to Hurghada (HRG) with TUI and Corendon among others, with flight times of around 5 hours. A seven-night all-inclusive package starts in early December from around 450 to 550 euros per person including flights, which is less than a comparable week on the Canary Islands. Note: Egypt requires a visa on arrival for some nationalities (25 USD, also available online via the official portal).

Sharm el Sheikh (SSH) is the alternative at the southern tip of the Sinai. Slightly less touristy than Hurghada, with finer coral reefs directly off the beach. Both cities are purely beach resorts, not city trip destinations. Bring snorkel gear or hire on site.

Dubai: city trip with guaranteed sun and no rain

December is the best month to visit Dubai. It is the only period of the year when it is truly pleasant: average 24 to 27 degrees during the day, no rainfall, low humidity. The Gulf is 23 to 24 degrees. Everything is on offer: Burj Khalifa, desert safari, desert resort, futuristic shopping mall or simply a beach.

From Schiphol, KLM flies daily to Dubai (DXB) in around 6 hours 45 minutes; Emirates also flies direct. From Eindhoven, Air Arabia Maroc operates flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), the neighbouring city with the same metro accessibility.

Flights to Dubai in early December start from around 250 euros return, and a three to four star hotel in the more affordable Deira or Bur Dubai district starts at around 60-90 euros per night.

The Christmas holidays are the busiest period for Dubai: international tourists and expats fill hotels, prices double. Those travelling between 1 and 19 December benefit from lower rates and quieter beaches. Dubai combines well with a stopover on the way back or a day trip to the neighbouring emirates of Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Canary Islands: reliable and direct from Eindhoven

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote average 21 to 23 degrees during the day in December; Tenerife sits at 20 to 22 degrees. It is a little cooler than October or November, but more than enough for sunshine on the beach. Sea temperatures are 20 to 21 degrees on Fuerteventura and 19 to 20 degrees on Tenerife: cool but swimmable.

The big advantage over Egypt or Dubai: direct connections from Eindhoven Airport. Transavia, TUI and Corendon fly directly to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife in December.

Eindhoven is fully operational until 31 January 2027 (the renovation closure runs from 1 February to 18 July 2027). Those departing early in December avoid the Christmas rush and pay 30 to 50 percent less than in the week of 20 December.

Gran Canaria (LPA) is a fourth Canary option: greener, more urban (Las Palmas), also direct from Schiphol. Lanzarote has a dark volcanic landscape that takes on a special atmosphere in the short winter days. Fuerteventura has the longest beaches and the best surf conditions in December thanks to the Atlantic swell.

Madeira: green, mild and low season

Madeira (Funchal) is an overlooked option for December. The island sits at a latitude similar to the Canary Islands but has a greener, more mountainous character. Daytime temperatures in December of 19 to 21 degrees, occasional showers but also plenty of sun, and few tourists outside the Christmas week.

TAP Portugal flies direct from Schiphol to Funchal (FNC) in around 3 hours 45 minutes; Transavia has seasonal connections. Madeira is smaller than the Canary Islands and has fewer beach days, but compensates with spectacular levada walks, volcanic mountain scenery and the unique atmosphere of Funchal as a harbour city.

New Year's Eve on Madeira is internationally famous: the fireworks over Funchal Bay hold a Guinness World Record as the largest in the world. Hotels in and around Funchal are significantly cheaper in early December than during the Christmas week.

Marrakech: warm enough for a cultural city break

Those who do not need a beach day but want warmth, culture and the lowest flight price should look at Marrakech. In December it averages 15 to 18 degrees during the day: warmer than the Netherlands but not beach resort temperatures. It is dry, the medina is in full swing and evenings are cool enough for a djellaba.

Ryanair flies direct from Eindhoven to Marrakech (RAK) in around 3 hours 40 minutes. Return flights in early December regularly cost under 70 euros. A riad in the Marrakech medina in early December starts at around 40 euros per night for two people.

That makes the total cost for three nights in Marrakech including flights and accommodation lower than any other destination on this list. Combine a visit to the Djemaa el-Fna, the medina souks and a day trip to the Atlas foothills or the Ourika Valley for a complete programme.

Early or late December: when should you book?

December is a two-peak month for travellers. The first three weeks (1 to 19 December) are low season for virtually all destinations on this list: lower flight and hotel prices, quieter beaches and shorter queues at attractions. Once the Christmas holidays begin (roughly 20 December to 4 January), prices rise sharply.

For the Christmas holidays, the Canary Islands are the most popular choice for Dutch families: flights from Eindhoven and Schiphol fill up early and prices double compared to early December.

Dubai is also very busy over Christmas with international tourists and expats. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are slightly better priced during the Christmas week, but all-inclusive rates rise there too.

Book early December if you want to save money: booking flights three to six weeks in advance gives the best combination of choice and price. If you want to travel over the Christmas holidays, booking three to four months ahead is safer for the best prices. Read more about timing in our guide on when to book flights for the best price.

Eindhoven Airport is an advantage in December: easy parking, short check-in times and lower airport fees. But note: the airport closes from 1 February 2027 for renovation. Those departing in December do not need to account for this, but a trip via Eindhoven that returns in February could cause problems.