For warm weather in December, look south or toward the desert. The Canary Islands have mild, sunny days all year (Hello Canary Islands); Australia's summer runs December to February (Tourism Australia); and Egypt's best season is its winter, the coolest months. Dubai's Shopping Festival runs December 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027 (Visit Dubai), but check the current travel advisories first.
Photo: Jessica Sacco on Pexels (Pexels)
1. Canary Islands (Spain)
- Long, sunny days with mild temperatures; in winter the sun rises around 7:30 a.m. and sets around 6:30 p.m. (Hello Canary Islands, official tourism).
- A short flight from most of Europe, and no time-zone jump for much of it.
2. Australia: summer on the beach
- Summer runs December to February, with sunny, warm days (Tourism Australia).
- The tropical north (Cairns, the Whitsundays, Kakadu) is in its wet season from November to April, so Sydney, Melbourne and the south coast are the easier December pick (Tourism Australia).
3. Egypt: the coolest months
- Winter is the best season for Egypt; summer brings heatwaves (U.S. State Department). Full route: Egypt and a Nile cruise.
- Check the current U.S. and Spanish travel advisories before booking.
4. Dubai: Shopping Festival season
- The Dubai Shopping Festival runs December 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027 (Visit Dubai).
- As of October 20, 2026, the U.S. State Department rates the UAE Level 3, "Reconsider travel", and Spain advises postponing non-essential travel. Read our Dubai guide and check advisories again before you go.
5. Patagonia: the southern summer
- Los Glaciares National Park's recommended season is September to April, with strong summer winds (Argentina National Parks). It's mild rather than hot. Full route: Patagonia in 7 days.
6. Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
- The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30 (NOAA), so December is outside it. See 5 days in Punta Cana and the free Dominican e-Ticket every traveler needs.
Tips for a December trip
- Holiday dates fill early: Christmas and New Year's weeks are peak season almost everywhere. For the last night of the year, see where to spend New Year's Eve.
- Advisories change: check official government advisories close to departure.
- Hours change in the holidays: confirm opening times on official sites.
Plan it with Lets2Go
Tell Lets2Go's AI trip planner your December dates, how warm you want it and your budget, and get a day-by-day itinerary. Also on the App Store and Google Play.
FAQ
Where is it warm in December?
The Canary Islands, Australia and Egypt are three reliable picks. The Canaries have mild, sunny days all year, Australia is in summer from December to February, and winter is Egypt's coolest, most comfortable season, according to official sources.
Is December a good time to visit Australia?
Yes, it's summer there, from December to February, according to Tourism Australia. The tropical north is in its wet season from November to April, so the south and east coasts are easier in December.
Is December a good month for the Caribbean?
December falls after the Atlantic hurricane season, which ends November 30 (NOAA). It's also high season, so book flights and stays early.
Is Dubai safe to visit in December 2026?
As of October 20, 2026, the U.S. State Department rates the UAE Level 3, "Reconsider travel", and Spain advises postponing non-essential travel. Check both advisories again before you book.
