The 10 Best Tropical Vacations in December

Introduction

December marks the start of winter for much of the world. While colder temperatures and snowstorms may be the norm at home, December is actually a wonderful time to escape to tropical destinations for a warm weather getaway.

Compared to the peak holiday weeks in late December and early January, the first half of December offers lower prices on airfare and hotels before the Christmas rush. You’ll find fewer crowds as well, allowing for a more relaxing and intimate tropical vacation. December also falls during the dry season for many equatorial destinations, bringing sunny skies ideal for the beach and other outdoor activities.

When choosing the best tropical destination for a December vacation, it’s important to consider factors like:

• Weather - Average temperature, rainfall, humidity, hurricane season risks
• Cost - Flight prices, hotel rates, food, activities
• Crowds - Expected busy dates and seasons to watch out for
• Activities - Top attractions, beaches, cuisine, culture, wildlife and more

To help narrow down the options, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best tropical vacations to take in December:

1. Kauai, Hawaii.

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is a breathtaking Hawaiian island that offers an abundance of tropical beauty. December falls right in the middle of Kauai’s peak season between mid-April and mid-December, bringing sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Weather

• Average highs around 80°F with overnight lows in the mid 60s
• Low rainfall - December is one of the driest months
• Humidity is comfortable and the ocean breeze keeps things pleasant

Top Activities

• Relaxing on picturesque beaches like Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, and Polihale State Park
• Hiking trails along the stunning Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon
• Snorkeling at Anini Reef, Lawai Beach, and Tunnels Beach
• Exploring rainforests and waterfalls in Koke’e State Park
• Kayaking along the Wailua River to Secret Falls

Where to Stay

• Luxury resorts like Grand Hyatt Kauai and Princeville Resort
• Affordable condos in beach towns like Kapaa and Poipu
• Peaceful cabin rentals in the rainforest interior

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $500-$800 from West Coast
• Hotels from $150-$400 per night
• Food around $75 per day per person
• Activities starting around $50 for snorkel cruises, helicopter tours, ATV rides, and more

With idyllic weather and endless natural beauty, Kauai is a top tropical destination in December. The island exudes tranquility, adventure, and Hawaii’s famous aloha spirit.

2. Cancun, Mexico.

For an action-packed December getaway with plenty of nightlife and entertainment, Cancun is a top choice. While summer is the most popular time to visit Cancun, December brings smaller crowds and pleasantly warm weather.

Weather

• Average highs of 80°F and lows in the 60s
• Low chance of rain - one of the driest months
• Sea temperatures around 78°F, comfortable for swimming and snorkeling

Top Activities

• Relaxing on miles of white sand beaches along the hotel zone
• Swimming with whale sharks and sea turtles on snorkeling tours
• Visiting nearby Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum
• Partying at beach clubs and open-air discos in downtown Cancun
• Day trips to nature parks like Xel-Ha and Xcaret

Where to Stay

• All-Inclusive resorts like Le Blanc Spa Resort and Hyatt Ziva
• Adult-only hotels like Excellence Playa Mujeres
• Budget hotels in downtown Cancun

Costs

• Roundtrip flights around $300 from most US cities
• All-inclusive resorts from $200-$400 per night
• Food and drinks included at all-inclusive properties
• Activities like snorkel tours from $50 per person

With an endless summer vibe and lively entertainment, Cancun offers the perfect tropical escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

3. Jamaica.

Home to idyllic beaches, lush rainforests, and a famously laidback culture, Jamaica is a top Caribbean getaway in December. With the hurricane season over and crowds not yet at peak levels, December is an ideal time to visit.

Weather

• Average highs in the mid 80s along the coast
• Pleasant ocean breezes keep the humidity comfortable
• Little to no rainfall expected

Recommended Regions

• Montego Bay for nightlife and resorts
• Negril for 7-mile beach and a relaxed vibe
• Ocho Rios for scenic waterfalls and port excursions

Top Highlights

• Relaxing on Seven Mile Beach - one of Jamaica’s most beautiful stretches of sand
• Exploring the turquoise Blue Lagoon or rafting down the Rio Grande
• Touring the Bob Marley Museum to learn about the legend’s life
• Hiking through lush rainforest to Dunn’s River Falls
• Sampling authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, rice, and rum cocktails

Where to Stay

• All-inclusive resorts like Sandals and Iberostar
• Boutique hotels and villas in small towns along the coast
• Affordable guesthouses in Treasure Beach and Portland Parish

Costs

• Roundtrip flights around $350 from most US cities
• Hotels from $100 a night for guesthouses or $300+ for all-inclusive resorts
• Activities starting around $50 for snorkel trips, boat tours, etc.

With its beautiful beaches, chill vibes, and friendly culture, Jamaica is a quintessential Caribbean getaway in December.

4. Costa Rica.

For an adventurous jungle escape, Costa Rica shines as a top December destination. The green season has ended, bringing ideal weather for exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches.

Weather

• Little to no rain expected in December
• Comfortable average highs in the 80s
• Cooler temperatures in the mountains and jungles

Top Destinations

• Arenal Volcano area for hot springs and lava fields
• Manuel Antonio National Park for beaches and wildlife
• Monteverde Cloud Forest for ziplining and hikes

Activities

• Ziplining over the rainforest canopy
• Spotting monkeys, sloths, birds on jungle hikes
  -Walking suspension bridges through the treetops
• Relaxing in volcanic hot springs
• Surfing at beach towns like Tamarindo and Jaco

Where to Stay

• Jungle lodges like La Fortuna Waterfall Retreat
• Beach resorts like The Westin Playa Conchal
• Eco-friendly cabins in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $350-$500 from most US cities
• Hotels from $100/night for budget to $300+/night for luxury
• Activities from $50 like zip lining, rafting, surf lessons

With peak dry season weather and fewer crowds, December is an exceptional time to experience Costa Rica’s famous pura vida lifestyle.

5. Thailand.

December falls right in Thailand’s peak tourist season, with cooler and drier weather ideal for beach escapes and temple explorations. While popular spots get busy, there are still deals to be found.

Weather

• Average highs around 90°F on the coast and Bangkok
• Pleasant temperatures in the 60s-70s°F in northern regions
• Very little rain expected

Must-See Spots

• Bangkok for markets, street food, and temples
• Phuket for relaxation on tropical beaches
• Chiang Mai for mountain vistas, elephants, and colorful temples

Activities

• Exploring elaborate temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok
• Trekking through jungles to see elephants and hill tribes near Chiang Mai
• Kayaking in Krabi through limestone karsts rising from the sea
• Taking a Thai cooking class and making classics like pad thai

Where to Stay

• 5-star resorts in Phuket and Koh Samui
• Boutique hotels in Bangkok’s trendy neighborhoods
• Guesthouses and eco-lodges in Chiang Mai

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $800-$1200 from US cities
• Hotels from $30/night for guesthouses to $200+/night for luxury resorts
• Activities around $50 for day trips, cooking classes, etc.

Thailand offers an intoxicating blend of beaches, culture, cuisine, and adventure at a great value, making it an ideal December tropical vacation.

6. Bali, Indonesia.

The quintessential tropical island destination, Bali entices visitors in December with sunny days, little rain, and lighter crowds before peak holiday season.

Weather

• Average highs in the mid 80s along the coast
• Increased sunshine compared to the wet season
• Pleasant ocean breezes through the heat

Top Beach Towns

• Seminyak for luxury resorts and fine dining
• Canggu for surfing, yoga studios, and hip cafes
• Ubud for the arts scene amid beautiful rice terraces

Activities

• Surfing at legendary breaks like Uluwatu and Padang Padang
• Practicing yoga and meditation at one of Bali’s many retreats
• Visiting cliffside Hindu temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot
• Exploring lush jungles and rice paddies on walks and treks
• Shopping for handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and more

Where to Stay

• Luxury cliffside resorts like Hotel Tugu Bali
• Boutique villa hotels through Ubud and Canggu
• Homestays and guesthouses for budget travelers

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $800-$1500 from US cities
• Hotels from $30/night for budget places up to $500+/night for luxury
• Activities like surf lessons, day trips for around $50+

With its rich culture, world-class beaches, and friendly locals, Bali is an idyllic island paradise perfect for a December escape.

7. Maldives.

For a secluded island getaway unlike anywhere else, the Maldives shines in December before the Christmas and New Year’s crowds arrive.

Weather

• Average highs in the mid-80s year-round
• December falls in the drier season, with only occasional light rain
• Warm tropical waters for snorkeling and diving

Island Resorts

• Luxurious overwater bungalows with glass floors to see marine life below
• Secluded beach villas with private pools
• Deserted islands for the ultimate castaway experience

Activities

• Snorkeling and diving in the pristine coral reefs surrounding each island
• Sunset cruising on traditional dhoni boats
• Beachfront massages and world-class spa treatments
• Dolphin-watching excursions and manta ray snorkel trips
• Deserted island picnic getaways

Where to Stay

• High-end resorts like Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, and One&Only Reethi Rah
• Affordable local guesthouses on islands like Maafushi

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $1000-$1500 from most US cities
• Resorts starting from $500 per night up to $1500+
• Activities generally included in high-end resort fees

With overwater bungalows and some of the world’s best beaches, reefs, and marine life, the Maldives offers exclusive tropical luxury.

8. Cape Town, South Africa.

With sunny skies and blooming flowers, Cape Town shines in the South African summer of December. You’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices before the Christmas rush as well.

Weather

• Average highs in the 70s along the coast
• Low rainfall expected
• The ocean remains cold for swimming

Top Attractions

• Panoramic views hiking up Table Mountain
• Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
• Cape Peninsula coastline with penguins and sea lions
• World-class food and wine scene

Activities

• Riding the cable car up Table Mountain
• Road tripping along the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope
• Sampling wines in nearby vineyards
• Spotting the Big 5 on a safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve

Where to Stay

• Luxury hotels like The Twelve Apostles and Cape Grace
• Holiday rental villas with mountain or ocean views
• Budget-friendly guesthouses outside the city

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $800-$1200 from US cities
• Hotels from $100/night guesthouses to $400+/night luxury
• Activities from $50 for wine tastings or city tours

With amazing scenery, world-class dining, and rich culture, Cape Town offers the perfect summer escape in December.

9. Cuba.

December brings warm, sunny days with little rain to this captivating Caribbean island. With cooler temperatures than summer, it’s an ideal time to explore Cuba’s rich history, music, and architecture.

Weather

• Average highs around 80°F along the coast
• Low humidity and comfortable ocean breezes
• Very little rain expected

Top Stops

• Havana to admire Spanish colonial architecture and classic cars
• Viñales for limestone karst scenery and tobacco farms
• Trinidad for cobblestoned colonial charm
• Varadero for relaxation on stunning white sand beaches

Activities

• Dancing to live salsa music and jazz
• Touring rum distilleries and cigar factories
• Riding in colorful vintage convertibles
• Learning about the Cuban revolution and customs
• Beach hopping to cays like Cayo Jutias

Where to Stay

• Casa particulares - family-run guesthouses
• Boutique hotels in Havana and Trinidad
• Resort hotels in Varadero

Costs

• Roundtrip flights from $350-$500 from US cities
• Accommodations from $30/night for casas to $200+/night for luxury resorts
• Incredible value once in Cuba - meals, drinks, activities very inexpensive

With its frozen-in-time allure and captivating culture, Cuba offers a one-of-a-kind tropical getaway in December.

10. Puerto Rico.

December is a popular time to visit Puerto Rico, with mostly dry weather and temperatures in the 80s making it perfect for the island’s famous beaches.

Weather

• Average highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s
• Low chance of rain, especially compared to other months
• Comfortable trade winds provide cooling relief

Highlights

• Exploring Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial buildings
• Lounging on golden sand beaches in Isla Verde and Condado
• Hiking through El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US
• Snorkeling in clear waters among coral reefs

Activities

• Paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling along the coast
• Trekking to swimming holes and waterfalls in El Yunque
• Dancing to live salsa music and trying mofongo and other local cuisine
• Visiting historic sites like castillo San Felipe del Morro

Where to Stay

• Luxury hotels and resorts in San Juan
• Smaller boutique hotels in artsy neighborhoods
• Airbnbs along the coast and rainforest

Costs

• Flights from $350 roundtrip from most US cities
• Hotels from $100-$300 per night
• Inexpensive food and public transportation

Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of Caribbean island beauty and Latin American culture perfect for a December escape.

Conclusion

December brings ideal weather and lower prices before peak holiday season to many tropical destinations across the world. From the beaches of Hawaii and Jamaica to the jungles of Costa Rica and temples of Thailand, there are amazing tropical vacations to take this December.

When choosing the best tropical destination, consider your interests and budget. Seek out sunlight and warm temperatures, minimal rain and storms, lighter crowds, and lower airfare and hotel rates by traveling before Christmas and New Years.

Popular spots like Cancun and the Caribbean offer action-packed getaways with nightlife, while more remote islands like Bali and the Maldives promise a tranquil escape. Outdoor adventurers can hike rainforests and volcanoes in Costa Rica or beaches and mountains in Hawaii. Urban culture enthusiasts will love the food and history in Cuba and Thailand.

For more vacation inspiration, check out these blog posts for the  Best Winter Couples Getaways 2023 , The 10 Most Romantic Winter Getaways for Couples ,  20 Best Places to Visit in December, 10 Best Winter Travel Destinations for Couples and Winter Park Resort Travel Guide, 10 Hot Places in December for a Beach Vacation ,GlobetrotterGO