Best Tropical Vacation Destinations in December: Where I’d Go
TRAVEL
If you’re anything like me and love a tropical climate, spending your holiday somewhere cold in winter probably doesn’t sound very appealing. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy tropical Decembers over the past few years, and it’s honestly one of my favorite ways to escape the winter season.
That’s why I put together this Best Tropical Vacation Destinations in December guide to help you find the perfect warm-weather getaway. From beautiful beaches and surf towns to island escapes and stunning resorts, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to enjoy sunshine, warm temperatures, and a tropical holiday in December.
Quick Answer
If you’re looking for reliably warm and sunny destinations in December, these are some of your best options:
Southeast Asia: Bali, Phuket & the Philippines
Central America: Panama & Costa Rica’s Pacific coast
Indian Ocean: The Maldives
Best for beach days: Maldives, Bali & Phuket
Best for surfing: Bali & Costa Rica
These destinations generally offer warm temperatures and good conditions for a tropical getaway in December, although weather can vary by region.
Southeast Asia
Bali, Indonesia
December is a great time to experience Bali if you’re looking for a warm tropical escape during the winter months. Temperatures stay in the high 20s°C (high 70s to mid-80s°F), so you can spend your days surfing, relaxing on the beach, exploring temples, or enjoying Bali’s famous cafés and beach clubs. The island also comes alive around Christmas and New Year’s, with a festive atmosphere, special events, and some of the best parties of the year. Bali is where I’ve spent several of my own December holidays, and I always love being there during this time of year. For more tips on, where to stay, things to do, and what to expect, check out my complete Bali in December guide.
Hotel picks for Bali:
AYANA Resort Bali (Jimbaran) — epic views: perched on a clifftop above the ocean, with the famous Rock Bar built into the cliff face for sunset drinks right over the waves.
COMO Uma Canggu — beachfront luxury: a stylish resort right on the sand, with ocean views, modern design, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy Canggu’s beach scene.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay — for beach lovers: private villas set into a hillside above a quiet, curved beach cove, built for slow mornings and easy beach access.
Phuket & Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand is a fantastic choice for a tropical December getaway, especially if you want a mix of beautiful beaches, island adventures, great food, and lively nightlife. Phuket is a great base for exploring the Andaman coast, with easy access to famous islands, snorkeling and diving spots, beach clubs, and sunset spots.
December also brings calmer seas, making it a great time for boat trips and island-hopping. If you prefer a more laid-back island atmosphere, Koh Samui offers beautiful beaches, resorts, and plenty of opportunities to relax, while still having a lively side when you want it. Whether you want to spend your days exploring islands or simply enjoy a cocktail by the beach, Thailand has something for almost every type of traveler in December.
Hotel picks for Phuket:
The Surin Phuket (Pansea Beach) — for beach lovers: a five-star beachfront resort with cottages that open directly onto one of Phuket's quietest, most scenic beaches.
Kata Rocks (Kata Beach) — for modern luxury: sleek oceanfront villas with private pools and epic Andaman Sea views.
Garrya Tongsai Bay (Koh Samui) — for a secluded escape: a peaceful five-star resort tucked into a private bay with lush tropical gardens, two pools, and direct access to a quiet stretch of beach.
The Philippines
December is dry season across most of the Philippines, including popular spots like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Temperatures stay warm and humidity is generally manageable, making it a great time for beach days, island-hopping, and diving. With thousands of islands to choose from, you can easily tailor your trip to your travel style, whether you want the lively beach scene of Boracay, the dramatic landscapes and turquoise lagoons of Palawan, or the laid-back surf vibe of Siargao.
December is also a great time to enjoy the Philippines' incredible outdoor lifestyle, from snorkeling and diving to boat trips, surfing, and watching spectacular sunsets. If you're looking for a tropical destination that combines beautiful beaches with adventure and island culture, the Philippines is hard to beat.
Hotel picks for the Philippines:
Nay Palad Hideaway (Siargao) — for surfers & beach lovers: a barefoot-luxury resort tucked between mangroves and the beach, a short ride from Siargao's famous Cloud 9 surf break, all-inclusive stay
Discovery Shores Boracay (White Beach) — for beach lovers: an all-suite resort on Boracay's quieter Station 1, right on the powder-white sand the island is known for.
El Nido Resorts, Palawan — epic views: island resorts scattered across El Nido's limestone karst bay, where the scenery of jagged cliffs and turquoise lagoons is the main event.
Central America
Panama (Bocas del Toro)
Bocas del Toro is a great choice if you want a tropical December getaway that feels a little more off the beaten path. This Caribbean archipelago is made up of lush islands, turquoise water, colorful Caribbean-style houses, and beautiful beaches, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down.
December is one of the better times to visit, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and island-hopping. You can spend your days exploring different beaches by boat, spotting marine life, or simply enjoying the laid-back island vibe. Bocas del Toro is particularly well suited to independent travelers who prefer local guesthouses, small hotels, and a more adventurous feel over large all-inclusive resorts..
Hotel picks for Panama:
Nayara Bocas del Toro — epic views: overwater villas on a private island, with a large freshwater pool and a private white-sand beach.
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge — for beach lovers: overwater bungalows built on stilts over a calm bay, reachable only by boat, with a laid-back, off-grid feel.
Tesoro Escondido — for surfers: a rustic eco-lodge on a bluff near Bluff Beach, with direct access to a nearby surf break and snorkeling reefs.
Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula)
December marks the start of Costa Rica's dry season on the Pacific coast, including surf towns like Nosara and Santa Teresa. Expect consistently sunny days, warm temperatures, and some of the most reliable surf conditions of the year. This region suits travelers who want a mix of surfing, wellness, and jungle scenery rather than a straightforward resort stay.
Hotel picks for Costa Rica:
The Gilded Iguana (Nosara) — for surfers: a short walk from Playa Guiones, one of Costa Rica's most consistent beach breaks, with a long-standing reputation among visiting surfers.
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort (Manuel Antonio) — for beach lovers: set in a quiet cove with direct access to two beaches and rainforest trails right on the property.
Sky House Santa Teresa — epic views: luxury suites perched above Playa Hermosa, with sweeping views down the Nicoya Peninsula coastline.
The Maldives
December marks the start of the Maldives' dry season, with warm temperatures, calmer seas, and some of the best visibility of the year for diving and snorkeling. It's a good fit for travelers prioritizing overwater bungalows, resort-based relaxation, and marine life, though it's also one of the pricier options on this list, especially around the December holiday period when rates spike.
Hotel picks for the Maldives:
Six Senses Laamu — for surfers: the only resort on its atoll, sitting right in front of Ying Yang, one of the Maldives' most famous waves, with a dedicated surf program.
Gili Lankanfushi — for beach lovers: an all-overwater private island resort with a barefoot, castaway feel and direct lagoon access from every villa.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island — epic views: spread across two islands connected by a footbridge, with an underwater restaurant and villas looking straight out over the reef.
Mexico's Caribbean Coast (Cancun & Riviera Maya)
December is dry season here, with warm days and lower humidity than the summer months. It's outside the Atlantic hurricane season window as well, making it a dependable choice. This coastline suits travelers who want a mix of beach resorts, Mayan ruins, and easy access from North America, though it's better known for calm, swimmable water than surf.
Hotel picks for the Riviera Maya:
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa (Punta Maroma) — for beach lovers: a boutique beachfront resort set inside 200 acres of preserved jungle, with a wide, powdery beach right out front.
Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen) — epic views: villas built along a network of lagoons and mangroves, many with private pools looking out over the water.
Intercontinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa (Cozumel) — for divers and snorkelers: set on the island's largest private beach, with an on-site dive center giving direct access to Cozumel's coral reefs.
What to Consider Before Booking
Price and crowds. December, especially the last two weeks, is peak season across nearly all of these destinations. Book flights and accommodation early if you're traveling around the holidays, and expect higher prices than shoulder-season months.
Wet season vs. dry season. Not every destination on this list is fully dry in December. Bali, for example, is transitioning into its wetter period, so build some flexibility into outdoor plans even in destinations generally considered good bets this time of year.
What kind of trip you actually want. A surf town in Costa Rica or Siargao is a very different trip from an overwater villa in the Maldives or a clifftop resort in Bali. Matching the destination, and the hotel, to what you actually want to do each day matters more than chasing a single "best" pick.
Flight time and cost. The Maldives and Southeast Asia involve longer flights for most Western travelers, while Central America and Mexico can be more convenient for travelers from both the U.S. and Europe. Factor flight time and costs into your overall trip budget, and think about how much time you actually want to spend in transit versus enjoying your destination.
FAQs
Where can I go for a tropical Christmas? Bali, the Maldives, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, and Costa Rica are popular choices for spending Christmas somewhere warm. You can enjoy beaches, tropical weather, festive events, and a very different Christmas experience from a traditional winter holiday.
Is December a good time for a tropical vacation? Yes, December can be one of the best times for a tropical vacation.Many destinations have warm weather and good conditions for beaches, surfing, diving, and outdoor adventures. Keep in mind that December is also a popular holiday period, so flights and accommodation can be more expensive.
What is the best tropical destination in December for surfing? Bali, the Philippines, Costa Rica, and Mexico are excellent choices for a December surf trip.
What are the best warm places to visit in December? Bali, Phuket, the Philippines, the Maldives, Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico are all great options for warm weather in December.
Final Thoughts
December is one of the best months to plan a tropical escape, whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on a beach, surfing warm waves, exploring islands, or simply swapping cold winter days for sunshine. From Bali and the Philippines to the Maldives and Panama, the Best Tropical Vacation Destinations in December offer something for every type of traveler.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend several Decembers in tropical destinations, and there’s something special about ending the year somewhere warm. Whether you want a relaxing resort holiday or an adventure-filled trip, December is a great time to pack your bags, chase the sun, and finish the year somewhere beautiful.
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