Warm countries in December: 8 picks for sun when Denmark is darkest
While Copenhagen typically has around 5 degrees by day in December, several places have 22–29 degrees. Here are eight warm destinations – from the Canary Islands to tropical beaches on the other side of the world.
Find your own match in December
We've already picked December. Wayoop asks about your budget, travel time and wishes and finds up to three destinations that suit you.
8 destinations in December
01Photo: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons Tenerife, Spain
Typical in December: 22° by day · 17° at night
The south coast is the sunniest part of the island. A short trip and mild enough for both beach and hiking.
About 3,900 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
02Photo: Marc Ryckaert · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Hurghada and El Gouna, Egypt
Typical in December: 23° by day · 16° at night
The Red Sea with coral reefs, snorkelling and kitesurfing. Warm days, but evenings can be cool.
About 3,600 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
03Photo: Cayambe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Sal, Cape Verde
Typical in December: 27° by day · 22° at night
Dry season, long beaches and steady wind – popular for kitesurfing.
About 5,300 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
04Photo: Gfilip · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Typical in December: 27° by day · 18° at night
Pleasant winter warmth, city and beach in one trip.
About 4,800 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
05Photo: Bilal Sarwar · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Muscat, Oman
Typical in December: 26° by day · 19° at night
Warm days for mountains, wadis and desert – calmer than the big Gulf cities.
About 5,200 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
06Photo: ADwarf · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Phuket, Thailand
Typical in December: 29° by day · 24° at night
The start of the dry season on the Andaman Sea. Christmas is peak season, so book early.
About 9,000 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
07Photo: A.Savin · FAL · Wikimedia Commons Galle, Sri Lanka
Typical in December: 29° by day · 23° at night
The south-west coast enters its best season. The colonial fort town of Galle with beaches nearby.
About 8,100 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
08Photo: Keith Pomakis · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons Cancún, Mexico
Typical in December: 27° by day · 22° at night
Caribbean dry season, white beaches and Maya ruins within reach.
About 8,600 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
Temperatures in December – overview
| Place | Day | Night | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket, Thailand | 29° | 24° | 9,000 km |
| Galle, Sri Lanka | 29° | 23° | 8,100 km |
| Sal, Cape Verde | 27° | 22° | 5,300 km |
| Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 27° | 18° | 4,800 km |
| Cancún, Mexico | 27° | 22° | 8,600 km |
| Muscat, Oman | 26° | 19° | 5,200 km |
| Hurghada and El Gouna, Egypt | 23° | 16° | 3,600 km |
| Tenerife, Spain | 22° | 17° | 3,900 km |
| Copenhagen (for comparison) | 5° | 2° | – |
Temperatures: average daily high and low in December 2020–2024, calculated from Open-Meteo.com historical weather data (ERA5, CC BY 4.0). Figures describe the area around each place and can differ a few degrees from the local weather station. Distances are as the crow flies. Open-Meteo.com
Holidays in December: good to know
The Christmas holidays are among the most expensive times to travel. Leaving in early December or just after New Year often gives you more options.
These ideas are general seasonal tips. Weather, opening times and prices vary from year to year, so check before you book.
More ideas: Where should I travel in December? →Find your own match in December
We've already picked December. Wayoop asks about your budget, travel time and wishes and finds up to three destinations that suit you.