Where to go for winter sun in December
December beach holidays range from a mild Atlantic break to tropical swimming in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean. First decide whether you want warm water every day or simply time outdoors away from winter at home. Tenerife and the Maldives answer those wishes differently, even when both appear in a winter sun search.
Christmas by the sea
Compare Tenerife with Cancún for a clear contrast in monthly water temperatures. For a Maldives trip, remember that December is a monsoon transition month rather than the middle of its usual dry season. With Christmas and New Year travel, check flight times, the final transfer and any hotel requirements before booking separately. If the stay involves a boat or seaplane, confirm whether the connection works with your arrival time. A well-matched itinerary matters more than adding another island to a short holiday.
World coasts
°CComparison: December
2021–2025 sea temperature averages for the named places, not entire regions. Not a forecast.
The tiles compare monthly sea and air averages for 2021–2025. The selection includes beaches with an average sea temperature of at least 18 °C; it is not a forecast for a particular week or a guarantee of comfortable swimming.
Where is hot in December · December average
2021–2025 sea temperature averages for the named places, not entire regions. Not a forecast.






































































































