As the cold winds of December begin to blow, many people dream of escaping to a tropical paradise where the sun is shining, the beaches are pristine, and the only ice you’ll find is in your cocktail. December is the perfect time to trade in your winter coat for a swimsuit and explore some of the world’s most beautiful tropical destinations. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, these top tropical vacation spots will offer you warmth, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Why Visit in December?
Maui is a year-round destination, but December is particularly special. The weather is warm, averaging between 70°F and 80°F, making it ideal for beach activities, hiking, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. December also marks the beginning of whale-watching season, as humpback whales migrate to Maui’s waters.
Top Activities
- Whale Watching: Embark on a whale-watching tour to witness these majestic creatures up close.
- Road to Hana: Take a scenic drive along the Road to Hana, where you’ll find waterfalls, lush rainforests, and stunning coastal views.
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: Explore the underwater world at this crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater.
THINGS TO DO IN MAUI
Where to Stay
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: This luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, multiple pools, and easy access to Wailea Beach.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Located on Maui’s northwest coast, this resort is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape.
2. Maldives
Why Visit in December?
The Maldives is an idyllic destination for a December getaway, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 88°F. December is the start of the dry season, offering clear skies, calm seas, and perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving.
Top Activities
- Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks.
- Overwater Bungalows: Stay in an overwater bungalow and enjoy direct access to the turquoise lagoon.
- Private Island Excursions: Visit uninhabited islands for a secluded beach day.
THINGS TO DO IN MALDIVES
Where to Stay
- Soneva Fushi: This eco-friendly resort offers luxurious villas, private pools, and a focus on sustainability.
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Experience underwater dining at Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant.
3. Phuket, Thailand
Why Visit in December?
Phuket’s weather in December is perfect, with temperatures between 75°F and 89°F and minimal rainfall. The island is less crowded than during peak season, allowing for a more relaxed vacation.
Top Activities
- Explore Phang Nga Bay: Take a boat tour to see the famous limestone karsts and visit James Bond Island.
- Patong Beach: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining options at Patong Beach.
- Phi Phi Islands: Take a day trip to the stunning Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling, beach lounging, and hiking.
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
Where to Stay
- The Shore at Katathani: A luxury beachfront resort offering private pool villas and stunning ocean views.
- Keemala: Stay in a unique treehouse villa surrounded by lush rainforests and natural beauty.
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Why Visit in December?
Bora Bora is a dream destination for many, and December offers warm temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F. Although it’s the start of the rainy season, showers are typically brief and followed by sunshine.
Top Activities
- Lagoon Tours: Take a boat tour of Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, including stops for snorkeling with sharks and rays.
- Mount Otemanu: Hike or take a 4×4 tour to explore Mount Otemanu, the island’s extinct volcano.
- Overwater Bungalows: Stay in one of Bora Bora’s iconic overwater bungalows for a truly luxurious experience.
THINGS TO DO IN BORA BORA
Where to Stay
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: A top choice for honeymooners, offering overwater bungalows and stunning lagoon views.
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa: This resort features a full-service spa, overwater villas, and a private beach.
5. Fiji
Why Visit in December?
Fiji is an excellent choice for a December tropical vacation, with temperatures between 77°F and 88°F. The islands are lush and green during this time, and while there’s a chance of rain, it usually doesn’t last long.
Top Activities
- Island Hopping: Explore Fiji’s many islands, each offering unique experiences, from luxury resorts to traditional Fijian villages.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Discover Fiji’s vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
- Cultural Experiences: Participate in a traditional Fijian kava ceremony or visit a local village.
THINGS TO DO IN FIJI
Where to Stay
- Laucala Island Resort: An exclusive private island resort offering luxurious villas, private beaches, and personalized service.
- Six Senses Fiji: A sustainable resort located on Malolo Island, featuring beachfront villas and a focus on wellness.
6. Costa Rica
Why Visit in December?
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast enjoys dry, sunny weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F. The lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Top Activities
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs.
- Surfing in Tamarindo: Catch some waves at Tamarindo Beach, known for its excellent surfing conditions.
- Arenal Volcano: Visit Arenal Volcano for hiking, hot springs, and stunning views of the active volcano.
Where to Stay
- Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: A luxurious eco-resort offering beachfront accommodations and rainforest experiences.
- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo: This resort offers stunning views, a golf course, and easy access to beautiful beaches.
7. Seychelles
Why Visit in December?
Seychelles offers a tropical paradise in December with temperatures between 75°F and 88°F. The archipelago is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Top Activities
- Anse Source d’Argent: Visit one of the most photographed beaches in the world, known for its pink sand and granite boulders.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and underwater wildlife at sites like Aldabra Atoll and Silhouette Island.
- Island Hopping: Discover the unique charm of islands like Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé.
Where to Stay
- Six Senses Zil Pasyon: A luxurious eco-resort located on the private island of Félicité, offering stunning villas and personalized service.
- North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort: An exclusive private island resort featuring beachfront villas, a spa, and world-class diving opportunities.
8. Barbados
Why Visit in December?
Barbados enjoys warm and sunny weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The island offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for a tropical getaway.
Top Activities
- Bathsheba Beach: Explore the rugged coastline and surf-friendly waves at Bathsheba Beach.
- Harrison’s Cave: Take a guided tour of this limestone cavern, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams.
- Oistins Fish Fry: Enjoy a local culinary experience at the Oistins Fish Fry, where you can sample freshly grilled fish and other Bajan specialties.
Where to Stay
- Sandy Lane: A luxurious beachfront resort offering elegant accommodations, a world-class golf course, and a spa.
- The Crane Resort: This historic resort features spacious suites, multiple pools, and stunning views of Crane Beach.
9. Turks and Caicos
Why Visit in December?
Turks and Caicos offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with December temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The weather is perfect for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the islands’ natural beauty.
Top Activities
- Grace Bay Beach: Relax on the powdery white sands and swim in the turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Discover the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, including the famous wall diving at Grand Turk.
- Chalk Sound National Park: Explore this stunning lagoon with its bright turquoise water and tiny cays, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Where to Stay
- Amanyara: A luxurious resort located on the secluded shores of Providenciales, offering private pavilions and villas with stunning ocean views.
- The Palms Turks and Caicos: This beachfront resort offers elegant suites, a world-class spa, and easy access to Grace Bay Beach.
10. St. Lucia
Why Visit in December?
St. Lucia offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, with December temperatures ranging from 77°F to 82°F. The island’s stunning landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, make it a top choice for a tropical vacation.
Top Activities
- The Pitons: Hike or take a boat tour to see the towering twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Sulphur Springs Park: Visit the world’s only drive-in volcano and soak in the therapeutic mud baths.
- Marigot Bay: Enjoy the tranquil waters of Marigot Bay, perfect for sailing, kayaking, and lounging on the beach.
Where to Stay
- Jade Mountain Resort: A luxurious adults-only resort offering open-air suites with stunning views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.
- Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort: Located between the Pitons, this beachfront resort offers elegant accommodations, a spa, and a variety of water sports.
11. Belize
Why Visit in December?
Belize offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with December temperatures ranging from 70°F to 82°F. The dry season begins in December, providing perfect conditions for exploring the country’s natural beauty and Mayan ruins.
Top Activities
- Great Blue Hole: Dive or snorkel in the Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole and one of the world’s top diving spots.
- Mayan Ruins: Explore ancient Mayan sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai.
- Caye Caulker: Relax on this laid-back island, known for its vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and friendly atmosphere.
Where to Stay
- Cayo Espanto: A private island resort offering luxurious villas, personalized service, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
- Turtle Inn: A beachfront resort owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, offering thatched cottages, private pools, and a focus on sustainability.
12. Aruba
Why Visit in December?
Aruba is known for its year-round sunny weather, with December temperatures ranging from 80°F to 85°F. The island’s white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural experiences make it an ideal destination for a December vacation.
Top Activities
- Eagle Beach: Relax on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
- Arikok National Park: Explore the island’s rugged interior, including caves, desert landscapes, and ancient Arawak petroglyphs.
- Oranjestad: Visit the colorful capital city for shopping, dining, and exploring Aruba’s cultural heritage.
Where to Stay
- Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: A luxurious beachfront resort offering elegant rooms, a spa, and easy access to Palm Beach.
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort: An adults-only resort located on Eagle Beach, offering romantic beachfront accommodations and personalized service.
13. Puerto Rico
Why Visit in December?
Puerto Rico offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, with December temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The island is easy to reach from the U.S., making it a convenient tropical escape.
Top Activities
- Old San Juan: Explore the colorful streets, historic forts, and vibrant culture of Old San Juan.
- El Yunque National Forest: Hike through this lush rainforest, home to waterfalls, unique wildlife, and stunning views.
- Bioluminescent Bay: Kayak in one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, where the water glows with the light of tiny organisms.
Where to Stay
- Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve: A luxurious beachfront resort offering elegant accommodations, a spa, and world-class dining.
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel: A historic hotel located in San Juan, offering oceanfront rooms, fine dining, and a pool with stunning views.
14. Dominican Republic
Why Visit in December?
The Dominican Republic offers warm and sunny weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The island’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and all-inclusive resorts make it a popular choice for a tropical vacation.
Top Activities
- Punta Cana: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana, known for its clear waters and all-inclusive resorts.
- Samaná Peninsula: Explore the natural beauty of the Samaná Peninsula, including waterfalls, caves, and pristine beaches.
- Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo: Visit the historic Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where to Stay
- Eden Roc Cap Cana: A luxurious resort offering beachfront suites, a spa, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas: This expansive resort offers private villas, golf courses, and access to beautiful beaches.
15. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Why Visit in December?
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. December temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F, making it an ideal time to visit.
Top Activities
- Black Sand Beaches: Relax on Tahiti’s unique black sand beaches, such as Lafayette Beach and Point Venus.
- Papeete Market: Explore the bustling Papeete Market, where you can find local crafts, fresh produce, and traditional Polynesian foods.
- Fautaua Waterfall: Hike to Fautaua Waterfall, one of Tahiti’s most impressive natural wonders.
Where to Stay
- The Brando: An exclusive private island resort offering luxurious villas, a spa, and a focus on sustainability.
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa: This beachfront resort offers overwater bungalows, a lagoonarium, and stunning views of Moorea.
Conclusion
December is the perfect time to escape the winter chill and embark on a tropical vacation. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on a pristine beach, adventure in lush rainforests, or cultural experiences in vibrant cities, these tropical destinations offer something for every traveler. From the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, each destination promises warmth, beauty, and unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the best tropical vacations in December!
