You may start daydreaming about the best beach vacations in December when the days become shorter, the clocks get set back an hour, and the temperature dips into the single digits. To help you plan your December vacation, we have researched numerous beach destinations worldwide and listed them below. When the weather in the northern hemisphere cools down in the fall and winter, you’ll have to travel further away to get your dose of sunshine. So, recharge your batteries and enjoy life in some of these stunning beach destinations to visit in December.
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Because of its size, Mexico is a great vacation spot any time of year – a sunny day is always guaranteed. Visit Puerto Vallarta or the Yucatan Peninsula in December for the best weather and the chance to spend your days lounging on the beach. Merida, known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, is only one example of the beautiful colonial towns that dot the Yucatan Peninsula.
Temperatures rarely drop to an uncomfortable level, even at night at Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun. December is the wettest month of the year in the Yucatan, with an average of 7 to 15 wet days. In any case, it’s better to expect intense downpours than a persistent drizzle, so your trip shouldn’t be too spoiled. On your December vacation, you may have the best of both worlds by visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, which features stunning beaches, agreeable temperatures, delicious local food, breathtaking cenotes, and fascinating Mayan ruins.
Okinawa, Japan
While the northern regions of Japan are a skier’s paradise in the winter, the southern islands of Okinawa are some of the best warm places to visit in December. At the same time, the water temperature in Okinawa is sometimes too cool for most people to enjoy swimming. But there are still plenty of activities to enjoy around the prefecture. Since the islands are relatively level, you can relax your hurting quads and take in the breathtaking ocean views while you ride. Many islands have built pathways and offer bike rentals near ferry terminals.
Three thousand colorful lanterns are lit up in a kaleidoscopic display for the Ryukyu Lantern Festival (typically held from early December through late March every year). Seeing humpback whales in the water is a common occurrence in January. Depending on the year and the weather, you may also witness the first blossoming of Japan’s cherry trees around that time.
Okinawa is home to many breathtaking views.
Baros Maldives Resort, the Maldives
In December, the Maldives’ Baros Maldives Resort is another excellent beach destination to visit, especially for those who want to spend the holidays with their significant other. This resort voted the most romantic in the world for the past six years, comprises private tropical villas scattered across the exotic Baros Island and others built on an artificial structure in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Imagine opening your eyes on Christmas morning to the breathtaking sight of an endless, deep blue sea.
Many of the things to do there are intimate and romantic, making it the perfect destination for couples. You may choose a unique and lovely candlelight lunch on the beach, or you can pick an even more magnificent experience and dine on top of an artificial miniature island amid the ocean.
Maldives is an easy choice for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation because of its stunning white-sand beaches and fascinating underwater environment.
Hulopoe Beach, Hawaii
It’s not hard to see why Aloha State is often considered a paradise. Furthermore, it’s also one of the best beach destinations to visit in December! Along with its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and towering volcanoes, this beautiful island has a mild and consistent climate all year.
Oahu is the largest of the Hawaiian islands. It is home to the capital city of Honolulu as well as world-famous tourist destinations like Waikiki Beach and the North Shore. Hulopoe Beach, located on the smaller island of Maui, is another popular option and is generally cited as the most beautiful beach in the United States.
Caption: Oahu beaches are great for surfers.
Great Exuma, The Bahamas
Perhaps a vacation to Great Exuma in the Bahamas is the one thing you really need. You can find holiday concerts and other customary celebrations here. It’s perfect for spending Christmas in a tropical setting on Great Exuma, where you can relax on one of the island’s numerous beautiful beaches.
If you’re looking for a Christmas beach vacation with more than just beaches, the Exumas are a great spacious option. And George Town, the capital, is a hive of holiday activity. The Exumas are home to a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive resort with a fantastic selection of restaurants.
Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos Islands
Another popular beach destination in December is the Turks and Caicos Islands. This territory owned by the British only has a population of eight of its forty islands. The resort-within-a-resort layout of Grace Bay Club makes it a popular choice amongst travelers of all types. At the same time, the ultra-luxurious Estate section is a hit with honeymooners searching for privacy in Turks and Caicos.
While most visitors spend their days lounging on Providenciales’ beaches, scuba divers go to Grand Turk’s Columbus National Marine Park to explore the park’s 40-plus dive sites. And if you’re already an experienced scuba diver, consider this a thrilling challenge to enjoy while on vacation. You can even pack your equipment and store it in a storage unit after you’ve done with the diving. This way, you can keep your items safe while exploring the rest of the island.
Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
The last item on our list of beach destinations to visit in December is Elafonissi Beach. Elafonissi Beach is unlike any other beach you’ve been to. It has stunning pinkish sand and mild lagoon-like waves. The shallow sea and sandbars that only disappear beneath three feet of water at high tide separate it from the mainland. There are only a few taverns with delicious seafood and sun loungers under palapa huts. The large, shallow lagoon is especially beneficial because it is a refuge for the critically endangered loggerhead sea turtle. You can go snorkeling or just rest in the warm seas, and if you’re lucky, you could see a turtle.
Related article: Best Winter Beach Retreats in the US
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Bio:
Michael Ross is a freelance blogger and traveler. He’s been traveling around the world across all continents and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
