Where is Hot at Christmas from the UK?

For a hot Christmas in 2026, popular, closer options from the UK include the Canary Islands (approx. 20-22°C), Madeira, and southern Spain. For guaranteed tropical heat, popular long-haul destinations include Dubai/Abu Dhabi (7 hours), the Caribbean (e.g., St Lucia, Dominican Republic), Cape Verde, Thailand, and the Maldives (mid-30s°C).

Where is warm at Christmas from the UK?

In December, Europe's warmest spots include the Canary Islands, southern Spain, and Malta. Average temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C.

Where to go at Christmas for sun?

More winter sun help and FAQs

Where is hot for a winter holiday? If you're looking for hot destinations for a winter holiday, consider Dubai, Thailand, Mexico, or South Africa. These places enjoy warm temperatures, sunny skies, and beautiful beaches—perfect for escaping the cold.

Is Tenerife still hot in December?

During December days in Tenerife, temperatures reach pleasing highs, averaging between 17°C to 22°C. The sun's warmth is gentle, and humidity levels are comfortable, allowing pleasant opportunities for exploration and outdoor ventures.

How hot is Portugal in December?

In December, Portugal experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). The weather can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas and southern regions being generally warmer than the northern parts of the country.

Don't Miss These 15 Warmest Places to Visit in Europe This Winter!

Where is Hot at Christmas short haul?

The Canary Islands in December are unbeatable for short haul winter sun. Warm weather, reliable sunshine and easy flight connections make them a top choice for families, couples and anyone seeking a break from cold UK weather. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura each offer something a little different.

Can you sunbathe in Cyprus at Christmas?

Even in December, sheltered spots can feel warm around midday, and some visitors still sunbathe or paddle while others back home scrape frost from car windscreens. The seafront promenade makes it easy to stretch your legs, linking hotel districts with Paphos Castle, the marina and the archaeological park.

Which Canary Island is warmest xmas?

Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the hottest of the islands in December. There's only a very small chance of rain, and temperatures can reach as high as 26ºC, even over Christmas.

Can you sunbathe in Tenerife at Christmas?

Yes, you can absolutely sunbathe in Tenerife at Christmas, especially in the sunnier, warmer south of the island where daytime temperatures average around 20-24°C (68-75°F), perfect for beach days and even swimming in the sea, though evenings will require a light jacket. The south (like Costa Adeje) is reliably warm, while the north (like Puerto de la Cruz) can be cooler and wetter, so choose your location wisely for maximum sun. 

Where is the closest to the UK for winter sun?

Winter sun destinations 5 hours from the UK

• SHARM EL SHEIKH? AN IDYLLIC WINTER SUN ESCAPE. ...
• LANZAROTE. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE? ...
• GET AWAY TO THE GRAN CANARIA. ...
• FEEL YOUR BEST IN MARRAKESH. ...
• ALGARVE? ...
• A CRETE WINTER RETREAT. ...
• FEEL THE HEAT IN TENERIFE. ...
• PICTURE YOURSELF IN PAPHOS.

Where is above 20 degrees in December?

On average, some of the hottest places to visit in December are:

• Cancun (30.4 °C)
• Dominican Republic (29.6 °C)
• Barbados (29.5 °C)
• Brisbane (28.2 °C)
• Cape Verde (26.4 °C)
• Melbourne (25.5 °C)
• Lanzarote (22.2 °C)
• Tenerife (21.9 °C)

How warm is the Algarve at Christmas?

Average daily temperatures

In December, the average daily temperature in The Algarve ranges from 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F). During the day, temperatures can reach up to 20°C (68°F) in some areas. Although the evenings can be cooler, it rarely drops below 6°C (43°F).

Can you sunbathe in Portugal in December?

December-February

The cooler months can still be some of the best months to visit Portugal, particularly the southern parts of the country, with Portugal's weather averaging 16°C. This makes it the ideal place to catch some winter sun, though perhaps not if sunbathing is on your agenda.

Where to go on holiday at Christmas for sun?

Our Winter Sun Holidays

• Dubai & Maldives. Multi Centre Holiday. ...
• Tenerife Luxury Stay. Beach Holiday. ...
• Romantic South Africa & Mauritius. Multi Centre Holiday. ...
• Gulf Coasting. Fly Drive Holiday. ...
• Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park & Krabi. Multi Centre Holiday. ...
• Gran Canaria Winter Sun. ...
• Hawaiian Horizons. ...
• North & South Saint Lucia.

Where's hot in December short haul?

For short-haul hot destinations in December, focus on the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria) for European warmth (around 20-25°C), Egypt (Marsa Alam), Morocco (Marrakech), and Cape Verde (Sal, Boa Vista) for African sunshine (20-27°C), and the UAE (Dubai) for desert heat (around 22-26°C). These locations offer significantly warmer temperatures than Europe's mainland, with manageable flight times for a quick winter escape.
 

What is the weather like in Cape Verde in December?

For a warmer, dryer feel during the festive month, head to Cape Verde in December and enjoy your Christmas day on the beach. With average highs of 27°C, and expected precipitation of only 1mm to fall on just two days during the month, the sunshine is guaranteed, making December ideal for beach lovers and families.