While much of Europe bundles up in scarves and snow, a handful of travellers quietly board planes bound for warmth. December doesn’t have to mean frost — it can mean sun-drenched beaches, golden deserts, and cocktails by turquoise seas.
Forget the usual suspects packed with package tours. This year, seek the secret corners of the world where sunshine still feels exclusive, beaches are half-empty, and boutique hotels cost less than your heating bill.
From hidden islands to underrated coastal towns, these are 10 secret sun-lover destinations for December 2025 — places where you can escape the chill, skip the crowds, and soak in pure travel bliss.
1. Sal, Cape Verde — Saharan Breeze & Island Ease
Average temp: 26–29 °C
Why go: Desert-meets-ocean scenery, Creole rhythm, and endless beach sunshine.
Stay for less: Hotel Morabeza — beachfront charm from €110/night via Travelupo.
Just six hours from Europe, Cape Verde is the Caribbean’s Atlantic cousin — but without the crowds. Sal’s beaches stretch for miles, and December brings warm winds, kitesurfing, and sunset cocktails under palm-fringed skies.
Highlight: Catch live morna music in Santa Maria and stroll the pier where fishermen bring in the day’s catch — it’s local life at its purest.
2. Koh Lanta, Thailand — Barefoot Luxury Without the Buzz
Average temp: 28–31 °C
Why go: Post-monsoon calm, turquoise bays, and eco-boutique resorts.
Stay for less: Layana Resort & Spa — serene adults-only retreat from €120/night.
While Phuket and Krabi swell with crowds, Koh Lanta keeps its secret vibe. December marks dry season — perfect for diving, kayaking through mangroves, or simply sipping coconuts by candlelight.
Insider tip: Hire a scooter and explore the island’s south, where bamboo beach bars meet jungle cliffs.
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3. Muscat, Oman — Sunshine, Souks & Silent Deserts
Average temp: 25–30 °C
Why go: Arabian heritage, turquoise fjords, and winter warmth without humidity.
Stay for less: Al Bustan Palace — a Ritz-Carlton icon from €150/night via Travelupo.
Oman glows golden in December. Stroll the Muttrah Corniche at sunset, explore wadis shaded by date palms, then sleep under a thousand stars in Wahiba Sands. It’s Middle Eastern magic — refined yet peaceful.
Highlight: Combine city and desert in one trip: 2 nights Muscat + 1 night Bedouin camp = perfection.
4. La Palma, Canary Islands — The Green Canary
Average temp: 22–26 °C
Why go: Volcanic hikes, pine forests, and warm Atlantic air.
Stay for less: Hotel San Telmo — chic colonial guesthouse from €95/night.
Skip Tenerife’s crowds and head to La Palma — a UNESCO Biosphere Island with wild trails and unspoiled beaches. December skies are clear for stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
Insider tip: Pack hiking shoes — the Caldera de Taburiente’s lush crater offers springlike views all winter.
5. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka — Tropical Beaches & Sea Turtles
Average temp: 27–31 °C
Why go: Calm seas, coral reefs, and vibrant culture at low prices.
Stay for less: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon — oceanfront style from €100/night.
December marks dry season on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Snorkel with turtles, visit tea fields, or take the train to Galle Fort for sunset views over the ramparts.
Highlight: Join locals for beachside fire lantern releases — a nightly ritual of light and good fortune.
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6. Agadir, Morocco — Atlantic Sunshine & Berber Charm
Average temp: 22–26 °C
Why go: Golden beaches, surf, and souks within budget reach.
Stay for less: Riad Villa Blanche — elegant coastal riad from €115/night.
Agadir is Morocco’s sunshine city — warmer than Europe, calmer than Marrakech. Spend mornings surfing, afternoons exploring the Kasbah hill, and evenings dining on grilled sardines by the marina.
Insider tip: Combine Agadir with a road trip through Paradise Valley’s palm-filled gorge — just an hour away.
7. Djerba, Tunisia — Mediterranean Meets Sahara
Average temp: 21–25 °C
Why go: Uncrowded beaches, artisan markets, and desert calm.
Stay for less: Dar Dhiafa — whitewashed island retreat from €90/night.
While Europe shivers, Djerba’s white domes gleam beneath blue skies. December brings perfect weather for cycling through olive groves or shopping for ceramics in Houmt Souk.
Highlight: Join locals for mint tea at sunset on Sidi Mahrez Beach — a moment of total peace.
8. Isla Holbox, Mexico — Barefoot Paradise Beyond Cancún
Average temp: 27–29 °C
Why go: Car-free island, flamingos, and candy-coloured sunsets.
Stay for less: Casa Las Tortugas — boho-luxury by the sea from €140/night.
Holbox remains a secret compared to Tulum — no resorts, no noise, just hammocks and turquoise water. December is dry season, so it’s perfect for kayaking through mangroves or watching bioluminescent waves after dark.
Insider tip: Bring cash — ATMs are rare, and island time means card machines sometimes nap.
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9. Aqaba, Jordan — Warm Waters on the Red Sea
Average temp: 22–26 °C
Why go: Snorkelling, coral reefs, and easy access to Petra & Wadi Rum.
Stay for less: Lacosta Hotel — modern stay near the promenade from €95/night.
Aqaba blends adventure and relaxation: swim in the Red Sea by morning, explore Petra by afternoon. December offers perfect temperatures and far fewer tourists than Egypt’s resorts.
Highlight: Hop a jeep to Wadi Rum for an overnight under the stars — a memory money can’t buy.
10. Madeira, Portugal — Europe’s Winter Garden
Average temp: 20–23 °C
Why go: Springlike weather, sea cliffs, and Christmas cheer.
Stay for less: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel — heritage meets modern comfort from €120/night.
Madeira’s capital, Funchal, shines with Christmas lights in December, while its trails and vineyards stay green year-round. Expect sunshine by day and festive fireworks at night.
Insider tip: Visit during the week before New Year’s Eve — Madeira’s fireworks are world-famous but less crowded in the lead-up.
Why Secret December Escapes Matter
Winter doesn’t need to mean grey skies. Choosing hidden destinations gives you all the sun — without the queues. Fewer tourists mean authentic experiences, cheaper boutique stays, and space to breathe.
These sun-lover spots prove that quiet luxury is possible even in peak season. Whether you’re swapping snow for surf in Sri Lanka or sipping mint tea in Morocco, December can still feel like summer.
Travelupo Tips for Warm-Weather Winter Travel
- Book early: By mid-November, flights to warm regions rise up to 30%.
- Bundle smart: Use Travelupo to compare flight + hotel deals and find instant savings.
- Pack light: Sunshine doesn’t mean no rain — always carry a light jacket.
- Mix destinations: Combine culture (Oman, Morocco) with beach time (Cape Verde, Thailand).
- Travel mid-week: Tues–Wed flights are often cheapest to long-haul sun spots.
- Look local: Smaller inns and boutique stays often include home-cooked meals — a taste of real hospitality.
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Final Thoughts
This December, trade snow boots for sandals and the rush for relaxation. These secret sun-lover destinations remind us that warmth isn’t just about temperature — it’s about slowing down, exploring differently, and travelling with intention.
👉 Plan your December 2025 Winter Sun Escape with Travelupo — where hidden warmth and affordable luxury meet.
The Spirit of Winter Sun Travel
There’s a special joy in landing where palm trees sway while the rest of the world sleeps under snow. Whether it’s the call to prayer echoing over Omani dunes or laughter on a Thai beach, December’s true luxury is freedom — to seek the sun and find your peace.
