Travelling over Christmas and New Year - tips on 15 warm destinations

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Are you dreaming of traveling over Christmas and New Year and swapping the darkness, cold and winter jacket for sun and warmth? There are many options – from the Canary Islands and Egypt, which are not too far away, to tropical beaches in Southeast Asia and great adventures in Africa and Central America.

We have visited ten of the 15 destinations in this guide ourselves, several of them during the winter months and some actually over Christmas. Here we mix our own experiences with tips on additional destinations that are well suited for those who want to travel to the warmth in December.

Where is it warm over Christmas and New Year?

What counts as ”hot” is of course individual. In the Canary Islands, daytime temperatures can be a bit above 20 degrees in December, while in many tropical destinations you can expect temperatures around 30 degrees.

It is also important to choose the right part of a country. Vietnam spans several climate zones and for sun and swimming in December, southern Vietnam and Phú Quốc are significantly safer short trips than, for example, the central parts. In Sri Lanka, the south and west coasts are good during the winter, while Costa Rica's Pacific side is heading towards its drier period in December.

The temperatures we provide below are approximate normal daytime temperatures in December. The weather varies from year to year, of course – and tropical climates can offer a shower even during a period that is usually considered dry.

1. Thailand – Andaman Coast

Thailand is a classic for those who want to travel to real warmth over Christmas and New Year. On the Andaman coast you will find popular destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta, with beaches, swimming, boat trips and plenty of opportunities to discover the islands off the coast. In December, the monsoon period has normally passed on the Andaman coast and the temperature is often around 30 degrees.

We have traveled in Bangkok ourselves and on Koh Samui together with Peter's two sons. On Koh Samui we lived in a small bungalow with a pool outside and spent our days on the beach, canoeing and excursions. We rented mopeds and went around the island. Relaxed, warm and very holiday-like!

However, Koh Samui is located on the other side of Thailand and has a different weather pattern. If sun and swimming are the main purpose of a trip over Christmas, we would therefore look at the Andaman Coast.

2. Canary Islands

If you don't want to spend a large part of your Christmas break on the trip itself, the Canary Islands are a much closer alternative. Here you won't get tropical heat, but often pleasant temperatures of just over 20 degrees in the middle of the Swedish winter.

We have visited both Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We went to Gran Canaria with Peter's brother and a whole bunch of kids, and it was a classic sun holiday with swimming, restaurant visits and excursions. We even went on a trip with a tourist submarine!

In Tenerife, the landscape is an experience in itself, with black volcanic beaches and Spain's highest mountain, Teide. The Canary Islands are therefore just as suitable for those who want to go on excursions and hikes as for those who, above all, want to get away from the darkness and lie down by a pool.

3. Tanzania – Zanzibar

Do you want tropical warmth, white beaches and turquoise waters? Zanzibar a much more exotic alternative. December is warm and is around the end of the so-called short rains period, which means tropical showers can occur.

We actually ended up in Zanzibar a bit by chance. During our trip to East Africa in 2007, we were supposed to travel around Kenya, but a controversial election was followed by unrest and we changed our plans. Without internet and without a guidebook, we made our way through Tanzania and on to Zanzibar.

And what beaches! When we think back to Zanzibar, it is still the fabulous beaches and the sea that come to mind first. We also took boat trips to smaller islands and strolled through the alleys of Stone Town.

Zanzibar is not just for beach holidays. It also has Swahili culture, spices, history and an exciting capital city to discover.

4. Egypt – Red Sea

Egypt is a good option for those who want sun and warmth without traveling to the other side of the globe. In Hurghada, the daytime temperature is normally around 22–23 degrees in December and the Red Sea is around 24–25 degrees. Rain is uncommon, but the evenings can be considerably cooler.

We have traveled to Egypt several times and visited, among other things: Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm el-Sheikh. The Red Sea offers fantastic snorkeling, and there is also the possibility of making excursions by quad bike in the desert.

Men Egypt has of course much more to offer than sun and swimming. We have also visited Cairo and made an excursion to Luxor, and the country's enormous historical heritage means that you can easily combine relaxation with truly great experiences.

For us, it is precisely the combination that is Egypt's strength: relatively short journey, pleasant winter climate, the Red Sea and an almost unbeatable amount of history.

5. Sri Lanka – south and west coast

Sri Lanka suitable for those who want tropical warmth but are not satisfied with lying on the beach. The island offers temples, wildlife, mountains, tea plantations, historical sites and long beaches.

The climate is influenced by different monsoons, and during December–February the southwest coast is in its popular tourist season with generally calmer seas. Sri Lanka's official tourism website states an average temperature of around 27 degrees for the country as a whole.

We traveled here over Christmas with our friends Lennart and Beata and took a round trip by car and driver. It was a varied trip with Buddhist temples, various animal experiences and of course sun and swimming.

We had originally planned to rent a car and drive ourselves, but it turned out that our international driving license needed to be supplemented with a stamp on site. And it couldn't be arranged on Sunday. Not on Christmas Eve. Not on Christmas Day. And not on Boxing Day either... So we had to have a driver anyway. Christmas holidays can affect travel in unexpected ways!

6. Cape Verde

Cape Verde is located off the west coast of Africa and is an interesting middle ground for those who find the Canary Islands a bit too cool but don't want to travel all the way to Asia.

The archipelago has a dry and semi-desert climate, and the long dry season extends from approximately November to July. Average daily temperatures throughout the year are between 24 and 28 degrees.

Sal and Boa Vista are the most famous holiday islands, with long sandy beaches and plenty of hotels. Winter can be windy, which also makes the islands popular with kite and wind surfers.

We haven't yet visited Cape Verde ourselves, but for those who are primarily looking for sun, beach and relaxation over Christmas, it is an interesting option – not least because the trip is significantly shorter than to many tropical destinations.

7. Vietnam – Phú Quốc and Southern Vietnam

Vietnam is a country where you really need to look at the map before booking your winter trip. The country is long and the weather differs significantly between the north, center and south.

In the south Vietnam December–April is normally the drier and sunnier period, with temperatures around 30 degrees. On the island of Phú Quốc, the period October–June usually offers warm and relatively dry weather, and the Vietnam Tourism Organization particularly highlights the island as a destination for a tropical Christmas.

We haven't been to Phú Quốc or southern Vietnam ourselves, but the country is dear to our hearts. We got married in Hanoi! We have also visited Hi An, where we got to know some sisters who took us on different experiences, and the amazingly beautiful Halong Bay. And then the food! Vietnamese food is still something we really like.

For a trip over Christmas with a focus on sun and swimming, however, we would look south – and would be happy to combine Phú Quốc with, for example, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

8. South Africa – Cape Town

In Cape Town, the seasons are reversed compared to back home in Sweden. December is summer and the weather is often warm, sunny and relatively dry. Normal daytime temperatures during the summer are around 20–26 degrees, although it can get considerably warmer.

This is therefore not primarily a tip for those dreaming of a tropical paradise island. Cape Town better suited for those who want to combine the heat with city life, dramatic nature, vineyards, beaches and perhaps a road trip.

We visited South Africa when our friends Henri and Michelle lived in Johannesburg. From there we took the car and drove all the way to Cape Town – a real adventure!

We really liked South Africa. The nature and landscape are sometimes absolutely spectacular and we had many nice encounters along the way. At the same time, it is a country where the great economic differences are noticeable, which also became part of our impressions from the trip.

9. Malaysia – Langkawi

Malaysia is another option for those who want real tropical warmth over Christmas. In Langkawi, temperatures are generally between 24 and 33 degrees and the period from November to March is considered the dry season.

We started our journey in Kuala Lumpur and then continued to Langkawi, where the focus was mainly on beaches and holiday life. But we also did a lovely catamaran trip and a boat trip through the mangroves, where we learned a lot about nature and wildlife.

Langkawi is also known for its geological environments and mangrove forests and is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

We actually arrived in Malaysia on Christmas Eve. There wasn't a big traditional Christmas celebration, but there was a Christmas tree at our small hotel La Pari Pari and the string lights at the beach bars gave a little Christmas feeling between the palm trees.

10. Oman

Oman is an exciting alternative for those who want sun and warmth but are not necessarily looking for a classic beach holiday. Winter, from November to early March, offers milder and drier weather than the hot summer.

We haven't visited ourselves. Oman, but the country attracts with an unusually fine combination of coast, desert, mountains, old cities and so-called wadis – river valleys where in some places there are turquoise waters and natural swimming pools.

Here you can combine a few lazy days by the sea with a road trip through completely different landscapes. Muscat can be the starting point for the trip, but it is when you venture further into the country that the variation becomes really clear.

Oman is therefore particularly suitable for those who long for warmth over Christmas but at the same time want to discover and be active.

11. Philippines

The Philippines is difficult to summarize in a few sentences – not least because the country consists of thousands of islands and the climate varies between different parts. Generally, December is considered the cooler, dry period, but some eastern areas have significantly more rainfall. PAGASA divides the country into several different climate types, so the choice of island plays a big role.

This is also one of the countries on the list that we know best. We have made several trips to Philippines and visited about 30 islands. During a three-month trip, we spent a large part of the time together with a local family and another Swedish couple. We traveled around with a traditional boat and camped on islands and beaches. Yes, we like adventures!

Palawan is one of the places that has made the strongest impression on us, but a big part of the charm of the Philippines is also the people. We have met an incredible number of friendly and helpful people, and it is also easy to communicate because English is widely spoken.

We also celebrated Christmas in the Philippines, where Christmas is a big holiday. On Christmas Day, we were invited to the home of the family who ran our hotel and got to try Filipino Christmas food – a memory we still carry with us.

12. Mexico – Yucatán and Riviera Maya

Mexico is huge, so here too you need to be specific about where you're going. For those who want warmth and a beach over Christmas, the Yucatán Peninsula and the Riviera Maya are interesting options.

In tropical destinations like Cancún, Riviera Maya and Tulum, temperatures are generally around 25–33 degrees, while the majority of rain falls during summer and early autumn.

We haven't traveled yet. Mexico, but what makes Yucatán particularly attractive is the combination. Here you will find Caribbean beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins and of course Mexican food and culture. So it is entirely possible to have a beach holiday as a base but fill the trip with much more than sun and swimming.

13. Kenya – safari and coast

Kenya is another destination where we think it would be a shame to just book a hotel by the beach. Here you have the opportunity to combine a safari with a few days by the Indian Ocean.

The climate varies greatly with altitude. On the coast it is hot and humid and Mombasa has an average daily temperature of around 26 degrees. December is also towards the end of a rainier period, and short heavy showers can occur,

We have been in Kenya twice. The first trip, in 2007, was dramatic because we were in the country during a disputed election and the unrest that followed. The next trip was something completely different.

Then we traveled together with a Swedish-Kenyan friend and got to experience Nairobi, one Kenyan wedding and rural life. It was an incredibly exciting trip with many wonderful meetings and insights into a culture that we would otherwise never have come this close to.

If you add a safari and a few days on the coast, Kenya can become a very eventful winter trip.

14. Mauritius

Mauritius is for many the epitome of a tropical paradise island: beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees. December also means summer on the island.

Summer lasts approximately November–April and on the coast the average daytime temperatures are around 28–33 degrees. The sea is around 26–30 degrees. So it's really hot! At the same time, summer is more humid and the risk of rain increases, especially from January to March.

We haven't been to Mauritius ourselves, but the island doesn't have to be all about resorts and sun loungers. There are mountains, waterfalls, hiking, nature reserves, snorkeling and diving for those who want to alternate their beach days with excursions.

Anyone traveling here over Christmas should therefore be prepared for a tropical climate – including the possibility of showers – but in return will get real summer heat in the middle of the Swedish winter.

15. Costa Rica – Pacific Coast

Last but definitely not least, we have Costa Rica. This is the tip for those who don't just want to get to the warmth but also make a whole adventure out of their Christmas trip.

On the Pacific side, December is the start of the drier season. The Costa Rican Tourism Organization generally states the dry season is from mid-December to the end of April, while the Caribbean has a different rainfall pattern and can actually be rainy during December.

We haven't visited Costa Rica yet, but the combination is appealing: beaches, rainforest, volcanoes, national parks and fantastic wildlife. On the Pacific side, there is also swimming, surfing and other water activities.

In other words, Costa Rica feels like a destination for those who like to lie on the beach for a while – but will probably start climbing in the rainforest, looking for animals or thinking about the next volcano excursion pretty soon.

Which hot travel destination is right for you?

There's a big difference between a Christmas week in the Canary Islands and a three-week adventure in Costa Rica. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide. Temperatures are approximate for daytime in December and should be seen as a guide rather than a forecast.

Destinations	Daytime in December, approximately	Travel from Sweden	Particularly suitable for
Thailand, Andaman Coast	28–32°C	Long	Beach, food and tour
Canary Islands	20–23°C	Shorter	Sun, relaxation and excursions
Zanzibar	28–32°C	Long	Beach, culture and boat trips
Egypt, Red Sea	22–25°C	Shorter	Sun, snorkeling and history
Sri Lanka, south/west	28–31°C	Long	Round trip, beach and animals
Cape Verde	24–28°C	Between	Beach and relaxation
Phu Quoc, Vietnam	27–31°C	Long	Beach, food and tour
Cape Town	20–26°C	Long	City, nature and road trip
Langkawi	29–32°C	Long	Beach and nature
Oman	25–28°C	Between	Road trip, nature and culture
Philippines	27–31°C*	Long	Island hopping, beach and adventure
Yucatan, Mexico	25–30°C	Long	Beach, culture and excursions
Kenya	25–30°C*	Long	Safari, culture and coast
Mauritius	28–33°C	Long	Beach, nature and relaxation
Costa Rica's Pacific Coast	28–32°C*	Long	Nature, wildlife and adventure

*Temperature varies depending on area and altitude.

Med shorter Here we mean a journey that is relatively smooth from Sweden, while between means a longer flight and long Typically involves long-haul flights and often one or more transfers. Exact travel times and flight connections change, so we find this rough breakdown more useful than an exact number of hours.

Do you want real tropical heat?

If your goal is to swap the Swedish winter for temperatures around 30 degrees, there are many options. Thailand, Langkawi, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Zanzibar and Mauritius are among the destinations where you can get a real tropical feeling.

However, do you want to have sun and pleasant warmth without the really long journey The Canary Islands, Egypt and Cape Verde may be more practical alternatives. The difference is quite big: just over 20 degrees can feel wonderful when you have left a grey Sweden, but it is of course something completely different from 30 degrees and a warm tropical sea.

How far do you want to travel?

The length of your holiday break can be just as important as the temperature. If you only have a week to spare, it may be less appealing to spend a large portion of your time in airports and long-haul flights. For example, the Canary Islands and Egypt are much easier alternatives.

If you have two or three weeks, completely different possibilities open up. Then it may be worth traveling longer and taking a round trip to places like Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Mexico or Costa Rica.

We generally think that long-distance destinations are most fun when you have time to discover more than one place.

Sun holiday or adventure?

Also think about what you really want to do once you arrive. If your dream is primarily beach, swimming and relaxation, Langkawi, Cape Verde or Mauritius could be a good fit.

If you want to combine beaches with culture and excursions, there are great opportunities in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar and Mexico. And if the heat is mostly a bonus but you're really longing for a big travel adventure, Kenya, South Africa, Oman and Costa Rica are completely different types of alternatives.

Maybe that's why we like to travel to warmer countries in the winter. The sun is lovely – but we also want to experience something.

Consider the rainy seasons

Just because a destination has 30 degrees in December doesn't automatically mean that December is the best time for a sun holiday. In the tropics, the rainy seasons are at least as important as the temperature.

Thailand is a good example, as different coasts are affected differently by the monsoons. Vietnam has large climate differences from north to south, and Sri Lanka's two monsoon systems mean that different coasts are suitable at different times of the year. On the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the drier period begins in December, while the Caribbean side has a completely different rainfall pattern.

At the same time, it's important to remember that weather statistics are just that, statistics. A tropical downpour doesn't have to ruin a vacation either - sometimes the rain falls for a while and is then replaced by bright sunshine.

Traveling over the Christmas and New Year holidays

Christmas and New Year are popular travel periods, so it may be wise to book flights and accommodation well in advance. In popular winter destinations, prices may be higher than during other parts of the season.

Also keep in mind that the holidays themselves can affect opening hours, transportation, and various types of service. We experienced this ourselves in Sri Lanka when our international driving license needed to be supplemented with a stamp – which of course could not be arranged during the Christmas holidays.

At the same time, it can be exciting to experience how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world. Sometimes you are greeted by Christmas trees and Christmas music amidst the palm trees, while on other trips Christmas almost disappears behind all the new experiences.

READ MORE: Celebrating Christmas abroad – our experiences

Travel over Christmas and New Year – where would you like to go?

We've celebrated Christmas in many different ways over the years. Sometimes we've sought out the Christmas spirit, sometimes we've ended up on a beach, and sometimes the journey itself has been so exciting that we've almost forgotten it was Christmas.

And maybe that's the beauty of traveling over Christmas and New Year. You don't have to replace the Swedish Christmas with a different kind of Christmas. You can just as easily do something completely different.

What would your dream trip over Christmas and New Year look like? Tropical beach and 30 degrees, pleasant sun a little closer to Sweden - or a big adventure in the heat?