Summer Isn’t Over: 7 Warm Places to Travel in December

Who says summer has to end in August?

While temperatures are dropping and winter coats are coming out, December is actually one of the best months to escape somewhere warm. In other parts of the world, summer is just getting started, which means beach days, rooftop dinners, warm weather, and plenty of sunshine are still on the table.

Whether you're planning a December birthday trip, looking for somewhere warm for the holidays, or simply not ready to give up summer, these are seven of the best warm places to travel in December.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

If you're looking for sunshine in December, head south. December is summertime in Cape Town, making it one of our favorite warm-weather destinations when it's cold back home.

There's so much to experience here that you can easily spend a week exploring without running out of things to do. One day you're sipping wine in the Cape Winelands, the next you're taking in the views from Table Mountain, and somewhere in between you're enjoying a long lunch overlooking the ocean.

Best Things to Do in Cape Town

• Take the cable car up Table Mountain

• Spend a day exploring the Cape Winelands

• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach

• Drive along the Cape Peninsula

• Spend an afternoon at a beach club

• Explore Cape Town's food scene

• Take a sunset cruise along the coast

• Add a safari to your South Africa itinerary

Where to Stay in Cape Town

For first-time visitors, consider the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, or the City Bowl. Camps Bay is perfect if being close to the beach is a priority, while the Waterfront puts you near restaurants, shopping, and plenty of attractions.

If you want even more inspiration, check out our guide to the [perfect Cape Town itinerary for a December girls trip].

Come to Cape Town With Us This December

And if Cape Town has been sitting on your travel list, you don't have to plan this one yourself.

Come with us to Cape Town this December for eight days of scenery, culture, good food, beautiful views, and unforgettable experiences. From Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands to safari, beach club days, and sunset sailing, we've already planned the details.

[Explore the Cape Town Escape this December]

2. Phuket, Thailand

December is one of the best times to visit Phuket if you're looking for warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty to do beyond sitting at a resort.

You can spend one day island hopping around the Andaman Sea and the next exploring Phuket Old Town, visiting an elephant sanctuary, taking a Thai cooking class, or booking a massage before dinner.

Best Things to Do in Phuket

• Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

• Explore colorful Phuket Old Town

• Take a Thai cooking class

• Book a traditional Thai massage

• Spend the day at a beach club

• Watch the sunset from the water

Where to Stay in Phuket

Patong puts you close to restaurants, nightlife, and plenty of activity, while Kata, Karon, and Bang Tao offer a more relaxed beach getaway.

Planning your own Thailand vacation? Save our guide to the [9 best apps to download before your trip to Thailand] so getting around, booking rides, and navigating your trip is a little easier.

3. Cartagena, Colombia

If colorful streets, rooftop dinners, Caribbean beaches, and warm December weather sound like your kind of vacation, Cartagena deserves a spot on your list.

The Walled City is the heart of the experience. You can spend hours wandering its streets, stopping for food and drinks, shopping from local vendors, and taking in the colorful colonial architecture.

Then give yourself at least one day to leave the city and get out on the water.

Best Things to Do in Cartagena

• Explore the Walled City

• Take a boat to the Rosario Islands

• Spend the day at a beach club

• Watch the sunset from the city walls

• Take a Colombian cooking class

• Explore Getsemaní

• Enjoy Cartagena's rooftop restaurants and bars

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Stay inside the Walled City if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and historic sites. Getsemaní is another great option if you're looking for colorful streets, local energy, and boutique hotels.

If you're looking for a destination that works even when you only have a week away, Cartagena also made our list of [7 countries and destinations perfect for a one-week escape].

4. Zanzibar, Tanzania

If your December vacation needs white sand, turquoise water, and absolutely no winter weather, Zanzibar belongs on your list.

Located just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar combines a tropical beach vacation with history, culture, and incredible food. It's also easy to pair with a safari on mainland Tanzania if you have more time.

Best Things to Do in Zanzibar

• Explore Stone Town

• Take a traditional dhow cruise

• Visit a spice farm

• Go snorkeling or island hopping

• Spend the day relaxing on the beach

• Enjoy dinner directly on the sand

• Visit Nungwi, Kendwa, or Paje

• Take a cooking class and learn more about Zanzibar's food and culture

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Nungwi and Kendwa are popular for beautiful beaches and swimming, while Paje offers a more laid-back atmosphere.

For a first trip, we recommend spending most of your stay at the beach and visiting Stone Town rather than basing your entire vacation there.

Zanzibar is also one of our favorite destinations when you only have a few days to get away. See why we included it in our guide to [7 countries for the perfect one-week escape].

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

December is the beginning of summer in Rio, which means warm temperatures, beach days, and a city full of energy.

Rio gives you a little bit of everything. You can spend the morning sightseeing, the afternoon on Ipanema Beach, and the evening eating your way through the city.

Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

• Visit Christ the Redeemer

• Take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain

• Relax at Ipanema Beach

• Explore Santa Teresa

• Try Brazilian food and cocktails

• Take a boat day along the coast

• Watch the sunset from Arpoador

Where to Stay in Rio

Ipanema and Copacabana are two of the most convenient areas for first-time visitors who want easy access to the beach, restaurants, and many of Rio's most popular attractions.

6. Mauritius

If December has you craving a luxury island vacation, put Mauritius on your radar.

This Indian Ocean island is known for beautiful beaches, clear lagoons, luxury resorts, waterfalls, and lush mountain scenery. It's a destination where you can fill your itinerary with activities or spend an entire day at the resort without feeling like you're missing anything.

Best Things to Do in Mauritius

• Spend the day on the beach

• Visit Chamarel and the Seven Colored Earth

• Take a catamaran cruise

• Snorkel in the island's lagoons

• Visit Black River Gorges National Park

• Book a spa day

• Explore local markets and restaurants

Where to Stay in Mauritius

The north around Grand Baie has restaurants, shopping, and more activity, while the east and southwest coasts are great choices for travelers looking for a quieter luxury resort experience.

If Mauritius is already on your list, you'll also find it in our guide to the [best places to travel in July for sun, beaches, and warm weather].

7. Sydney, Australia

If you really want to flip the seasons, go all the way to Australia.

December is the beginning of summer in Sydney, so while everyone back home is bundling up, you can be spending your afternoon at Bondi Beach.

Sydney is especially good for travelers who want warm weather without giving up the restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, and energy of a major city.

Best Things to Do in Sydney

• Spend the day at Bondi Beach

• Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail

• Visit the Sydney Opera House

• Explore Sydney Harbour

• Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains

• Visit Manly Beach

• Enjoy waterfront restaurants around the city

Where to Stay in Sydney

Sydney CBD is convenient for sightseeing, while Bondi is better for travelers who want their December vacation centered around the beach.

You Don't Have to Wait Until Next Summer

December doesn't have to mean cold weather.

You can spend it drinking wine under the South African sun, island hopping in Thailand, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, exploring Cartagena, or experiencing summertime on the other side of the world.

And if Cape Town is the destination that caught your attention, why not experience it with us?

We've planned the accommodations, transportation, experiences, and details so you don't have to. You'll experience Cape Town's culture and food, visit Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, spend time in the Winelands, go on safari, enjoy a beach club, sail into the sunset, and still have free time to experience the city your way.

Summer isn't over. You just have to know where to find it.

[Explore our Cape Town Girls Trip and reserve your spot.]