15 Best Islands to Travel to in December 2026 Worldwide
December brings dry-season sunshine to some islands and monsoon rain to others. Compare 15 destinations by weather, beaches, budget, and the kind of holiday they suit.
Barbados, the Maldives, Phuket, and the Turks and Caicos are among the best islands to travel to in December, with dry skies, calm seas, and highs above 27°C.
These 15 picks span warm islands in December. Some are the best tropical islands to visit for world-class reef diving; others suit couples, families, or a mild European winter escape.
The best island to visit in December depends on budget and trip type. Great islands to visit in December span a wide range of experiences; the sections below compare all 15 on what they do best this month.
Best Islands to Travel to in December at a Glance
The table below covers all 15 of the best islands to go to in December across the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and Southern Europe. Budget covers accommodation, meals, and local transport.
| Island | Country / Territory | Best For | Typical Conditions in December | Budget Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | Caribbean | Beaches, culture | 29°C highs, ~89 mm rain | Mid-range to High |
| Maldives | Indian Ocean | Diving, luxury | 30°C, calm seas | High |
| Aruba | Caribbean | Sun, beaches | 28°C, very dry | Mid-range to High |
| Phuket | Thailand | Diving, beaches | 31°C, dry season | Mid-range |
| Palawan | Philippines | Diving, lagoons | 29°C, dry season | Low to Mid-range |
| Tenerife | Spain | Hiking, culture | 21°C, mild and sunny | Mid-range |
| Antigua | Caribbean | Sailing, beaches | 28-29°C, dry season | Mid-range to High |
| St. Lucia | Caribbean | Couples, hiking | 28°C, dry season start | Mid-range to High |
| Hawaii | USA | Whales, beaches | 26°C, mild | Mid-range to High |
| US Virgin Islands | USA | Beaches, sailing | 28°C, dry season | Mid-range to High |
| Turks and Caicos | UK Territory | Beaches, diving | 27°C, very clear water | High |
| Jamaica | Caribbean | Culture, beaches | 28-30°C, dry season | Low to Mid-range |
| Mauritius | Indian Ocean | Luxury, beaches | 29°C, sunny | High |
| Gran Canaria | Spain | Beaches, hiking | 22°C, mild winter | Low to Mid-range |
| Koh Lanta | Thailand | Diving, quiet beaches | 30-31°C, dry season | Low to Mid-range |
Source: Climate averages from Weather2Travel and destination tourism boards.
Best Islands to Travel to in December
1. Barbados, Caribbean - Best for Beaches and Culture
December is the start of Barbados’ dry season, with highs reaching 29°C and around 89 mm of rain. West coast seas average 27°C and stay calm all month.
The Platinum Coast beaches suit swimming and snorkelling. A rum shop, flying fish lunch and an afternoon at Bridgetown’s Garrison historic area cover the island’s main draws without much planning.
Five to six nights work well. For those comparing the best Caribbean island to visit in December, Barbados combines beaches, food culture, and public transport in one compact island.
2. Maldives, Indian Ocean - Best for Diving and Snorkelling
The northeast monsoon brings the Maldives’ dry season from around November, with visibility reaching 20-30 metres at South Male and Ari atolls. Whale shark sightings are possible at South Ari Atoll year-round.
Budget-conscious divers can use local guesthouses on islands like Maafushi at a fraction of resort prices. Five to seven nights is typical.
Read more: The right island changes with every month of the year. Read our blog 👉 Best Islands to Visit Every Month of the Year, which covers the top picks month by month so you can plan beyond December.
3. Aruba, Caribbean - Best for Guaranteed Sun
Aruba sits outside the Atlantic hurricane belt and receives fewer than 500 mm of rain a year. December highs average around 28°C, making it one of the most reliably dry Caribbean islands in the month.
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach offer calm, flat water suited to families. Arikok National Park has desert terrain trails covering roughly 20% of the island.
Four to six nights is comfortable. The Natural Pool on the northern coast is a sheltered cove enclosed by volcanic rock on three sides, creating calm water even when the sea outside is rough.
It sits on rugged, unpaved terrain and is only reachable by a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a guided jeep tour - a standard car cannot manage the approach.
4. Phuket, Thailand - Best for Diving and Beach Variety
The Andaman Sea enters dry season around November. December brings clear skies, seas below 0.5 metres on most days, and good visibility around the Similan Islands. Highs reach around 31°C.
Kata and Karon beaches suit families. The Similan Islands, roughly 70 km north of Phuket, are reachable by day-trip speedboat or multi-day liveaboard and have some of the best diving visibility in the Andaman Sea.
Old Town Phuket and Phang Nga Bay day trips add variety to a week-long stay.
Six to nine nights is typical. Fly into Phuket rather than Koh Samui; the Gulf coast sees heavy rain this month.
5. Palawan, Philippines - Best for Lagoons and Diving
Palawan’s dry season runs from roughly October through May. El Nido’s limestone lagoons are accessible by island-hopping boat tours departing from the town pier, with December bringing the calmest seas of the year.
Coron, a short flight north, offers wreck diving around Japanese WWII shipwrecks in 10-40 metres of clear water. Palawan is one of the most affordable islands in Southeast Asia.
Seven to ten nights cover both. Book ferries two months ahead.
Read more: December has strong warm-weather options beyond islands. Read our blog 👉 Best Warm Places to Visit in December 2026: 15 Sunny Escapes , which covers the top mainland and island picks for sunshine this month.
6. Tenerife, Spain - Best for Hiking and Mild Winter Sun
December highs average around 21°C at the coast and drop to 5-10°C near the 3,715-metre summit of Mount Teide. The south of the island (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) gets the most sunshine.
Teide National Park and the Masca gorge suit day hiking. Christmas markets come to Santa Cruz in mid-December.
Five to seven nights works well. Book Teide cable car tickets in advance; seats sell out quickly on clear days.
7. Antigua, Caribbean - Best for Sailing and Beaches
December marks the start of Antigua’s dry season, with highs averaging 28-29°C and calm west-coast anchorages. English Harbour hosts the Antigua Christmas Sailing Festival in late December, drawing visiting yachts and racing crews from across the Caribbean.
Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour is a restored 18th-century naval base and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dickenson Bay and Jolly Beach are the main swimming spots.
Antigua is a strong contender for the best Caribbean island to visit in December for sailors and those who want history alongside beaches. Five to seven nights suit the island well.
8. St. Lucia, Caribbean - Best for Couples and Hiking
St. Lucia’s dry season starts in December. Rainfall drops and the Piton Mountains appear at their clearest, while west coast seas stay calm at around 28°C.
Gros Piton’s summit hike takes four hours return with a local guide. Anse Chastanet beach has a shore-accessible reef for snorkellers.
A water taxi from Castries to Soufriere beats the 90-minute mountain road. Five to seven nights works well.
Read more: A December island trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Read our blog 👉 15 Cheap Places to Travel in December for Sunshine, Snow & Savings , which covers budget-friendly island and mainland picks.
9. Hawaii, USA - Best for Whale Watching and Hiking
Humpback whale season runs from December through April, with first sightings typically off Maui’s west coast in early December. Whale watching tours depart from Ma’alaea Harbor on the south Maui coast and offer close encounters at sea level.
Maui’s Road to Hana covers coastal rainforest and black-sand beaches. Oahu’s Diamond Head crater is a half-morning hike.
When choosing the best island to visit in Hawaii for December, Maui leads for nature; Oahu suits beaches and city breaks. Seven to ten nights works well.
10. US Virgin Islands, USA - Best for Beaches and Snorkelling
December falls in the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands. The dry season runs November through April, average highs sit around 28°C, and Saint John’s Trunk Bay has a marked underwater snorkel trail.
Saint Croix’s Buck Island Reef National Monument offers guided snorkel tours. Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas is the main ferry hub for all three islands.
Four to seven nights cover one or two islands. Trunk Bay charges approximately USD 5 entry.
Read more: December has reliable heat across many destinations beyond islands. Read our blog 👉 Where is Hot in December? which covers the regions and cities with the best sunshine this month.
11. Turks and Caicos, UK Territory - Best for Clear Water and Beaches
December opens peak season in Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales sees calm turquoise water in the 26-27°C range and average highs around 27°C throughout the month.
The island’s barrier reef, one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, supports snorkelling and diving directly from shore. Five to seven nights is typical.
Gran Turk has more affordable accommodation than Providenciales for those watching costs.
12. Jamaica, Caribbean - Best for Culture and Varied Beaches
Jamaica’s dry season runs December through April, and the north coast sees consistent sunshine. Highs average 28-30°C at sea level; the Blue Mountains offer a cooler inland alternative.
Seven Mile Beach in Negril suits families with calm, shallow water. Boston Bay near Port Antonio combines uncrowded beaches with jerk chicken and a local atmosphere.
Seven to ten nights works well.
13. Mauritius, Indian Ocean - Best for Luxury and Lagoon Beaches
December highs average 29°C with around eight hours of sunshine per day. The north and west coast lagoons stay calm; the east coast can be choppier.
Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy offer the most sheltered beaches. Cyclone season starts in November and peaks January through March; the north and west coasts stay the safest choice.
Five to seven nights is comfortable.
Read more: September opens up island options that December can’t match. Read our blog 👉 Underrated Yet: 16 Best Islands to Visit in September 2026, which covers the picks that get overlooked in peak-season planning.
14. Gran Canaria, Spain - Best for Mild Winter and Varied Terrain
Gran Canaria packs beach, dunes, and mountains into one island. December highs average 21-22°C in the south, and the Maspalomas dunes take a couple of hours to cross on foot.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has colonial architecture and the Casa de Colón museum. The Roque Nublo area suits mountain walking in cooler temperatures.
A week covers the south and north. The Las Palmas to Maspalomas bus costs approximately USD 5 and takes around 75 minutes.
15. Koh Lanta, Thailand - Best for Diving and Quiet Beaches
Koh Lanta enters dry season around November. December brings clear skies, calm seas, and visibility reaching 20-30 metres at nearby Koh Haa and Koh Rok dive sites.
Klong Dao and Long Beach on the western coast suit families and swimmers. Koh Lanta Old Town on the east side has a waterfront of old wooden shophouses.
Five to seven nights is comfortable. Koh Lanta is quieter than Phuket in December.
Which Island Should You Choose for Your Trip?
The best islands to go to in December and the great islands to visit in December differ by trip type; the categories below help narrow the choice.
Best Islands for Beaches and Swimming
Barbados, Aruba, Turks and Caicos, and the US Virgin Islands offer the best beaches to travel to in December with calm, clear water.
Best Islands for Snorkelling and Diving
The Maldives and Palawan have the strongest reef systems; Koh Lanta and Turks and Caicos are clear alternatives.
Best Islands for Couples and Honeymoons
St. Lucia’s Piton scenery leads; Mauritius and the Maldives suit couples who want luxury lagoon access.
Best Islands for Families
Barbados, Tenerife, and the US Virgin Islands have calm swimming, easy transport, and a wide range of family accommodation.
Best Islands for Adventure and Wildlife
Hawaii’s Maui leads for December whale watching; Tenerife and Gran Canaria suit mountain walkers.
Best Islands for Budget Travellers
Palawan and Koh Lanta are among the cheap islands to visit in December; Gran Canaria is the most affordable European option.
Weather and Seasonal Conditions Around the World in December
Dry seasons and peak periods overlap in December. The Caribbean hurricane season officially ends 30 November, the Andaman coast clears up, and the Maldives’ northeast monsoon brings its best diving conditions.
| Region | Typical Seasonal Pattern | Best Trip Experiences | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Dry season; hurricane season ends Nov 30 | Beaches, water sports, sailing | Peak demand; book early |
| Southeast Asia | Andaman coast dry; Gulf of Thailand wet | Diving, island-hopping | Phuket and Palawan ideal; avoid Koh Samui |
| Mediterranean / Europe | Off-season; Canary Islands mild | Hiking, culture, mild beaches | Sea is cool; some services reduced |
| Indian Ocean | Maldives dry season; Mauritius summer | Diving, luxury resort stays | Mauritius cyclone season starts |
| Pacific | Hawaii mild; South Pacific cyclone risk | Whale watching, hiking, beaches | Check Fiji and Vanuatu separately |
Source: Seasonal patterns from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and regional meteorological services.
Where Should You Avoid Visiting in December?
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao receive heavy monsoon rain in December. Phuket and Koh Lanta on the Andaman coast are the dry alternative.
Bali’s wet season starts in November. The best places to travel in December in Southeast Asia are Palawan and Phuket, which have reliable dry conditions throughout the month.
The Seychelles and Zanzibar enter the northwest monsoon in December. Mauritius is the most reliable Indian Ocean choice, with calm north and west coast lagoons.
How to Plan an Island Trip in December
When to Book Flights and Accommodation
Book three to six months ahead for the best islands to travel to in December. The Caribbean and Maldives peak over Christmas and New Year.
How Long to Spend on an Island
Smaller islands suit five to six nights. The best island to visit in December in Hawaii or Jamaica needs seven to ten nights.
Is Island-Hopping Worth It?
Within one region, island-hopping works well. Palawan and the US Virgin Islands are great islands to visit in December as two-island pairs. The best islands to go to in December generally reward a week on one island over cross-region combinations.
What to Pack
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a lightweight layer. Hiking shoes help on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and St. Lucia.
Staying Connected While Traveling Between Islands
Reliable data matters on island trips for ferry schedules and getting around. Jetpac offers International travel eSIM plans across more than 200 destinations.
An eSIM Maldives plan works across remote atolls where resort Wi-Fi is unreliable; an eSIM Barbados plan activates before departure.
An eSIM for Phuket includes Koh Lanta on the same plan. Also eSIM for Aruba includes WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber after data runs out on eligible plans.
FAQs
Which islands are warmest in December?
The Maldives, Phuket, and Aruba are the best tropical islands to visit at 28-32°C. Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua are warm islands in December at 28-30°C.
Where can you find good beach weather in December?
Barbados, Aruba, and Turks and Caicos offer the best beaches to travel to in December. Palawan and Phuket suit travellers flying from Asia.
Which islands are best for a budget trip in December?
Palawan and Koh Lanta are cheap islands to visit in December with sunshine and low-cost food. Gran Canaria is the most affordable European option.
Is December a good time for island-hopping?
Yes, within one region. El Nido to Coron and the US Virgin Islands are great islands to visit in December as back-to-back pairs.
Which Caribbean country is best to visit in December?
Barbados, Aruba, and the Turks and Caicos are the top picks as the best Caribbean islands to visit in December. St. Lucia suits couples best; Antigua suits sailors.
How far in advance should you book an island trip in December?
Three to six months ahead for the Caribbean and Maldives. Gran Canaria and Koh Lanta are more flexible but fill in late December.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog was accurate at the time of writing and is based on available climate data, destination guidance and tourism information. Weather patterns, prices, seasonal schedules, ferry services, entry requirements and other details may change after publication. Jetpac is not responsible for any changes to this information after publication.
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