Best Winter Sun Destinations for Canadians in December

December is a Vacation season month in Canada where celebrations take place, snow falls and the festive season is exciting. But if you prefer hot, sunny weather to cold, wintry days, it’s also a great time to get away to the tropics for its turquoise waters and warm sandy beaches.

Whether you are heading to Disney World in Mexico, Thailand’s islands or Dubai’s lavish resorts, there is no shortage of places to experience a change of scenery during the Canadian winter. Some are perfect for unwinding by the sea, others are perfect for taking in the beach and cultural activities, shopping and outdoor adventures.

Your travel time, kind of Vacation you’re looking for, activities you like and budget will all play a factor in determining the best December winter sun destinations. If you’re planning an all-inclusive beach resort, a romantic getaway to an island or a longer trip abroad, these are some of the ways to enjoy a warmer December.

1. Mexico: Relax on Caribbean Beaches

Canadians seeking a warm climate, stunning beaches and resort-Vacation are drawn to Mexico. Along the Caribbean coast, there are sandy beaches, visiting the Mayan archaeological sites, visiting the cenotes and visiting the vibrant coastal towns, especially Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Beach weather is generally dry for December in the Mexican Caribbean, but there is a chance of rain and cooler nights. Rates for each region differ and visitors should compare before making a trip.

Best experiences in Mexico

• Cancun: Enjoy long stretches of beach, water activities, restaurants and resort amenities.
• Playa del Carmen: Walk through the downtown area, through beach clubs and the surrounding cave (cenote) area.
• Tulum: Sea, Mayan ruins and nature.Tulum: Sea, mayan ruins, nature.
• Cozumel: Try snorkelling, diving and boat trips around the island.

Mexico is an ideal destination for couples, families and travelers who like to have their hotel, restaurant and selected activities booked on their behalf prior to departure. The ideal benefit of an all inclusive vacation in Mexico is that it can make the budgeting process easier, depending on your selected property, by combining multiple aspects of the Vacation into one package.

When travelling at a budget price, travellers should consider the entire cost of their flight, transfers, resort facilities and excursions, not just the advertised package price. Christmas and New Year’s Day may be particularly busy times to book a Vacation; you might have more options bookings in advance.

2. Dominican Republic: Enjoy a Classic Caribbean Escape

The Dominican Republic is another strong choice for Canadians seeking sunshine during December. Its palm-fringed beaches, coastal resorts and range of excursions make it appealing to travellers who want a relaxing Vacation without giving up opportunities to explore.

Punta Cana is particularly well known for its beach resorts, while other parts of the country offer mountain scenery, historic streets and a different perspective on Dominican culture.

December is generally one of the country’s more comfortable periods for outdoor activities, with typical daytime temperatures around 25–27°C in many locations. Weather varies by region and individual days, so these figures should be treated as climate guidance rather than a forecast.

What to do in the Dominican Republic

• Punta Cana: Spend time on sandy beaches, enjoy water sports or unwind at a beachfront resort.
• Santo Domingo: Explore the historic Colonial Zone, museums and local restaurants.
• Samaná: Discover coastal scenery, beaches and nature excursions.
• Puerto Plata: Combine beach time with mountain views and cultural attractions.

For travellers who want a straightforward Vacation, an all-inclusive resort can combine accommodation, meals and selected entertainment. However, inclusions vary by property, so check whether airport transfers, premium drinks, excursions and other extras are covered.

If you are comparing cheap all-inclusive vacations, look beyond the headline rate. Travel dates, departure airport, baggage allowances and resort location can all affect the final cost.

3. Thailand: Combine Tropical Beaches with Culture

If hitting the pool while you’re away is your ultimate winter escape then Thailand may not be the best place to think about. The country has tropical islands, colourful markets, unique cuisine, historic temples and vibrant cities, which can all be enjoyed on a single trip.

While the weather varies across Thailand, December is a good time to visit many popular destinations found on the Andaman coast, especially Phuket. Runners up should evaluate the conditions on each of the islands, as there can be a difference between the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand.

Where to go in Thailand

• Phuket: Relax on the sand or take an island trip, visit the markets or you have many options to choose from.
• Bangkok: Explore temples, street-food neighbourhoods, shopping districts and riverside attractions.
• Krabi: Discover limestone cliffs, coastal scenery, boat trips and nearby islands.
• Chiang Mai: Expand your trip by adding in mountain scenery, traditional Chiang Mai markets and culture. 

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly guesthouse or a luxurious beachfront resort, Thailand has something to offer everyone. A multi-stop tour is also a great balance of sightseeing and relaxation.

As you compare Thailand travel packages, look at the number of nights there are in the package, domestic transfers included, baggage allowances, and if there are any island excursions. Those who are travelling to Thailand should make enough time for transfers as one shouldn’t consider the two cities as neighbouring resorts.

4. Dubai: Sunshine, Beaches and City Experiences

Dubai is a place where you can escape the cold with warm winter weather, contemporary architecture, shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars, desert excursions, and beach front resorts. It’s a good option for those who prefer to enjoy the sunshine, but also need to experience the city while keeping up with the action.

December is typically one of the more pleasant months to venture out in Dubai. The average temperature for December is around 24°C, but it can fluctuate from day to day.

Celebrate Dubai’s festive season by visiting the top places to visit in Dubai during December.

• Jumeirah Beach: Relax by the beach and watch the coastal views of the city.
• Dubai Marina: Explore waterfront promenades, restaurants and boat experiences.
• Desert Safari: Go on a guided tour of the desert.
• Downtown Dubai: Explore Dubai’s top tourist sites, shopping and restaurants.
• Old Dubai: Explore the historic neighbourhoods and traditional markets of Dubai Creek. 

Dubai can suit couples, families and travellers looking to combine relaxation with sightseeing. Accommodation ranges from more affordable city hotels to luxury beachfront properties, so the right location can make a significant difference to your overall budget.

If you are comparing Dubai vacation packages, look at hotel location, airport transfers, meal plans and included activities. A beach resort may be ideal for a slower Vacation, while a city-centre hotel can make sightseeing and shopping more convenient.

December is also a busy travel period, particularly around major Vacations and New Year’s Eve. Travellers should compare dates carefully and book popular activities in advance when possible.

5. Maldives: A Relaxing Island Escape

The Maldives is an attractive option for travellers dreaming of clear water, tropical scenery and a slower pace of life. Its island resorts offer opportunities to snorkel, dive, take boat excursions and spend time beside the Indian Ocean.

December marks the transition towards the generally drier northeast monsoon season, but rainfall remains possible. Conditions can vary between islands and throughout the month, so it is best to avoid assuming that every day will be sunny.

What makes the Maldives special?

• Overwater villas: Stay in accommodation built above the lagoon at selected resorts.
• Snorkelling: Explore coral reefs and marine life on guided or resort-organised trips.
• Scuba diving: Discover underwater landscapes with qualified dive operators.
• Private-island relaxation: Enjoy a quieter Vacation focused on beaches, dining and resort amenities.
• Boat excursions: Experience sunset cruises and other trips, subject to local conditions.

The Maldives is particularly well suited to honeymooners and couples, although some resorts also cater to families. Prices can vary considerably depending on the island, room category, meal plan and transfer arrangements.

When comparing packages, check whether seaplane or speedboat transfers are included, as these can add substantially to the cost. Also review meal-plan details and whether activities are charged separately.

Travellers considering beach vacation packages should compare the complete Vacation cost rather than accommodation prices alone. A resort with a higher nightly rate may include more meals or activities, while a lower advertised price may leave more expenses to pay separately.

How to Choose the Right Winter Sun Destination

The best destination is not necessarily the hottest or the most luxurious. Your travel dates, budget, preferred activities and tolerance for long journeys all matter when choosing a December Vacation.

Destination	Best suited to	Vacation style	What to consider
Mexico	Families, couples and beach lovers	Beach resorts and all-inclusive stays	Resort location, transfers and Vacation-period prices
Dominican Republic	Resort-focused travellers	Caribbean beaches and excursions	Resort inclusions and travel dates
Thailand	Explorers and food lovers	Beaches, culture and multi-stop trips	Flight duration and domestic transfers
Dubai	City-break and beach travellers	Sightseeing, shopping and resorts	Hotel location and activity costs
Maldives	Couples and island lovers	Resort relaxation and marine activities	Transfers, meal plans and seasonal weather

1. Decide how much warmth you want

For those who prefer to spend their days on the beach, sunbathe and swim, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, or the Maldives may be the destination of choice. Go to Dubai instead if you’d rather spend your vacation on the beach and take in the sights, but in comfort.

Keep in mind that averages in a particular region are not promises. Weather, wetness, sea state and nighttime temperatures can change, even within a single destination. 

2. Compare total trip costs

A Vacation that is advertised to be low cost can turn out to be more expensive when you include flights, checked bags, transfers, meals and excursions.

When booking a resort vacation compare all inclusive with accommodation only in Vacation. If you are going to Thailand it might be convenient to book a package that stops at a number of places, but it would be good to see how much you would have to pay if you were an independent traveller. 

3. Choose your departure dates carefully

There is a seasonal increase in travel demand during December during the Christmas/New Year’s Eve period. If you have some flexibility, make a comparison between early December and the main Vacation period.

If a traveller is looking for a last minute vacation package, he or she should check the total package rate and determine if the flight times, baggage, and hotel are suitable for his or her vacation. Availability and savings are strictly subject to availability, especially on the high demand Vacation dates. 

4. Consider the flight and transfer time

It may take a long time to reach a perfect-looking location on a map, and you might need to transfer to another vehicle en route. Think about how long it will take you to get to your resort, particularly if you’re only going on a week’s vacation.

Where available, direct flights will help shorten the journey, but the routes are different for Canadians depending on the time of year and their destination. Check out your real dates before committing.

5. Check what your package includes

Ensure that the accommodation category, meals, airport transfers, luggage allowance and any advertised excursion is a part of the booking before making the reservation.

But the lowest headline price isn’t necessarily the lowest real price. A good comparison of inclusions will assist you to select a Vacation that meets your expectations and budget.

When Should You Book a December Winter Sun Vacation?

If you plan to travel around Christmas or New Year’s Eve, start comparing options well in advance. Popular resorts, room categories and convenient flight times can become limited during the busiest dates.

For flexible travellers, comparing several departure dates may reveal a better combination of price and convenience. If you are considering last-minute travel, check the full terms and total cost before committing.

It is also worth reviewing entry requirements, passport validity, travel insurance and any destination-specific health guidance before departure. Requirements can differ by destination and traveller, so consult the relevant official sources for your circumstances.

Final Thoughts

A December Vacation can be a chance to escape the cold and snowy winter weather in favour of the warm weather or a relaxing island getaway. Mexico and the Dominican Republic are great choices for resort vacations by the beach, Thailand could be a combination of culture and beach time, Dubai could be a mix of sun and city attractions, and the Maldives could be a tranquil island getaway.

The better alternative would be to determine where you would like to spend your time, how much you intend to spend, and how far you are willing to travel. Look at weather forecasts, package prices and contents before making a booking and select the country that best suits your winter holiday.

To begin planning your December getaway, peruse Travelodeal’s destination guides and vacation options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Sun Destinations in December