December is the peak of the southern hemisphere summer and the most reliable warm-water month for tropical destinations close to the equator. The Maldives is at its absolute clearest. Mauritius hits its summer. Thailand's Andaman coast is bone dry. Australia is at full summer. South Africa goes wild. Costa Rica's Pacific dry season is in full swing. The downside is peak pricing around Christmas and New Year. The upside is the experience pays it back.
The weather, the water, the feel
Maldives 30 C, water 29 C, visibility 30 meters. Mauritius 30 C, water 28 C. Sydney 26 C with hot waves. Cape Town 27 C and breezy. Costa Rica Pacific 30 C and dry. Phuket 31 C and dry. Bali at the cusp of its rainy season but still mostly sunny early in the month.
Maldivian house reef snorkeling is unbeatable in December. Mauritian lagoons are at peak warmth at Le Morne, Trou aux Biches, and Belle Mare. Phuket and Krabi waters glass over by sunrise. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula surf at Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Mal Pais is consistent and clean. Australia's east coast is at full beach mode from Byron to Bondi.
Five destinations on the shortlist
Indian Ocean
Maldives
30 C / 86 F
Best snorkeling visibility of the year.
Indian Ocean
Mauritius
30 C / 86 F
Le Morne, Tamarin, Belle Mare. Dolphins off La Gaulette.
Andaman coast
Thailand
31 C / 88 F
Phi Phi, Phuket, Krabi. Dry and reliable.
Pacific coast
Costa Rica
30 C / 86 F
Santa Teresa, Nosara, Manuel Antonio.
East coast
Australia
27 C / 81 F
Sydney harbor beaches, Byron Bay, Whitsundays.
Insider planning tips
- Christmas week prices spike 200 to 300 percent in tropical destinations. Travel the first half of December or the second half of January for value.
- Maldives transfers by seaplane only operate in daylight. Late arrivals get an overnight in Male.
- Sydney New Year fireworks accommodation books a year out.
- Thailand's Krabi is busier than Phuket the week between Christmas and New Year because of cheaper flights.
Where to stay
Maldives mid-range resorts on Maafushi, Dhigurah, and Thoddoo are realistic. Mauritian self-catering apartments in Tamarin and Pereybere beat resort buffet life. Thai villas in Rawai, Naiyang, and Bangtao are excellent value if booked early. Costa Rican surf hostels and small lodges in Santa Teresa and Nosara are best booked direct. Australian east coast holiday houses in the hinterland behind Byron are quieter than the beach itself.
Final word
December at warm latitudes is the original endless summer experience. Pay attention to timing and it pays back.