December is peak dry season across the tropics and high summer below the equator โ so these ten islands are hitting their sunniest, warmest, most swimmable stretch of the year. Ranked for weather, atmosphere, and holiday magic.
The gold standard for a barefoot-luxury holiday. December kicks off the dry "Iruvai" season โ glassy lagoons, overwater villas and near-guaranteed sun. Many resorts throw festive galas on the sand.
Temples, rice terraces, surf and serious value. December is wetter (short afternoon showers) but lush and green, with fewer crowds than July and a festive buzz in Seminyak and Ubud.
The postcard lagoon in impossible shades of blue. December is warm and a touch humid, but the setting โ Mount Otemanu over turquoise water โ is unmatched for a splurge-worthy Christmas.
Aloha meets the holidays. December brings warm days, humpback whales returning to the coast, and a mellow island Christmas. Road to Hana, Haleakalฤ sunrise, and endless beaches.
Granite boulders, powder-soft Anse Source d'Argent, and giant tortoises. December is warm and green with occasional showers โ quieter and more intimate than the busier spring months.
Southern-hemisphere summer means proper beach weather. Reef-protected lagoons, rum distilleries, mountains and a rich Creole-Indian-French culture. Warm, festive and family-friendly.
The Caribbean dry season lands in December โ sunshine, trade-wind breezes and lively holiday spirit. Platinum-coast beaches on the west, wild Atlantic surf on the east, and superb food.
December is prime time on the Andaman coast โ dry, sunny and calm seas for island-hopping to Phi Phi and James Bond Island. Big holiday energy, great value, and unbeatable street food.
Over 300 islands and famously warm hospitality. December is hot and humid (early wet season) but the water is gorgeous and the soft-coral diving is world class. A relaxed, remote Christmas.
Spice-island history in Stone Town plus dreamy east-coast beaches. December is a short dry window before the rains โ warm, exotic and easy to pair with a Serengeti safari for a two-in-one trip.