Oh, December. The glacial last month of the year stirs visions of snow-covered hills, wooden toboggans, hot cocoa with mini marshmallows and ripping open presents while fluffy powder falls outside. In our youth, December break meant being out of school, frequenting the local skating rink in town and competing against other neighborhood kids in sledding contests. It also meant road trips to visit grandma and grandpa at their residence upstate, or even the occassional weekend at the nearest ski mountain. As we grew older, mulled wine and decadent, spiked eggnog joined the party.
But, of course, there is another way (well many) to spend December still surrounded by friends and family that has nothing to do with freezing temperatures or icy roads.
It’s time to trade flurries for frozen drinks and put your bikini to good use. In your not-so-distant future, we see hours lazing on the glimmering shores of a far-away beach and eating fresh coconut. We’d deem that the polar opposite of arctic. To inspire your steamy getaway—and all the torrid antics likely to ensue—we’ve pulled together a list of hot spots worthy of your PTO. From sun-drenched domestic destinations to exotic islands with balmy climates, here are 15 awesome warm places to visit in December.
1.
Singapore
Average daily temperature in December: 84°F
2.
St. Barts
Average daily temperature in December: 81°F
3.
Tulum, Mexico
Average daily temperature in December: 76°F
4.
South Beach, Florida
Average daily temperature in December: 73°F
5.
The Maldives
Average daily temperature in December: 86°F
6.
Nevis
Average daily temperature in December: 82°F
7.
Okinawa, Japan
Average daily temperature in December: 65°F
8.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Average daily temperature in December: 80°F
9.
Perth, Australia
Average daily temperature in December: 71°F
10.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Average daily temperature in December: 84°F
11.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Average daily temperature in December: 77°F
12.
Turks & Caicos
Average daily temperature in December: 80°F
13.
Cape Town, South Africa
Average daily temperature in December: 75°F
14.
Maui, Hawaii
Average daily temperature in December: 80°F
15.
Curaçao
Average daily temperature in December: 85°F