The 10 hottest places to go on holiday in December – including Tenerife and Lanzarote | Travel News | Travel
December is one of the best months to escape the UK and find some proper winter sun. While Britain deals with freezing temperatures, frosty mornings and endless rain, there are places in Europe and much further afield where the weather stays warm, sunny and perfect for a holiday.
With that in mind, the Met Office has shared the 10 hottest destinations to visit in December, and the list includes some of the places British travellers love most, such as Tenerife and Lanzarote. Getting away before Christmas is also usually much cheaper than travelling during the summer months, and the crowds are much smaller too.
Here are the 10 hottest places to go on holiday in December, according to the Met Office.
Cape Town – 19.8C
Cape Town’s summer starts in December, bringing warm days, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The Met Office says average maximum temperatures sit at around 19.8C with roughly 11 hours of sun and only about 15mm of rain.
The climate is often compared to a Mediterranean summer, which helps explain its success as a wine-growing region. Visitors can explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and nearby vineyards in comfortable, not overpowering, heat.
(Image: Getty)
Madeira – 20C
Madeira is a good option for those who want mild warmth rather than intense heat. Average December temperatures hover around 20C, with plenty of dry days but also some showers, especially in the mountains.
The island is very hilly, so conditions can change quickly as you gain height. It’s not always hot enough for a full week of sunbathing, but it is popular for walking holidays, coastal paths and exploring the capital Funchal.
(Image: Getty)
Tenerife – 21.9C
Tenerife is one of the classic winter-sun spots for British tourists. In December, the Met Office says average maximum temperatures reach about 21.9C, with around six hours of sunshine a day.
The island does see more rain in winter, particularly in the north, but totals remain low and there are still plenty of dry days. Visitors can relax on beaches, explore resorts like Costa Adeje, or head inland to see Mount Teide and its volcanic landscapes.
(Image: Getty)
Melbourne – 25.5C
December marks the start of summer in Melbourne, and average maximum temperatures climb to about 25.5C with roughly eight hours of sunshine a day. The Met Office says the city’s climate is similar to coastal California, with no long, cold spells and fairly even rainfall across the year.
Conditions can still be changeable, but visitors can expect warm days for exploring the city’s waterfront and parks without extreme humidity.
(Image: Getty)
