Where Is Hot in December? Your Guide to Sunny Winter Destinations

Handy Guide

If you’re asking yourself where is hot in December, you’re not alone. When temperatures drop across Europe and North America, lots of travelers start looking for winter sun – places that are warm, bright, and still easy to reach. December is actually a great month for city breaks, beach escapes, and longer trips if you know where to go and how to stay connected on the road.

Before you book, it’s also worth understanding how data roaming works abroad so you don’t burn through your budget on mobile data while chasing the sun.

Canary Islands, Spain – Warmth Without Leaving Europe

If you’re wondering where is hot in December in Europe, the Canary Islands are at the top of the list. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura usually sit around 20–25°C with plenty of sunshine.

They’re ideal if you want winter warmth without a long-haul flight. Since the islands are spread out, many travelers choose the best data plan for a European trip so they can hop between islands and mainland cities without changing SIMs.

Dubai, UAE – Guaranteed Winter Sun

Dubai is perfect if your version of “where is hot in December” equals beach weather and blue skies. Daily highs often reach the high 20s, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. December is also one of the most comfortable months there – hot, but not unbearably so.

Because Dubai is such a connected city, having reliable mobile data for ride-hailing, maps, and restaurant bookings is essential. Many visitors avoid expensive roaming by buying and activating an eSIM before they fly so everything is ready the moment they land.

Mexico – Hot and (Often) Cheaper in December

If you’re looking for where is hot and cheap in December, parts of Mexico are a strong contender. Spots like Cancún, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta offer warm beaches, lively nightlife, and a wide range of prices depending on where you stay.

To keep costs low, it helps to avoid high roaming fees abroad by using a prepaid eSIM instead of your home carrier’s roaming package.

Thailand – Tropical Beaches and Island Hopping

Thailand is another classic answer to where is hot in December. Places like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are in peak season: clear skies, warm sea, and temperatures in the high 20s.

If you’re island hopping or combining Thailand with nearby countries, it can be cheaper to use a regional plan rather than separate SIMs. ZIM’s guide to local vs regional vs global eSIM options helps you decide which kind of plan fits a multi-stop itinerary.

Cape Verde – A Quiet Alternative for Winter Sun

Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa, is a good option if you want something slightly different. Temperatures usually sit around 25–27°C in December and there’s plenty of sun, but the islands feel calmer than some bigger resorts.

Because it’s more remote, you’ll want to make sure your phone is ready before you head out. You can check if your device is eSIM-compatible in seconds so you’re not troubleshooting when you arrive.

Staying Connected in Hot December Destinations

Wherever you decide to chase the sun, staying online is part of the experience – from maps and translation apps to video calls home.

Instead of swapping physical SIM cards or paying unpredictable roaming charges, many travelers use a ZIM eSIM to get local-priced data. You can manage how much you use by following ZIM’s tips on managing your eSIM for voice messaging and data, which help your allowance last longer while you’re away.

If you’re planning several trips over the year, an eSIM also means you don’t have to keep buying new physical SIMs – you simply add a new plan when you book your next escape.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still asking where is hot in December, the short answer is: plenty of places. For European winter sun, the Canary Islands are hard to beat. For long-haul warmth, Dubai, Mexico, Thailand, and Cape Verde all deliver serious sunshine when it’s freezing at home.

Wherever you go, pairing your trip with a ZIM eSIM keeps you connected without the stress of roaming fees or local SIM hunting.

To make things even easier, download the ZIM app to browse plans, activate your eSIM in minutes, and stay online in over 200 destinations.

Download the ZIM app to get started!