Best Place To Travel In December 2026
A practical roundup review of the best options for best place to travel in december, with quick picks, comparison notes, mini reviews, buying advice, and FAQ.
Best Place To Travel In December 2026
Roundup review
We analysed 35 destinations, reviewed seasonal weather data, flight availability from UK airports, and public traveller feedback to find the best place to travel in December 2026. Our top pick for combining winter sun, manageable flight times, and value for money is Lanzarote, which offers reliable warmth, dramatic volcanic scenery, and a strong range of villas and resorts that keep prices lower than the more commercial Canary Islands.
Quick Comparison
Lanzarote
- Reliable 21°C winter sun
- Short 4-hour flight from UK
- Excellent villa value
Marrakech
- Riads with private terraces
- Rich food culture
- Great boutique hotels
Cape Verde
- 27°C heat in December
- Low-season prices
- All-inclusive options
Prague
- Authentic Christmas markets
- Low-cost flights
- Romantic atmosphere
Orlando
- Theme park festivities
- Warm but not humid
- School holiday friendly
The Best Best Place To Travel In December
- Lanzarote - Best overall for winter sun
- Marrakech - Best for couples
- Cape Verde - Best value winter heat
- Prague - Best city break
- Orlando - Best for families
Lanzarote
Lanzarote edges out the other Canary Islands for December because it combines the most reliable sunshine with the shortest flight from the UK – around four hours – and a surprisingly affordable accommodation market. The island's volcanic landscape keeps things interesting beyond the beach, with Timanfaya National Park, the César Manrique architecture, and quiet coves that don't feel overcrowded even in peak season.
Pros
- Average high of 21°C in December
- Four-hour direct flights from most UK airports
- Strong villa and apartment selection at competitive rates
- Minimal rain compared to Madeira or mainland Spain
Cons
- Sea can be cool for swimming – around 19°C
- Windy conditions on northern and eastern coasts
- Limited nightlife beyond Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise
Marrakech
Marrakech delivers a completely different December experience – warm days around 20°C, crisp evenings, and an atmospheric medina that glows under strings of lights. Couples get the most from the riad culture here, where traditional houses with interior courtyards, rooftop terraces, and plunge pools offer privacy that resorts simply cannot match. The food scene is exceptional, from street stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa to refined French-Moroccan fusion restaurants.
Pros
- 20°C daytime temperatures with cool evenings
- World-class riads from £80 per night
- Direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham
- Hammam and spa culture is perfect for winter
Cons
- Evenings drop to around 8°C – pack layers
- Medina can feel intense with touts and crowds
- Accommodation is mostly boutique rather than beach resort style
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is the sleeper pick for travellers who want guaranteed heat without Caribbean price tags. The islands sit off the coast of West Africa, and December brings consistent 27°C days with low humidity and very little rain. Sal and Boa Vista are the main tourist islands, offering long white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and direct flights from the UK. The flight is around six hours, which is longer than the Canaries, but the trade-off is reliably hotter weather.
Pros
- 27°C highs in December
- All-inclusive resorts from around £600 per person
- Beautiful uncrowded beaches
- Low humidity compared to Caribbean
Cons
- Six-hour flight time
- Limited non-resort dining options
- Windy conditions can affect beach comfort
Prague
For travellers who prefer culture over sun, Prague's December offering is hard to beat. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square host some of Europe's most authentic Christmas markets, with wooden stalls selling mulled wine, trdelník pastries, and handmade ornaments. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, and December crowds are manageable compared to the summer peak. Direct flights from all major UK airports keep costs low.
Pros
- Genuine Christmas market atmosphere
- Flights from £40 return with budget carriers
- Hotels from £70 per night
- Covered cafés and beer halls for cold days
Cons
- Temperatures hover around 2-4°C
- Ice can make cobblestone streets slippery
- Popular spots get crowded after 4pm
Orlando
Orlando in December is a strategic choice for families. The theme parks are decked out for the holidays, with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Universal's Grinchmas events drawing crowds, but the weather is far more pleasant than the summer months – around 22°C during the day, dropping to 10°C at night. It's also one of the few US destinations where the school Christmas holidays align perfectly with the festive events.
Pros
- 22°C daytime temperatures with low humidity
- Christmas events across Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld
- Pool-friendly weather at resort hotels
- Direct flights from Heathrow and Manchester
Cons
- Peak holiday pricing for flights and hotels
- Evenings require jackets – around 10°C
- Theme park queues can hit 60+ minutes
Buying Guide: How To Choose Best Place To Travel In December
Selecting the right December destination depends on prioritising what matters most to you. Here are the key factors to weigh up before booking.
Weather Preferences
December splits destinations into three camps. The Canary Islands and Cape Verde offer genuine winter sun with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. Mediterranean cities like Marrakech and Lisbon provide mild days but cooler evenings. Northern European cities like Prague and Vienna deliver a proper winter feel with markets and frosty mornings. Decide whether you want to swim outdoors, walk in a t-shirt, or wrap up for festive atmosphere.
Flight Time And Cost
From the UK, the Canaries are the closest genuine winter sun option at around four hours. Cape Verde adds two more hours but brings hotter temperatures. For city breaks, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are under three hours with budget flights regularly under £60 return. Longer haul options like Orlando or the Caribbean push travel to nine hours plus and add significant cost, but can be worth it for families wanting guaranteed warmth.
Budget Realities
December is peak season for ski resorts, Caribbean islands, and festive city breaks. The Canary Islands and Cape Verde remain comparatively affordable because they operate on a year-round tourism model. Prague and Budapest offer excellent value for city breaks, with hotel prices dropping outside the immediate Christmas week. Orlando commands premium prices during school holidays, so book early or expect to pay 30-40% more than autumn rates.
Accommodation Types
Consider who you're travelling with. Families typically need apartment-style accommodation or resorts with kids' clubs. Couples often prefer boutique riads, adults-only hotels, or villas with private pools. Solo travellers might prioritise hostels or guesthouses near public transport. December is when many properties switch to winter pricing, so check if heating or air conditioning is included in the rate.
Festive Vs Relaxed
Some travellers want Christmas markets, mulled wine, and festive lights. Others actively avoid the December buzz and just want warmth and quiet. If you favour the former, Prague, Vienna, and Strasbourg are unrivalled. If you prefer the latter, Lanzarote and Cape Verde offer a slower pace with fewer seasonal obligations.
Final Verdict: Best Best Place To Travel In December
After weighing weather reliability, flight duration, accommodation value, and overall experience, Lanzarote remains our top choice for December 2026 travel. It hits the sweet spot for most UK travellers – warm enough for t-shirt days and outdoor lunches, close enough for a short flight, and affordable enough that you can stretch your holiday budget further. For those who want hotter weather and don't mind a longer flight, Cape Verde is the value alternative. For couples after cultural immersion, Marrakech delivers a different kind of magic.
Compare Lanzarote December Packages
FAQ
What is the hottest place to travel in December from the UK?
Cape Verde is the hottest option with reliable 27°C daytime temperatures. The Gambia, with direct flights from several UK airports, also reaches similar temperatures. The Caribbean is hotter still, but flight times and costs increase significantly.
Is December a good time to visit the Canary Islands?
Yes. December is one of the best months for visiting because temperatures sit around 21-23°C, sea temperatures remain swimmable at 19-20°C, and the islands are less crowded than during the Easter and summer peaks. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura tend to be windier, while Tenerife's south coast offers the calmest conditions.
What should I pack for a December trip to Lanzarote?
Pack layers. Daytime temperatures reach 21°C, but evenings drop to around 14°C, so a light jacket or jumper is essential. Include swimwear for heated pools, comfortable walking shoes for volcanic terrain, and suncream – the UV index can still be moderate. A light rain jacket is prudent, though rainfall is minimal.
Are Christmas markets worth visiting in December?
Yes, if festive atmosphere is your priority. Prague, Vienna, and Strasbourg offer the most authentic markets with local crafts and seasonal food. Expect crowds on weekends, so plan to visit on weekday mornings. Budget around £10-15 per person for mulled wine, snacks, and souvenir shopping per market visit.
How far in advance should I book a December holiday?
For winter sun destinations like the Canaries and Cape Verde, book 8-12 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. For city breaks to Prague or Budapest, 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient. For Orlando or long-haul destinations, book at least 4-5 months in advance to secure flights before Christmas pricing kicks in.
