Warm in December: The best destinations for a sunny winter holiday

Christmas under palm trees instead of under a Christmas tree? According to a survey by the travel agency Opodo, many Germans like the idea. They're happy to spend the holiday with friends instead of with family. According to the survey, 67 percent of Germans surveyed can imagine breaking with traditional Christmas traditions and spending the holidays in a warm environment. One in five can even imagine spending this time in a warm environment with friends instead of with family.

If you feel the same way and would rather have sun and cocktails than snow and mulled wine in December, then we have ten warm holiday destinations for December – some closer, some further away.

Pleasant summer temperatures and plenty of sunshine per day – Cape Town, one ofSouth Africa 's three capital cities (the others being Pretoria and Bloemfontein), is an ideal travel destination for December. Even at night, it doesn't get cold here in December, making it ideal for exploring the city and then fortifying yourself with top-notch food, usually at a fraction of the price you'd pay in Germany.

A must for all Cape Town travelers is, of course, climbing the famous Table Mountain and enjoying the spectacular view of the city. Those who need a little more exercise should take a trip to the Cape of Good Hope and view the world from the southern tip of Africa – the southernmost point of the continent is Cape Agulhas.

Afterwards, you'll have earned a break in the sun on one of Cape Town's numerous beaches. Just don't expect warm water—but it's ideal for a quick cool-off.

With almost 70 percent of South Africa's population being Christian, you'll certainly not miss out on the Christmas spirit, if that's what you're looking for. It might be a little different than in your home country of Germany, but that's certainly exciting.

• Daytime temperatures: 25 degrees Celsius
• Temperatures at night: 15 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 11
• Rainy days: maximum 6
• Water temperature: 16 to 20 degrees Celsius

Just a few hours' flight from Germany , Lisbon is an ideal December destination for those who don't want to endure long-haul flights in search of sunshine and warmth. Portugal's capital offers travelers a cornucopia of exciting activities.

Culture lovers will definitely get their money's worth here. Three of the most exciting places that vacationers should definitely visit: The famous Jerónimos Monastery in the Belem district is considered the most important surviving building in the Manueline style. The Torre de Belém lighthouse is considered one of the port city's most important sights—hardly surprising, given that Portugal was once a major naval power. And, of course, there's the historic Santa Justa elevator in the old town, which has connected the Baixa and Chiado districts for over 100 years.

After so much culture, it's time for a bite to eat, ideally in the so-called tascas, the city's simple taverns, where traditional local dishes like bacalhau are often served. During the Christmas season, colorful markets are set up in many places in Lisbon, giving the metropolis a very special charm.

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Those who still need a sweet treat at Christmas time should try the famous Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém – freshly baked puff pastry tarts.

• Daytime temperature: 15 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 9 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 6
• Rainy days: maximum 10
• Water temperature: 17 degrees Celsius

The heavy showers of Thailand 's rainy season are finally a thing of the past in December, and sunshine and high temperatures beckon instead. Thanks to its good connections to many international airports, Bangkok is a popular destination for travelers to Thailand, as well as for tourists who want to travel further afield through Southeast Asia. The city itself, however, also has a lot to offer.

Visitors to Bangkok should definitely check out the famous floating market in Damnoen Saduak. You will be taken there by paddle boat and can stroll leisurely through a market that you don't see every day.

Bangkok is also known for its impressive skyline; the many skyscrapers often house sky bars that offer exceptional views, one of the most spectacular being the Mahanakhon Skywalk.

Of course, a tuk-tuk tour is a must; travelers can easily combine this with sampling local street food for around one euro or visiting a food court. As an international city, travelers in Bangkok can also find options for Arabic, Indian, Italian, Korean, or African cuisine.

• Daytime temperature: 32 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 22 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8
• Rainy days: maximum 1
• Water temperature: 27 degrees Celsius

Summer heat and still the opportunity to ski in December? No problem in Dubai . The modern city offers travelers a variety of activities, with something for almost every vacationer.

Those who have escaped the German winter might not want snow in Dubai either, so they'd rather visit Jumeirah Beach instead of the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai. From the beach, you can see the famous artificial islands of The World and Palm Jumeirah. If you'd rather go up high, you should visit the world-famous towers Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab.

Tourists who aren't alone in Dubai over Christmas will probably need a few gifts, as the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates offer everything your heart desires – if you're willing to spend a little money.

• Daytime temperature: 26 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 16 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8
• Rainy days: maximum 1
• Water temperature: 25 degrees Celsius

Looking for a shorter flight? Then Egypt might be for you. In about four hours, travelers can escape the German winter and enjoy summer temperatures. The country's all-inclusive hotels are ideal for vacationers who just want to relax and enjoy the sun.

Of course, with its 5,000-year history, Egypt also offers a wealth of cultural attractions that are well worth leaving your deck chair or beach towel for. The Pyramids of Giza are definitely worth a visit, as they are among the Wonders of the Ancient World. Those interested can also visit metropolises like Cairo, Luxor, or Alexandria and sample culinary specialties like Hamam Mahshi or Kusheri.

The perfect beach resort in Egypt is without a doubt Hurghada , where beach fans can expect a 40-kilometer-long coastline with excellent sand and water quality.

• Daytime temperature: 26 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 12 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8
• Rainy days: maximum 1
• Water temperature: 24 degrees Celsius

Due to their geographical location, the Canary Islands are all perfectly suited for a warm December holiday. However, Tenerife generally offers the most pleasant climatic conditions at this time of year; the island's climate remains consistently mild, meaning it's neither too hot during the day nor too cold at night.

Although Tenerife belongs to Spain, it lies over 1,000 kilometers south of the coast of West Africa and offers vacationers paradisiacal beaches. Those who enjoy hiking can try Mount Teide. The 3,718-meter-high volcano is not only the highest point in the Canary Islands, but also the highest mountain in Spain.

In Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a picturesque park, invites you to bask in the sun. Another highlight of the island are the Pyramids of Güímar. These terraced structures are constructed from lava stones stacked without mortar.

• Daytime temperature: 23 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 15 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 5 to 7
• Rainy days: maximum 5
• Water temperature: 20 degrees Celsius

Mexico is always worth a visit, but in December the weather in most parts of the country is at its best. On the Yucatán Peninsula, the Caribbean coast beckons vacationers with stunning beaches, and in December, you don't have to worry about hurricanes. Whether you're looking for partying, culture, or relaxation, everyone will find the perfect vacation spot here.

The famous cities of Cancún and Tulum offer ample opportunities to celebrate the New Year in style. Those looking for a more relaxing holiday will love Isla Mujeres, located just off Cancún. Crystal-clear, shallow waters and beautiful beaches will quickly make you forget the cold German winter.

If you are still looking for culture, we recommend the ancient Mayan sites of Tulum or Chichén Itzá, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as a visit to the cenotes, underground caves with crystal-clear water.

During Christmas and New Year's, the east coast of Yucatán is particularly popular with tourists from the US and Canada. Vacationers need to be quick or expect to spend a bit more on accommodations. The west coast of Yucatán is somewhat less developed for tourism, but is equally beautiful, with the architecturally impressive town of Mérida.

• Daytime temperature: 28 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 18 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 5
• Rainy days: maximum 3
• Water temperature: 25 degrees Celsius

Madeira, the so-called Island of Flowers, benefits from the warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean year-round and offers a pleasant climate even in December. The island is actually the peak of a submerged volcano and boasts paradisiacal natural beauty. Like Tenerife, Madeira lies almost 1,000 kilometers from the Portuguese mainland off the coast of West Africa.

Due to its evergreen nature, the island is a paradise for hikers, with trails of varying difficulty along impressive rock faces and deep blue waterfalls. For football fans, the island offers a special highlight: a museum dedicated to the island's most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Travelers visiting Madeira over Christmas and New Year's Eve should definitely pay a visit to the capital, Funchal. The streets are lavishly decorated before the holidays, bathing the city in a sea of ​​lights, culminating in a massive fireworks display on New Year's Eve.

• Daytime temperature: 20 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 15 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 5
• Rainy days: maximum 7
• Water temperature: 19 degrees Celsius

In December, it can rain occasionally in Sri Lanka , so travelers should be prepared for this. However, if you avoid the country's east coast, there shouldn't be too many rainy days. Moreover, Sri Lanka makes up for this in December with tropical temperatures and pleasantly warm seawater.

Although Sri Lanka is a small country, it offers a wealth of attractions, from impressive buildings to beautiful landscapes with wildlife and stunning beaches. In Sri Lanka's famous Cultural Triangle, every visitor will find something to their liking, with the ancient royal cities of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Kandy, as well as the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock.

In Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka, tourists can see wild leopards or elephants.

The south of the country also boasts stunning beaches that invite you to relax and soak up the sun. Those looking for a bit of action will also find great surfing conditions here.

• Daytime temperature: 29 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 20 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8
• Rainy days: maximum 12
• Water temperature: 27 degrees Celsius

The Dominican Republic is an ideal travel destination for December. Hurricane and rainy seasons are over, and sunshine and summer temperatures beckon. So, if you're looking for something more than just a postcard of turquoise water and white sandy beaches in December, you can't go wrong with this Caribbean island.

The country's east coast, with its famous Punta Cana, offers a variety of all-inclusive resorts where travelers can unwind. Starting in mid-December, there's also the opportunity to enjoy a whale-watching tour along the east coast. Coral reefs also invite you to dive and snorkel.

A trip to the capital, Santo Domingo, is worthwhile not only for its 16th-century cathedral, but also for the Alcázar de Colón palace, built by the son of Christopher Columbus. While in Santo Domingo, don't forget to visit Los Tres Ojos National Park. These picturesque underground lagoons once served as refuges and ritual sites for the island's indigenous inhabitants.

• Daytime temperature: 30 degrees Celsius
• Temperature at night: 20 degrees Celsius
• Hours of sunshine per day: 6
• Rainy days: maximum 8
• Water temperature: 27 degrees Celsius

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .

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