20 Best Beaches Around The World To Visit In December
Say goodbye to winter! Explore 20 of the world's most beautiful beaches perfect for a December getaway. From relaxing shores to exciting adventures, find your perfect escape.
Author:Maya ReyesReviewer:Finn WildeDec 31, 2024141 Shares7.8K Views
As December brings cooler weather for many, a beach vacation is the ideal remedy to the cold. Some beaches offer peaceful serenity, while others are alive with activity and joyous events.
To choose the best spot, you must first grasp what each beach has to offer. With the proper destination, a December beach vacation may be a treasure trove of memories and leisure.
Knip Beach, Curaçao
Curaçao gifts us with two stunning beaches: Grote (Big) Knip and Kleine (Little) Knip. Grote Knip paints a picture-perfect scene - think vibrant turquoise water lapping against pristine white sand. It’s relaxation central, perfect for sunbathing and soaking up those Caribbean rays.
Just a short hop away, Kleine Knip awaits snorkel enthusiasts. This smaller cove offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Both beaches share a name and a history, linked to Landhuis Kenepa, a former plantation now housing a museum. So, you get sun, sea, and a touch of history - a triple threat of vacation goodness!
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel
Cozumel rolls out the welcome mat in December with its dry season, delivering temperatures above 80℉ and bathwater-warm seas. Punta Sur, perched at the island’s southern tip, is a natural wonderland.
Snorkelers and divers share the underwater realm with graceful sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of fish. For those who prefer dry land, sun loungers and tropical drinks offer a perfect dose of relaxation.
History buffs can explore the scenic Celarain lighthouse, a great spot for a coastal stroll. Nearby, El Caracol, a small Mayan site dating back to around 1200 AD, whispers tales of the island’s ancient past.
Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin
Orient Bay Beach, known as the "Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean," is located on St. Martin's French side and faces the huge Atlantic. This beach is a hive of activity, particularly in December, and provides ideal surfing conditions.
A lengthy expanse of white sand offers plenty of space for sunbathers and swimmers. Orient Bay is more than just catching waves; it's a wonderland for watersports fans. Try your hand at parasailing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing for an adrenaline boost.
The beach is lined with vibrant restaurants, bars, and cafés that serve anything from simple snacks to gourmet meals. Orient Bay offers a warm and lively retreat, with December temperatures ranging from 75-80ºF and equally welcoming water temps.
La Caleta Beach, Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz's tiniest beach, La Caleta, packs a powerful impact. This is a popular destination thanks to its golden sands, busy open-air bars, and buzzing atmosphere. While December may not be ideal for swimming, La Caleta provides a wonderful backdrop for leisurely walks and excellent people-watching.
Nestled in a little bay, La Caleta is protected by two castles, one at each end. A promenade connects these historical sites, lined with attractive eateries and traditional flamenco bars.
Cadiz's ancient city center is a short walk away, featuring the beautiful Cathedral and the vibrant Mercado Central, a sensory delight. La Caleta provides a unique combination of beach leisure and historical exploration.
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Galleon Beach, Antigua
Galleon Beach, marked by its photogenic old anchor, presents a postcard-perfect scene on Antigua. White sand rings a bay of calm turquoise water, backed by lush tropical greenery.
Located near English Harbour, Galleon Beach offers a sense of seclusion. While accessible by car, a water taxi provides a more scenic and fun arrival, adding to the beach’s tranquil atmosphere.
Galleon Beach is a haven for swimmers and snorkelers. The calm waters offer excellent visibility, increasing your chances of spotting turtles, stingrays, and other marine wonders. December water temperatures average a comfortable 81ºF, making it perfect for a dip.
Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
Reduit Beach, a strong contender for St. Lucia’s best, graces Rodney Bay. This vibrant beach is backed by a marina, luxury resorts, and Rodney Bay Village, ensuring easy access to restaurants, bars, and all sorts of watersports.
At the northern end of the beach sits Pigeon Island, home to an 18th-century fort with panoramic views. December is an especially exciting time to visit St. Lucia, as the island celebrates its National Day mid-month. The preceding Festival of Light fills the island with vibrant energy, featuring a Lantern Parade and spectacular fireworks. Reduit Beach offers a mix of relaxation, activity, and cultural immersion.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands embodies the classic Caribbean dream: soft white sand, shimmering turquoise waters, and verdant green hills. Hammocks sway gently between palm trees, practically begging you to relax.
If you manage to pull yourself away from the shade, opportunities for snorkeling and sailing abound. Several charming beach shacks dot the shore, offering local food and refreshing drinks. The most famous is the Soggy Dollar Bar, birthplace of the legendary “Painkiller” cocktail.
This hidden Caribbean gem is a popular stop for sailors. December brings ideal temperatures around 80ºF, with equally inviting water temperatures. White Bay is the perfect place to unwind, sip cocktails, and live the Caribbean dream.
Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach, stretching two miles, forms the vibrant heart of Aruba’s hotel and entertainment scene. This Aruban beach offers ample shade from swaying palm trees and convenient access to various facilities.
December temperatures on the ABC Islands average a delightful 81°F for both air and sea. While the sun shines brightly, occasional afternoon showers provide a perfect excuse to explore the beach’s numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Two of Aruba’s largest shopping malls are a short distance away, offering retail therapy for those inclined.
Te Amo Beach, Bonaire
Bonaire, a haven for divers, features a protected coral reef just a few feet from the shore. This creates a vibrant underwater world waiting to be explored. Te Amo Beach, with its pristine white sand, sits in the shadow of the island’s tiny airport. A lone food truck provides refreshments, adding to the beach’s unique, laid-back charm.
Its romantic name (“I love you” in Spanish) reflects the sheer beauty of its Caribbean setting. Turquoise water, white sand, and consistently warm temperatures create a truly idyllic escape. Te Amo Beach offers a perfect blend of diving adventures and romantic relaxation.
South Friars Beach, St. Kitts
St. Kitts basks in lovely winter weather, with air and sea temperatures averaging around 80ºF in December. South Friars Beach is well-equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for ultimate relaxation. The sand here is a visual treat, varying in color from black to brown to white, depending on where you set up camp.
The clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkelers, with opportunities to spot sea turtles, starfish, and other marine life. Two main beach bars compete for your attention, along with several smaller spots offering local food and drinks.
Las Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
While the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes, they also offer some beautiful beaches. Las Bachas, on Santa Cruz Island, is a long stretch of soft sand perfect for swimming and relaxing.
This Galapagos beach has a special claim to fame: it’s home to graceful pink flamingos, who frequent the two lagoons behind the beach. The beach’s name comes from two rusty barges left behind by the US Army after World War II, adding a touch of history to this natural paradise.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
With December temperatures averaging a balmy 85.6ºF, Magens Bay on St. Thomas’s north coast is a true tropical paradise. White sands meet calm, cerulean waters, framed by stunning views.
The horseshoe-shaped bay creates a sheltered haven, perfect for watersports enthusiasts. Swimmers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and sailors share the tranquil waters.
This mile-long St. Thomas beach is popular for various activities, from frisbee and beach volleyball to simply relaxing on the soft sand. A restaurant, beach bar, and shop provide convenient refreshments.
Phi Phi Island, Phuket, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, near Phuket, needs little introduction. Its starring role in a certain Leonardo DiCaprio film launched it into international fame, and its beauty continues to captivate visitors.
The reality lives up to the hype. Imagine lush tropical greenery cascading down dramatic cliffs, meeting pristine white powder sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This is the quintessential Thai island paradise.
In December, air temperatures average a comfortable 81°F, with the water just a degree or two cooler. While there’s a chance of rain earlier in the month, the weather generally improves as the weeks pass.
Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
If you crave endless stretches of sand, Maspalomas Beach delivers. This beach extends into a vast expanse of rolling sand dunes, creating a unique desert-meets-ocean landscape - a surprising sight in the volcanic Canary Islands. You can even take camel rides across the dunes for a truly memorable experience.
The iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse stands as a landmark within this protected nature area. Despite the wild landscape, you’ll find plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby, offering refreshments and local cuisine.
Where Maspalomas meets the neighboring Playa del Inglés, you’ll find excellent conditions for surfing. Be aware that this area, due to its size, includes some clothing-optional sections.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best, forms the vibrant heart of Grand Cayman. Though its name suggests seven miles, it stretches closer to five, all of which is open to the public.
This popular Grand Cayman beach offers everything you could desire, from world-class diving schools to upscale restaurants and bars. George Town, Grand Cayman’s charming capital, is a short trip south, offering even more dining and entertainment options.
Onetangi Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Waiheke Island, a short ferry trip from Auckland, is a popular destination for weekend getaways and its renowned vineyards. Onetangi Beach, the island’s largest, boasts over a mile of golden sand.
This north-facing beach offers stunning views of Great and Little Barrier Islands. Behind the beach, you’ll find picturesque “baches,” traditional New Zealand holiday homes.
Onetangi is home to a good selection of coffee shops and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal with an ocean view. A scenic hiking trail winds above the beach, offering panoramic vistas and passing through areas of native New Zealand bush.
Caye Caulker, Belize
Belize has long been a favorite winter sun destination for North Americans, and Caye Caulker captures this appeal perfectly. This small, idyllic island offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, home to the famous Great Blue Hole, is a major attraction for divers. Caye Caulker, once a fishing village, remains a great place to enjoy fresh Caribbean seafood. It’s also a fantastic spot to try your hand at saltwater fishing.
Honeymoon Harbor Beach, Bimini, Bahamas
Accessible by a short 20-minute boat ride, Gun Cay, a tiny islet south of Bimini, hosts the beautiful Honeymoon Harbor Beach. Its name reflects its romantic, secluded setting. However, Honeymoon Harbor is now best known for its incredible stingray encounters. If you’ve dreamed of swimming with these gentle creatures, this is your chance.
The stingrays are regularly fed here, making them comfortable around humans. You can participate in feeding them and even touch them for a truly unforgettable experience. As one of the unique wellness travel destinations, this spot offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the calming experience of interacting with these gentle creatures. After your stingray adventure, the white-sand beach provides the perfect place to unwind.
Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
The Seychelles, a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean, are known for their stunning beauty, and Anse Lazio on Praslin Island is a prime example. Anse Lazio is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with calm waters and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
The beach is relatively undeveloped, maintaining a natural and tranquil atmosphere. While there are a few small restaurants and bars nearby, the focus remains firmly on the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach, located on Kenya’s coast along the Indian Ocean, offers a unique combination of beach relaxation and wildlife adventures. The warm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Beyond the beach, you can embark on safaris in nearby national parks, offering the chance to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and other incredible wildlife. This makes Diani Beach an ideal destination for those who want to combine a relaxing beach vacation with exciting wildlife encounters. December falls within Kenya’s dry season, offering excellent weather for both beach activities and safaris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Pack For A December Beach Trip?
Light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and flip-flops are essentials.
Is December A Good Time For Water Sports?
Yes, but conditions vary by destination. Check for local weather and water activity safety.
How Can I Protect My Skin At The Beach In December?
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing.
Are Beaches Crowded In December?
It depends on the destination, with some being popular for winter holidays and others quieter.
What Are The Best Times Of The Day To Visit The Beach In December?
Morning and late afternoon are ideal to avoid peak sun intensity.
Can I Travel To International Beach Destinations In December?
Many countries welcome tourists, but check visa requirements and travel restrictions.
Conclusion
A December beach vacation holds the promise of warmth, rejuvenation, and unparalleled beauty. It bridges the gap between the year's hustle and the peaceful serenity of coastal landscapes.
As the month closes the calendar, these beaches offer more than just sun and sand, they deliver an opportunity to connect with nature and recharge the soul. Let the call of the ocean guide you to a destination that turns a winter escape into an unforgettable experience.
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Jump to
Knip Beach, Curaçao
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel
Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin
La Caleta Beach, Cadiz, Spain
Galleon Beach, Antigua
Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Palm Beach, Aruba
Te Amo Beach, Bonaire
South Friars Beach, St. Kitts
Las Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Magens Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Phi Phi Island, Phuket, Thailand
Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Onetangi Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Caye Caulker, Belize
Honeymoon Harbor Beach, Bimini, Bahamas
Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
Diani Beach, Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Maya Reyes
Author
Maya Reyes’s wanderlust was sparked in the temples of Luang Prabang, where the scent of lemongrass and the chants of monks revealed the transformative power of travel.
Since then, her journey has been defined by cultural immersion and authentic connections. From learning batik in Indonesia to sharing meals with nomadic families in Mongolia, Maya seeks experiences that highlight the human stories behind each destination.
Travel for her is a way to weave her narrative into the world’s cultural tapestry, creating bridges across diverse ways of life. Maya has traveled to 15 countries and shares her insights through writing and storytelling.
Finn Wilde
Reviewer
For Finn Wilde, the wilderness is more than just a destination - it’s a way of life. Over the past decade, he has led multiple expeditions in some of the world’s most remote regions, from the icy fjords of Greenland to the rugged trails of Patagonia.
Finn emphasizes sustainability in all of his adventures, helping participants connect with nature while promoting responsible exploration. His expeditions inspire individuals to explore the great outdoors while fostering a deep respect for the environment.
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