10 Beach Destinations to Visit for Christmas

If you want to spend Christmas sun-tanning on a beach rather than shoveling snow, this is the list for you. We’ve scoured the world for some of the best beaches to visit in December and compiled them into one easy-to-read list. Here are our top 10 beach destinations to visit for Christmas. 

1. Bali, Indonesia

If you don’t mind a true rainforest climate with a lot of humidity then look no further than Bali, Indonesia. It has an average December high temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Bali is also famous for its yoga retreats and three popular west coast surfing beaches, Kuta, Kegian and Seminyak.

 2. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun was designed as a resort area on the snowy white beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the average December high is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. With its emerald blue waters, there’s nothing more tranquil than gently falling asleep to the fresh sea breeze swirling above you. If hiking is more your cup of tea, you’re just a bus ride away from their famous Mayan ruins. 

3. Montego Bay/Ocho Rios/Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica has one large airport in Montego Bay that is close to all 3 of Jamaica’s resort towns. Montego Bay is the most glamorous, high-end destination, Ochos Rios has a hip vibe and Negril is famous for its easy-going lifestyle. The December average high is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. 

4. Puerto Vallarta, México

This warm and sunny tourist haunt with a December average high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit is on Mexico’s Pacific coast. During the 50s, it was a celebrity stomping grounds, and the city still retains a lot of mid-century modern charms. Be sure to make time for a food tour and enjoy all the wonders that Mexican food has to offer. 

5. Punta Cana/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has two major resort communities, Punta Cana on the eastern tip and Puerta Plata on the northern shore and each has a cluster of about 200 safe hotels with its own beautiful beaches. The average December high is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. 

6. Tamarindo/Guanacaste, Costa Rica 

If you love nature, you will love Costa Rica, which has volcanoes and rainforests in its interior, accessible from any of its resorts along its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The large centrally located airport makes it easy to fly there. Be sure to check out the Tamarindo Night Market when you are there. This once-a-week festival features live music performances, fire dancers, and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy the many types of different cuisines available locally in the plaza as well as from the multitudes of food trucks nestled near the pavilion.

7. Ambergris Coye/Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize has two island resorts just off the coast of Belize City. They are the perfect place to go if you’re in need of a Christmas getaway. The average December high is 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The diving and snorkeling here are among the best in the world, but there are not many swimming beaches - so book a hotel with a pool when you visit. 

8. Panama City, Panama

A lot of money flows into Panama, and the country is home to some great beach resort areas that border the edge of this bustling city. The average December high is 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  It boasts both modern and older Spanish architecture as well as great cuisines, so you’ll love the history and culture. While you’re in town, take a trip to the Suez Canal, and see the mega-ships cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

9. Phuket, Thailand

If you want to meet people, party, spend some time in the heat, then Phuket is the place. It is an island with 12 different beaches, including the often-crowded Patong beach. Custom suits, Thai-massages, sun-bathing, delicious food, and a party atmosphere await you when you visit, and you can fly right into Phuket’s airport making the trip a bit quicker. The average high is 88 degrees Fahrenheit. 

10. Goa, India

Goa is a state in India with several smaller beaches and historic hotels that are famous hippie hangouts for Europeans. Resorts have everything you need, including delicious food and drinks, and beaches attached to them. The average December high here is a toasty 91 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Be sure to book your trip now to give yourself the Christmas gift of a tropical paradise this year.