Maldives
Maldives
Pure island luxury and reef activities.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Dec
December · Festive luxury
Where to Go in December: Festive Luxury Ocean Escapes
Christmas and New Year ocean escapes.
December overview
The ocean in December
If your ideal Christmas is warm sand, an early surf and dinner outside, December offers plenty of alternatives to the European winter. Indian Ocean islands, Central America and the South Pacific all make strong festive cases.
Climate and conditions
Indian Ocean destinations are typically entering their drier monsoon; Costa Rica’s dry season begins; South Pacific islands are in their warmer, wetter season.
For European travellers
Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks of the year. Book well ahead and make the premium spend count on experiences.
Best-fit destinations
Where to go in December
-
- Indian Ocean
Seychelles
Seychelles
Private-island festive escapes.
- Surf
- 7 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Feb
- Indian Ocean
Mauritius
Mauritius
Polished resorts and warm lagoons.
- Surf
- 7 out of 10
- Dive
- 8 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Dec
- South Pacific
France (overseas collectivity)
French Polynesia
A cinematic New Year, accepting wetter weather.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- May to Dec
- South Pacific
Fiji
Fiji
Active festive travel; outside peak surf season.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- North Pacific
United States
Hawaii
North Shore winter spectacle and whale season.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jun to Feb
- Central America
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Dry season begins, for surf, rainforest and wellness.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 6 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Dec to Sep
Also often in season in December
Read next
Best Luxury Ocean Escapes for Christmas and New Year
Warm sand, an early surf and dinner outside. Where to spend the festive season by the ocean, and how to make the premium count.
Best Winter Sun Surf Holidays from Europe
When Europe is cold, different coastlines come into season. How to match the month to the coast, short-haul or long.
Surf and Dive
Plan Your Next Ocean Escape
Shortlisted a destination for December? Read its destination page for surf, diving, freediving, luxury and planning notes.