Travel guides › Guide · Winter sun
December at home is grey. Six to twelve hours away, the sun is shining. Which destination suits you best depends on how much time you have and what kind of holiday you're after.
Dubai
For: families and couples looking for easy, short-haul winter sun. About six to seven hours' flight from Western Europe, a small time difference, pleasant temperatures and everything close by: beach, desert and city.
Oman
For: travellers looking for calm and nature. Mountains, desert and sea, and a more understated atmosphere than Dubai. Beautiful to combine: a few nights on the coast and a few in the mountains or the desert.
Thailand
For: anyone with two weeks or more. Further away, but the Andaman coast is at its best in December. Combine Bangkok with an island. Read my Thailand guide.
My advice
- One week? Choose Dubai or Oman.
- Two weeks or more? Thailand.
- Christmas holidays? Book as early as possible: it's the busiest time of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it warm in December?
Dubai, Oman and Thailand are pleasantly warm in December and dry enough for a beach holiday. In Thailand, that's especially true of the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi).
What's the closest winter sun for a short holiday?
From Western Europe, Dubai and Oman are about six to seven hours' flight away, with only a small time difference. That makes them suitable for a week, too.
Is Thailand too busy over Christmas?
Christmas and New Year are peak season, so booking early pays off. Choose a quiet bay and a hotel with space and privacy, and you'll hardly notice the crowds.