Sunny destinations in december

It's decided, this winter, gloominess will definitely not defeat you. Don't wait any longer to take you swimsuit out again and fly to the big blue sea. The Caribbean, South America, South east Asia and Oceania, the sun is only waiting for you to end the year on a summery and happy note.

In the Caribbean

December is the great awakening of the Caribbean. In Cuba, the air vibrates to the sound of Salsa. But for those who prefer Reggae and Ska, Jamaica is a perfect Caribbean alternative. The last month of the year is also the ideal time to laze about on the dream beaches of the Dominican Republic and of Puerto Rico. The warm air heats up the water and gives life to the month of December, while the Christmas tree are transformed into coconut palm trees and mango trees. Why not celebrate the New Year in the French West Indies, dancing the Zouk and lazing on their idyllic beaches. Don't forget to swap your glass of champagne for a glass of rum to toast Christmas...

In Asia

Vietnam is a good compromise for a sunshine holiday in December. After travelling along the Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, treat yourself to a well-deserved break on Phu Quoc Island. White sand, fishing villages and spice gardens, everything you here is just perfect... The islands of Cambodia and Thailand also offer a well-needed break in the heart of winter. With you feet buried in the sand of Koh Phra Tong, enjoy the stunning view of a sunset over the Andaman Sea. In Southern India, tea plantations and golden beaches will awaken all your senses. What else could you ask for? If you want more, head to Sri Lanka, which is spared from the monsoon.

On the American continent

To stock up on vitamin D before the new year, Florida - aka the Sunshine State - is a safe bet. The timeless charm of the Keys, the South beach chic and the fun atmosphere of Orlando will propel you into tropical America. Would you prefer a more Latin atmosphere? Rendez-vous in Mexico, which will meet all your expectations in terms of sunshine. So much so that in the Yucatan Peninsula, your heart will sway between hammocks, Mayan pyramids, masks and snorkels. And what about Costa Rica? The weather is perfect to explore its lush jungle at this time of year. And the wild and unspoilt beaches of Uvita and Punta Uva are perfect to end off on a lazy note. But the sun of Colombia, not far from there and its luminous intensity may lure you to the great expanses of the white sand around Cartagena and the Caribbean shores. Further south, the austral summer has chased the winter away. Don't even dream of going to Salvador de Bahia without packing your swimsuit.

In Africa and in the Indian Ocean

Senegal is a choice winter seaside destination. There, the sun shines 12 months a year on the 530 kilometres of beaches. It is hard to choose between beaches hidden in coconut groves, surfing spots or the limpid water of the Island of Gorée. Zanzibar also has amazing seaside spots to offer and water temperatures never go below 26°C. Not to mention the beauty of the setting sun you can admire while sipping a coconut juice. So, when you’ve had enough of winter, the Maldives and its amazing atolls in its turquoise waters are just waiting for you.

In the Middle-East

When going to the United Arab Emirates, don't even worry about not finding the sun. Because in fact , it only rains barely 13 days a year there... Between skyscrapers and incredible infrastructures, the swimming conditions are pleasant in Dubai. But you might prefer the sand of Abu Dhabi , labelled Flue Flag , or those of Saadiyat, known to have the most beautiful beaches in the United Arab Emirates. Why not set your sights on the Sultanate of Oman? The private beaches of big hotel resorts will add the final touch to your adventure in the country of Sinbad the sailor. Finally, if you start to miss the cold, you can always have fun on the indoor snow-covered slopes of the Dubai skiing resort...

In Oceania

In Sydney, Australia, it's already the summer holidays . Christmas is quickly approaching bringing with it the excitement of celebrating the Christmas holiday season on Bondi beach, with the sea, sunshine and seafood barbecues. Unless you’d rather greet Santa Claus in a pair of Oakland shorts? The surfboards have replaced Santa’s sled and are better to attack the waves of the Pacific... Finally, in New Caledonia, turquoise water, amazing sea beds and white sand will make you forget about your loved ones who are still back home in the cold. Smile, you’re in heaven!

Destinations you should avoid in December

Flee the Seychelles where parasols have been replaced by umbrellas, but also Malaysia which is a preferred target of the monsoon. Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, the climate is cold and harsh for those of you desperately seeking sunshine, not to mention there long winter nights.