Want to escape the winter frost? Fling your woolly scarf to one side and pick up your swimsuit when you plan a wonderful winter sun holiday this year. We've done our research and discovered where's hot in December, so you can spend the festive season soaking up the sunshine. Browse our great-value deals to destinations including the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Florida and more for that all important dose of Vitamin Sea...  

Want to go one step further and swap mince pies by the fire for margarita's by the sea? Check out our cheap Christmas and New Year Holidays too!

LANZAROTE IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Average temperatures of 20°C and you're almost guaranteed to have flawless blue skies.

If you're wondering what islands are hot in December, you can never go wrong with the Canaries. Rich in history, colour and culture, Lanzarote holidays are perfect if you want to escape from the chilly December weather with year-round sunshine. Lanzarote is full of beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, but to fully appreciate its natural beauty take a trip to Timanfaya National Park. Hikers will find the weather conditions ideal from September onwards. The same goes for the Rancho Texas animal park, which is open all year round.

Try your hands at some watersports on the beach of Famara and take your pick from watersports including windsurfing and kiteboarding. If you fancy a more relaxing day on the sand, Papagayo beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming. Whether you plan a trip to lively Puerto del Carmen, laid-back Costa Teguise, or gorgeous Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is a perfect place to recover from the winter blues this December.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Expect temperatures of about 26°C every day, meaning warm sunny days on the beach!

If you fancy stunning beaches, plentiful sunshine and laid-back vibes, the Dominican Republic is sure to sway you. This cool Caribbean Island has a first-class shoreline which serves up everything from white sands and swaying palms to colourful towns and lush rainforests. Stay in popular resorts such as Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Punta Cana and La Romana which dot the island, where you'll find fantastic ribbons of sand, awesome watersports and a selection of restaurants, shops and bars. For a dose of culture visit the Havana of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, an awe-inspiring UNESCO Heritage Site an hour's drive from La Romana. Or why not discover the gorgeous Gri Gri lagoons in Rio San Juan by boat?

Unsure where to head to first? Our handy guide highlighting 7 of the best Dom Rep destinations to visit is sure to help.

GOA IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Inviting temperatures of 27°C and 10 hours of sunshine make this a top pick.

December is the perfect time to indulge in idyllic getaways to Goa, where exotic beaches, UNESCO-listed cities and spiritual retreats are all to be expected. If you're looking to get into the true spirit of Goa, joining the backpackers in one of the many comfortable beach huts is the perfect way to unwind and embrace beach life. Palolem beach in South Goa will bring out the hippy in you and woo you with its chilled out vibes and calming way of life.

Or if you're after a slightly livelier experience, head north to Calangute, Candolim and Baga. These three towns merge into each other and are where the party happens, such as Sunburn Music festival, where all the international DJs play their tunes.

PHUKET IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Phuket is a far flung paradise with temperatures averaging at 28°C and approximately 8 hours of sunshine a day.

Whether you're searching for party resorts or paradise palm-lined beaches, Phuket holidays offer the compelte package. Thailand's largest island off the south western coast, Phuket provides a diversity which caters to every type of visitor, with spectacular sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, indulgent spas and atmospheric towns to discover.

December is one of the best times to visit this tropical island, when the temperature sits at a toasty 28°C, perfect weather for ticking off those must-see tours, temples and towns. Patong Beach is a playground for sun-worshippers which backs onto a flurry of bustling restaurants and bars, while Nai Harn in the south is famous for it's sunsets. 

FLORIDA IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Florida enjoys on average, seven hours of sunshine a day in December. 

Florida holidays are every kids fantasy. Known as the 'Sunshine State' it serves up the best combination of beach, adventure and city with balmy weather, a beautiful coastline and magical theme parks abuzz with entertainment. Orlando is a thriving resort full of famous Disney theme parks and attractions, not to mention the enchanting Downtown complex for lively evenings with the family. Cosmopolitan Miami combines scintillating nightlife and chic boutique towns with the turquoise waters of South Beach.

BARBADOS IN DECEMBER

Thermometer says: Alluring temperatures of 26°C will be sure to clear up wintery blues!

Everything you have heard about Barbados is true, it really is just a gorgeous, golden pile of sand floating gently in the balmy Caribbean Sea. It's the only place you'll need to go to get rid of those wintery blues - lie back in the warm ocean with a refreshing rum cocktail in your hand. You won't be short of beautiful beaches to explore here, one of the more secluded stretches being Bottom Bay, which offers privacy and peace. Or, if you fancy a change of pace, most of the resorts host an array of activities and attractions to get involved in – from watersports during the day to live music lounges in the evening.