The Best Caribbean Islands in December for a Festive Holiday Getaway
For all its joys, December can be a month full of stress. From holiday preparations to a busy schedule overflowing with events and gatherings, this month is often as exhausting as it is exciting. This year, why not escape to the Caribbean for some well-earned rest and relaxation? And if choosing your Caribbean island feels overwhelming, just check out our top picks for the best Caribbean islands in December!
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The Bahamas
If you love the Caribbean but not the heat, the Bahamas makes a perfect December getaway. With highs capping out around 80°F and the dry season in full swing, you’re likely to experience pleasant warm weather with little to no rain.
If you’re visiting around Christmas, you’ll also experience the holidays with an island twist! While most Bahamians celebrate Christmas with classic Christian traditions, this month also brings the festival of Junkanoo.
Junkanoo is celebrated all month long but kicks into high gear on December 26th, when the Bahamas celebrates its culture with lively parades, vibrant dance, and spirited music that combines Reggae, Salsa, Calypso, and more.
For an especially romantic stay, consider The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas. This adults-only property offers serene accommodations, refined luxury, and spacious suites for added privacy.
You’ll spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling majestic coral reefs, and making friends with the island’s famous pigs.
Is December a Good Month to Go to the Caribbean?
With hurricane season firmly behind you, December is the perfect time to pack your bags and escape to the Caribbean! In December you’ll enjoy ideal beach weather, with comfortable, warm waters and and air temps maxing out in the mid-80s. This month falls within the region’s dry season, making storms and rain highly unlikely.
Turks & Caicos
With its picture-perfect beaches and laid-back island vibes, Turks & Caicos ranks high on our list of the best Caribbean islands in December. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly Caribbean vacation or a romantic tropical getaway, Turks & Caicos has everything you need for a dream December escape.
If you’re traveling as a family, book a stay at Beaches Resort Turks & Caicos. This breathtaking all-inclusive resort seamlessly blends luxury accommodations with a welcoming, kid-friendly vibe. Big kids will find their thrills on the resort’s variety of waterslides, while smaller children will love meeting their favorite Sesame Street characters!
However, if your goal is a sophisticated and relaxing escape, consider a stay at Grace Bay Club on the world-famous beaches of Grace Bay. This elegant resort offers three separate properties, including an adults-only section, a family-friendly section, and an exclusive, extra-luxe section known as The Estate.
No matter when you visit Turks & Caicos, you’ll enjoy fun-filled tropical activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing above the island’s glittering turquoise waters.
However, visiting Turks & Caicos in the month of December means you’ll experience the island during the fun-filled holiday season. From dazzling Christmas lights on Grace Bay Beach to lively New Year’s Eve parties, Turks & Caicos is BIG on holiday spirit!
Even better, December brings the annual festival of Maskanoo, which locals celebrate on December 26th. This lively celebration honors the history, unique culture, and vibrant spirit of Turks & Caicos with a masquerade-style celebration full of colorful costumes, delicious island cuisine, and rhythmic drum beats.
What is the Warmest Caribbean Island in Winter?
While the winter months bring snow, ice, and wind to the Northern Hemisphere, the Caribbean islands remain a tropical paradise with sunny skies and beautiful weather. In fact, December kicks off the region’s dry season, sending the Caribbean islands into the high season.
While all of the Caribbean islands boast warm weather through the winter months, you’ll find hotter temps the further south you go. If temperate weather is your goal, choose an island further north, like the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic. For balmy, tropical temps, focus your efforts closer to the equator on islands like Barbados, Aruba, or St. Lucia.
Grand Cayman
With plenty of sun and little to no rain, December in Grand Cayman brings daytime temperatures in the mid-80s. While the end of hurricane season means an influx of tourists on many Caribbean islands, December is a slower season on Grand Cayman. When you visit in December, you’ll enjoy some peace and quiet – and you’ll do it all on island time!
In Grand Cayman, you’ll find sun-soaked beaches and clear blue waters at every turn. But if it’s luxury you’re after, consider a stay at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach, where you’ll find 5-star accommodations, glorious beaches, fine dining, and an opulent, full-service spa.
Like the other islands on our list, Grand Cayman boasts a variety of unique and exciting outdoor activities. Here, you’ll swim with stingrays, explore the island’s Crystal Caves, and even enjoy a nighttime bioluminescence tour, where you’ll experience this rare phenomenon with eco-conscious local guides.
Still, there’s something extra special about visiting this vibrant island during December. This month, Grand Cayman hosts a variety of festive winter events, including the National Parade of Lights, which includes a boat parade, a Christmas concert, and spectacular fireworks over Camana Bay. Afterward, catch the Cayman Drama Society‘s annual variety show “A Playhouse Family Christmas” and stroll downtown as you shop, listen to Christmas carols, and even take photos with Santa himself!
What is the Best Island to Visit in the Caribbean in December?
With hurricane season behind you and warm, inviting weather throughout the Caribbean, it’s hard to say which are the best Caribbean islands in December. When you visit the Caribbean this month, choosing the “perfect” island is really about finding the island that best suits your travel preferences.
Ready to Escape to Paradise this December?
If you’re ready to plan a festive Caribbean getaway this December, we can help! Or, check out our top Caribbean destinations in August, October, and January for even more vacation inspiration!
From choosing the perfect Caribbean island (or any other destination!) to booking your fantasy resort, we take care of all the details so you can enjoy an effortless, stress-free getaway. Contact us HERE to get started!
