An illustrated impression of winter sun travel.
A beach photograph can sell you a summer that December does not deliver. Warm afternoon air, comfortable swimming water and a balmy evening are three different things. Choose which matters most before booking: Luxor can be lovely for temples yet cold at dawn, while Nice offers a Riviera city break rather than tropical beach weather.
This annual December guide compares eleven destinations, with November and January benchmarks. Figures are historical climate averages, not a forecast for a particular trip. Egypt suits a mix of coastal relaxation and culture; Morocco rewards walking and spa days; Jeddah and the Maldives bring some of the highest temperatures in this selection.
Choose the kind of warmth you want
For swimming and snorkelling
Start with Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, then compare Dubai, Muscat and Jeddah. Beach exposure and wind matter alongside water temperature.
For culture and walking
Look at Luxor and Marrakech. Nice belongs on the list for a European coastal city break, with winter clothing.
For tropical island time
The Maldives offers warm air and water, but December is a monsoon transition month and rain remains possible.
For a family fallback
Make a confirmed, operating heated pool and easy water access part of your booking criteria, particularly on Atlantic and Red Sea holidays.
December temperatures: air and sea, side by side
| Destination | Day °C | Night °C | Sea °C, approx. | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada, Egypt | 23.2 | 13 | ≈ 25 | Resorts and beaches |
| Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt | 23.4 | 15.1 | ≈ 25 | Bays and snorkelling |
| Luxor, Egypt | 24.3 | 7.8 | Inland city | Temples and the Nile |
| Marrakech, Morocco | 20.2 | 7.3 | Inland city | Riads, gardens and souks |
| Agadir, Morocco | 22.1 | 10.1 | ≈ 18 | Seafront walks |
| Dubai, UAE | 27 | 21 | ≈ 25 | Beach and city dining |
| Muscat, Oman | 26.8 | 18.3 | ≈ 26 | Coast and culture |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 30.6 | 19.9 | ≈ 28 | Warmer sea and heritage |
| South Tenerife, Spain | 22.8 | 16.5 | ≈ 21 | Mild sun and walking |
| Malé, Maldives | 30.1 | 25.4 | ≈ 29 | Tropical island stays |
| Nice, southern France | 14.1 | 6.6 | ≈ 16 | Riviera culture and dining |
Day means the average daily maximum and night the average daily minimum, not the extremes you may experience. Air figures come from national weather services via WMO, AEMET for Tenerife and Météo-France for Nice; Dubai uses Visit Dubai, which does not state its averaging period. Station periods differ and are listed with the sources below. Sea figures are published December historical averages from SeaTemperature.info, rounded to the nearest degree, using its ten-year reference window. They use a different period from the air records and are not live measurements at your hotel beach.
01 Hurghada: Red Sea sunshine, with wind in the equation
December averages 23.2°C by day and 13°C at night, with the sea around 25°C. The distinction matters: the water can feel warmer than the air when you get out. Plan beach time for the warmer part of the day, with a towel and an extra layer ready rather than expecting July conditions.
Compare Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh by actual beach access: a gradual sandy entry, steps or a jetty? Ask about pool heating, activity charges and the precise all-inclusive inclusions. Marsa Alam is another candidate for reefs and coastal stays, but Hurghada’s station figures should not be applied to Marsa Alam or every individual bay.
Find on the map · Air data — Hurghada, Egypt (1981–2010) · December sea average
02 Sharm el-Sheikh: choose the bay before the room category
Average highs of 23.4°C, lows of 15.1°C and sea temperatures around 25°C make Sharm a serious winter-swimming candidate. The photograph below genuinely shows people in the water on 29 December 2021. It records that day, rather than promising the same conditions for your booking.
Compare Ras Um Sid, Naama Bay and other bays for water access and exposure. Reefs can restrict entry to a jetty or designated area, an important question for children and less confident swimmers. For longer snorkelling sessions, discuss suitable waterwear with the local centre for the conditions on the day.
Find on the map · Air data — Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (1981–2010) · December sea average
Real December scenes
Table temperatures are climate averages, not measurements recorded when these photographs were taken.
03 Luxor: temple weather, with a cold start to the day
The average maximum reaches 24.3°C, but the minimum drops to 7.8°C. This is a Nile city for archaeology and culture, not a Red Sea beach substitute. Layers make the transition from a cool early departure to a sunny afternoon much more comfortable.
Separate the east-bank sights of Karnak and Luxor Temple from a west-bank programme covering the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple. Allow half a day for each cluster rather than squeezing everything before lunch. A longer holiday can combine the Nile and Red Sea, provided you allow a real transfer day instead of treating the journey as a brief pause.
Find on the map · Air data — Luxor, Egypt (1981–2010)
04 Marrakech: riads and gardens, not a guaranteed pool holiday
The climate reference gives 20.2°C by day and 7.3°C at night. Marrakech works for souks, gardens, craft workshops, hammams and an outdoor lunch when conditions allow. It is inland: a beautiful riad pool photograph does not tell you whether the pool will be comfortable in December.
Ask about room heating, pool heating and breakfast arrangements on colder days. In the medina, establish exactly where a car can stop and how far you will carry your bags. An Atlas excursion brings a different altitude and climate; do not use Marrakech’s temperatures to plan mountain clothing.
Find on the map · Air data — Marrakech, Morocco (1991–2020)
05 Agadir: a sunny promenade, a cooler Atlantic
Average highs are 22.1°C and lows 10.1°C, but the sea is around 18°C. You may enjoy the sunshine and seafront while finding a long swim too chilly. Choose Agadir for a coastal holiday with activities beyond the water, rather than judging swimming comfort by the afternoon air alone.
Stay close to the promenade for easy walking, or compare Taghazout if surfing is central to your plans. Ask a school to assess your ability, sea conditions and equipment needs. A heated pool is a useful family fallback. Rain is possible: the station’s December monthly average is 47.4mm.
Find on the map · Air data — Agadir, Morocco (1991–2020) · December sea average
06 Dubai: beach mornings and city evenings
Visit Dubai publishes December averages of 27°C by day and 21°C at night; the sea is around 25°C. This suits a trip mixing coastal downtime, restaurants and shopping. These are the tourism board’s figures, rather than the older WMO Dubai series, which uses another reference period.
Compare Jumeirah, JBR and the Palm when beach access is part of your daily routine, then calculate the actual journeys to your other reservations. Confirm whether your room category includes beach access, whether a beach club costs extra and whether any festive dinner is compulsory. Request the final price and cancellation conditions in writing.
Find on the map · Air data — Dubai, UAE (Visit Dubai) · December sea average
07 Muscat: warm coast, a slower rhythm
The Seeb station averages 26.8°C by day and 18.3°C at night, with water near Muscat around 26°C. A coastal stay can combine the resort, the waterfront and cultural visits without filling every hour. The mountains require separate planning; coastal temperatures do not describe a high-altitude day out.
Compare Qurum and Bandar Jissah against the beach experience and daily itinerary you want. For boat trips, check departure points and weather cancellation terms. Before visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque or other sites, confirm the current visitor hours and dress requirements directly rather than assuming all-day access.
Find on the map · Air data — Muscat, Oman (1986–2009) · December sea average
08 Jeddah: a warmer December option
With an average high of 30.6°C, low of 19.9°C and sea around 28°C, Jeddah is among the warmest choices here. It can combine coastal time with the historic Al-Balad district. A waterfront address, however, does not automatically mean a swimming beach outside the hotel.
If swimming is the priority, verify the beach or club location, admission price, reservation requirements, facilities and guest policies directly. Select accommodation around that real access, then build in Al-Balad and dining. Check local weather notices: a monthly average does not rule out a wet day or changing sea conditions.
Find on the map · Air data — Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (1982–2011) · December sea average
09 South Tenerife: mild Spanish winter sun
Tenerife South Airport averages 22.8°C by day and 16.5°C at night; the sea near Costa Adeje is around 21°C. This is a good match for walking and beach time in moderate warmth. It is not tropical water, and a heated pool may suit anyone who gets cold quickly.
Compare Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos for walkability, beach type and restaurants. Do not apply the south-airport figures across the whole island: the north and higher ground differ. If you add Teide, check weather and access to roads and facilities separately, and bring a warm layer even after a sunny coastal breakfast.
Find on the map · Air data — South Tenerife, Spain (1981–2010) · December sea average
10 The Maldives: tropical warmth, with rain still possible
Malé’s historical reference gives 30.1°C by day and 25.4°C at night; sea temperatures are around 29°C. Warm does not mean dry. The Maldives Meteorological Service classifies December as a monsoon transition month, while the older Malé reference records 216.8mm of December rainfall. Conditions vary between islands and years.
Before choosing a villa, ask for the full airport-to-island transfer price, operating times and delayed-arrival arrangements. Compare the beach, lagoon and water access as closely as room size. Several nights and flexible sea days leave more options when weather changes. January usually offers a clearer dry-season proposition.
Find on the map · Air data — Malé, Maldives (1981–2000) · December sea average
11 Nice and southern France: a winter Riviera, not tropical heat
Nice averages 14.1°C by day and 6.6°C at night, with sea temperatures around 16°C. Including it prevents an expensive mismatch: it suits coastal walks, restaurants and culture, rather than the December swimming warmth of Jeddah or the Maldives.
Base yourself around the activities you want, with indoor alternatives if rain arrives. Menton or Cannes can extend a Riviera itinerary, but Nice’s station figures apply to Nice. Pack a coat and layers. Photographs of winter swimming events do not mean the water will feel warm to most visitors.
Find on the map · Air data — Nice, southern France (1991–2020) · December sea average
November, December or January?
If your dates are flexible, compare average daytime highs at the same station. November is noticeably warmer than December in Egypt and Morocco. In the Maldives, rainfall patterns matter more than a few tenths of a degree of temperature.
| Destination | November °C | December °C | January °C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada, Egypt | 27 | 23.2 | 21.7 |
| Luxor, Egypt | 29 | 24.3 | 23 |
| Marrakech, Morocco | 23.1 | 20.2 | 19.1 |
| Agadir, Morocco | 24.1 | 22.1 | 21.1 |
| South Tenerife, Spain | 24.8 | 22.8 | 21.7 |
| Malé, Maldives | 30.1 | 30.1 | 30.3 |
Three itineraries to build on
Seven nights in Egypt: culture, then coast
An editorial suggestion: three nights in Luxor and four around Hurghada. Allow a transfer day rather than combining a long morning of sightseeing with a fixed boat departure. Prioritise location, pool arrangements and beach access before paying for a larger room.
Six nights in Morocco: Marrakech and Agadir
Split three nights in the city and three on the coast, arranging the journey ahead. Choose this for souks, gardens, seafront walks and spas. If warm swimming is the main objective, compare the Red Sea or Gulf first.
Six to eight nights around the water
Choose one base in Sharm, Muscat or a Maldivian island, leaving two days without fixed marine bookings so activities can move with the weather. On a shorter holiday, repeated hotel changes can take more from relaxation than they add.
Six questions before paying for the hotel
- Will the heated pool actually operate during your dates? A listing that simply says pool does not answer that question.
- How do you enter the sea: sand, reefs, steps or a jetty? Is it appropriate for the swimmers and children in your party?
- What is the total after taxes, transfers, compulsory meals, clubs and any festive dinner? Compare offers with the same inclusions.
- Do arrival and departure times work with onward transfers, especially between Maldivian islands and the airport?
- What is the cancellation deadline, and what happens to excursion payments when sea conditions prevent a trip?
- Does the location fit your holiday? A beautiful view will not compensate for lengthy daily transfers if most activities are elsewhere.
Pack for the afternoon and the evening
Bring light daytime clothes, an evening layer and protection from wind on boats. Luxor, Marrakech and Nice need particular attention to the day–night difference. Check the local forecast and sea conditions before departure, then the day’s local advice before a marine activity. Water temperature alone does not determine swimming comfort or safety; waves, currents, wind and lifeguard instructions also matter.
Questions worth settling before booking
Where is genuinely hot in December?
In this selection, Jeddah and Malé have average highs close to 30°C; Dubai and Muscat are around 27°C. Hurghada, Sharm and Luxor offer warm afternoons with cooler evenings.
Can you swim in Egypt in December?
Many visitors can enjoy Hurghada and Sharm with average water around 25°C. Check the beach and wind, and choose a heated-pool fallback if you need warmer conditions.
Is Morocco a warm-water beach holiday?
Marrakech is inland. Agadir has a coast but December water around 18°C. Morocco works well for cities, promenades and spas; swimming may call for a heated alternative or suitable activity equipment.
Is southern France hot in December?
Not in the usual beach-holiday sense: Nice averages around 14°C by day and 16°C in the sea. Think winter Riviera city break rather than tropical swimming.
Are these forecasts for next December?
No. These historical averages help compare destinations. Check a trip-specific forecast close to departure; climate averages cannot guarantee a sunny day or calm water.
Temperature sources and comparison notes
- Air data — Hurghada, Egypt (1981–2010) · December sea average
- Air data — Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (1981–2010) · December sea average
- Air data — Luxor, Egypt (1981–2010)
- Air data — Marrakech, Morocco (1991–2020)
- Air data — Agadir, Morocco (1991–2020) · December sea average
- Air data — Dubai, UAE (Visit Dubai) · December sea average
- Air data — Muscat, Oman (1986–2009) · December sea average
- Air data — Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (1982–2011) · December sea average
- Air data — South Tenerife, Spain (1981–2010) · December sea average
- Air data — Malé, Maldives (1981–2000) · December sea average
- Air data — Nice, southern France (1991–2020) · December sea average
- Maldives Meteorological Service
