The December sun is not only majestic but also an absolute delight. Walking by the beach barefoot on the carpet of sand along with the sounds of the ocean waves. This month of the year is not only alluring but also promises holidays due to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
As December is the month of festivals, many of us plan to go on a vacation with families and friends. Everyone wants to make December memorable. So, it’s time to bring the postcard pictures alive with beautiful landscapes covering bays, beaches, reefs, rainforests, cliffs, caves and so much more.
Here we are listing the beautiful and best islands to visit in December-January. Choose the Island with the best beach destinations in December.
Several websites provide Airbnb, hotels, villas, hostels, and home exchanges but only a few of them have the best and cheapest rental places. You can search cheap vacation rentals on the best largest vacation rental and hotel search comparison sites on the internet and book them at the lowest price.
Best Islands To Visit in December
Here is the list of the Best Islands To Visit in December. If you are planning to go on a trip in December, do check this list of Islands To Visit in December :
1. The Bahamas
Bahamas Island is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago, in the West Indies. The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April. This is the busiest time to visit this island. So, if you are planning to visit the Bahamas during this season, book hotels and cruise in advance.
Tourists go there to enjoy the cruise. Here is the Bahamas cruise guide. Do read this before going to the Bahamas.
How to Reach:
Going to the Bahamas depends on the number of days you want to spend there. Most of the two-day cruises depart from Miami port in Florida. This place is only a twenty-minute drive from the Miami International Airport. Jacksonville Port in Florida is another port from where four-day Bahamas cruises depart. The week-long Bahamas cruises depart from the Baltimore and Norfolk ports.
Do read the Bahamas cruise guide, it has all the information that you want to know about the Bahamas.
2. Alimatha Island
This island is situated on the mid-northern rim of Felidhu Atoll and is one of the most popular destinations amongst tourists visiting the Maldives. This island has a plethora of ayurvedic massage centers, and water sports corners that allow you to do windsurfing, canoeing, and cat sailing.
A good number of sites for diving can be found here such as the Myaru Kandu, and this site has also been included in the list of government-sanctioned protected sites. The Alimatha aquatic resort on the island promises to offer an exquisite variety of staying options in the form of beach bungalows and overwater properties.
The island offers a secluded experience with a surreal view of the ocean, golden-white sand, and lush greenery also follows.
How to reach:
It is situated at a distance of 40 miles north of the International Hulhule Airport. You can reach there in 90 minutes if you plan to enjoy a boat ride or you can catch a seaplane and get there within 20 minutes.
More Info about Visa: Everything to know about getting a Maldives visa
3. Phuket Island
This island is the largest and the most famous Island in Thailand which is 48 km in length and 21 km wide. It is in Southern Thailand, on the west-facing of the Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of short but substantial road bridges.
Famous for its beautiful beaches, clear water, coral forests, pearl farm, limestone cliffs, caves, mangroves, fishing villages, and national parks. Besides Phuket Town, the interior of Phuket is pretty much unvisited by foreign visitors. All this makes this island, one of the Best Islands To Visit in December.
This fertile hilly expanse consists of mangrove forests, fishing villages, rubber and pineapple plantations, small Muslim communities, and shrimp farms. The Island has a magnificent historic old town and is known to be a good base for all the nearby Islands.
How to reach:
Phuket International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Thailand. The airport is very well-connected to Bangkok with daily flights. There are also direct flights to Malaysia, India, Australia, Singapore and Germany, and some other countries. Some of the airlines with frequent routes between India and Phuket are Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Jet Airways.
4. Capri Island
This magnificent island is sure to take you to a holiday retreat in its presence. It is located off the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region of Italy. This island is also host to the famous Capri Film Festival which screens everything from big-time blockbusters to all the major independent films.
Marina Piccola is one of the main features of this island. The island has a small fishing village of Nerano which has a good number of restaurants that serve the finest traditional fish cuisine along with wines produced in the Lattari Mountains.
How to reach:
The only way to reach Capri is by sea. In the summer, Ferries depart from Naples and Sorrento. There are also Ferry routes from Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Ischia.
For most of the year, motor vehicles are forbidden on Capri: non-resident vehicles can be embarked for the island only for the months between November and Easter. Ferries take around 40 to 50 minutes to reach the Island.
5. Santorini Island
This Greek island has majestic black and red sands and clear blue waters. It is one of the most popular islands in Greece for its beautiful beaches, marvelous scenery, ancient cities, active volcano, and one of the best wines that one can get hold of.
This island is known to be immortalized by poets, painters, and ancient Greek myths. A Spa in the Aegean Sea is imperative that one must tick off their list. The red and black rocks of the walk along the volcano of Nea Kameni created a wild landscape.
How to reach:
The airport of Santorini is about 3km outside the Fira (Fira is the main town of the island of Santorini) and you can take a bus from the airport to Fira (there’s usually one every hour) or one of the taxis outside the airport.
Read More, List of Beautiful greek islands
6. Andaman & Nicobar
Andaman and Nicobar Island is the Union Territory of India which has a total of 572 islands of which 37 are inhabited. This Island is very beautiful and is the home of much unique flora and fauna. You can enjoy the beautiful views of palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves, and tropical rainforests. This place is very popular among newly married couples as a honeymoon destination.
November to March is the best time to visit this place. During this period, this island has pleasant weather. Many tourists come here for sun Bathing and tanning.
How to Reach:
You can reach this island via air and water only. Portblair is the capital of the Union Territory of India and has an international airport named Veer Savarkar International Airport.
7. Mallorca Island
This island located in Spain is famous for the soaring high mountains, golden sands, lush green foliage of Mallorca, and honey-stone villages. This island has many beaches as well as theme parks to offer.
It is also one of the largest islands in the Balearic Islands. The island celebrated a traditional dance widely which is called the Ball Dels Cossiers. This island is also hosting the Evolution Mallorca International Film festival which is hosted annually since November 2011.
How to reach:
Take a plane or a ferry into Mallorca. First, fly to Palma de Mallorca airport from anywhere in Europe. Alternatively, arrive on the island by ferry. It takes around three hours to take a boat from Barcelona or Valencia to Majorca.
Also, Read the best and cheap European vacations
8. Crete Island
Crete is famously known for its seductive beaches and the heavenly Balos lagoon in Chania which features in almost all travel guides. It is considered to be one of the most populous of all the Greek islands.
This island is the largest in Greece and ranks 88 on the list of the largest islands in the world. The monasteries on this island date back to the fifteenth century or even earlier. The famous monasteries on this island include the southern Rethymno, Heraklion, Arkadi, and Toplous monasteries.
One can enjoy a cuppa by the sidewalk café while they stroll down the narrow lanes or choose to dine at a local taverna.
How to reach:
There are various daily flights for Athens from New Delhi and Mumbai. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Etihad, Egypt Air, and Turkish Airlines offer services to Athens. From there, you can take summer charter flights to Crete.
9. US Virgin Island
United States Virgin Islands is a group of islands in the Caribbean. This place has the nickname “America’s Paradise.” and it is famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. You can explore beaches, national parks, cruises, and many more things on this Island. St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas are the main three islands to explore here.
You can travel here all around the year but the Fall and Spring seasons are the perfect seasons. Winter is the busiest time in the US Virgin Islands, so do book your hotels and flights in advance.
How to reach:
The Virgin Island of the US is just a short flight away from the continental United States. There are two main airports in the Virgin Islands of the United States; the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. You can take a Non-stop or connecting service from the US mainland to this beautiful Island.
10. Cebu Island
It is the hub around which the Visayas is known to revolve. This island is considered to be one of the most densely populated islands in the country of the Philippines. Cebu city is home to all the significant cultural centers in this country.
The island is stretched like a long and narrow island over 196 km from north to south. One can feast their eyes on a variety of marvelous manmade and natural wonders. The coastal area on this beach is definitely a treat as it hosts many beaches, rich fishing grounds, and mangrove forests.
How to reach:
The fastest way to reach Cebu is by plane. Cebu is an international destination that is well-connected with flights from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Cebu is just an hour away by plane from Manila. It is an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in Visayas and Mindanao.
11. Trinidad Island
This beach is sure to fulfill your holidays in all ways possible. The major landforms on this island include the hills of the southern, northern, and central ranges. There are many rivers on this island including the north and south Oropouche, Ortoire river, and the Caroni.
One must surely board glass- bottom boat from the storage bay and try snorkeling on this island as the coral reefs are very unique. The island is located at a short distance of about 11 km off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. A dip in the shallow pool in the middle of the ocean is something you can tick off the list after visiting this island.
How to reach:
There are several flights from the US and Canada to Trinidad Island. You can take American Airlines from Miami, while United flights from Newark and Houston. The National carrier Caribbean Airlines operates from Miami, New York, Toronto, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. You can also get daily flights from New York and Fort Lauderdale by Budget carrier Jet Blue.
12. Bora Bora Island
This island is situated at a distance of 230 km northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. This island is a major attraction amongst international tourists. This island is famously known for its aqua-centric luxury resorts and overwater bungalows.
This place is ideal for couples and is a major honeymoon destination. The island is one of the best islands in the South Pacific region. The beauty of this island is unparallel. Anciently the island was known as “Pora Pora Mai te Pora” which meant “created by the gods” but is now known as Bora Bora Island.
How to reach:
To reach Bora Bora, first of all, you must fly to French Polynesia’s Faa’a International Airport, at Papeete, on the main island of Tahiti. Many flights fly to Tahiti including Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, LAN, and Hawaiian Airlines. Air Tahiti flies to 47 islands air-strips From Papeete.
13. Tahiti Island
How can one forget this island, which also starred in one of the most famous songs whole wide world? This island is the largest in the Windward group of French Polynesia. The guest house on this island is considered to be much smaller than the hotel room, but the bungalows on the island are a better option any day.
The island is divided into two parts out of which the larger portion that is located towards the northwestern side is known as Tahiti Nui and the smaller side located on the southeastern side is called Tahiti Iti. The island offers delicious French crepes which one is sure to relish for days.
How to reach:
To reach Tahiti you have to take a flight to the main island, which is in the middle of Los Angeles and Sydney. The flight takes around 7 hours and a half, and many international airports offer service there.
14. Fiji Island
The perfect holiday starts and ends with this place this holiday season. This place incorporates affordable accommodation and one can unwind on one of the best beaches in the world. This island country offers one of the best indulges in spa retreats. This island country is also part of Oceania in the South Pacific region.
This country has many islands and Taveuni is one of the best and is famously known as the Garden Island. The lush green jungles and waterfalls are a major attraction.
How to reach:
To reach Fiji you have to take a flight to Nadi International Airport Fiji. There is good connectivity of flights from many countries.
15. Oahu Island
This Hawaiian island is home to a diverse population which is a fusion of both west and east cultures that are deeply rooted in their values. This makes this island unique. The island offers many activities and surf towns. The island is known to have about one million people.
The highest point on this island is known to be the Kaala which is situated in the Wai aanae range. The major attraction on the island includes Ala Moana, Honolulu, Aloha Tower, Dole Plantation, and Kaena Point.
How to reach:
Hawaii’s major airport is Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu which serves as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s visitors. All major domestic carriers and many international carriers are connected to Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere.
16. Sardinia Island
How can one forget the islands of the Mediterranean Sea? Sardinia is one such Island and is also the largest on the Mediterranean Sea. One must schedule a wine tour while they visit this island. The wine must be enjoyed with all the cheese and chocolates. These islands offer a variety of ecosystems. The sandy beaches are the best to relax on this Italian Island this holiday season.
How to reach:
You can reach Sardinia Island in two ways; via air and via sea. There are three airports to fly into on the island – Cagliari, Aeroport di Olbia Costa Smeralda, and Alghero Airport.
17. Langkawi Island
Commonly known as the Jewel of Kedah, this island is the landscape reality of the paddy fields and lush rainforests. It is an archipelago that is made up of ninety-nine islands on Malaysia’s west coast.
The island has an abundance of chocolates which is duty-free that one can pack and take for their loved ones back home. The cable car in Pantai Kok is a major attraction to this place.
How to reach:
Langkawi is connected with many points in Malaysia like Kulala Lumpur and Penang, along with several other overseas cities like Singapore, Phuket (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), and cities of Australia, China, Japan, etc with regular and direct flights. Langkawi Airport is located at Padang Matsirat and is served by airlines like Silk Air, Air Asia, and Malaysia Airlines.
18. Praslin Island
This spectacular beach inhabits one of the rarest bird species including the Seychelles Bulbul and the black parrot. The island also has a Praslin National Park in the southern region of the island which has a sumptuous palm forest of Vallee de Mai.
It is the second-largest island of Seychelles. The beaches on this island are sure to complete your holiday season in a rejuvenating mode.
How to reach:
Praslin has a small domestic airport within the island which is known as the Grand Anse. It is only accessible from the Seychelles International Airport by Air Seychelles services from Mahe.
Read More, Best Islands to visit in Maldives
19. British Virgin Island
The British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean same as the US Virgin Islands. The main islands to explore here are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. You can enjoy diving, fishing, sailing, and swimming here.
Winter is the peak tourist time here. If you don’t want to enjoy this place in peak season then Spring and fall are the best seasons. During Fall and spring, the weather is pleasant and the place is less crowded.
How to Reach:
There are three international airports located at Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. There are no direct flights to the British Virgin Islands but one can reach the destination through connecting flights from San Juan to Puerto Rico.
20. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India which has a group of 36 islands. This island is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. This is one of the best Islands To Visit in December in India.
The important thing to consider here is that you can not visit this island without a permit. This place is only accessible from Kochi (Kerala). You have to get a permit from Kochi to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians).
One more thing, only BSNL and Airtel provide telecommunication services to the Lakshadweep Islands.
How to reach:
Kochi, Kerela is the only place you can get a permit to visit Lakshadweep. Kochi is the gateway to this island. Therefore, you can reach Lakshadweep by ships and flights operated from Kochi.
Read More, Most Beautiful Islands in India
These are the Best Islands To Visit in December. If you are planning to visit an Island, do consider this list. Choose the best one for you and enjoy your Christmas or New Year on these Best Islands in the world.
Always keep some important points in mind before Planning a Perfect Trip and searching for the best and cheapest vacation rentals is one of them. There are a few best rental and hotel search comparison websites that offer Airbnb, villa, hotel, hostel, and home exchange in one place with the prices listed from all the sites. You can compare the price and book a place at the lowest price.
If you’re planning a December getaway to some cool islands, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few awesome options:
Maldives:
Imagine clear blue waters and overwater bungalows – that’s the Maldives! December is perfect with its sunny days and just the right amount of breeze.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India):
For a slice of paradise closer to home, head to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island is especially stunning.
Phuket (Thailand):
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is a hotspot. December offers fantastic weather, and you can explore beautiful beaches and vibrant markets.
Bali (Indonesia):
Bali is a magical place with its lush landscapes and rich culture. December is the start of the rainy season, but you can still catch some sunshine.
Seychelles:
Seychelles, with its granite islands and coral atolls, is a dreamy destination. December brings warm temperatures and fantastic marine life for snorkeling.
Fiji:
December is summertime in Fiji! You’ll find friendly locals, stunning coral reefs, and plenty of sunshine for the perfect island escape.
Absolutely! December is a fantastic time to visit the Caribbean. Here’s why it’s a great idea:
Warm Weather:
The Caribbean is known for its warm tropical climate, and December is no exception. You can expect pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal escape from colder climates.
Dry Season:
December falls within the dry season in many Caribbean destinations. This means less rainfall and more sunny days, creating perfect conditions for beach outings and outdoor activities.
Festive Atmosphere:
The Caribbean knows how to celebrate, and December is no different. Many islands have lively festivals, events, and Christmas/New Year’s celebrations that add to the overall festive vibe.
Crystal Clear Waters:
The waters of the Caribbean are renowned for their clarity and stunning shades of blue. Whether you’re into snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing on the beach, December offers excellent visibility and comfortable sea temperatures.
Diverse Islands:
Each Caribbean island has its unique charm. Whether you prefer the lush landscapes of Jamaica, the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago, or the exclusive resorts in the Bahamas, there’s something for every taste.
Water Sports:
December is a great time for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and more in the warm and inviting Caribbean waters.
Escape Winter Blues:
If you’re looking to escape the winter blues, the Caribbean provides a perfect winter getaway. Imagine palm trees, white sandy beaches, and a gentle sea breeze – a true tropical paradise.
Just keep in mind that December is also part of the high tourist season, so it’s advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, the Caribbean in December has you covered!
