December offers perfect weather for tropical island escapes. The best islands to visit in December include Thailand's Phuket and Koh Samui, Indonesia's Bali, Vietnam's Phu Quoc, and the Caribbean's Aruba and St. Lucia. These destinations provide dry skies, warm temperatures, and calm seas.
Keep reading as we uncover the best islands and hidden gems that will make your December getaway unforgettable.
List of Contents
- 1. Phuket: Thailand's Pearl
- 2. Koh Samui: Coconut Island Perfection
- 3. Koh Phi Phi: Limestone Drama
- 4. Bali: Island of Gods
- 5. Phu Quoc: Vietnam's Hidden Gem
- 6. Langkawi: Duty-Free Paradise
- 7. Boracay: White Sand Playground
- 8. Palawan: Last Frontier
- 9. Aruba: One Happy Island
- 10. St. Lucia: Caribbean Gem
- Your December Island Adventure Awaits
1. Phuket: Thailand's Pearl
Phuket hits its stride in December. The monsoon rains disappear, leaving behind crystal-clear skies and calm Andaman Sea waters.
Patong Beach draws the crowds, but locals head to Nai Harn Beach in the south. The curved bay stays protected from winds, and the white sand feels softer underfoot.
I remember watching fire dancers at a beachside restaurant in Kata. The flames reflected off the still water while the Milky Way stretched overhead—a moment that captures why Phuket feels magical in December.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-March
- Getting There: Phuket International Airport (direct flights from major cities)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 4-5 days
- Must-Visit: Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Phi Phi Islands day trip, Old Phuket Town
2. Koh Samui: Coconut Island Perfection
Koh Samui's December weather stays consistently dry. This island feels more relaxed than Phuket, with coconut palms lining every beach.
The island's ring road makes exploration simple. Rent a scooter and follow the coastal route—each beach offers something different.
Fisherman's Village in Bophut transforms every Friday night into a walking street market. Local vendors sell fresh mango sticky rice while traditional music drifts from temple grounds nearby.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-February
- Getting There: Samui Airport or ferry from mainland
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 3-4 days
- Must-Visit: Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha Temple, Fisherman's Village, Na Muang Waterfalls
3. Koh Phi Phi: Limestone Drama
Koh Phi Phi's towering limestone cliffs create one of Southeast Asia's most photographed landscapes. December brings perfect conditions for island hopping and snorkeling.
Maya Bay reopened after years of restoration. Visit early morning before day-trippers arrive from Phuket and Krabi.
The island banned cars long ago. Everything moves by longtail boat or on foot. This creates an unhurried pace that makes time feel elastic.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: November-March
- Getting There: Ferry from Phuket or Krabi
- Entry Fee: Free (Maya Bay has entrance fee)
- Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
- Must-Visit: Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island
4. Bali: Island of Gods
Bali's dry season peaks in December. The rice terraces glow green, temples feel more mystical, and surf breaks work consistently.
Each region offers different experiences. Ubud provides jungle tranquility, Canggu delivers perfect waves, and Nusa Penida showcases dramatic cliffs.
During a temple ceremony in Ubud, I watched locals place fresh flower offerings at dawn. The incense mixed with morning mist while gamelan music echoed through the valley—moments like these reveal why Bali captivates visitors.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: May-September (December is shoulder season)
- Getting There: Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 7-10 days
- Must-Visit: Ubud, Canggu, Tanah Lot Temple, Nusa Penida, Mount Batur
5. Phu Quoc: Vietnam's Hidden Gem
Phu Quoc enters its dry season in December. This island escaped mass tourism longer than its neighbors, preserving authentic fishing village culture.
Cable car rides to Hon Thom Island offer panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand. The journey feels like floating above turquoise water.
Night markets serve the freshest seafood. Local fishermen return each evening with their catch. Choose your fish, point to a cooking style, and eat at plastic tables under string lights.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: November-March
- Getting There: Phu Quoc International Airport
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 4-5 days
- Must-Visit: Sao Beach, Cable Car, Night Market, Pepper Farms, An Thoi Islands
6. Langkawi: Duty-Free Paradise
Langkawi's December weather stays consistently dry. This Malaysian archipelago offers duty-free shopping and pristine beaches without crowds.
Eagle watching at Kilim Karst Geoforest feels surreal. White-bellied sea eagles soar between limestone formations while monitor lizards sunbathe on mangrove roots.
The island's cable car climbs through jungle canopy to mountain peaks. Views stretch across Thailand's southern islands on clear days.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-February
- Getting There: Langkawi International Airport
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 3-4 days
- Must-Visit: Pantai Cenang, Cable Car, Eagle Watching, Underwater World, Rice Garden Museum
7. Boracay: White Sand Playground
Boracay's amihan season begins in December, bringing steady trade winds and dry weather. White Beach stretches four kilometers of powder sand.
Station 2 offers the liveliest scene, while Station 1 provides luxury resorts. Station 3 feels more local and affordable.
Sunset sailing becomes magical when paraw boats dot the horizon. These traditional outrigger vessels create perfect silhouettes against orange skies while island music drifts across calm water.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-May
- Getting There: Fly to Kalibo or Caticlan, then boat transfer
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 4-5 days
- Must-Visit: White Beach, Puka Beach, Mount Luho, Willy's Rock, D'Mall
8. Palawan: Last Frontier
Palawan's dry season peaks in December. This Philippine province feels more untouched than other tropical destinations.
El Nido's limestone karsts create hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak. Each lagoon offers different experiences—some have secret beaches, others contain luminescent plankton.
I discovered a hidden beach in Bacuit Bay where no other tourists ventured. Monitor lizards basked on fallen logs while hornbills called from cliff-top trees. These moments remind you why Palawan earned its pristine reputation.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-May
- Getting There: Fly to El Nido or Puerto Princesa
- Entry Fee: Free (tour fees apply)
- Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
- Must-Visit: El Nido, Coron, Underground River, Bacuit Archipelago, Twin Lagoon
9. Aruba: One Happy Island
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, making December weather consistently perfect. Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable while rainfall stays minimal.
Eagle Beach ranks among the world's best beaches. The sand feels softer than flour, and divi-divi trees create natural shade sculptures shaped by constant wind.
Local food trucks serve traditional arepas filled with fresh cheese and pulled pork. Find them parked along back roads where islanders eat lunch away from tourist areas.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-April
- Getting There: Queen Beatrix International Airport
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 5-6 days
- Must-Visit: Eagle Beach, Natural Pool, Butterfly Farm, Ostrich Farm, Alto Vista Chapel
10. St. Lucia: Caribbean Gem
St. Lucia's dry season begins in December. The twin Piton peaks create the Caribbean's most dramatic landscape, rising directly from turquoise water.
Zip-lining through rainforest canopy offers adrenaline mixed with spectacular views. The course ends at hidden waterfalls where you can swim in natural pools.
Locals recommend visiting Marigot Bay at sunset. This sheltered harbor inspired countless movies and novels. Sailboats anchor in still water while palm trees frame golden light reflecting off yacht masts.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-April
- Getting There: Hewanorra International Airport
- Entry Fee: Free
- Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
- Must-Visit: The Pitons, Marigot Bay, Diamond Falls, Sulphur Springs, Pigeon Island
Your December Island Adventure Awaits
December opens doors to the world's best islands. Whether you choose Thailand's cultural richness, Indonesia's spiritual depth, or the Caribbean's relaxed luxury, these destinations deliver unforgettable experiences.
The dry season creates perfect conditions for exploration. Clear skies reveal stunning sunsets. Calm seas enable island hopping adventures.
Pack light clothes and waterproof gear for occasional showers. Book accommodations early since December marks peak season for most destinations.
Your island paradise waits. The only question remaining is which beach will see your footprints first.
