Christmas aside, December in the UK can be pretty bleak. With average temperatures of 7C, just three hours of sunshine and 17 days of rainfall, no one could blame you for wanting to escape to sunnier climates.
Luckily Thomson have some great last minute December holidays for less than £300 per person- and we’ve chosen the six sunniest destinations. All prices are based on two people sharing for seven nights. What are you waiting for- get over to their late deals page!
Tunisia
- Price: From £202 per person
- Average temperature: 13C with highs of 17C
- Hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Positioned in North Africa, the Mediterranean climate makes November to April the best time to visit Tunisia: you can experience the warmth without the high accommodation costs and crowds. Choose from an abundance of beach tourist resorts to stay in, but remember to explore the charming Roman cities and walled towns too.
Marrakech
- Price: From £218 per person
- Average temperature: 14C with highs of 19C
- Hours of sunshine: 11
Known as the Red City due to the natural red ochre pigment of its walls and buildings, Marrakech is a town of two halves. Whether you want to explore the ancient walled Medina or the colonial Ville Nouvelle, the 11 hours of sunshine in December will give you plenty of time to experience Marrakech’s historic wealth and vibrant atmosphere.
Gran Canaria
- Price: From £233 per person
- Average temperature: 19C with highs of 22C
- Hours of sunshine: 7
Whilst the December weather is considered cold for the island, compared with the UK it is positively balmy. Rather than spend your time on the beaches, branch out and explore the dramatic terrain which varies from green and leafy to mountainous and desert. Who needs sunbathing when you have hiking and horse trekking?
Tenerife
- Price: From £244 per person
- Average temperature: 16C with highs of 19C
- Hours of sunshine: 7
With sea temperatures of 21C and 7 hours of sunshine, spending a few hours on the beach in Tenerife is possible even in December. When you aren’t soaking up the sun, head to the dormant volcano at the island’s centre for some enjoyable hiking. Alternatively, the northern coast of Tenerife remains largely undeveloped, with the tiny cobbled town of Garachico an undeniable jewel.
Lanzarote
- Price: From £249
- Average temperature: 18C with highs of 21C
- Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Lanzarote boasts some of the warmest December weather in Europe, and you’ll be more than comfortable in shorts and t-shirts in the daytime. Forget its reputation for package tourism- Lanzarote is an intriguing island with over 300 volcanic cones and fascinating geology. And if all you want to do is lie by the pool with a pint of beer, you’ve got 8 hours of sunshine to do it in.
Paphos
- Price: From £296
- Average temperature: 15C with highs of 18C
- Hours of sunshine: 7
This Cypriote coastal city offers everything from beaches to history, but the weather can be a bit unreliable for sunbathing. Head to Kato Paphos for the main archaeological points of interest, along with the tourist focused all-day English breakfasts and bars. For a calmer and more commercial atmosphere, visit Ktima- the old centre where locals go about their daily business.
Don’t forget to check out our Thomson discount codes to save money on your last minute December holiday. All prices accurate at time of writing.
