The best cruising destinations in December.

Published 24 June 2021

The best destinations for your December cruising holiday

The South Pacific is a favoured winter cruise destination for sailing yachts and motor yachts alike. Experience the cool trade winds in the Caribbean, the exotic bounty islands of Fiji, the shallow waters of The Bahamas and the cultural extravaganza of Thailand. December charters don’t get much better than this.

December in the Caribbean

December in the Caribbean serves up rum punch and corn chowder with a generous side portion of rejuvenation. For fitness enthusiasts, an early morning run on Barbuda’s pink-shelled 11-Mile Beach pairs untamed beauty with the wild call of nesting frigatebirds.

Explore the Caribbean


What are the average temperatures in the Caribbean in December?

Barbados has some of the warmest temperatures in the Caribbean in December
Barbados has some of the warmest temperatures in the Caribbean in December

Winter charterers can expect an average high of 28°C, with Dominican Republic and Barbados typically registering as the hottest islands in the Caribbean.

What is the weather like in the Caribbean in December?

Great temperatures, low humidity and plenty of sun
Great temperatures, low humidity and plenty of sun

Come December, the hurricanes and tropical storms are long gone, and the sea surface temperature is a balmy 27°C. It’s also a little less humid, too, which is good news for those looking to bronze on the aft deck.

Things to see in the Caribbean in December

The famous Dunn's River Falls is just west of Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast
The famous Dunn's River Falls is just west of Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast

Jamaica’s Dunn's River Falls are an exhilarating sight, but to witness breaching humpbacks in all their glory head to the whale breeding grounds of the Dominican Republic. Underwater adventurers might just hear the male humpback’s haunting courting song, too.

There's a strong chance of seeing humpback whales in December
There's a strong chance of seeing humpback whales in December

December in The Bahamas

December through to May is the optimum time to make a splash in The Bahamas, where underwater caves, roast conch, velvet sands and shipwreck – or plane wreck – snorkelling is on the menu. 

Explore The Bahamas

What are the average temperatures in The Bahamas in December?

Crystal clear waters and plenty of interesting dive sites make this a great place to explore below the water
Crystal clear waters and plenty of interesting dive sites make this a great place to explore below the water

Here, seawater temperatures never get cold, usually staying above a clement 25°C, while the air temperature only occasionally dips to a mild 20°C.

What is the weather like in The Bahamas in December?

At the heart of all this unspoilt nature is Paradise Island, Nassau, where guests can visit casinos, nightclubs, spas and restaurants
At the heart of all this unspoilt nature is Paradise Island, Nassau, where guests can visit casinos, nightclubs, spas and restaurants

The Bahamas generously offers seven hours of sunshine from 11 hours of daylight in December. With the tropical, rainy season a distant memory, superyacht winter cruises are ideal.

Things to see in The Bahamas in December

The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay are a huge attraction
The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay are a huge attraction

Nowhere else in the world offers the chance to paddle with brown and pink wild pigs so kayaking the shallow waters of Lucayan National Park in Grand Bahama is a must-do.

Warm, shallow, well-sheltered waters, like here at Cat Island, make this a great place to explore by Kayak, SUP, jetskis or tenders
Warm, shallow, well-sheltered waters, like here at Cat Island, make this a great place to explore by Kayak, SUP, jetskis or tenders

December in Fiji

Fiji is world-renowned for its pulsating coral reefs, but it’s the abundance of striking islands that call to the wild at heart and make it a winter sailing destination with a difference.

Explore Fiji

What are the average temperatures in Fiji in December?

Fiji has some of the best diving anywhere in the world
Fiji has some of the best diving anywhere in the world

Expect it to be a hot and humid 30°C with a scattering of tropical rain showers in the afternoon. Snorkelling amid vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles is the best place to cool off.

What is the weather like in Fiji in December?

These islands have a long and proud history, which continues to be celebrated today
These islands have a long and proud history, which continues to be celebrated today

Fiji’s official winter season is from May through to the November, but a December charter will catch the tail-end of warm, lingering days spent anchored off one of its 300 tropical islands.

Indigenous species include the colourful parrotfinch
Indigenous species include the colourful parrotfinch

Things to see in Fiji in December

Tiger sharks are among the species of shark that share these waters
Tiger sharks are among the species of shark that share these waters

Shark enthusiasts can sight up to eight different species, including silvertips and the occasional tiger shark, while scuba diving will reveal more than 1,200 fish species and 12 species of whales.

Guests will never tire of exploring the natural wonders that proliferate in these protected waters
Guests will never tire of exploring the natural wonders that proliferate in these protected waters

December in Thailand

Of all the months to visit Thailand, December is the best. Perch high among the jungle at Krabi’s Rayavadee Resort, only accessible by boat, or head up the coast to live life Myanmar style.

Explore Thailand

What are the average temperatures in Thailand in December?

Meet the local wildlife
Meet the local wildlife

The monsoon rains have passed, instead leaving the islands drenched in sunshine. Temperatures average at a pleasing 27°C, though evenings may be cooler.

What is the weather like in Thailand in December?

Explore the Ko Ha islands in the Andaman Sea
Explore the Ko Ha islands in the Andaman Sea

The south east in the Gulf of Thailand may still experience some rainfall, but the clear west coast waters of the Andaman Sea and its surrounding national parks are ideal for a winter charter.

Discover the sights and sounds of a Thai night market
Discover the sights and sounds of a Thai night market

Things to see in Thailand in December

One of Thailand's coastal signatures is the longtail boat, like this one in Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh
One of Thailand's coastal signatures is the longtail boat, like this one in Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh

Head out for the day aboard a colourful longtail boat, it’s the best way to island hop like a local and see the islands in full bloom. From December to February, sunflowers and wild Himalayan cherry blossoms coat the islands with vivid yellows and flushes of pink.

This is a country blessed with natural wonders, from unspoilt coasts to pristine rainforest
This is a country blessed with natural wonders, from unspoilt coasts to pristine rainforest

Book your yacht chartering holiday with Burgess today

Venture further this December to discover an array of winter wonderland destinations best experienced by boat and let our team of Burgess brokers facilitate the charter of a lifetime. Contact us now.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: LondonMonacoNew YorkMiamiSingapore or all other locations.

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