The 5 Best Honeymoon Destinations in December According to the Experts

Planning a December honeymoon and don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing a destination? We get it. There are dozens of opinions out there, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Your Aunt Sherry may recommend Mexico, while your mom swears by a honeymoon in Hawaii in the winter. 

As experienced honeymoon planners with hundreds of experiences under our belts, we are here to clear the air. We’ve compiled a list of the best honeymoon destinations in December that we personally recommend. And we’ve even added resorts to consider for each spot. If you want to escape the chill of winter for a tropical romantic vacation, here’s a list of the top places to consider and which couple each location is best suited for. 

1. Saint Lucia

Best for couples who want a jaw-dropping view in a private, relaxed region. 

Saint Lucia in the eastern Caribbean Sea is one of those honeymoon destinations that doesn’t feel real. With twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons framing the island, it’s a hard-to-beat honeymoon place in December. Often considered the best time to visit Saint Lucia, December marks the start of peak season. Although the island is busier this time of year, it’s still a relaxing getaway for couples who want to lounge on the beach rather than fill their schedules with activities. 

Dry season starts in December, meaning you’ll benefit from consistent tropical weather without the humidity and tropical storms. And if you do want something to do once in a while, the island hosts several local celebrations during this time of year as well, including the Festival of Lights and Renewal in mid-December and a fun holiday vibe across the resorts, restaurants, and towns of the island. Nights are cooler in December, which means you can stay out late without overheating. If you want a quieter, low-key honeymoon, Saint Lucia is a great option for you. 

Where to Stay: 

• Jade Mountain Resort is a hillside all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia with open-walled suites directly overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 

• Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a private resort on a peninsula in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, offering a more energetic honeymoon for the lively couple. 

2. Dominican Republic

Best for honeymooners who want a luxury all-inclusive resort getaway with easy access to Caribbean waters and cultural sites. 

The Dominican Republic is one of the best beach honeymoon destinations in December. The temperatures can’t be beat during this time of year, averaging between 75°F and 83°F with minimal rain, striking blue skies, and low humidity. Expect a lively atmosphere during December since it’s peak tourist season, especially the closer you get to Christmas and New Year's. Top regions in the area include Punta Cana, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; Samaná Peninsula for a secluded honeymoon; and Bayahibe, a laid-back coastal resort town. 

You can’t really go wrong with any location in the Dominican Republic. The white-sand beaches are a few steps away from almost every resort. The region offers a fun blend of tropical adventures like whale watching, dancing to vibrant merengue and bachata music, snorkeling at Isla Catalina, and spending the day at beachy bars. 

Where to Stay: 

• Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is an adults-only all-inclusive resort on the Jaunillo Beach. 

• Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is also located on Juanillo Beach with oceanfront accommodations and 12 on-site dining and bar venues.

• Melia Punta Cana Beach is situated on the white sandy beaches of Bávaro Beach, emphasizing slow travel and calm relaxation. 

3. Mexico

Best for couples who don’t want to travel too far for a beachy, romantic getaway with fun culture and dozens of resorts to choose from. 

Mexico is one of the best honeymoon spots in December, and every part of the country offers something different depending on your vibe. Mexico City is perfect for the duo who wants to explore art, history, and culture. Riviera Maya is a jungle terrain with ancient Mayan ruins worth getting lost in. Cancun and Isla Mujeres offer vibrant blue waters, romantic sunsets, and nearby day trips. And it’s one of the best times of year to visit in December. It usually hits around mid-80s°F during the day with low rainfall and clear blue skies. 

If you want to escape the cold and have a tropical honeymoon, Mexico should be on your list of considerations, especially since it has some of the best honeymoon resorts worldwide. 

Where to Stay: 

• Beloved Playa Mujeres is located right on the Caribbean coast, with palm trees and long stretches of white-sand beaches surrounding it. 

• Impression Isla Mujeres is an elegant resort with private boat arrival and one-of-a-kind amenities, such as an over-water hammock cinema.

• Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is home to ocean-view suites along the Baja California peninsula with a luxury spa on-site. 

• Alaya Tulum has treehouse-style rooms steps away from the ocean for a jungle-esque honeymoon. 

4. Antigua

Best for honeymooners who crave a combination of white-sand beaches and high-end boutique resorts with fewer crowds. 

Antigua is a bit of an underrated honeymoon place in December. It’s known for its romance-centric resorts and upscale, classy accommodations. Apart from that, the area offers so many things to do for honeymooners. From sunsets and sailing to snorkeling at Cades Reef or hiking the Wallings Nature Reserve to Carlisle Bay Trail, Antigua isn’t short of activities to put on the itinerary. 

But if you’re just craving a quiet getaway at the beach, Antigua caters to that as well. It’s home to over 350 public beaches, with both quieter, secluded options and fun, upbeat areas. Beaches like Darkwood Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, and Hawksbill Bay Beach are some of the more serene spots for a romantic day lounging by the sea. 

Where to Stay: 

• Hermitage Bay features hillside suites with private plunge pools overlooking the beaches below. 

• Carlisle Bay is in a small, remote inlet with private access to the beach and several on-site restaurants. 

5. Jamaica

Best for the duo who wants a sensory experience: one day in the rainforest, the next at a world-class beach, with a rum punch in hand. 

Jamaica is a laid-back, “No problem” atmosphere, as the locals call it. With a varied landscape, you won’t have to spend every day at the beach if you don’t want to. You can travel to the dramatic mountains and lush rainforests or cliff-jump into the glowing bioluminescent bays. Whatever your heart desires, it’s here in Jamaica. 

Jamaica is one of the best honeymoon destinations in December because of the holiday energy, warm, idyllic weather, and transition to the drier season. Early to mid-month is best with fewer crowds before the holidays. Consider staying at Negril for calm, clear waters; Montego Bay for the vibrant “Hip Strip” with open bars and souvenir shops; or Runaway Bay for lush landscapes and proximity to Dunn’s River Falls. 

Where to Stay: 

• Couples Swept Away in Negril is on the Seven Mile Beach with bungalow-style suites. 

• Princess Senses the Mangrove Resort is on the shores of Industry Cove in Green Island with ocean-view accommodations. 

FAQs

1. Is 7 days enough for a honeymoon?

Yes, 7 days is enough for a honeymoon, especially in the regions we’ve recommended, since travel times are shorter for US citizens. You can easily unplug and relax without feeling like you run out of activities to do. However, the duration of your stay depends entirely on personal preferences and how you want to spend your time. 

2. How much does a honeymoon in December cost? 

A honeymoon in December can cost anywhere between $5,300 and $6,500 for a 7-day trip, depending on accommodations and which country you stay in. Read our guide to how much a honeymoon costs to learn more about exact pricing. 

3. What do I pack for a December honeymoon?

For a tropical honeymoon in December, we recommend packing essentials like a passport, airline tickets, visas, credit and debit cards, and reservation confirmations. For clothing, bring a swimsuit (or a few), shorts, lightweight linen pants, sleepwear, tops, and swim trunks. Check out our honeymoon packing list for the full rundown on what to bring and what not to pack. 

Plan Your Getaway at the Best Honeymoon Destination in December With Romantics Travel

Do you want to escape the cold and be whisked away to a tropical paradise for your December honeymoon? Romantics Travel can help make it happen. We help couples plan once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons in tropical destinations tailored to their preferences, budget, and vision. With our expertise and long list of personally vetted recommendations, you’ll be set up for a successful, seamless honeymoon from day one. 

Take the stress out of planning a December honeymoon and hand over the logistics to us. Fill out the honeymoon questionnaire to start planning your romantic getaway.