Best Honeymoon Destinations for December

Thanks to being so cost effective, winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Venues, caterers, and a whole host of other vendors you need for your wedding are willing to offer discounts in late fall and early winter. Since so few people are getting married during this time, you have your pick of the litter and are often able to get everything you want for a lot less money.

The same goes for December honeymoon destinations. December is an excellent time of the year to take a honeymoon, provided you know the right places to go. Here are some of the best honeymoon destinations for December that will help you get the most out of your winter vacation.

New Zealand

December is when the island nation of New Zealand is at its peak. Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, December is actually late spring/early summer in New Zealand. A visit to New Zealand in December all but ensures that the entire country will be in full bloom, allowing tourists to fully explore this amazing country.

New Zealand is best known for its stunning topography, which ranges from pristine beaches in the north to year-round snow-capped mountains in the south. Because of its diverse landscapes, New Zealand is one of the best honeymoon destinations for adventure-lovers. New Zealand is as diverse a landscape as any country on earth. It’s said that on any given day you can find all four seasons on the Island of New Zealand.

For those couples seeking pristine beaches, look no further than the Coromandel Peninsula. Located in the northern part of the country, this popular destination features warm water and gorgeous coastal retreats. Honeymooners also love to frequent Waiheke Island for private, secluded beautiful beaches and fantastic local wine tasting.

Bali

When planning a trip to Bali, the weather is an essential part of picking a date. Fortunately, December is an optimal time to visit this exotic destination, as December falls in the middle of the dry season.

Bali is for those couples who desire tranquility, natural beauty, and lavish accommodations. This island paradise offers tourists a life of unparalleled comfort for incredibly low prices. It’s not uncommon for couples to rent their own private villa with incredible views of the ocean or rainforest for cheaper than $100/day.

Bali is more than lavish lounging, this island paradise also offers plenty of adventure. Scooters are the preferred mode of transportation, and you and your spouse can easily go from a stunning temple to the untouched sands of a secluded beach within the same day.

The Maldives

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this island paradise is the picture-perfect vision of a tropical oasis for any romantic honeymoon. The water is a brilliant turquoise and as warm as bathwater. The soft sand bottom lagoons connect to vibrant reefs perfect for swimming and snorkeling without any tribulation.

The crystal waters of the Maldives always offer incredible visibility, but it’s at its best in December. Be sure to treat yourself to a boat trip to the outer reefs where you will swim with incredible ocean life like rays, whales, and the occasional turtle.

Private villas are all the rage in the Maldives, ensuring that you and your new spouse have plenty of privacy for all your honeymoon activities. Luxury comes standard in a private villa with amenities such as outdoor showers, private pools, and a private dock for your own personal entrance to the water below.

The Maldives are a collection of islands, and there are many resorts to choose from. The truth is, there’s no real difference in the accommodations you choose, the Maldives are amazing no matter what. Find the best deal and pack your bags, because this is one of the best island honeymoon destinations.

Belize

Located in beautiful Central America, Belize is another honeymoon favorite for those who prefer a tropical wonderland. The dry season in Belize begins in December, ensuring the best weather Central America has to offer. Located on the Atlantic side of Central America, Belize is known for its pristine waters and white sand beaches.

Don’t let the phrase “dry season” fool you, Belize will be incredibly lush in December, due to the rainfall of late summer and early fall. Visiting in December just ensures that you will have the warm sunny days you want when you visit this tropical paradise.

Couples who visit Belize will enjoy an array of inviting tropical activities. From zip-lining through the jungle to snorkel tours and scuba diving trips, Belize has something to offer every kind of couple. While the cost of visiting Belize can get relatively expensive, there are plenty of ways to maximize your luxury at a minimal cost.

All-inclusive resorts are popular in Belize, as they help to cut down expenses on food and drinks. Besides, this is your honeymoon, why would you need to leave the beach at your incredible resort?

Southern California

While many think of Southern California as being a summertime destination, December is one of So-Cal’s most delightful months of the year. Often boasting temperatures in the low 70s with no humidity and little rainfall, the beginning of winter on the West Coast is simply divine.

Don’t expect tropical waters in Southern California. Even at its warmest, the Pacific Ocean along California’s coast is a bit of a shock to the system. At an average of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the water in Southern California is better for jumping in to cool off rather than ocean-based activities.

Never fear, there’s more than one way to enjoy the immaculate coast of Southern California. From beach picnics to boat rides, there is always some water-based activity to participate in.

Many couples who choose Southern California as a December honeymoon destination will enjoy lower prices on accommodations, making it far easier to secure beachfront lodgings. Being that there are very few tourists from November to March, couples who honeymoon here can enjoy some extra privacy at a lower cost.

Whether you prefer to kick back with some microbrews and fish tacos in San Diego, take a movie lot tour in LA, or check out the superb wineries of Santa Barabara, Southern California has something for everyone.

Vancouver, Canada

Located on the Pacific Coast of Canada, Vancouver sits at only 171 feet above sea level and serves as the perfect winter honeymoon for a romantic getaway. Vancouver rarely sees snow, making it an ideal winter location for those who don’t necessarily love traditional winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. Not to worry, legendary ski resorts of Blackcomb and Whistler sit only two hours north of Vancouver for an easy day trip to world-class mountain slopes.

Brimming with dense pine forests and featuring incredible nearby islands, Vancouver is the perfect environment for those who love to explore the great outdoors. Vancouver offers access to stunning lakes and incredible hikes to local waterfalls, and since it’s so close to sea level, you can see them even in December.

Even though it’s somewhat cold in December, it’s rarely ever freezing in Vancouver, allowing you to have the perfect honeymoon after a winter wedding. The average December temperature in Vancouver is 44 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for the thrill of a chill. If you’re looking to plan a romantic getaway for your winter honeymoon, Vancouver can be an excellent option.

South Florida

The southern coast of Florida offers the weather and scenery of the Bahamas, without the need to go abroad. From the famous Sunset Key Guest Cottages of Key West to the legendary beaches and nightclubs of Miami, south Florida is an excellent choice for a December honeymoon.

The Florida Keys are easily a top ten honeymoon destination in the US. With each island in the chain offering its own unique charm, the Florida Keys all share the common benefits of white sand and warm tropical water. The Florida Keys are where luxury meets convenience, with a great deal of their appeal being the unbeatable natural amenities, and island hopping is highly encouraged.

The food and culture of South Florida are not to be overlooked. Perfect for those couples who enjoy a night out on the town for food and drinks, South Florida, and specifically Miami, is a hotspot for incredible nightlife.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is always lovely, but it’s exceptionally welcoming in December. While other areas of the world experience heavy rainfall in the early winter, Maui stays warm and dry. Be warned, Hawaii is a tropical location, which means the occasional rain shower is an inevitability. Still, December is your best chance for a maximum number of sunny days.

December is a low volume season for tourists, which means you and your spouse will likely be able to capitalize on some outrageous deals. From flights to accommodations, early December offers tourists who are willing to take a winter trip an incredible reward. Careful not to go too close to Christmas, as things do get more expensive toward the end of the year. The first two weeks of December are the sweet spot for Maui.

A December to Remember

Wherever you choose to go on your December honeymoon, remember that timing is everything. There is a fine line between a tropical paradise and a rainy honeymoon stuck indoors. When planning a December honeymoon, you should keep an eye on the weather, prices, and other fickle variables that could influence your decision.

The destinations listed above have the highest probability of presenting you and your spouse with the perfect honeymoon location. No need to be nervous about asking for time off in early December, there are plenty of worldwide destinations where you can go enjoy your honeymoon!