Published: July 23, 2025
When winter brings colder weather, a can feel especially inviting. December and January are popular months to visit with drier, more comfortable temperatures than during peak season. When planning your trip, consider both availability and the type of experiences you're hoping for.
Many Caribbean islands celebrate Christmas but even if you don’t, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a guide to the 10 best Caribbean islands to visit in December.
There are many reasons to visit St. Lucia throughout the year, but it is easily one of the top islands to visit in the Caribbean in December for several reasons. There’s plenty to do on St. Lucia at this time of the year. That includes hiking through the Pitons, the mountains in the area with exceptional views. Some are harder than others, but the cooler temperatures make it easier to enjoy the area. You can also attend the Festival of Lights that happens each year on December 13, participate in the wide range of holiday activities and enjoy the area’s more remote feel.
A number of hotels are available to create the type of experience you desire. For example, East Winds Hotel in St. Lucia is a resort, cottage-like experience with access to La Brelotte Bay. Another option, perfect for destination weddings, is Stolentime St. Lucia, on Malabar Beach. With limited rainfall, this is an excellent time to visit for an outdoor event.
If you don’t have time to get a passport and you’re a U.S. citizen, traveling to Puerto Rico during December is an easy last-minute trip to make. You’ll be able to explore the communities of Old San Juan for shopping and food. You will also have an opportunity to enjoy a fiesta of parties as the entire month is a celebration. There, La Feria, a festive park in San Juan, is hosted throughout December. It’s the ideal cultural experience with local artisans, foods and entertainment. The beaches and snorkeling opportunities are still ideal during this time of the year as well. Caving and hiking to the waterfalls of Cascada Las Delicias are the perfect way to spend your time here.
Puerto Rico vacation ideas are numerous – you can explore the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park, take a Cape Coast Tour or explore the wilderness with an eco-tour into the valley. You can choose to stay at locations like The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Puerto Rico if you want the very best in luxurious experiences.
Antigua makes for a serene and relaxing trip. It is one of the best Caribbean Islands to visit in the winter because it gives you access to some of the best beaches in the area with ample privacy to go with it. Choose locations like Half Moon Bay and Dickeson Bay. The island is full of vibrant celebrations throughout the holiday season. There’s always a Christmas Regatta to watch or participate in if you want to get out onto the water. You can also take in the historic areas, including Devil’s Bridge and Shirley Heights.
When it comes to where to stay in Antigua during the winter months, there are a few fantastic options to book. Hotel Casa Antigua is refined, modern and ideally located in the heart of Oaxaca. It’s in a modernized historic country inn, which gives it a sense of charm you may not find elsewhere. Another option is Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua in Soldiers Bay, Cedar Grove. This is ideal for those looking for more of a resort-style experience with onsite beach access.
A trip to the Bahamas is always a good idea, but it is one of the top islands to visit in the Caribbean during the month of December for several reasons. You will enjoy the secluded beaches and the Junkanoo celebrations that take place during this time of the year. There’s really no limit to what you can do, from snorkeling with the tropical fish to swimming with dolphins. Consider a dive at Lucayan National Park or visit the Straw Market to find artisan wares to give as gifts when you come back home. Birding, boating, fishing and many other options exist.
When it comes to where to stay when you visit the Bahamas in December, a few destinations really stand out. One is The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort. You can also choose from numerous all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, including Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. These are excellent options if you want to keep things simple to organize, but not give up any of the luxury or amenities.
It’s an exciting time of the year to visit the vibrant culture of Jamaica. Most would say that the Christmas food in Jamaica makes it special and that’s thanks to the numerous traditions present here. It’s also when sorrel, one of the most desirable fruits on the island, is available. You’ll likely enjoy a holiday meal of ham or curried goat, too. It’s also an excellent time to explore the area, such as taking in the Blue Hole Mineral Spring, hiking through the Blue Mountains or exploring the Martha Brae River by canoe. If you’re looking for more indoor activities, the Rose Hall Great House and Devon House are excellent examples of the area’s best architecture and long history.
To really get the most out of your experience, choose one of the upscale hotels here, such as The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. You’ll even enjoy temperatures warm enough to get in the pool. Another option is to book your stay at the Sandals South Coast Jamaica destination in Whitehouse. A resort-style hotel, it boasts the unique benefit of being an EarthCheck-certified destination for its eco-friendly practices. You’ll have fun at most of the hotels here simply because many of them celebrate the holidays with activities, music and décor.
Belize is rich in culture and beautiful nature. Visiting it at any time of the year allows you to explore everything from the dense rainforests to the upscale resorts here. It is one of the best Caribbean islands in December because of the range of activities you’ll enjoy here. For example, junkanu and charikanari dancers take to the streets to celebrate Christmas in Dangriga. If you decide to travel to Crooked Tree Village, you’ll enjoy a traditional Kriol Christmas celebration of rice and beans with turkey and black cake. Belize offers numerous experiences to take in, including the Mayan Ruins tours, the Belize Zoo and the turquoise waters of Caye Caulker.
It's hard to go wrong with the excellent range of hotels in Belize. During the winter months, choose options such as the Alaia Belize Autograph Collection in San Pedro Ambergris Caye or the Copal Tree Lodge in Punta Gorda. Many of the best hotels in Belize are ideally located, but don’t overlook those in the forested areas and more remote locations.
The Dominican Republic may be a small country, but it is an incredible destination to visit, renowned for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. It is one of the top islands to visit in the Caribbean during the cooler months because of the holiday season festivities. Throughout the area, you’ll see Christmas infused in decorations, food and the shopping centers. Some cities, such as Zona Colonial, do a fantastic job of creating live events, including music, to brighten up the city during the holiday. You can also hike into the mountains or visit locations like Puerto Plata, one of the best beaches for the month of December.
A variety of hotels exist throughout the region and most are available throughout December. A few recommendations include the Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo or the Aloft Santo Domingo Piantini. The Dominican Republic offers a range of hotels to meet most needs. What you will find is that many of them have their own celebrations or fun décor to brighten up the season.
Another option in the Caribbean islands to visit in the winter is St. Martin. This fabulous destination offers a unique take on the holiday season, blending French and Dutch cultures to create a stunning destination full of cultural experiences. There’s quite a bit to explore here, including the beaches of Little Bay Beach, Great Bay Beach and Tintamarre Island. You can spend some time sailing at Pinel Island or visit the wonders of Parotte Ville Bird Park. A hike to the top of Pic Paradis is in order, though you could also do some snorkeling. Some people love the culture and vibe of the Orient Bay area during this time of the year, when temperatures are a bit lower.
Choose a location like Hotel L’Esplanade to get a sense of the local holiday atmosphere. The décor is fabulous at this boutique-style hotel in Grand Case. Many of the resorts here are all-inclusive, which means you can really enjoy your experience without having to worry about leaving the resort.
Another exceptional experience for the month of December in the Caribbean is the island of Barbados. It is perfect for a trip where you’ll be able to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters right before the holiday. The area is known for its pristine beaches, but there’s a strong cultural vibe here, too. You’ll see that in the festivals and fun décor that comes out during the month of December. Also note that there are numerous street parades, depending on the city you visit, on Christmas Eve. If you’re looking for festive music and celebrations, a trip to Barbados is an excellent decision for a holiday getaway.
Most areas of Barbados have exceptional hotels to explore. If you decide to visit Bridgetown, stay at The Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels. With its exclusive location and modern amenities, it is just steps to the beach, as is Turtle Beach Resort. This is a great family destination in Dover, which is right on the ocean. No matter where you stay in Barbados, you’ll experience friendly people and a sense of excitement throughout the winter months.
Christmas is about celebration, family and opulence in some areas of the country and the Cayman Islands gives you a way to really enjoy that experience to the fullest. The Caribbean islands to visit in the winter offer the same luxurious charm but with slightly lower temperatures and fewer crowds. That is also a very good way to experience this destination. When you come, you’ll enjoy holiday traditions, including the Cayman Jazz Fest. There are international bands that arrive at the celebration. You’ll also be able to explore the beaches, like Starfish Point and Rum Point.
The Cayman Islands is home to dozens of resort options and it is hard to go wrong choosing one. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is a top favorite due to its location on Seven Mile Beach, a renowned stretch of coastline known for its shopping, waterfront and live entertainment. This contemporary resort hotel puts you right on the oceanfront. Another option is Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, also along Seven Mile Beach. This is an upscale hotel that’s perfectly suited for active families with bikes to take out, waterfront play areas and plenty of fun in the pools.
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