Where to go if you want warm weather this holiday season

The days are short. The sun is low in the sky. Your lips and skin are dry and cracked, and no amount of lip balm can fix it. You just want to look out your window and see palm trees — not trees coated in snow and ice. Perhaps a warm, sunny holiday is just what the doctor ordered.

But where should you go? It’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, after all, and many places are experiencing some of their coldest temperatures of the year.

The map below shades areas orange (hot), red (hotter) or gray (hottest) depending on their average temperature, including both daytime highs and overnight lows, from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30 over a 30-year period from 1991 to 2020.

Consider it an unofficial weather guide for planning your next winter vacation — for the times you want to find yourself in a place where weather forecasts are based on coconuts.

We’ll breakdown destinations that fall into each of the temperature bands and take you on a virtual journey to some of these places.

The hottest destination

Not to be overshadowed, an analysis of warm December destinations also revealed the hottest place on the planet late in the month: the desert of Western Australia.

There, the average temperature in late December is a whopping 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

Good day! If you have a fear of snakes and spiders, it might not be the place for you. But by staying alert and keeping your distance, you won’t have to worry. There’s antivenom available in the rare instance of a bite.

The trade off is world class surf beaches, long days and a mix of vibrant cities and extraordinary natural beauty.

Santa trades his red suit and sleigh for togs (a swim suit) and a surf board down here, mate.

The hottest location of them all is near a town called Innawanga, in the Pilbara region. This place has an average temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit during late December. What makes this figure most impressive is that it’s the average temperature, even considering nighttime.

Australian meteorologist Tristan Meyers, who previously provided forecasts for a mine in the region, said there’s no other place quite like it.

"It’s pure desert: rugged, wild and untamed," Meyers said. "Driving through there is only for people that have the correct vehicle, since if you breakdown, you may not see anyone for days."

He referenced a guide to driving in the region, which highlights all the things that could go wrong and how to stay safe.

"Strong thunderstorms and tropical cyclones can temper the heat and lead to the flash formation of waterfalls, especially during monsoon season," he said.

Hot destinations

If you’d rather not risk it with Australian wildlife, why not dive into the South Pacific Islands?

Bonjour to New Caledonia! If it’s not the pastries that you’re traveling for, let it be the weather.

With an average temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the same time period, this French territory in the South Pacific boasts a sublime climate this time of the year.

The capital city, Nouméa, typically has high temperatures in the mid 80s and lows around 70 during late December, with monthly rainfall of fewer than three inches.

One potential drawback about visiting this time of the year is that it’s tropical cyclone season, which runs from November through April in the Southwest Pacific.

Next up, say kia orana (a greeting that means may you live long) to the Cook Islands.

In the same temperature band as New Caledonia, this island group offers laid back Pacific Island vibes and crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with life and delectable, fresh seafood.

The biggest and most populous island, Rarotonga, is surrounded by a lagoon that allows for safe swimming and snorkeling close to the shore.

If you want to level up to the next temperature band, check out the Fiji Islands.

When you step off the plane, the warm air and friendly locals will greet you with a hearty bula (Fijian for hello).

The Fijian archipelago has more than 300 islands, many of which feature incredible sailing, snorkeling and diving experiences. One particular uninhabited island, named Monuriki, was the filming location of the movie "Cast Away" in the 2000.

Life tends to go at a slower, more relaxed pace here. The locals call it "Fiji time." So find your favorite hammock, grab a coconut and sip the day away.

Mabuhay (a Filipino greeting that means long live) to the Philippines! This country in the Western Pacific is no stranger to extreme weather, such as typhoons, but the tropical warmth is still delightful. The peak of typhoon season is July through October when about 70% of these powerful storms form. December comes with a lower risk.

Most of the archipelago, comprised more than 7,000 islands, is covered in the hot (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and hotter (80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature bands in late December, driven by a warm body of water known as the West Pacific Warm Pool.

But don’t just come for the warm weather. Come for the white sand beaches, some of the most delicious mangoes in the world and the friendly, hospitable people.

There are plenty of other hot destinations worth visiting this time of the year.

In the 75 to 80 degree temperature band are parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina and parts of South Africa.

Parts of Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Vanuatu, Samoa and Paraguay are in the 80 to 85 degree band.

In addition to Australia, parts of northern Argentina, Paraguay and Kenya are all in the hottest temperature band of greater than 85 degrees.

If you like your ocean water like your bath water

What goes well with hot temperatures? A place to cool off, of course. Many tropical destinations afford that opportunity with the nearby sea — but in some places the water might be a bit too warm.

The map below highlights areas that have sea temperatures of greater than 75 degrees in mid-December.

The hottest of them all takes us back to Australia, to a body of water known as the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it’s 90 degrees this time of the year — almost like a hot tub.

This place isn’t fit for swimmers anyway — the waters are infested with salt water crocodiles and other creatures that could give you a nasty sting.

When asked about swimming in the Gulf, Meyers simply said "don’t do it."

For waters that are milder in both temperature and wildlife activity, there are plenty of other options.

The water near Hawaii is around 80 degrees this time of the year. Couple that with high temperatures in the 80s and you’ve got yourself quite the tropical holiday.

In the Caribbean, water temperatures are commonly in the low 80s in late December, with air temperatures in the mid-80s. Also consider that hurricane season is over and the dry season has commenced. The Caribbean’s tropical holiday stock may be rising.

If you’re willing to travel to a more far-flung destination, Bora Bora in French Polynesia fits the bill. With water temperatures in the mid-80s, this tropical paradise has all the makings of an epic vacation. However, the dry season runs from July to October and it can be wetter in December. Tropical cyclones, while possible, are rare.

If after reading all of this, you still aren’t sure about taking a tropical holiday, just check out the satellite photo of Bora Bora.

Sunshine and warm weather awaits you.