December is one of the best months to escape the UK and find some proper winter sun. While Britain deals with freezing temperatures, frosty mornings and endless rain, there are places in Europe and much further afield where the weather stays warm, sunny and perfect for a holiday.

With that in mind, the Met Office has shared the 10 hottest destinations to visit in December, and the list includes some of the places British travellers love most, such as Tenerife and Lanzarote. Getting away before Christmas is also usually much cheaper than travelling during the summer months, and the crowds are much smaller too.

Here are the 10 hottest places to go on holiday in December, according to the Met Office.

Cape Town - 19.8C

Cape Town's summer starts in December, bringing warm days, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The Met Office says average maximum temperatures sit at around 19.8C with roughly 11 hours of sun and only about 15mm of rain.

The climate is often compared to a Mediterranean summer, which helps explain its success as a wine-growing region. Visitors can explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and nearby vineyards in comfortable, not overpowering, heat.

Madeira - 20C

Madeira is a good option for those who want mild warmth rather than intense heat. Average December temperatures hover around 20C, with plenty of dry days but also some showers, especially in the mountains.

The island is very hilly, so conditions can change quickly as you gain height. It's not always hot enough for a full week of sunbathing, but it is popular for walking holidays, coastal paths and exploring the capital Funchal.

Tenerife - 21.9C

Tenerife is one of the classic winter-sun spots for British tourists. In December, the Met Office says average maximum temperatures reach about 21.9C, with around six hours of sunshine a day.

The island does see more rain in winter, particularly in the north, but totals remain low and there are still plenty of dry days. Visitors can relax on beaches, explore resorts like Costa Adeje, or head inland to see Mount Teide and its volcanic landscapes.

Lanzarote - 22.2C

Lanzarote offers similar winter warmth but with even drier conditions. Average December highs sit around 22.2C and nights usually stay close to 16C. The Met Office says that Lanzarote tends to get less rain than other Canary Islands because its flatter landscape allows clouds to pass by.

Holidaymakers can enjoy the beaches at Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen, visit Timanfaya National Park, or walk along the seafront with several hours of sunshine most days.

Melbourne - 25.5C

December marks the start of summer in Melbourne, and average maximum temperatures climb to about 25.5C with roughly eight hours of sunshine a day. The Met Office says the city's climate is similar to coastal California, with no long, cold spells and fairly even rainfall across the year.

Conditions can still be changeable, but visitors can expect warm days for exploring the city's waterfront and parks without extreme humidity.

Cape Verde - 26.4C

Cape Verde's group of volcanic islands off West Africa enjoy a tropical oceanic climate, staying warm all year. In December, the Met Office says average maximum temperatures are around 26.4C, a little lower than the summer peak of 30C and often more comfortable.

Humidity is fairly high, but coastal breezes and winds of about 14mph help. Visitors can enjoy beaches, watersports and island towns with very little rain outside the wet season.

Brisbane - 28.2C

Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate, and December is firmly in its hot, wet season. Average daytime highs reach around 28.2C and nights stay close to 21C, according to the Met Office.

Rainfall is high at about 127mm, but showers often arrive as short, heavy bursts or thunderstorms that move through quickly. Between downpours there are around eight hours of sunshine, giving plenty of time to explore the riverfront, parks and nearby beaches.

Barbados - 29.5C

Barbados enters its dry season in December, with the Met Office reporting average maximum temperatures of about 29.5C. Humidity and heat ease slightly compared to the wettest months, and cooling north-east trade winds make conditions feel more comfortable.

Rainfall remains around 112mm but often comes in brief showers rather than all-day downpours. Tourists can enjoy beaches, snorkelling, coastal bars and historic Bridgetown.

Dominican Republic - 29.6C

The Dominican Republic is another Caribbean favourite for winter sun. In December, average maximum temperatures sit at around 29.6C, as the dry season gets under way.

The Met Office says rainfall drops to around 61mm and any higher temperatures are moderated by sea breezes from the trade winds. Resorts such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer long beaches, water sports and all-inclusive hotels, with hot but manageable conditions for most holidaymakers.

Cancun - 30.4C

Cancun is the hottest destination on the Met Office's December list, with average highs of around 30.4C. The coastal climate is shaped by the warm Caribbean Sea and north-east trade winds, which help keep the heat from feeling overwhelming.

December is early in the dry season, with rainfall averaging about 38mm. Visitors can enjoy white-sand beaches, great hotels, and trips to nearby Mayan sites, all in reliably hot weather that many people find ideal for winter escape.