Top 3 Best Caribbean Winter Sun Destinations in December

The Caribbean has tropical weather all year round, making its islands popular getaways for snowbirds and 50+ visitors. Each Caribbean nation is unique in its own way, from traditional food to its diverse geographical features. With so many islands to pick from, what are the best places to go on a winter sun vacation in the Caribbean?

These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Caribbean winter sun destinations in December.

The top three best Caribbean winter sun destinations in December are Barbados, St Lucia, and Montserrat. These tropical islands are excellent for escaping cold weather, as the weather during this time of the year is primarily sunny with less rainfall.

Below, I’ll give you an overview of the Caribbean’s top vacation spots when winter rolls around. You’ll also read about a list of things to do at these destinations and what kind of weather you can expect when you’re there.

1. Barbados

Barbados tops this list because it’s a sunny paradise. Warm sunshine, crystal blue waters, and sandy white beaches await you on every side of the island. There’s also a lot happening inland, as December is the peak season for tourists visiting Barbados.

Don’t let the crowd deter you from holidaying; there are 80 beaches on the island, meaning everyone can find a spot on the beaches to relax. Wherever you choose to stay, there’ll be a beach within walking distance to sunbathe, snorkel, or swim. 

Additionally, the local Barbadians are very friendly and welcoming, and you’ll often hear a friendly greeting when strolling down the street. Barbadians are also spiritual and religious, and everyone celebrates Christmas on the island. There are events such as traditional festivities and musical performances to enjoy if you stay over the Christmas period.

Beaches aside, Barbados is rich in culture, gastronomy, and local art. Many accommodation options also cater to various budget levels, ranging from luxury resorts to cheaper AirBnb guesthouses.  

Getting to Barbados

The simplest way to arrive in Barbados is by air. Many major airlines fly to Grantley Adams International Airport, the nation’s only airport serving the island. You can also fly with a smaller airline that typically departs from other Caribbean islands and South America.

Weather

Although the weather is hot year-round, Barbados’ climate is split into two seasons: the wet season runs from May to November, and the dry season starts from December to April. The good thing is that you won’t experience any hurricanes or tropical storms in December.

The temperature in Barbados during the year-end is notably cooler, with average highs of 84℉ (29℃) and lows of 73℉ (23℃). Humidity is low as well, so you won’t feel uncomfortably warm.

You’ll enjoy about eight hours of sunshine daily, so pack your sunscreen!

Things To Do

Explore Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and is the largest city in the nation. The airport is only a 15-20 minute drive from the city center, so you can start exploring the town when you arrive.

The key historical attractions you want to visit in Bridgetown are the National Heroes Square and The Garrison in the southern part of the city. UNESCO officially designated “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison” a World Heritage Site, praising The Garrison for its colonial architecture and preservation.

You can also stroll down the Bridgetown Boardwalk, a wooden boardwalk stretching across the city’s east-west waterfront. There are vintage-style lamps and benches lining the path, so you can rest when you’re tired or take an after-dinner walk without worrying about lighting.

Bridgetown is where you’ll discover most of Barbados’ heritage and culture. Remember to check out the shops on Broad Street and try some delicious street food while you're there.

Christmas Day in Queen’s Park

If you plan your stay over the Christmas season, you’ll have the chance to experience Christmas Day in Queen’s Park, Bridgetown. Locals attend church on Christmas morning, but after that, they head to Queen’s Park and show off their finest outfits.

Additionally, the Royal Barbados Police Band will perform on the iron bandstand in the park during the fashion extravaganza. The band first performed in 1907, and the tradition still continues today.

Even if you’re not staying over Christmas, Queen’s Park is a beautiful park for a stroll. The park was once the residence of the Commanding Officer of the British Troops, but it’s now maintained by Barbados’ National Conservation Commission.

Visit a Rum Distillery

Rum is Barbados’ main export, and it’s the only spirit produced using sugarcane juice. This delicious drink is appreciated by everyone on the island, and you can learn all about its production by touring a rum distillery.

Currently, there are four distilleries in Barbados, but Mount Gay is the most renowned and profitable. Mount Gay Distillery’s original building opened its doors in 1703, and it’s still standing today. With 300 years of history, a tour of the distillery educates visitors on how Mount Gay produces its rum, with access to the following exhibitions as well:

• Original well
• Molasses house
• Fermentation house
• Distillation house
• Bonds

When you’re done, why not visit a few rum shops and sample the different spirits on sale? A bottle of rum makes for a good souvenir, so don’t hesitate to bring your favorites home with you.

Healthcare Facilities

Thanks to their local government's support, Barbados boasts the best healthcare system in the Eastern Caribbean. There is a mix of private and public healthcare services, with hospitals and polyclinics easily accessible to everyone.

Tourists need a medical insurance plan or sufficient funds to seek medical treatment in Barbados. Private hospitals will generally ask you to pay upfront before you receive treatment. While Barbadians enjoy universal healthcare, foreigners must pay to receive treatment. 

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the largest health facility in Barbados and can handle most outpatient services and emergencies. However, for more serious medical issues, the hospital may request an emergency evacuation to a country more equipped to handle the situation. To that extent, you must ensure your insurance plan covers emergency medical evacuation.

Also, medical tourism is a rapidly expanding industry in Barbados, with an expected annual growth rate of 6% from 2023 to 2030. Compared to countries in the United Kingdom and North America, the cost of treatment in Barbados is significantly lower, attracting tourists to seek medical care in the nation.

Various wellness clinics and rehabilitation programs are also available for aging persons. Combined with the climate and lush environment, Barbados is a prime destination for medical tourists.

2. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is an eastern Caribbean island with beautiful snorkeling spots and a unique geographical landscape. The island has a complicated colonial history, having switched governance between the British and the French seven times. Hence, you’ll see French and British influences in St Lucia’s culture and architecture.

Amongst other beach activities, snorkeling is one that you have to try when you’re in St. Lucia. December is the best time to snorkel because the sea is warm, and the water is clear enough to see colorful coral reefs. The best spots to snorkel on the island are:

• Anse Chastanet
• Anse Mamin
• Anse Cochon

You can also hike up the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pitons are the twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, protected due to their distinct volcanic features. Hiking up to the summit of either mountain takes some effort, but the views at the top are breathtaking.

Weather

St. Lucia is hot in winter, though temperatures are slightly lower than in the summer. A typical day in December will see highs of 86℉ (30℃) and lows of 75℉ (24℃), so it doesn’t get too cold at night.

During the day, you will enjoy about eleven hours of sunshine, but the weather will be windy enough to help with the heat. Also, bring an umbrella or water-resistant outerwear, as December in St. Lucia will see an increased chance of rain.

3. Montserrat

Montserrat is a peaceful tropical island — there is an active volcano, and it is relatively uncrowded. Unlike other Caribbean getaways, this island doesn’t have many visitors annually, likely because it’s an expensive destination.

However, Montserrat is still a favorite among snowbirds and 50+ visitors, with most staying on the island for three to six months a year. Extended stays are possible because the island has everything you need, from clean drinking water straight from the tap and a working healthcare system if you need to visit a doctor.

Here are some things you can do when visiting Montserrat: 

• Visit the island’s black sand beaches. Montserrat’s beaches all have black sand, save for one pristine, ivory beach. This is due to the volcanic activity from Soufrière Hills volcano, which erupted in 1995.
• Book a guided tour of Plymouth. Plymouth was once Montserrat’s capital, but it’s now buried under volcanic ash after the 1995 eruption. Today, you can only visit the site with a professional tour guide and a police escort.
• Plan a hike. Montserrat has several official hiking trails; you can get the details here. Hiking in the island’s natural landscapes lets you see unique endemic life forms, and you can also bird-watch at the same time. 

To get to Montserrat, you can fly directly into the island from certain airports in North America, Europe, and the UK. There are also smaller airlines operating from Barbuda and Antigua.

While Montserrat is generally safe to visit, the volcano is currently active. Sirens are placed all over the island, and in the event of another eruption, you’ll need to be prepared to evacuate Montserrat immediately.

Weather

Montserrat's hurricane season ends in December, signaling the dry season's start. In December, the island experiences a maximum of 83℉ (28℃) and minimum temperatures of 70℉ (24℃). Most would describe the weather as pleasantly warm with cool nights.

You can expect about seven hours of sunlight during this time of the year. The sun is still intense, so pack your sunscreen and wear light, protective clothing if you go hiking.

Final Thoughts

Barbados, St. Lucia, and Montserrat are excellent winter sun destinations for snowbirds and 50+ visitors looking to get away before winter is at its peak. These Caribbean islands have rich and diverse cultures, so there’s much to explore and learn during your stay.

All three islands are tropical paradises, so you can expect to indulge in some nature activities. However, every island is unique in its own way geographically, so pick the one that interests you the most.

How this Top 3 list was made

The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.