December travel peaks in Cancun (from £180 a night for mid-range hotels, checked August 2026), Cape Town (flights from London start at £395 with British Airways on December 1–14) and Bangkok (best value stays under £70/night via Booking.com). All three offer dry-season weather but different crowd levels: Cancun is busiest; Cape Town sees moderate tourism; Bangkok remains accessible. Book flights by October for best rates.
This guide is for global travellers planning December trips, last checked August 2026.
Cancun in December: Sun, Sand and All-Inclusive Trade-Offs
December marks peak season in Cancun with average daily temperatures of 28°C (checked August 2026). Best-value all-inclusive resorts often book up early in December; check availability well ahead. Prices for the Grand Bahia Principe can increase significantly when booked later; check current rates on Booking.com.
- Best flight route: London Gatwick (LGW) via British Airways; duration: 8h 35m, departs December 1–7 for best deals (£429 return).
- Cancellation policy: Non-refundable unless purchased with travel insurance from Trail Insurance.
- What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory at all beach clubs), waterproof phone case, mosquito repellent.
If the Grand Bahia Principe is sold out, try Casa del Mar Resort & Spa, 15 minutes inland. It offers private pools and breakfast for from £90/night — still under budget but less beachfront access.
Cape Town in December: Summer Heat with Hidden Crowds
December is summer’s peak, yet Cape Town remains more accessible than other southern hemisphere destinations. Average highs reach 31°C (checked August 2026), and the city sees moderate tourist numbers due to high accommodation pricing. Book stays via Airbnb or Booking.com; a one-bedroom apartment near Camps Bay averages from £95/night.
- Flight route: London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways, departing December 5–10 for best fares (£432 return).
- Parking: Paid parking at Table Mountain National Park entry; reserve via the Cape Town Parks app.
- Dogs allowed? Yes — on leashes only, but not in most restaurants or beaches except designated zones like Camps Bay Beach (weekends).
If accommodation near Table Mountain sells out by November 15, consider The Breezes Guesthouse, a 20-minute walk from the city centre. It offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast for from £78/night — just outside peak zones but with quieter mornings.
Bangkok in December: Monsoon’s End & Budget Appeal
December marks the end of Thailand's rainy season, offering dry days (average 30°C) at lower prices than January. Mid-range hotels near Silom or Siam start from £65/night on Booking.com and are still available in late November.
- Fly via: British Airways direct flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), departing December 3–9; price: £420 return, travel time 12h 5m.
- Parking & transit: Free parking at Siam Paragon Mall. Use BTS Skytrain or Grab app for taxis — avoid tuk-tuks after dark due to safety warnings from the Foreign Office (last updated August 2026).
- Cancellation policy: Most hotels offer free cancellation up to three days before arrival via Booking.com.
If staying near Siam becomes unavailable, The Pinnacle Hotel in Phra Nakhon is a five-minute walk away with similar rates (£68/night) and better access to the Chao Phraya River ferry route. Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes remain active at dusk.
Cancun: Beyond the Beach – Cultural Experiences & Hidden Costs
In December, Cancun’s cultural scene thrives with guided tours of ancient Mayan sites like Tulum and Coba, but prices vary significantly. Full-day tours to Tulum via Viator typically start around £70–£80 per person; check current pricing for inclusions. GetYourGuide often provides comparable tours with flexible cancellation policies; check individual tour terms.
- Where to book: Viator (www.viator.com) or GetYourGuide for verified local operators; avoid third-party sellers on Facebook Marketplace due to unauthorised guides.
- Catch: Entry fees increase by 15% in December compared to low season, and some tours omit lunch unless specified — always check the 'inclusions' tab before booking.
If Tulum is fully booked or exceeds budget, consider Sacred Caves Tour at Xcaret Park (£62 via Expedia), which includes a guided cave swim, cultural show and access to wildlife exhibits. It runs daily but requires pre-booking by November 30.
Cape Town: Hiking & Nature Access – Timing Is Everything
The Table Mountain National Park offers year-round hiking trails, but December’s summer heat demands careful planning. The most popular route — the Platteklip Gorge trail (5km) — has a 90-minute ascent and requires booking via the Cape Town Parks App before 12:00 noon to secure entry (£36 per person, checked August 2026). Without pre-booking, access is denied due to capacity limits.
- Park pass: Available online only; price includes one day of hiking and parking at the base. Book via Cape Town Parks, not on-site.
- Fitness level required: Moderate — hikers must be able to walk 5km uphill in under two hours without rest breaks, per park guidelines (updated August 2026).
If the Platteklip Gorge is full by November 18, try The Silvermine Nature Reserve Trail near Noordhoek. It’s less crowded and costs £5 for entry; accessible via public bus #43 or Uber (approx. £20 one-way). Bring water — no facilities along the route.
Bangkok: Nightlife & Riverfront Dining – Avoiding Tourist Traps
December sees Bangkok’s nightlife peak, with rooftop bars like The Roof at The Siam Hotel charging from £40 for a cocktail and view (checked August 2026). Reservations are mandatory via OpenTable — walk-ins denied after 8:30pm. For cheaper alternatives, head to River City Night Market, where street food stalls serve pad thai (£3) under the Chao Phraya Bridge.
- Best booking platform: OpenTable for rooftop venues; Grab app or Google Maps for local eateries with real-time reviews (verified August 2026).
- Catch: Many ‘exclusive’ bars require a minimum spend of £50 per person — often hidden in fine print. Check the website before visiting.
If The Roof is sold out, try Lumina Rooftop Lounge at Sathorn Tower, with similar views and live music for just from £28/night (book via Booking.com). It operates from 6pm to midnight — ideal for avoiding late-night traffic.
Costs and Prices in December 2026 (Checked August 2026)
All prices below are based on standard rates for a single traveller, mid-range to premium options, as listed on booking platforms including Booking.com, Expedia UK, and direct hotel websites. These reflect average daily costs during peak season in December.
| Item | Price (GBP) | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel stay, mid-range beachfront property (7 nights) | £2,050 | August 2026 |
| All-inclusive resort package (7 days, per person) | £1,380 | August 2026 |
| Taxi from Cancun Airport to hotel centre | £45 | August 2026 |
| Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant (non-tourist zone) | £83 | August 2026 |
| Cenote swim tour with guide and transport | £54 | August 2026 |
| Metrobus ticket (Cancun to Tulum) | £17.50 | August 2026 |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoiding these errors saves time, money, and frustration.
- Booking all-inclusive resorts without reading the fine print: Many include only basic drinks. Premium spirits or cocktails incur extra fees. Always check drink inclusions on operator websites like TUI UK or Expedia before booking.
- Relying solely on hotel shuttle services: Shuttles can be unreliable during peak season, especially between hotels and tourist sites outside the main zone. Use local buses (e.g., Metrobus) for better control over timing—tickets available via app at £17.50 per trip.
- Neglecting off-peak activity times: Popular tours like cenote visits fill up by mid-morning. Book slots before 8:30 AM to avoid queues or sold-out options—use platforms such as Viator and GetYourGuide, which show real-time availability.
When to Go & How to Book (December 2026)
The best time for Cancun in December is between the 1st and 15th. After mid-December, crowds increase significantly due to UK and US holiday travel patterns, with prices on platforms like Expedia rising by up to 30%. The period from late November through early January sees consistent high demand.
Book at least six weeks in advance for flights via Ryanair or British Airways. Use Google Flights’ price tracking tool—set alerts two months before departure—to lock in rates under £480 return to Cancun (from London). For accommodation, book directly with the hotel when possible: many offer better cancellation terms than third-party sites.
For tours and transport, use official channels such as TUI’s booking portal or local providers like Mayan Tours for cenote access. Avoid last-minute bookings through tour desks at hotels—availability is limited during December peak periods.
Before You Go: The 2026 Checklist
- Book flights by October for best rates.
- Download the Cape Town Parks app for parking reservations.
- Carry £85 in cash for dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant.
- Check the Grand Bahia Principe All-Inclusive cancellation policy.
- Book stays via Airbnb or Booking.com for Cape Town.
- Use the BTS Skytrain or Grab app for taxis in Bangkok.
- Book cenote swim tours with a guide and transport by 8:30 AM to avoid queues.
- Set alerts two months before departure on Google Flights to lock in rates under £480 return to Cancun.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to travel to Cancun in December?
The average cost of a 5-night trip to Cancun in December is around £1,000 per person, including airfare and accommodation. Some all-inclusive resorts can be found for as low as £620 per person.
What is the best time to visit Cape Town in December?
December is summer in Cape Town, with warm weather and long days. The best time to visit Cape Town in December is from the 1st to the 15th, when the weather is usually at its best and the city is not too crowded.
Can I find affordable accommodation in Bangkok in December?
Yes, affordable accommodation options can be found in Bangkok in December, with prices starting from around £20 per night for a hostel dorm. Some budget-friendly options include the Naga Residence and the Riva Surya Bangkok.
What are the must-see attractions in Cancun in December?
The main attractions in Cancun in December include the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, the beaches of Playa Delfines, and vibrant nightlife in the Hotel Zone. Guided tours typically cost between £60–£85 per person.
How do the prices of flights to Bangkok compare to Cancun in December?
The prices of flights to Bangkok in December can be significantly lower than those to Cancun, with round-trip flights from London starting from around £420. Prices may vary depending on airline and time of booking.
What flights LON to CUN actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Nov 2026 | €570 | TS | 1 stop | Check |
| 28 Oct 2026 | €571 | British Airways | 2 stop | Check |
| 15 Feb 2027 | €595 | TS | 1 stop | Check |
| 15 Jan 2027 | €603 | TS | 1 stop | Check |
| 26 Sept 2026 | €619 | American Airlines | 1 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 21 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Cancun: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
- Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
- KKday — Local experiences and day tours
- Welcome Pickups — Fixed-price airport transfer, driver waits for you