Cheapest places to fly from the UK in December

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

December splits in two. The first two weeks can be surprisingly cheap, especially midweek, while 18 December to 2 January is peak season for both city breaks and winter sun. This guide lists the destinations that usually give the best value from UK airports in December. It explains which weeks to target and how to turn a cheap fare into a cheap trip overall. We don't quote fixed prices because fares move daily. Use the live search buttons for current fares.

Where is cheapest to fly from the UK in December?

The routes that are usually good value in December are Krakow, Budapest, Prague and Vienna for markets, plus Tenerife, Lanzarote, Hurghada and Marrakech for sun. Competition is the main reason: these destinations are served by several low-cost and leisure airlines from many UK airports, so prices stay keen when demand dips. Flight time matters too. A short hop to Iberia or Central Europe often costs less than a five-hour flight to the Red Sea, but the extra warmth may be worth it to you.

The table shows typical patterns for UK departures, not price promises. Use it to build a shortlist, then check live fares for your dates.

Which weeks in December are cheapest?

The cheapest dates are usually the first fortnight, and midweek dates. The week before Christmas and New Year are the dearest of the year. Within any week, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than Friday and Sunday. Morning flights on Saturdays can also be good value, because business and weekend demand is lower then. If you're tied to a weekend, try Thursday to Sunday or Saturday to Tuesday rather than Friday to Sunday. See our guide to the cheapest days to fly.

Is December good for winter sun or a city break?

For sun, look south and west: the Canary Islands, Morocco and Egypt's Red Sea coast are the most reliable for warmth. Malaga, the Algarve and Malta are milder, with shorter flights. For city breaks, Central and Eastern European cities like Krakow, Budapest and Prague usually give the lowest total cost, because hotels and food are cheaper than in Paris, Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Our destination pages explain the best months for each place.

How do I keep the whole trip cheap?

• Travel light: bag fees can cost more than the fare. See our baggage rules guide.
• Compare airports: a cheaper fare from an airport an hour further away can beat your nearest one, once you've added parking and fuel. Read our airport parking hacks.
• Check package vs DIY: for beach holidays, an ATOL-protected package can be competitive. See flight + hotel vs package.
• Watch half-term: school-holiday weeks push family routes up sharply.
• Set alerts: fares can drop and rise several times before departure.

How does HopCheap help?

Type something like “somewhere warm in December under £150 from Bristol” into HopCheap's AI search. It reads your dates, budget and departure airport, checks live fares, and explains why each option is good value. We never take payment. You book directly with the airline or partner.

How did we research this guide?

HopCheap guides are written for UK travellers by the HopCheap team at ZK Holdings, Newport, South Wales. We combine official sources (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, the Civil Aviation Authority, airline and airport websites) with typical seasonal fare patterns from UK departures and the live fare data behind our AI search. We deliberately avoid quoting fixed prices as facts, because fares and allowances change daily. Instead, we explain the patterns and link to live searches so you can check today's prices. If you spot something out of date, email hello@hopcheap.co.uk and we'll review it. We earn a commission from some partner links (#ad), but this never changes what we recommend or the order in which we list options.

What does a budget trip look like?

Example December plan: Pick two candidate destinations from the table, search the whole month from two UK airports, and pick the cheapest midweek pair of dates. Book hand luggage only, choose a hotel one or two metro stops from the centre, and use public transport from the airport. Keep a small daily budget for food and one paid attraction, and fill the rest of your days with free sights, walks and markets.

Before you book: a quick checklist for December trip

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Where is cheapest to fly from the UK in December?

Usually Krakow, Budapest, Prague and Vienna for markets, plus Tenerife, Lanzarote, Hurghada and Marrakech for sun. Fares depend on your dates and airport.

What is the cheapest week in December?

Typically the first fortnight, and midweek dates. The week before Christmas and New Year are the dearest of the year.

Where is warm in December?

The Canary Islands, Egypt's Red Sea coast and Morocco are the most reliable for warmth, and Malaga, the Algarve and Malta are milder.

Is it cheaper to fly midweek?

Often yes. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Friday and Sunday.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.