The Best Golf Destinations in December (2026 Honest Guide)

1. Scottsdale (dry, mild, before the January peak)

December is inside Scottsdale's October to April golf season. Days are mild and dry, and mornings are cold enough that the first tee time is a jacket round: Phoenix-area December normals are a high of about 66°F and a low of about 45°F.

The real advantage is timing. January and February are the busiest and most expensive months, so early December gets you peak-season conditions without peak-season rates. See our Scottsdale destination guide.

Best for: bachelor parties and milestone trips that want sunshine and Old Town nightlife without January prices.

2. Florida (peak season starts)

Florida's golf season runs October to April, and December sits in the sweet spot: 60 to 75°F and low humidity. The Atlantic hurricane season is over (it officially ends November 30). Streamsong, TPC Sawgrass and Innisbrook are all in good condition, and snowbird traffic ramps up after New Year, so early December is calmer.

See our Florida destination guide.

Best for: East Coast and Midwest groups who want an easy flight and reliable warmth.

3. The Algarve (mild and at its cheapest)

December is low season in the Algarve. It is cooler than spring or autumn, with daytime highs around 16 to 17°C (low 60s Fahrenheit), and it is one of the wettest months: expect roughly 8 to 12 rainy days. Courses stay open and villa prices are at their annual low, so Monte Rei and Quinta do Lago are bookable at off-peak rates.

Partners get quiet old towns and long seafood lunches rather than beach days. See our Algarve destination guide.

Best for: European groups and value-conscious partner trips that can live with a wet day.

4. Kiawah Island (cool, quiet, winter rates)

Kiawah in December is mild by northern standards, but the Ocean Course can be properly windy. Green fees drop to winter rates, the island is quiet, and Charleston is a short drive for partners.

See our Kiawah Island destination guide.

Best for: couples and mixed groups who care more about Charleston than about shorts weather.

5. Myrtle Beach (best value in the country)

Winter rounds are very playable at Myrtle Beach, though cooler days dip to 45 to 55°F, and pricing is about as low as it gets for quality courses. The beach is for walking, not swimming. For what a Myrtle Beach trip costs per person, see the golf trip budget breakdown. See our Myrtle Beach destination guide.

Best for: budget-led groups who would rather play four rounds in cool weather than two in the sun.

6. Pinehurst (crisp, quiet, discounted)

Winter golf at Pinehurst is very possible, with temperatures around 45 to 60°F and green fees well down from spring and fall. The village is quiet. Layer up and accept that one round might be cold. See our Pinehurst destination guide.

Best for: heritage-loving groups who want No. 2 at a lower price and do not mind a fleece.

Destinations to skip in December

• Scotland and Ireland: cold, wet, and daylight is short. Edinburgh gets just under 7 hours on the winter solstice. Push to May through September.
• Bandon Dunes: Pacific Northwest wet season. The resort is open year-round, but expect wind and rain.
• Pebble Beach: December to February is the rainy season on the Monterey Peninsula. October is the better bet.

The holiday weeks, and when to book

Christmas week and New Year's week are peak family travel in Scottsdale, Florida, Myrtle Beach and Kiawah. Flights, hotels and restaurants all get harder and more expensive. If your group has any flexibility, the first two weeks of December are the target: winter-season conditions, pre-holiday prices.

If you must travel over the holidays, book flights about two months out: Google Flights data found average Christmas fares were lowest around 71 days before departure. Lock in accommodation earlier, ideally three to six months ahead. Our flights and bag fees guide covers the rest.

Common Questions

December golf destinations FAQ

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