12 Best Cheap Destinations To Escape The Harsh Winter

Are you more the type to bask in the sun, listen to the sound of the waves in summer and dread the arrival of winter and its cold, harsh temperatures? Well, welcome my friends, you and I are pretty similar and as I write this post, already having to put a few layers of clothing on myself, I can’t help but think of sunnier places to spend the end-of-year holidays! That’s why I’ve decided, without forgetting to think about the budget aspect, to create this list of 12 ideal and cheap winter destinations to escape the cold and gloomy season!

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1. Laos: for an adventure-filled escape

Average temperatures in December-February: 20-30°C (depending on region).
Best time to go: November to February, but if you want to avoid the crowds, try to avoid the holidays and go between January and February.

I know some of you may be afraid to travel to Asia during winter as some countries are actually in the middle of the monsoon or rainy season during this time, but not Laos where the dry season starts in November. Which means you’ll be greeted by sunshine and perfect weather during your vacation, as long as you like warm temperatures, of course! But if you’re here, you probably do, don’t you?!?

This country isn’t just a cheap winter destination, it’s also the perfect place for the adventurous souls who love adrenaline rushes. Whether you’re kayaking along the Mekong River, tubing or admiring the verdant natural beauty of Laos, you’re sure to be amazed by the many wonders that await you!

Need an itinerary idea? Check out my 10 days itinerary in the less popular Laos!

2. Sri Lanka: to get closer to nature

Average temperatures in December-February: 19-30°C.
Best time to go: January-March (you may want to avoid the East Coast until March, though, as there is often a lot of rain).

Looking for a winter getaway where you can enjoy sumptuous beaches and water activities? Look no further than Sri Lanka!

Surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, dolphin watching are there to satisfy ocean lovers, but wait, I didn’t say you should only consider the country if you like the beach, because the Sri Lanka also boasts incredible wildlife, friendly people, beautiful tea plantations, not to mention not to be missed treks for outdoor enthusiasts!

What do you think? How about escaping the winter chills for a dream vacation? And to convince you even more, just for the record, the sea temperature is around 28°C!

3. Philippines: beautiful natural wonders & warm hospitality

Average temperatures in December-February: 25-30°C.
Best time to go: November-February (November and February if you want to avoid the Christmas crowds and if your are looking for the best diving conditions).

If there’s ever been a destination where I’ve been swept off my feet, it’s the Philippines! The magical natural landscapes, high limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and magnificent lakes are what made me fall in love with the country, but that’s not entirely true! The warmth and friendliness of the locals also made a strong impact on me, and just wait until you see how funny they are too.

All this and much more makes the Philippines an ideal cheap winter destination that you won’t regret choosing, believe me!

Island hopping, street food and activities in general are more than affordable. Plus, the country is predominantly Catholic, so if you’re here during Christmas, get ready for a festive spirit like no other!

> And if you’re a diver or want to start exploring the underwater world, the country has some of the best diving spots in the world!

4. Thailand: a gourmet’s paradise

Average temperatures in December-February: 20-33°C.
Best time to go: December-February (December for the celebrations, January for the treks in the North and February if you want to explore the rainforests of the national parks).

Pad thai, Khao soi, Green papaya salad, and even insects (yes, don’t judge until you’ve tried them), Thailand is what any self-respecting gourmet would call a paradise for their taste buds. And if you ask me, I’ll always say that food is reason enough to visit a country, although that’s only my opinion, of course.

But don’t worry, if cheap street food isn’t to your taste, don’t forget that the country is also the perfect place to flee the gloomy days and explore lush jungles, tropical islands, vibrant nightlife or history.

By the way, winter in Thailand is a bit like spring in other parts of the world – the best time to see beautiful flowers bloom. There’s even an event dedicated to them, from February 1 to 3, 2025, in the magnificent Rose of the North: the Chiang Mai Flower Festival!

Click here for my must-sees of the Rose of the North!

5. Cambodia: famous temples and lovely villages

Average temperatures in December-February: 25-30°C.
Best time to go: December-February.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cambodia? Probably Angkor Wat, right? And while it’s certainly a must-visit, Cambodia is much more than that.

It’s a country where the richness of the culture and history will charm you, but will also most likely bring you to tears (with the visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, for example).

In fact, Cambodia has something for everyone: its varied wildlife, the white sandy beaches of Koh Rong Sanloem or Koh Ta Kiev, its authentic villages and its affordable prices are the escape you’ll choose if you’re looking for a fascinating country!

Only have a day to visit Angkor Wat? Here’s my guide!

6. South of Taiwan: national park & city charm

Average temperatures in December-February: 18-25°C.
Best time to go: December-February.

Taiwan may be not your first choice when you think of a budget-friendly winter destination, but you’d be wrong! I admit, if you’d like to keep the thermometer above 15°C, you should forget about the north of the country and focus on the south, where you’ll find stunning beaches, dense forests and aventure!

But if you decide to base yourself in Kaohsiung, for example, you can explore the charming city and its many attractions as well as take a few day trips before heading to the historic city of Tainan and the breathtaking Kenting National Park!

Cheap street food, free activities and less-touristy than other destinations in Asia, Taiwan is the inexpensive vacation spot you’d never have thought of!

Pro tip: there at the end of December? I highly recommend visiting Taipei for 2 or 3 days to enjoy the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Eve and superb fireworks.

7. Oaxaca (Mexico): for the vibrant celebrations

Average temperatures in December-February: 25°C (during the day, bring a jacket for the chilly nights).
Best time to go: November if you’d like to experience the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), December for the Fandango Costeno festival and February for the Carnival.

Want to bask on pristine beaches, but can’t really afford Cancun’s accommodations, or just want to get away from the crowds? Consider Oaxaxa!

Whether you want to unwind on one of the splendid beaches while thinking about the bad weather you left back home, explore Jardín Etnobotánico in the city center, attend a colorful festival, play Indiana Jones at an ancient archaeological site in Monte Alban or go on a mezcal tasting tour, a vacation in Oaxaca sounds anything but boring.

So, if you’re not afraid of cold nights, a trip to this cheap winter destination with plenty to offer might be a good idea!

8. Jamaica: tropical winter

Average temperatures in December-February: 23-30°C.
Best time to go: November to February, February being Reggae month.

When I hear Jamaica, I immediately think of Bob Marley and reggae, I know that sounds cliché, but I don’t mind – I like clichés sometimes. I also think of the ska, the lush vegetation and the dreamy, postcard-perfect landscape the country resembles.

But what attract me are not the beachfront resorts, but rather the refreshing exotic fruits, the spicy cuisine, the many outdoor activities and the famous Dunn’s River Falls!

And I know that when you think island, you often expect exorbitant prices, but I was actually shocked to learn that you can find affordable guesthouses, cheap street food and inexpensive public transport, so maybe a winter getaway to tropical Jamaica is one of the best choices for escaping the cold.

9. Ghana: between history and nature

Average temperatures in December-February: 26-32°C.
Best time to go: December to February.

Another winter destination where you won’t really feel the biting cold, except perhaps at night? Welcome to Ghana, a fascinating country rich in culture!

Whether you want to learn more about the grim past of the trans-Atlantic slave trade by visiting one of the castles, go to the beach, mingle with the locals to the vibrant rythm of Ghanaian music or take a unique and immersive walking safari to discover wild animals, then Ghana should be on your bucket list right now.

> Be warned that the country experiences Harmattan (dry and dusty wind) during this season.

10. Namibia: for an epic road trip

Average temperatures in December-February: 20-35°C.
Best time to go: January and February.

Okay, I know it’s actually summer and the wet season in Namibia, but please bear with me for a little bit. Because if you don’t mind occasional but short and actually I think refreshing rain given the hot temperatures, this little drawback can be ignored.

But what really convinced me to put Namibia on this list was not only the possibility of an epic road trip that will allow you to observe the amazing wildlife for free without having to pay for a safari, but also the fact that the country is often among the top destinations for another of my all-time favorite activities: stargazing. And no wonder, for there’s no better place than the bush or desert to witness the wonderful spectacle of the stars shining in the peaceful sky, don’t you think?

And that’s not all, as there are many other free or cheap activities such as hiking, tasting local dishes, filling up your memory card by taking thousands of pictures of the exceptional landscape…

Plus, if you choose to rent a car, you can also save money by camping and sleeping under the stars. Not to mention, this is actually the low season, so there’s a good chance you’ll get better prices on accommodations and activities.

So, how’s that for an affordable winter getaway?

Click here for my list of 15 Of The World’s Best Road Trip Destinations!

11. Malta: hiking and ancient towns

Average temperatures in December-February: 15-18°C.
Best time to go: December-February.

No, I haven’t forgotten our European friends, for whom flight tickets or traveling distance can be costly and tiring if they don’t get good deals or if they only have a few days to devote to their winter vacations.

Don’t fret though, as Malta, a popular summer destination for sunbathing, island hopping and diving, is also a very good choice for the colder times of year. Because yes, of course, temperatures will definitely be less warm than in other countries, but still, Malta is actually one of the sunniest countries to spend the end of the year.

Fewer people, excellent conditions for hiking, breathtaking sunset views from the Dingli Cliffs, Christmas markets, ancient towns to explore, and a more authentic vibe – that’s what you can expect during the season. So, if you’re not afraid of temperatures below 20°C (which is always better than subzero temperatures, if you ask me) and wearing an extra layer of clothing, choosing Malta as your winter destination sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

> Remember to check that your accommodation has some kind of central heating (which is a bit rare on the island country).

12. Cyprus: Mediterranean cuisine and exploration

Average temperatures in December-February: 15-17°C.
Best time to go: December-February.

Do you like fresh local produce, outdoors activities, scenic landscapes and wine? Then I guess you need to visit Cyprus.

The country is also the ideal spot to relax and slow travel while visiting old archeological sites or discovering a popular attraction by taking the the Aphrodite trail, which takes you to a legendary rock said to be the birth place of Aphrodite, but which also boasts idillyc scenery.

All in all, the blend of activities and culture makes Cyprus an interesting and warm enough winter destination for all travelers wishing to explore a Mediterranean island.

That’s a wrap for my list of the best cheap winter destinations! You should bear in mind that some of these countries will be in the peak season, which means there will be more tourists, but also that you need to book in advance. I suppose that’s the price to pay for escaping the cold season.

Anyway, I hope you have a great winter vacation away from the frost and snow, in the shade of a coconut tree or under a UV lamp if you can’t travel this year (that works too)!