Best Cheap Destinations To Escape The Harsh Winter

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seema-iqbal | December 8, 2025 | 09:05 PM IST | Featured Edition | Follow on Google News

According to a November 2025 report on budget winter travel destinations, Bagan in Myanmar is the best warm escape that will cost just $100 per night. The study by digital entertainment platform JB examined cities across the world based on temperature, affordability, and available activities during December, January, and February.

• Bagan, Myanmar, is the top winter destination for budget travelers, combining warm temperatures around 90°F with daily expenses of just $97.
• Bali has over 2,600 affordable hotels, more than any other destination, giving travelers plenty of accommodation choices.
• Thailand appears three times in the top 20, with Phuket, Krabi, and Bangkok all offering warm weather and low costs.

The research examined warm destinations where travelers can spend under $100 per day during the winter months. The study analyzed average air and water temperatures between December and February, combined with safety, the number of budget-friendly or free attractions, hotel availability under budget prices, their ratings, and total daily spending covering all costs. Each city received a ranking score from 0 to 100.

Here’s a look at the top 10 warmest winter escapes under $100 a night:

You can access the complete research findings here.

1. Bagan, Myanmar

• Average winter water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Safety score: 56 (high)
• Budget-friendly and free attractions: 62
• Average hotel rating: 9
• Daily spending: $97

Bagan takes first place as the best warm winter destination. Winter temperatures reach 32°C (90°F) here, matching the warmth of tropical beaches while daily costs stay just under $100. The ancient city has 62 affordable attractions, from temples to cultural sites. Tourists here also leave good reviews of the local hotels, rating them with 9/10 points after checkout.

2. Granada, Nicaragua

Granada comes in second with daily costs at just $66. The city maintains temperatures around 31°C during winter and provides access to 241 budget-friendly attractions, nearly four times more than Bagan. Travelers have 17 hotels to choose from, all under budget prices, with properties averaging 8.6 ratings. The city sits near Lake Nicaragua, with water temperatures at 27°C, warm enough for swimming year-round.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali ranks third, showing 2,641 hotel listings under $100 per night. The Indonesian island records winter temperatures of 90°F, tied with Bagan for the warmest air in the top 10. Bali’s ocean also reaches nearly 30°C (86°F) in winter, which is the highest water temperature among all ranked cities. The island offers 2,000 free or budget-friendly things to do, from temples to beaches to cultural sites.

4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City takes fourth place with temperatures holding steady at 32°C throughout the winter months. The Vietnamese city provides 452 budget-friendly attractions and 1,818 hotels under the daily budget, giving travelers plenty of choices. Daily costs run $84, slightly higher than Bali but still leaving room in most travel budgets.

5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh rounds out the top five with winter temperatures around 31°C and a daily spending of just $69, one of the lowest costs in the top 10. The Cambodian capital has 201 attractions that fit tight budgets, from historic sites to markets to riverside areas. Travelers can pick from 124 hotels at affordable prices, with properties averaging 7.3 ratings. The nearby water also stays warm at 27°C.

The CEO of JB commented on the study:

“Most travelers spend between $1,200 and $2,400 on a week-long trip, but many don’t realize there are destinations where you can spend even less without giving up comfort. We found that Southeast Asia stands out in this regard, especially for winter escapes. December through February is actually peak season there, so everything is set up for tourists. You get warm weather, low costs, and all the infrastructure you need. Digital workers are especially drawn to the region because there are coworking spaces everywhere and the internet is reliable, so you can work remotely while keeping your living costs low.”

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