20 Cheap Warm-Weather Winter Destinations For December

Winter blues got you down? There's a cure for that. From white-sand beaches to bustling markets and ancient ruins, escaping to a warmer climate during the colder months of the year might just be what the doctor ordered. That said, jetting off to a warmer destination doesn't always mean breaking the bank — especially with a lot of careful planning, scanning flights, and making the most of off-peak rates.

We've compiled a comprehensive list of destinations — from Mexico to Spain — brimming with culture, adventure, and warmth that won't break the bank, even if you're on a budget. So, whether you're dreaming of a Caribbean beach or the historic streets of a European city, there's a destination waiting to help you shed off the winter layers and slip into something a little lighter instead.

In order to gain a general understanding, the flight prices below are estimated for departures from New York City. Keep in mind, however, that ticket and hotel prices can vary unexpectedly. That said, it's recommended to book in advance and compare prices on multiple platforms — such as Google Flights and Google Hotels — before securing a reservation.

Located on Mexico's eastern coast, Cancun is a beachside gem. On one hand, the region's scattered Mayan ruins  — like Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — showcase the area's rich past. On the other, its famous beaches and clubs — from Coco Bongo to Mandala Beach — provide the perfect spot for relaxation during the day and lively entertainment at night. Additionally, adventure seekers shouldn't miss the cenotes — natural limestone sinkholes filled with fresh water — that make for a scenic day out.

With an average temperature of roughly 80 degrees Fahrenheit, December is one of the best months to visit Cancun. With warm days, cooler evenings, low humidity, and conveniently outside of the region's hurricane season — you simply can't go wrong.

Hitching a round trip to Cancun can set you back between $250 and $670. In terms of accommodation, you can find hotels from $49–$129 per night. Want to make your money last a little longer? Opt for street food — which costs between $1 and $4 per meal — and make sure you always pay in the local currency (Mexican pesos).

Peru offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and culture. Nestled in the Andes, cities like Cusco and Lima balance colonial architecture with indigenous influences, telling stories of a past where empires met empires. Beyond the cities, the Amazon Rainforest is enchanted with its rich biodiversity. However, the real star of any trip to Peru is the legendary Machu Picchu — a testament to the ancient Inca civilization.

December in Peru — especially in destinations like Lima and Mancora— hits a comfortable 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. As for the Amazon region, visitors can expect highs of around 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, in high-altitude areas like Cusco, temperatures range from 45 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. While December also marks the start of the rainy season — ensuring a lush, green landscape — travelers still have plenty of opportunities to explore its many treks, water sports, and jungle escapes.

Flight prices typically fall between $430 and $1,200 for a round trip. Meanwhile, typical hotel prices range from $30 to $150 per night, depending on location and amenities.

On the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas combines scenic beauty and vibrant nightlife. From its iconic El Arco rock formation to its golden beaches, this destination offers both relaxation and adventure while helping you stay within budget. The marina, lined with luxury yachts and bustling eateries, is the city's pulsating heart.

In December, temperatures reach 81 degrees Fahrenheit — making Los Cabos a sunny escape from the winter chill. As for dining, street tacos can be savored for $1 to $3 each, while dining at a restaurant can cost anywhere from $15 to $25. As for tours and experiences, budget around $35 for a boat trip to El Arco, around $100 to indulge in an Instagram-worthy camel ride, and $90 for an ATV adventure — just to name a few.

Flights to Cabo San Lucas generally fall between $330 and $530 for a round trip. Hotels — depending on their proximity to the beach — can range from $115 to $300 per night.

As an island territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico seamlessly blends Caribbean charm with modern amenities. Old San Juan — with its cobblestone streets and Spanish forts — contrasts with the tropical rainforests of El Yunque — the only tropical forest in the United States — and the bioluminescent bays of Vieques, known as the brightest in the world.

In December, Puerto Rico's temperatures hit around 83 degrees Fahrenheit, transforming the island into a sun-kissed paradise. While the local beaches are a sight to be seen — especially Flamenco Beach in Culebra — there are plenty more things to keep you busy. Love rum? Head to Casa Bacardi — one of the island's top attractions — for a 90-minute guided tasting tour priced at $75.

Flights into San Juan are typically priced between $150 and $500 for a round trip. In terms of accommodations, prices can vary greatly. Ranging from $90 to $200 per night, costs depend on the area and hotel grade.

Punta Cana — synonymous with beach resorts and palm-lined coastlines — is an idyllic Caribbean retreat. However, beyond its beaches, you'll also find plenty of other attractions like the Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indigenas — a private reserve comprised of 1,500 acres of land — and the lively Coco Bongo nightclub, a hotspot for tourists looking to let loose.

In December, you can expect temperatures to remain around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from lounging on a beach chair and working on your tan with a cold drink — cocktails cost around $8 at a beach bar, while beers sit comfortably at $6 — consider joining a locally guided trip such as a buggy adventure ($40 per person), an Isla Salona excursion ($75), or a Santo Domingo city tour ($95).

Flights to Punta Cana cost between $250 and $800 for a round trip. Meanwhile, hotels range from $100 to $400 a night, depending on how close they are to the beach.

Draped in Southern charm, Savannah boasts antebellum architecture, verdant squares, and a ghostly allure. Crowned as one of the most haunted cities in the country, this stateside gem offers a myriad of experiences: from wandering the cobblestone streets for a touch of nostalgia — especially along River Street — to hopping on a trolley tour, signing up for a haunted pub tour, or exploring the vibrant Forsyth Park.

While December brings cooler breezes, the temperatures remain comfortable at around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. To delve deeper into the city's history, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage tour or visiting the iconic Midnight Garden of Good and Evil spots. Then, indulge in Southern classics like shrimp and grits or peach cobbler at local diners for an average of $23.

Looking to escape the cold? Round-trip flights to Savannah can be budgeted between $98 and $350. With crowds lessening around December, historic inns and B&Bs range from $100 to $250 per night.

A tiny country along Central America's beautiful Caribbean coast, Belize offers a unique blend of jungles and shores. Some of the country's most spectacular sightseeing highlights include the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and the world-renowned Great Blue Hole, a hotspot for diving.

With December temperatures averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit, Belize is both alluring and pleasant. This is especially true when hopping aboard a sailing tour to one of the neighboring cayes or relaxing on one of the country's many pristine beaches — both top activities for tourists. In terms of dining, local meals — like rice and beans, stew chicken, or fresh seafood — are easy to find and range from $5 to $15, depending on where you eat.

If you're flying to Belize City, you'll find that round-trip tickets are typically priced between $500 and $1,000 — with steeper prices around the end of the month. As for lodging options — whether you're looking for jungle lodges or beach huts — prices range from $70 to $180 per night.

A bustling metropolis that offers a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication, Panama City is booming. The historic Casco Viejo — with its cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and sprawling plazas — serves as a live testament to the city's storied past. In terms of sightseeing, you can't miss the Panama Canal — a modern marvel linking two oceans and a symbol of human innovation.

While December sees average temperatures around 88 degrees Fahrenheit, Panama City's coastal breeze makes outdoor exploration a joy. Plus, after a day of sightseeing, the neighboring beaches —   inner-city beaches aren't swimmable — provide a serene spot for relaxation. A ferry to the popular Taboga Island, for example, will set you back around ​​$24.

A round-trip flight into Panama City can cost between $540 and $1,000. Depending on where you choose to stay, accommodations range from $40 to $200 per night.

Argentina's capital is a whirlwind of culture and history. The historic San Telmo district and the upscale Puerto Madero offer contrasting views of this diverse city: cobblestone alleys and colonial façades in the former, and shimmering skyscrapers and modern eateries in the latter. During the winter months in the North, the southern hemisphere welcomes summer — meaning that locals and tourists alike flock to parks, open-air cafes, and plazas for a touch of warmth.

In December, Buenos Aires enjoys temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. While dance enthusiasts can experience the passionate tango at local milongas, art-loving travelers can soak up vibrant murals in Palermo or explore avant-garde exhibitions in Recoleta. Don't miss a stop by El Ateneo Grand Splendid – one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, set in a converted 1920s theater.

Flights to Buenos Aires are relatively steep – ranging from $1,000 to $1,700 per round trip. However, its affordability once you've landed more than makes up for the price tag. Meanwhile, hotel prices may also vary, but expect them to be between $30 and $130 per night.

Perched high in the Andes at an altitude of 9,350 feet, Quito offers breathtaking views and a moderate climate despite its proximity to the equator. The city's historic center — declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in the late 70's — is a well-preserved architectural gem. Meanwhile, just outside the city, the Middle of the World Monument calls out to visitors keen to straddle both hemispheres. Tours to visit the attraction range from $15 for basic transport, to $120 for a full-day trip with other stops along the way.

Daytime temperatures in December average around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a comfortable environment to explore the city without breaking a sweat. From Quito, visitors can also head out to neighboring destinations like Otavalo — famous for its market and crafts — and Cotopaxi, which is well-known for hosting the Volcan Cotopaxi, the second-highest point in the country. Both of these are easily reachable by taking a local bus, and you shouldn't expect to pay more than $3 to reach Otavalo or $20 for a return trip to the volcano checkpoint.

Flight prices to Quito usually range between $350 and $800 for a round trip. Accommodation, depending on the location and luxury level, can cost between $25 and $150 per night.