Top 20 cheap countries to visit in December for budget-conscious travelers

1. Cheap Asian countries to visit in December

1.1. India

• Weather in December: Dry with cool evenings
• Temperature: 10 to 27°C
• Estimated budget: $43 USD/person/day

December hits differently in India because the weather is absolutely perfect, making it one of the best places to visit in Asia in December and also among cheap countries to visit in December. Despite the high season, India remains incredibly affordable, perfect for exploring the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). You can visit the Taj Mahal without melting in the heat, wander through Rajasthan's colorful cities, or head to Goa's beaches for some sun and parties. Want to save even more? Eat at local restaurants, take overnight trains to save on hotel costs, and don’t be shy about negotiating prices at markets.

1.2. Vietnam

• Weather in December: Cool and dry in the north, warm and sunny in the south
• Temperature: 12 to 32°C
• Estimated budget: $65 USD/person/day

Vietnam in December is one of the best cheap countries to visit in December, largely due to the pleasant weather in Vietnam in December. Despite the holidays, prices remain as affordable as ever because Vietnam is just naturally budget-friendly. The list of destinations are neverending, featuring Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City.

For a comfortable stay, consider the resorts and hotels of Vinpearl scattered across Vietnam. Vinpearl offers international-standard facilities with private beaches, spas, and excellent services. You can also explore the entertainment complexes of VinWonders for family-friendly fun.

Discover more about Vinpearl resorts & hotels

1.3. Laos

• Weather in December: Dry, sunny with clear skies
• Temperature: 15 to 25°C
• Estimated budget: $23 USD/person/day

Laos does not get enough credit, not only for being one of those affordable countries to visit in December but also one of the best in Southeast Asia. Why is Laos so cheap? It boils down to the currency, as well as the experiences you can enjoy here. Simple guesthouses and meals at local restaurants are incredibly reasonable, while the slower pace of tourism means prices have not inflated. In terms of attractions, Luang Prabang is stunning in December with its temples and waterfalls, Vangvieng offers incredible karst scenery for tubing and hiking, and Vientiane has a laid-back vibe.

1.4. Philippines

• Weather in December: Warm and dry
• Temperature: 25 to 30°C
• Estimated budget: $74 USD/person/day

The Philippines has some of the best beaches in Asia in December. Fresh seafood is cheap, local transport is affordable, and many attractions (beaches, waterfalls, viewpoints) do not come with an entrance fee such as most beaches in Boracay. Palawan's El Nido and Coron have jaw-dropping lagoons and limestone cliffs. Boracay's white sand is famous for good reason. The Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor) offer waterfalls and the adorable tarsiers. For something different, head to the rice terraces in Banaue or surf in Siargao.

1.5. Thailand

• Weather in December: Warm and dry
• Temperature: 19 to 31°C
• Estimated budget: $80 USD/person/day

Thailand is a classic destination of Southeast Asia in December for a reason. As one of the best cheap countries to visit in December, even though tourism here is well-developed, street food is highly affordable, hotels are reasonably priced, and transport is cheap. The competition between businesses keeps prices competitive. If you are finding a spot to spend your vacation, Bangkok is always electric. Chiang Mai offers cooler weather, temples, and mountains. The islands are perfect for visitors in December, whether you want party vibes in Koh Phi Phi, relaxation in Koh Lanta, or diving opportunities in Koh Tao.

2. Cheap European countries to visit in December 

2.1. Romania

• Weather in December: Cold and snowy
• Temperature: -5 to 5°C
• Estimated budget: $119 USD/person/day

Romania is Eastern Europe's budget gem. The country is not as touristy as its neighbors, which puts it in the cheap countries to fly to in December. Romania in December feels like stepping into a winter fairytale. It is cold especially in the mountains, with snow likely and temperatures hovering around freezing. But that is exactly the charm. Bucharest's Christmas markets are smaller but authentic. Transylvania has medieval towns like Brasov and Sibiu covered in snow. Bran Castle (or Dracula's Castle) is atmospheric, and the Carpathian Mountains are ideal for skiing at a fraction of the prices in Western Europe.

2.2. Bulgaria

• Weather in December: Cold and snowy in mountains, mild in cities
• Temperature: 0 to 6°C
• Estimated budget: $85 USD/person/day

Bulgaria is among the great places to visit in December and the cheapest countries to travel in December within Europe. You will find comfortable hotels quite simply, or a potential Airbnb for even less. Food is affordable, wine costs next to nothing, and ski resorts cost a fraction of the Alpine prices. Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is stunning under the snow, and Christmas markets are charming. Plovdiv, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, is beautiful in winter. For skiing, Bansko and Borovets offer excellent slopes. The Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most famous sites, is magical under the snow.

2.3. Hungary

• Weather in December: Coldest month of the year with occasional snowfall
• Temperature: -1 to 3°C
• Estimated budget: $109 USD/person/day

Hungary is also among the cheap countries to visit in December in Europe. It is cold and you will need layers, but the thermal baths, Christmas markets, and ruin bars make it worth bundling up. December is the shoulder season because of the weather, so prices drop. Outside Budapest, Lake Balaton is quiet but beautiful, Eger has wine cellars and thermal baths, and Pécs offers history. Visit thermal baths in the evening when they are cheaper, eat at local csárdas (taverns), and buy Christmas food from market stalls rather than restaurants. Ảnh 5:

2.4. Poland

• Weather in December: Snowy and chilly
• Temperature: 2 to 13°C
• Estimated budget: $80 USD/person/day

If you are looking for cheap snow countries to visit in December, Poland delivers big time. The Christmas markets here are authentic and not overrun with tourists, and the prices are shockingly reasonable for Europe. Krakow's Christmas market in the main square is one of Europe's best. Warsaw offers history and a rebuilt Old Town that's remarkable. For skiing, Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains has budget-friendly slopes. Eat at milk bars (bar mleczny) for cheap traditional food or stay in apartments or hostels to save your budget. Book trains between cities in advance for discounts.

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3. Cheap African countries to visit in December

3.1. Egypt

• Weather in December: Cool, dry, and sunny
• Temperature: 10 to 24°C
• Estimated budget: $41 USD/person/day

In December, the brutal summer heat of Egypt is gone, replaced by comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring ancient sites without feeling like you're melting. The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are must-see attractions. Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple are incredible in the cooler weather. You can take a Nile cruise (which has many great deals in December), explore Cairo's chaos and the Egyptian Museum, or dive in the Red Sea at Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada where the water is still warm.

3.2. Morocco

• Weather in December: Sunny for the dessert, breezy for the coast
• Temperature: 10 to 18°C
• Estimated budget: $89 USD/person/day

Morocco is one of the best countries to visit in December for culture and value. The costs of riads (traditional guesthouses) are reasonable while street food is both delicious and cheap, tagines at local restaurants are affordable, and souks sell goods at negotiable prices. Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa square is overwhelming in the best way. The Atlas Mountains are stunning (and snow-capped). Chefchaouen's blue streets are Instagram gold. Fes has the world's oldest university and incredible medina. Essaouira offers coastal vibes, and Sahara desert tours are magical, although quite chilly at night in December.

3.3. Botswana

• Weather in December: Mildly rainy
• Temperature: 19 to 33°C
• Estimated budget: $72 USD/person/day

Botswana is among the cheap countries to visit in December due to the start of the rainy season, which is also known as the "green season." The country is usually one of Africa's pricier safari destinations, but the green season is when prices drop significantly. You will see dramatic skies, lush vegetation, baby animals, and fewer tourists. The Okavango Delta is stunning when water levels rise. Chobe National Park has massive elephant herds. Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing. The Kalahari Desert is more forgiving temperature-wise than in hot months and Makgadikgadi Pans transform after the rain.

3.4. Rwanda

• Weather in December: Rainy season
• Temperature: 16 to 26°C
• Estimated budget: $24 USD/person/day

Rwanda in December works well despite being in the rainy season. The country is emerging as one of the cheap countries to visit in December for many activities outside of gorilla trekking. While the primary activity is quite expensive, there are many others. Lake Kivu offers beautiful scenery. Nyungwe Forest has chimpanzees and canopy walks. Akagera National Park is Rwanda's savanna park with game drives. December sees fewer tourists, so prices are softer. Also, the country's small size means you do not need to spend much on long-distance travels.

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3.5. Namibia

• Weather in December: Hot and humid
• Temperature: 32 to 40°C
• Estimated budget: $85 USD/person/day

Namibia in December is really hot in some areas. If you can handle the heat, you will have incredible landscapes almost to yourself. Namibia is usually mid-range priced for Africa, but December brings green season discounts. Sossusvlei's red dunes are surreal and Etosha National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing (animals gather at waterholes). Meanwhile, Swakopmund provides German colonial architecture and adventure activities. You can also admire the Fish River Canyon, a spot that rivals the Grand Canyon in scale.

4. Other affordable countries to visit in December

4.1. Dominican Republic

• Weather in December: Dry season with a lot of sunshine
• Temperature: 21 to 29°C
• Estimated budget: $161 USD/person/day

The Dominican Republic in December offers exactly what people want: warm beaches, sunshine, and affordable prices before Christmas and the New Year hits. It is also one of the best countries to visit in December for sun seekers. Punta Cana has many famous beaches such as Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach, and Arena Gorda Beach. Santo Domingo offers history and culture in the colonial zone. Cabarete is a kite-surfing paradise. Samaná Peninsula has whale watching opportunities (the season starts in December). 

4.2. Guatemala

• Weather in December: Dry season with warm temperatures
• Temperature: 16 to 28°C
• Estimated budget: $59 USD/person/day

As one of the cheapest countries to travel in December in the Americas, Guatemala is incredibly affordable with a fair share of incredible attractions. Antigua is gorgeous with colonial architecture and volcanoes as backdrop. Lake Atitlán is surrounded by Mayan villages. Tikal's Mayan ruins can rival anything in Mexico. Semuc Champey's turquoise pools are stunning. Chichicastenango's market is one of Central America's best.

4.3. Colombia

• Weather in December: Hot and humid
• Temperature: 18 to 30°C
• Estimated budget: $140 USD/person/day

Colombia is one of the cheap countries to visit if you are in search of amazing food and nightlife. It is also among the best cheap countries to visit in December, offering excellent value in terms of accommodation, food, and public transport. Cartagena's old town is stunning, although it can be a bit on the pricier side. Medellín has perfect weather, Comuna 13's street art, and modern life. Bogotá offers culture and nightlife. The coffee region (Salento) has beautiful landscapes and fun coffee tours. Tayrona National Park has jungle beaches.

4.4. Jamaica

• Weather in December: Mildly dry
• Temperature: 21 to 29°C
• Estimated budget: $140 USD/person/day

Jamaica in December lets you mingle with reggae vibes and warm beaches. It is early in the peak season, so prices are higher than summer. Still, they are more reasonable than the Caribbean's pricier islands, making Jamaica one of the more affordable countries to visit in December. Negril's Seven Mile Beach is postcard perfect. Montego Bay has resorts and beaches. Port Antonio is less developed and more authentic. Kingston offers the Bob Marley Museum and local culture. Ocho Rios has waterfalls, especially the famous Dunn's River Falls. The Blue Mountains are beautiful and produce incredible coffee.

4.5. Cook Islands

• Weather in December: Wet season with heavy downpours and high humidity
• Temperature: 22 to 28°C
• Estimated budget: $175 USD/person/day

The Cook Islands are expensive by some standards, but still stand among the cheap islands to visit in December. December sits in the shoulder season with occasional rain, which keeps costs lower than peak months. Rarotonga is the main island with beaches, snorkeling, and hiking. Aitutaki's lagoon rivals any in the world, where the pace of life is slow and perfect for unwinding. You can rent scooters to explore around, snorkel for free at beaches, and enjoy the Polynesian culture.

4.6. Cuba

• Weather in December: Dry season with a possibility of rain
• Temperature: 22 to 27°C
• Estimated budget: $48 USD/person/day

Cuba in December is fantastic weather-wise. The temperatures are perfect, and while it is getting busy, Cuba is still cheaper than many Caribbean alternatives. Accommodation, food, and museums have low prices. Classic cars for tours are expensive, but public transport is very cheap. Havana is an essential stop with its colorful buildings, vintage cars, and mojitos. Viñales Valley has stunning landscapes with tobacco farms. Trinidad is colonial and beautiful. Varadero has beaches. Santiago de Cuba offers Afro-Cuban culture and music.

FAQs about cheap countries to visit in December

Which cheap countries offer warm weather in December?

Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Colombia offer warm weather in December.

Which cheap countries are best to visit in December for snow?

Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary offer the European winter experience at budget prices. You will find Christmas markets, ski resorts, and festive atmospheres without Western European costs.

What are the best cheap countries to visit in December with family?

Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala, and Egypt are excellent family-friendly options. These countries offer safety, diverse activities for all ages, educational experiences, and excellent value without breaking the family budget.

Which affordable countries have the best weather to visit in December?

Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Egypt, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic have ideal December weather. Expect dry conditions and comfortable temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities.

What are the best cheap countries to visit during Christmas?

Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and Guatemala celebrate Christmas with authentic traditions and affordable prices. They have Christmas markets and festive celebrations without the holiday rates.

These 20 cheap countries to visit in December allow you to celebrate Christmas, scenery, and reasonable prices even during the holiday season. If you are planning a year-end trip, look no further than these destinations.