Award Banner
Award Banner

6 most affordable countries with snow in December you can travel to from Singapore

6 most affordable countries with snow in December you can travel to from Singapore

The sight of European tourists baking under Singapore’s sweltering heat can seem comical, but Singaporeans’ own quest for cold weather destinations can baffle those who come from lands with temperate climates.

For Singaporeans, there’s nothing like a series of Instagram pictures of yourself skiing on the powdery slopes of Niseko in Japan to cement your status as a well-travelled global citizen.

But flying to countries where there is snow tends to be quite expensive, as none of the countries surrounding Singapore experience winter, let alone snow. Here are some of the more affordable destinations with snow.

TAIWAN: JANUARY TO FEBRUARY

Taiwan is one of the closest and most affordable destinations on this list, but it’s also one of the most unreliable when it comes to snow.

It is very, very unlikely that you will see snow in Taiwan’s cities or even on many mountains there, but if you’re lucky you might be able to do so on Mount Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, Taiwan’s highest peak and accessible from Taipei.

Hiking Mount Yushan is tiring but not technically difficult, so fit beginners should be able to reach the summit.

That being said, is still takes 2 to 3 days to complete the main trail, and you will need proper hiking gear and to apply for a permit beforehand.

Approximate cost of a 5-day trip: $1,150 SGD

  • Flight: 260 SGD to 400 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 100 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: From 50 SGD per day

BEIJING: LATE NOVEMBER TO END FEBRUARY

The capital of China isn’t just home to some of the world’s biggest and most awe-inspiring historical sites, it also gets extremely cold in winter, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing point.

While some years the city gets covered in a layer of snow, it does not always snow heavily every year.

Keep your fingers crossed, as the sight of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace or Great Wall blanketed in snow will make Chinese historical drama series pale in comparison.

If it does not snow, Beijing offers easy excess to numerous ski resorts such as Badaling, Nanshan, Huaibei and Snow World Ski Resorts, where you can enjoy the cold while honing your skiing or snowboarding skills.

Approximate cost of a 5-day trip: $1,450 SGD

  • Flight: 500 SGD to 800 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 80 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: 50 SGD per day

SEOUL: DECEMBER TO JANAURY

Whether you’re a Kpop fangirl/boy or just really like kimchi, the South Korean capital needs no introduction.

Read Also
lifestyle
Places to visit near Singapore that will make you believe you're in Europe

There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer to spend your days trawling the many markets like Dongdaemun Night Market and the legions of shopping malls in Myeongdong for the latest in Korean fashion, checking out old palaces and temples or stalking Kpop stars.

It typically starts snowing in Seoul in late November or early December, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’ll be a layer of white to greet you the next day.

A lot depends on luck and timing. If you’re not lucky enough to see snow in the city, head to a ski resort near Seoul, such as Jisan Forest Resort, which is located only 40 minutes from the heart of town.

Approximate cost of a 5-day trip: $1,700 SGD

  • Flight: 600 SGD to 800 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 100 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: From 80 SGD per day

TOKYO: JANUARY TO FEBRUARY

Being in Tokyo is an adventure in itself, especially for first-timers to Japan.

The city has everything you could dream of, from top-notch cuisine and traces of ancient culture to an ultra-modern cityscape and the world’s biggest otaku haven.

While it does typically snow a little in Tokyo every year, you’re much more likely to see snow if you leave the city to Yuzawa, which is about a 1.5 hour journey from Tokyo by Shinkansen.

This town in Niigata Prefecture is located in a mountainous area, home to many hot springs and within easy reach of many ski resorts. The town itself also sees snowfall every year.

Approximate cost of 5-day trip: $2,050 SGD

  • Flight: 600 SGD to 800 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 150 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: From 100 SGD per day

MONGOLIA: NOVEMBER TO JANUARY

Just about all of Mongolia gets covered in a blanket of white in winter, so trying to catch sight of snow won’t be your biggest concern— surviving the cold will.

Read Also
lifestyle
Comfort on a shoestring: Cost of 5 underrated destinations

Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world, so be prepared for temperatures as low as -30 deg C.

Ulaanbaatar itself offers a fascinating look into Mongolian city life, with a modern city centre dotted with monasteries, temples and museums.

Escape the cold at the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs with its massive tarbosaurus skeleton, as well as the National Museum of Mongolia, where you’ll be able to see cave paintings, weapons and more.

Approximate cost of trip: $2,050 SGD

  • Flight: 900 SGD to 1,100 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 150 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: From 40 SGD per day

MELBOURNE: JUNE TO AUGUST

Melbourne might not be Australia’s capital, but it might as well be due to its popularity with Singaporeans who love it for its laid back yet hip culture, numerous stylish cafes and lively culinary scene.

While you are unlikely to see snow in Melbourne itself, there are several mountains in Victoria where you can, such as Mount Dandenong, Mount Donna Buang, Mount Buller and Mount Stirling.

Mount Dandenong and Mount Buller also boast ski and snowboarding facilities as well as a resort accommodation.

Approximate cost of a 5-day trip: $2,250 SGD

  • Flight: 600 SGD to 1,000 SGD for return trip tickets.
  •  
  • Accommodation: 150 SGD per day
  • Food and shopping: From 100 SGD per day

This article was first published in MoneySmart

homepage

trending

trending
    New bus interchanges in Woodleigh and Pasir Ris to open in late April
    Life-sized dinosaurs, pre-historic plants: Gardens by the Bay to transform into Jurassic World this May
    MOH to allocate $800m for active ageing centres as part of new initiatives to improve seniors' access to activities
    19 years' jail for mum who abused 4-year-old girl, whose body was burned after she died
    A first look: Blue Bottle Coffee's cafe at Raffles City, here's what to expect
    Gossip mill: Chantalle Ng dating longtime friend, ex-TVB actress now sells chicken feet, Leslie Cheung's partner pays tribute on his 22nd death anniversary
    Shanmugam's views on Israel-Palestine conflict 'sharply different' from that of former NMP Calvin Cheng's
    Singaporean girl, 15, who wanted to fight for ISIS is first female teen to be given ISA restriction order
    Man allegedly refuses to pay for $10k damage to rented BMW, says he only has $10
    Terminally-ill man who sought help from public to get him Hokkien mee dies
    Thai woman struggles to evacuate during earthquake while her dog sleeps unfazed
    Sports car driver allegedly high on laughing gas arrested on Orchard Road

Singapore

Singapore
    • 5 SMCs gone in GE2025: What's next and what are their MPs saying?
    • Ruckus on Jetstar flights: One passenger tries to open door mid-air, another fights with fellow passenger
    • Talk of Ng Chee Meng standing in Jalan Kayu SMC intensifies as he visits Fernvale homes
    • 'We need some closure for now': KF Seetoh's brother's remains to be returned following Italy blast
    • GE2025: WP's likely replacement for Raeesah Khan outlines plans for improvements in Sengkang
    • Vivian says he did not 'like' FB post offering to relocate Singaporeans to Gaza; Meta investigating
    • GrabCab becomes Singapore's 6th taxi operator, plans to launch '100% green fleet'
    • 'Irresponsible parents': Man flips middle finger at driver after near accident with child at City Hall
    • 'World came crashing down': Former Envy director and family invested more than $40m in nickel scam
    • 'There are more lives we can save', says SCDF team leader on rescue efforts in Myanmar

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • 'I'll help her remember': Show Lo reveals mum has Alzheimer's disease
    • 'I'm a fool': Japanese comedian apologises after sexually harassing Mei Nagano to tears on TV
    • 'It was mentally draining': Yang Yan reflects on his time in global K-pop reality competition
    • Driver in fatal hit-and-run with Shaun Chen's father surrenders to police
    • Brad Pitt to return for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood follow-up on Netflix
    • David Beckham kicks off 50th birthday celebrations with glitzy party in Miami
    • Camila Cabello felt 'crushed' after accusations of emulating Charli XCX's style

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • 'The menu is a reflection of us': Singaporean woman and American husband open restaurant selling soul food
    • Life after death: Guide to be launched to help parent caregivers plan for autistic children's future
    • Tea, drums and rangoli: These stewards of culture and heritage are being honoured for preserving tradition in Singapore
    • RWS unveils lifestyle destination Weave, here are some brands and concept stores to expect
    • What to do this weekend (April 4 to 6)
    • Long-range cruiser: GAC E9 luxury MPV with over 1,000km of range now in Singapore
    • Deepal officially arrives in Singapore with opening of new showroom
    • We ask parents how they keep their children's screen time low - here's the lowdown
    • The best new-launch condo layouts we've seen so far in 2025
    • Where to find 999-year landed homes by the sea in Singapore: Touring Ponggol 24th Avenue

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign
    • Meet the women powering innovation in tech in Singapore and beyond
    • Games in March: JRPGs, co-op games and wrestling

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • HDB to launch 3,000 balance flats in July 2025: What homebuyers need to know
    • With 61 years left on its lease, this Bishan maisonette matches national record at $1.5m
    • Why are homebuyers choosing pricier new launch 2-bedders over resale options in 2025?
    • Looking to live near JB? Here are the cheapest condos by the Causeway in Woodlands
    • Where to find the most affordable HDB flats in popular estates in 2025 (from $250k)
    • 7 affordable dental clinics in Singapore for scaling, polishing, and more (2025)
    • Condo resale trends for February 2025: Demand surge despite mixed price movements
    • UOB rejects allegations of improper conduct made by ex-CEO of former client Yang Kee Logistics
    • Trump Organisation eyes multi-billion-dollar projects in Vietnam amid tariff risks

Latest

Latest
  • With US absent, China steps in for earthquake-hit Myanmar
  • Junta chief to leave quake-striken Myanmar for summit, aid groups clamour for access
  • Israel to seize parts of Gaza as military operation expands
  • TikTok bidders pile up as deadline looms with Amazon, OnlyFans founder in mix
  • Trump announces 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for some countries
  • Thai search dogs go from sniffing to soothing at collapsed tower site
  • Judge who barred France's Le Pen gets police protection as Macron condemns threats
  • Putin envoy Dmitriev, Trump envoy Witkoff meet in Washington
  • Israel strikes military bases, infrastructure in Syria

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Workers painting exterior of Geylang block discover man's skeletal remains in flat
  • 'New, younger' PAP team vows to reclaim WP-controlled Sengkang GRC, says Lam Pin Min
  • New face Jackson Lam 'very good on the ground' and will be asset to Parliament, says Shanmugam
  • Woman who publicised tips on how she evaded GST for luxury purchases fined $18k
  • Powerful quake in Southeast Asia kills several, 81 trapped in Bangkok building rubble
  • Dog dies after being skinned alive in Malaysia, animal welfare group condemns 'barbaric' act
  • Blue for seafood, red for meat: Case partners Koufu to have colour-coded price labels at 'cai fan' stalls
  • WP will campaign for 'responsible and loyal opposition' in GE2025 to earn seats in Parliament, says Pritam
  • Over $200k worth of e-vaporisers seized; 2 persons helping with investigations
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.