• Dubai ranked as the top overall winter destination due to heat and safety
• The Maldives offers the most daily sunshine hours at nearly 12 hours
• Da Nang and Phuket provide the highest affordability with rates under $50
• Abu Dhabi achieved the highest safety rating among all coastal cities studied

A January 2026 study by the digital platform JB has identified the leading seaside destinations for winter travel by evaluating thirty global cities across twenty-five factors. The research utilized a scoring system from 1 to 100, weighting climate, safety, affordability, and entertainment options. According to the findings, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the premier winter coastal destination. The city offers the warmest winter temperatures, averaging nearly 30°C, and maintains high safety ratings alongside a high density of restaurants and entertainment venues. While hotel prices in Dubai average $97 per night, the study notes this is significantly more affordable than other luxury markets like Maui.

For travelers prioritizing sunlight, the Maldives recorded the highest daily sunshine with nearly 12 hours of light and average temperatures of 27°C. Although often associated with extreme luxury, the report found that average hotel rates in the Maldives sit at approximately $130 per night. In terms of security, Abu Dhabi was ranked as the safest destination in the study, achieving a safety score of 89 out of 100.

The research also highlighted Southeast Asia as the most budget-friendly region for winter escapes. Da Nang, Vietnam, was identified as the least expensive option, with hotel rooms averaging just $19 per night and a safety score of 76. Phuket, Thailand, ranked as the second most affordable destination with rates averaging $45 per night. The study concludes that these regions are particularly advantageous during the winter months because they avoid the intense summer heat of the Middle East and the rainy seasons typical of Southeast Asian summers. Other notable mentions in the top ten include Cancún, Maui, and Essaouira, offering various balances of climate and cost for global explorers.