While snow certainly looks pretty, there’s one thing wrong with it—it’s cold. If you’re keen to avoid frosty mornings and sub-zero temperatures this winter, you’ll be relieved to learn that there are plenty of sun-drenched spots around the world ready to welcome digital nomads.
From tropical beaches to sun-filled cities with plenty to see and do, you don’t need to freeze over the coming months.
These Are The Top 7 Warm Destinations For Digital Nomads This Winter
I’m all for cold temperatures for a day or so, but after that, I begin to crave the sun on my shoulders and sand in between my toes. If you’re anything like me, you’ve no doubt been wondering where to head for your next move. In that case, see if any of the following seven destinations grab your sun-seeking attention.
1. Bali
Let’s start with arguably the most popular of them all. Bali is a digital nomad hotspot, and once you see the beauty of the place for yourself, you’ll understand why. It also doesn’t hurt that it receives around 6-12 hours of sunshine every day, with winter temperatures around 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
Keep in mind that you may receive the occasional tropical downpour during the day, but still plenty of sunshine for swimming and sunbathing.
This is a spot where you won’t struggle to meet other like-minded people; according to Statista, Bali was “home” to around 5000 digital nomads in 2019 alone. With some of the best co-working spots, reliable internet access, and an affordable cost of living (between $750-2,500 depending on how you live), it’s no wonder so many remote workers choose Bali as their winter base. Have a look at Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, or Sanur.
2. Madeira
Portugal is packed with beautiful locations, but the beautiful island of Madeira is perhaps its highlight. Temperatures are very mild during the winter months (with highs of around 18°C/64°F), referred to as the ‘eternal spring’; meaning you’ll have comfortably warm days and nights, and plenty of sunshine. It’s also ideal for those who want to work on the go, thanks to fast Internet connections.
Portugal offers a digital nomad visa for those who choose to stay a little longer, but as part of the Schengen Zone, it’s ideal for short stays. While the cost of living is slightly higher in Madeira (around $2,100/month) compared to some other classic remote working destinations, the quality of life is fantastic—think history, incredible food, amazing beaches, and great nightlife.
3. Montevideo
If you’re looking for a chilled-out location offering fantastic weather and friendly locals, you could do a lot worse than Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo. The cost of living is very reasonable (around $1,500/month for a digital nomad), and while there are some cheaper South American countries, the quality of life in Montevideo is top quality.
According to a recent study, Montevideo ranked third on the list of the fastest-growing digital nomad destinations in 2023. That means a thriving co-working scene and great nightlife with locals and people from all around the world. The beaches are also irresistible, making days off a total dream.
4. Chiang Mai
Perhaps the OG of all digital nomad destinations, countless remote workers continue to flock to Chiang Mai for its beautiful weather, stunning landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere. Although December is Chiang Mai’s coolest month, it still averages around 82°F/28°C, which is certainly a lot warmer than most European digital nomad destinations.
Chiang Mai is home to many co-working spaces and offers a particularly low cost of living at around $1,000 per month. There are great spare-time activities to enjoy, such as hiking, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, and traveling to the Thai islands for some well-deserved beach time.
The thriving digital nomad scene in Chiang Mai invites countless remote workers year after year, so it’s very easy to meet new people and make friends.
5. Playa del Carmen
The delightfully warm and less humid weather during the winter months in Playa del Carmen makes it a top destination for digital nomads; in fact, it’s a great spot no matter the month. Delicious Mexican food and great internet connectivity are other plus points for nomads, as well as the many sightseeing spots around the area.
There are many co-working spaces in Playa del Carmen and affordable accommodation during the winter months. The party destination of Cancun is close by, as well as historic Mayan ruins and the beautiful island of Cozumel. But overall, the blinding blue of the ocean certainly makes working in Playa del Carmen far from a drag.
6. Dubai
Several things are important when choosing a digital nomad base: internet quality, cost of living, access to co-working spaces, rental prices, and the social scene. Believe it or not, Dubai ticks all of those boxes. As one of the most up-and-coming spots for digital nomads, Dubai has recently passed Lisbon as one of the top remote spots, according to a recent study by Savills.
Winter temperatures in Dubai are far from cold (around 24°C/75°F), with an early summer vibe during the coldest months experienced in Europe and the USA.
There are also many destinations around Dubai for remote workers to explore, and you can venture out into the United Arab Emirates a little more, perhaps to Abu Dhabi. It’s also not at all difficult to meet other like-minded people thanks to the vibrant co-working scene.
7. Las Palmas
Last but certainly not least, we have Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Located just off the coast of Africa (but part of Spain), Las Palmas is mild throughout the typical “winter” months, making it the ideal spot to grab some sun. Gran Canaria overall is considered one of the sunniest places in the world.
Spain recently launched a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to flock to the sun-drenched Canary Islands for longer. This has created a vibrant scene, with co-working hubs, high-quality internet, and a reasonable cost of living (around $1,900/month for a digital nomad).
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to soak up some winter sun while getting your work up to date, these seven destinations should fit the bill. They all have thriving digital nomad scenes, offer incredible things to do in your downtime, and affordable living costs as an added attraction.
Of course, you’re going to find it very easy to meet other remote workers; giving you great networking opportunities. So, which one will you choose?
