As temperatures drop across the Northern Hemisphere, digital nomads are flocking to warmer destinations around the globe. Nomadago’s app data shows a clear trend: Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are topping the list for location-independent folks looking to trade snowy landscapes for sandy beaches, bustling cities, and vibrant local cultures.
These regions not only offer ideal winter climates but also have the infrastructure and community support digital nomads need—think coworking spaces, coliving options, and networks of like-minded travelers, especially in certain cities and regions.
Maybe you’re one of those awesome planners who already has the next several months mapped out, or maybe, like me, you’re flying by the seat of your pants with no idea where you’ll end up. Either way, read on to discover the top winter escapes for digital nomads this year, complete with coworking spots, cultural highlights, and the inside scoop on where the community’s headed.
Southeast Asia Winter Destinations
Why Southeast Asia in winter? With its warm weather, low cost of living, and vibrant nomad communities, Southeast Asia is a dream escape for winter. It’s an ideal mix of affordable living, rich culture, and plenty of spots where remote workers gather. Here are a few places we can see nomads gathering early in 2025:
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Known as a digital nomad hub, Chiang Mai combines affordable living with a welcoming community and countless coworking spaces. Enjoy a relaxed pace of life, bustling night markets, and plenty of nearby temples and nature spots. Monthly budgets here can be surprisingly low—many get by comfortably on around $1,000.
Bali, Indonesia
A longtime favorite for remote workers, Bali offers everything from beachside coworking spaces to jungle retreats. The island has a strong community vibe, with regular meetups and events for nomads. The cost of living varies depending on your location (Canggu vs. Ubud, for example), but Bali generally offers a balanced mix of budget options and mid-range comfort.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
HCMC, Vietnam, is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads drawn to its dynamic city life and low costs (and it's way up there on my need-to-get-there list!). The city has a rapidly growing coworking scene and a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet—budget travelers can live well here for under $1,000 a month.
Curious if friends or fellow nomads will be nearby? Use Nomadago’s map and calendar features to see who’s planning to be in Chiang Mai, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City or elsewhere in Southeast Asia this winter. It’s an easy way to sync up, plan meetups, or even find a travel buddy on the go!
Latin America Winter Destinations
Here, we can see nomads who've shared their plans in our app converging on Mexico City, Medellín, and Tamarindo, in particular. Latin America offers fantastic weather during the winter months, with everything from bustling cities to laid-back beach towns. The region’s diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and affordable living costs make it a favorite among digital nomads. Nomadago members are headed to:
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has quickly become a digital nomad hotspot, with fast Wi-Fi, plenty of coworking spaces, and a buzzing cultural scene. From art museums to world-class food and excellent coworkings, there’s always something to explore. Monthly living costs can vary widely, but $1,500 can get you a comfortable setup.
Medellín, Colombia
Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Medellín is a top choice for nomads seeking a blend of city life and nature. Known for its affordable living and strong expat community, you’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and meetups here. Many nomads live well for around $1,200 a month. And if you love street art, you'll never run out of places to wander and admire the talent.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
For those craving a beachside work-life balance, Tamarindo offers a relaxed vibe and scenic coastlines. Known for its surf culture and eco-friendly atmosphere, Tamarindo has coworking spaces that cater to remote workers who prefer a slower pace. It’s a bit pricier than other Latin American spots, with monthly budgets closer to $2,000, but the natural beauty is hard to beat. (Budget travelers will want to head north, to Nicaragua.)
If you're headed to Latin America this winter, share your plans on your Nomadago travel calendar. You can choose whether to share with friends only or make your plans public so others can connect with you. We'll send you alerts when your plans overlap with a friend's, too.
African Hot Spots This Winter
Africa has some incredible spots for a sunny winter, with Cape Town leading the pack as a go-to for digital nomads. While much of the continent is experiencing summer, Cape Town stands out for its beautiful scenery, perfect climate, and growing remote work community. If you’re looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and coworking options, this could be the place.
Here’s where Nomadago users are headed this season:
Cape Town, South Africa
Known for its jaw-dropping landscapes—from Table Mountain to the beaches of Camps Bay—Cape Town is a dream for nomads who love the outdoors. With a mix of coworking spaces, coliving options, and plenty of nomads passing through, it’s a well-rounded destination for both work and play. The cost of living is higher than some nomad hubs, but you can find solid budget options, with a comfortable monthly budget averaging around $1,800 to $2,000. (And heads up—two-thirds of the Nomadago team are making their way there, so we’ll see you around!)
Canary Islands
While technically part of Spain, the Canary Islands offer a unique African escape with stunning coastal views, mild winter temperatures, and a surprisingly strong remote work scene. Gran Canaria, in particular, has been a popular spot for coworking retreats, with reliable internet and a friendly expat community. It's been a few years since I spent a month on Gran Canaria, and I'm itching to go back! Monthly budgets vary, but $1,500–$2,000 should cover a moderate lifestyle.
Morocco
For a more budget-friendly option with lots of cultural flavor, Morocco is a great pick. Marrakech and Taghazout have been attracting digital nomads with their mix of affordable living, unique workspaces, and one-of-a-kind markets. While it doesn’t have as many coworking spaces as other destinations, Morocco makes up for it with a rich experience for those craving something different. Typical monthly costs can range from $1,200 to $1,500.
Planning trips with friends can be tricky when everyone’s constantly on the move. Nomadago’s travel calendar helps you stay connected, see where friends are heading, and make it easy to plan meetups along the way.
Tips for Staying Connected Wherever You End Up
Whether you’re a meticulous planner or more of a “see where the wind takes you” type, staying connected with friends and fellow travelers adds a whole new dimension to life on the road. We're here to help you keep track of where everyone’s headed and find those perfect chances to meet up, even if plans are constantly evolving. Here are a few simple ways to use the calendar to stay connected:
Share your plans. Add your travel dates and destinations to your Nomadago calendar so friends can see where you’ll be.
Take advantage of overlaps. Nomadago will send you an alert when your plans overlap with a friend's. It’s perfect for spontaneous meetups or organizing a few days together.
Keep your profile updated. The more up-to-date your plans, the better chance friends and fellow nomads have to connect with you on the road. Even if you're not sure, you can indicate "Planning" under Plan Status (versus Booked) for prospective trips so you can get alerts if friends are headed that way. It may even help you decide on one place over another.
Where are you headed for the holidays and into the New Year? Once you're ready to start planning, share your travel plans on Nomadago to keep friends in the loop, make connections, and see where everyone’s headed. And don’t forget to find us on Instagram for destination tips, travel stories, and inspiration from nomads around the world. Here’s to new adventures and building meaningful connections, wherever the road takes you this winter.
