- If you’re looking to escape lingering winter weather or spring allergies, consider traveling to a southern hemisphere destination to enjoy the summer weather as a digital nomad.
- This curated list can help you pick your dream digital nomad spot from around the world.
- Our list includes cities that have been carefully selected for their popularity among nomads, as well as having great coworking facilities, good internet, great outdoor spaces, and of course — great weather.
Spring has officially arrived, at least according to the calendar, but if you’re among the many still surrounded by snow and cold you’re likely getting impatient for summer weather to arrive. Or, maybe springtime allergies are making you so miserable you can’t concentrate?
It’s not too late to make an escape to the southern hemisphere to enjoy better weather as a digital nomad.
You may also want to consider several factors that make living and working in the global south particularly attractive. This includes affordability, cost of living, culture and community, internet speeds, access to coworking spaces, the average temperatures, and whether you already know people there.
Seven best winter escape destinations for digital nomads (if you’re based in the northern hemisphere)
Narrowing down the perfect getaway as a remote freelancer, solopreneur, or remote worker can actually be more challenging than it may seem. That’s why our curated list includes cities that have been carefully selected for their popularity among nomads, as well as having great coworking facilities, good internet, great outdoor spaces, and of course — great weather.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is a bustling metropolis full of South American flair, culture, cuisine, and flamboyance.
Buenos Aires is also a hotspot for location-independent professionals, and offers a wide range of coworking spaces, fast internet, a plethora of cafes, and a thriving startup scene.
It’s expected that Argentina will soon launch a digital nomad visa, but until then, visitors can stay up to 90 days with a tourist visa.
Internet: Good
Coworking amenities: Abundant
Digital nomad visa: There’s one in the pipeline, but until then, you can use a 90 day tourist visa
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Nicknamed “the mother city,” Cape Town is a friendly, warm, cosmopolitan place to spend the summer months. Its Mediterranean-style climate, sparkling white sandy beaches, and abundance of outdoor activities coupled with great work facilities and affordable accommodation makes it a popular winter escape destination for anyone in the northern hemisphere.
Cape Town is particularly popular among Europeans as it’s in a very similar time zone which makes working remotely seamless. There’s a vibrant digital nomad, startup and expat community in Cape Town, with a host of remote work networking events which makes it easy to make friends and meet new people.
While the whole of South Africa is struggling with power blackouts which affect your ability to work and stay connected, many coworking hubs, offices, and homes are set up with solar power, generators or UPS systems to make sure that you aren’t affected.
Internet: Fair – Good
Coworking amenities: Abundant
Digital nomad visa: Soon to be launched
3. Canggu, Bali
Canggu is a well-known hotspot for travellers, remote workers, and anyone wanting to escape the winter months in the north.
Like most Balinese towns, its chilled-out atmosphere, gorgeous beaches and surfing are enticing to anyone in the mood to really enjoy summer weather. Combined with many cafes, bars, and coworking facilities, Canggu is an affordable place to stay for an extended period of time. With hot and humid weather almost all year around, it’s a great place to soak up some sunshine for a few months. The planned digital nomad visa for Bali and Indonesia is expected to give remote worker applicants the right to live there for up to 5 years. For now, you can apply for a Bali single-entry visa which gives holders the right to stay in the country for 60 days, and is also extendable.
Wifi: Good
Coworking amenities: Good
Digital nomad visa: Not yet launched
4. Medellín, Colombia
If you’re looking for somewhere with great weather, then Medellín (known as the City of Eternal Spring) is a perfect fit. There are a range of fun and exciting outdoor activities you can immerse yourself in, from hiking in the mountains — to enjoying the many cultural celebrations and festivals.
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to stay in Colombia for 90-days without a visa, and then extend that period for another 90 days. A Colombian digital nomad visa is expected to be launched soon which will allow remote workers to stay up to two years in the country.
Wifi: Good
Coworking amenities: Abundant
Digital nomad visa: Expected to be launched soon
5. Sal, Cape Verde
If you’re looking for a rather unique destination to escape the cold months back home, then Sal in Cape Verde offers great weather, impeccable surfing and kitesurfing, and a blossoming digital nomad community.
There are various affordable accommodation options, and some incredible coworking spaces to help you enjoy island life while staying connected. The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program allows digital nomads to work there for six months with the option to renew for another six months.
Wifi: Good
Coworking amenities: Fair – Good
Digital nomad visa: Cabo Verde Remote Working Program
6. Madeira, Portugal
Despite being part of Portugal, Madeira is an archipelago off the coast of mainland Portugal with a subtropical climate making it a popular destination all year around.
Madeira is famed for having created the first digital nomad village, and has untouched island beauty adorned with some of the most amazing beaches and lush vegetation in Europe.
The small but growing digital nomad population in Madeira — combined with Portugal’s digital nomad visa — make it a friendly and intimate place to spend the winter months. And despite being so remote, it has great internet and a low cost of living.
Wifi: Good
Coworking amenities: Abundant
Digital nomad visa: Portugal digital nomad visa
7. Bridgetown, Barbados
Island life in the Caribbean is something everyone should experience in their lifetime; Barbados is one of the best Caribbean island destinations to enjoy while being surrounded by crystal clear waters and warm island breezes.
Bridgetown is a friendly, affordable place to stay, and although there isn’t a buzzing nomad scene in this capital city, there are growing numbers of freelancers and entrepreneurs from around the world moving there for extended periods of time thanks to the new Welcome Stamp visa.
Wifi: Good
Coworking amenities: Fair – Limited
Digital nomad visa: 12-month Welcome Stamp visa
