They don’t call it “January blues” for nothing.
After the festivities of Christmas wear off, January can feel like a long, cold stretch of grey days, lack of motivation and dwindling energy.
But if becoming a digital nomad is on your New Year’s resolution list and you’re keen to escape to better weather, these destinations should be at the top of your travel plans.
Thailand is the hottest spot to escape the winter blues
Unlike the UK, where the weather is often dull and wet, Thailand offers quite the opposite when you visit in January. While temperatures vary between different regions, the average maximum temperature is around 31C (87.8F), with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
The country’s capital, Bangkok, was ranked as the top choice for digital nomads, according to research by print-on-demand company Printful.
Not only does it offer better weather, but it’s affordable too. The average cost of living per month is $876 (£692.45) while Airbnbs cost around $1,561 (£1233.92) monthly.
Bangkok doesn’t fall short on fast WiFi either, offering an impressive speed of 256.21 megabytes per second (Mbps), making it super reliable for remote work. The city is also known for its abundance of coworking spaces, which cost $210 (£158.88) per month, as well as cafes and restaurants equipped with comfortable work environments and power outlets.
What’s more, when you’re done with work, there’s plenty to do – from visiting stunning temples and exploring local markets to chilling at riverside bars or taking a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
But if you don’t fancy Bangkok, there are plenty of other hot countries you can work remotely from, though it’s important to note that not all offer specific digital nomad visas. Here are more of the hottest destinations to escape to over winter:
| City | Country | Cost of living (per month) | Employment rate per country | Cost of co-working space (per month) | Average temperatures from November-March (F) | WiFi speed (Mbps) | Average cost of Airbnb (per month) | Digital nomad visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | Cambodia | $770 (£607.97) | 66 | $139 (£109.75) | 81 | 48.24 | $1,323 (£1044.60) | No |
| Hanoi | Vietnam | $624 (£492.69) | 72 | $102 (£80.54) | 66 | 94.15 | $1,241 (£979.86) | No |
| Manila | Philippines | $615 (£485.59) | 59 | $122 (£96.33) | 80 | 83.07 | $1,282 (£1012.23) | Yes |
| Jakarta | Indonesia | $608 (£480.06) | 65 | $181 (£142.91) | 79 | 31.92 | $1,037 (£818.78) | Yes |
| Brasília | Brazil | $705 (£556.65) | 58 | $253 (£199.76) | 72 | 174.94 | $1,168 (£922.22) | Yes |
| Quito | Ecuador | $814 (£642.71) | 63 | $193 (£152.39) | 55 | 94.23 | $756 (£596.91) | Yes |
| Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | $1,904 (£1503.34) | 80 | $282 (£222.66) | 71 | 317.45 | $3,671 (£2898.51) | Yes |
| Port Louis | Mauritius | $762 (£601.65) | 53 | $135 (£106.59) | 77 | 51.5 | $1,932 (£1525.45) | Yes |
| New Delhi | India | $440 (£347.41) | 53 | $161 (£127.12) | 86 | 84.48 | $1,608 (£1269.63) | No |
India is the top choice for affordability
If Thailand is a little out of your budget, then New Delhi in India could be the best option. Similar to Thailand, January is a dry month in India, with a maximum temperature of 30C (86F) and 15C (59F) at night.
The average cost of living is also significantly lower than Bangkok, with a monthly cost of $440 (£347). Co-working spaces are also budget-friendly at just $151 (£127.24) per month, providing productive environments with reliable internet to keep you working efficiently. Plus, you can find a decent Airbnb for around $1,608 (£1,342) a month.
But it’s not just the low cost that makes New Delhi an appealing place to work, as the city itself has a great blend of culture, history and modernity. Whether you’re into exploring ancient monuments like the Red Fort or Qutub Minar or want to sip chai at a street-side cafe, there’s always something to do during your downtime. The food scene is another huge draw, offering everything from street food delights to high-end dining.
While India doesn’t have a specific visa for digital nomads, it offers an eVisa that allows remote work while living in the country. This is valid for up to five years, but the maximum stay in the country is 90 days at a time.
Other affordable destinations include:
| City | Country | Cost of living (per month) | Cost of co-working space (per month) | Average cost of Airbnb (per month) | Digital nomad visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | Sri Lanka | £420 | £224 | £1,024 | Yes |
| Jakarta | Indonesia | £467 | £139 | £796 | Yes |
| Bali | Indonesia | £467 | £175 | £1,992 | Yes |
| Manila | Philippines | £472 | £94 | £985 | Yes |
| Hanoi | Vietnam | £479 | £78 | £953 | No |
| Rabat | Morocco | £511 | £92 | £1,090 | No |
| Brasília | Brazil | £542 | £194 | £897 | Yes |
| Port Louis | Mauritius | £585 | £104 | £1,484 | Yes |
| Phnom Penh | Cambodia | £591 | £107 | £1,016 | No |
Jamaica is set to be the dream destination for 2025
According to Printful’s research, Jamaica is set to become the most popular hotspot for digital nomads in 2025, with a 250% increase in demand for remote work.
And who can blame them? After all, Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and warm weather make it a paradise for digital nomads looking to combine work with relaxation. The island offers plenty of spots with reliable WiFi – from coworking spaces in the bustling city of Kingston to beachside cafes in Negril – letting you stay productive while soaking up the sun.
While Jamaica doesn’t offer its own digital nomad visa, there are several long-stay visas that may be suitable for remote workers.
For example, its “Stay at Home” visa allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Its requirements include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of where you’ll be staying (e.g. confirmation of hotel reservation, or address of residence)
- Most recent bank statements from the last three months
- Job letter from your employer or proof of self employment
- Proof of Jamaican work permit letter or work permit exemption letter from the Ministry of Labour & Social Security
Find out more about Jamaica’s visa requirements here.
Ready to start your digital nomad lifestyle? Check out our guides here:
