Dubai Is Among the Top Cities for Winter Escapes for Remote Workers

A study by Eskimoz ranked cities for their suitability as winter escape destinations. The metrics included average winter temperature and accommodation + cost of living index as the most heavily weighted factors. Other considerations were safety index, number of accommodations, internet speed, number of co-working spaces, and quality of life. At the end the cities were ranked according to the calculated composite scores.

Bangkok takes first place, with a score of 73.54. This island oasis is unmatched for its consistent tropical warmth (~27°C), making it a prime winter escape. Bangkok also has 164 co-working spaces, the second-highest in the study, giving remote workers ample options for productive environments.

Kuala Lumpur ranks second, scoring 70.93. Kuala Lumpur has the highest number of accommodations at 3,598 among all cities. Its warm and stable temperatures of ~27°C combined with its reputation as a hub for digital nomads, make it a standout choice for those seeking a convenient and connected work environment.

Taipei claims third place, with a score of 65.48. With the fastest internet speed among all cities (260 Mbps) and a high safety index (83.7), Taipei is a great destination for tech-savvy remote workers.

Dubai is ranked fourth, with a score of 65.46. The city is both luxurious and practical, with 3,355 coworking spaces and a quality-of-life score of 174.1, the highest on the list. The city's mild winter temperatures that reach up to ~19.5°C, and strong infrastructure make it an attractive option for remote professionals seeking comfort and efficiency.

Mumbai takes fifth place, scoring 63.52. As one of the most budget-friendly destinations, Mumbai has the lowest cost-of-living index in the study. Its 214 coworking spaces make it a great choice for remote workers who want affordability without compromising on experience.

Buenos Aires ranks sixth, with a score of 62.46. This South American gem offers an exciting urban lifestyle with over 2,600 accommodations. Averaging 24°C in the winter, Buenos Aires has both ideal weather and is quite affordable, making it perfect for work and leisure.

Manila comes in seventh, scoring 62.15. Manila has the highest number of coworking spaces at 4,140 among all cities, making it a leader in remote work infrastructure. Its warm temperatures that reach up to ~27°C and extensive accommodation options make it an ideal choice for digital nomads.

Hanoi is ranked eighth, with a score of 61.81. With its low cost of living, Hanoi provides excellent value for remote workers. It has moderately warm winter temperatures ~17°C that offer a refreshing contrast to tropical destinations, while its coworking scene ensures a productive stay.

Rio de Janeiro takes ninth place, scoring 60.18. With its beaches and vibrant energy, Rio offers a unique blend of work and play. February is the warmest month of winter here, with temperatures reaching up to 26.6°C, which is perfect for those who want to escape the chilly weather.

São Paulo rounds out the top ten with a score of 60.15. As one of the most dynamic cities in South America, São Paulo offers a strong coworking scene (149 spaces) It has mild temperatures (~22°C) which makes it a pleasant choice for those looking to work remotely in a bustling metropolis.

The above study is credited to: https://www.eskimoz.co.uk/

A spokesperson from Eskimoz commented on the study: “A growing number of remote workers are seeking destinations that perform great in warmth, affordability, and infrastructure to support their lifestyle. Cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, with their tropical climates and extensive coworking spaces, are perfect examples of how urban hubs can cater to the needs of digital nomads. Meanwhile, tech-friendly cities like Taipei stand out for their fast internet speeds, while more budget-conscious options like Hanoi prove that remote work can be both practical and cost-effective. These rankings highlight how diverse global cities are adapting to meet the demands of a remote-first workforce, making it easier than ever to escape cold winters without sacrificing productivity.”