Top Snowbird Destinations For 2025

A once mighty migration is gradually dwindling. The great convoy of Canadians and US citizens towards the southern states has started to ebb. Those looking to escape the cold have begun looking elsewhere, and in increasing numbers.

This article looks at the top snowbird destinations, what they currently are and why they are rapidly losing favour with seasonal travellers looking to maximise their winter value.

So if you’re looking to escape the winter, but you’re still not sure where to go, read on to find out what 2025’s best snowbird destinations are, and where you should plan on wintering in future. 

What is a snowbird?

A snowbird is a term given to someone, usually from the US or Canada, who finds a warmer location to live during the winter months. 

The practice is a specific form of geoarbitrage which prioritises warm weather and affordable living, particularly for retirees. 

Traditionally, American and Canadian snowbirds tended to flock in the same locations each year, but lately, their migration patterns are diverging considerably. 

The Origin of Snowbirds

Seasonal migrations have been a major part of human civilisation since the very beginning.

For the majority of human history, though, these were slow, often perilous affairs. 

Merely travelling from one end of the country required extensive planning and supply chains for food and horses. Often times it also meant a choice between rough terrain or hefty tolls, with the added hazards of adverse weather, wild animals and bandits to contend with. 

With the advent of the 20th century came the automobile, allowing more and more people to travel over greater distances in shorter amounts of time. By the end of WW2, automobiles had become ubiquitous, along with a mature network of roads and service stations. 

Those who lived through the Depression and WW2 presided over a period of post-war prosperity where mobility, both mechanical and social, was on the rise. 

They also gave birth to a rising number of offspring, known as the Baby Boomers, the demographic which currently makes up the bulk of retirees worldwide. 

The wartime generation began retiring around the 1970s, just as the popular song Snowbird, by Canadian singer Anne Murray, was in the charts, so the term stuck. 

In addition to becoming the first true snowbirds, they were the first to start taking advantage of a newly deregulated airline market and the growth of low-cost carriers.

Others, meanwhile, preferred to travel overland, buying increasingly elaborate recreational vehicles. 

The Boomers became snowbirds in larger numbers than their parents. And they bought even more elaborate RVs. As the millennium closed out, North America’s largest demographic had reached retirement age. 

Traditionally, the Boomers tended to frequent the same sun spots as their parents’ generation, and those destinations tended to be common to both US and Canadian travellers.

Increasingly, however, this is no longer the case. 

Top Destinations for American Snowbirds

American destinations comprise the entire top 5 list of American snowbird destinations, and we don’t expect that to change any time soon.

While they’re more than eager to avoid the cold, the majority of Americans still prefer to stay on US soil, at least for now.

No doubt you’ve already guessed a few of these destinations, correctly, and for sure, you guessed the number one spot right. 

1. Florida: Still the number one spot for snowbirds, with a million or more estimated to arrive in the Sunshine State each winter, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

A generational shift is coming, however, and it could be every bit as financially devastating as any hurricane if Florida doesn’t learn to move with the times.

2. Arizona: The scorching dry heat of Arizona is perfect for those looking to escape the winter aches and drafts. Cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix remain especially popular with US retirees, though again, rising costs risk pricing future retirees and snowbirds out of the market.

3. Texas: Warm weather and affordability also make the Lone Star State a popular option for snowbirds, particularly those from neighbouring US states.

4. South Carolina: Affordable, warm (but not punishingly so), and let’s not forget that southern hospitality, South Carolina offers lower costs and less scorching temperatures compared to other US destinations. Popular destinations include Myrtle Beach and Charleston. 

5. California: Number one on the West Coast for snowbirds, especially Palm Springs, San Diego and Bakersfield. It’s beginning to face considerable competition from across the border, however, as more and more snowbirds look for cheaper alternatives in Mexico.

International Destinations For US Snowbirds

While local destinations crowd out the top spots, the next country on the list after the US for American snowbirds is Mexico. 

Mexico makes the most sense, given that it has a land border with the US and plenty of regular, affordable flights. 

Also on the list is Panama, which makes sense for Americans given the country’s dollarized economy. Nearby Costa Rica is another popular choice, as is the warm and affordable Dominican Republic. 

So, American snowbirds do go overseas, just in smaller numbers.

As for Canadians? Different story. 

Top Destinations for Canadian Snowbirds

Canada’s snowbird list looks radically different to its American neighbour as it’s a far more international affair. 

No surprise, though, to see Florida and Arizona also topping the list for Canadians, just as they do in the US. 

Though we also have Mexico in the third spot, plus a surprise entry from Portugal, the first country so far outside the Americas. 

Florida: As with the US, Florida tops the list of Canada’s top snowbird destinations, but this situation is already changing and shifting demographics in the coming years will likely accelerate its decline. 

Arizona: Arizona is currently the second most popular destination for Canadians, particularly those from the western provinces. That may soon change, however, as Florida continues pricing itself out of the market. 

Mexico: Given the current political climate and added stress at the border, an increasing number of Canadians are skipping the US altogether in favour of Mexico, where their dollar stretches farther, versus the US, where the cost of living keeps increasing.

California: Back to the US-of-A, where clearly a large number of Canadian snowbirds are still California dreamin’. As with US snowbirds, San Diego and Palm Springs are especially popular with Canadians.  

Portugal: This one’s a surprise to many, though not to us, since we’ve been helping our clients find the best places to live in Portugal for years now.

Top Snowbird Destinations (International)

Now here’s where things get interesting. If we expand the net wider to include other countries in the northern hemisphere, like the UK and the rest of Europe, we can build a more global picture of snowbird migration. 

Once again, the US holds on to the top spot, with Mexico second, which makes sense given how the vast majority of snowbirds originate in North America. 

Except now two out of the five top spots are European, with a surprise entry from Spain, Europe’s most popular snowbird (or, in the case of the Brits, rainbird) destination. 

1. United States: Still the top destination for snowbirds, North American or otherwise, with Florida and Arizona still topping the list of US states, along with Texas and California. 

2. Mexico: Mexico takes the second spot with a growing number of Canadians and a lesser, though still significant, increase in Americans visiting. Mexico is also a popular winter destination globally, further raising its profile as a snowbird destination. 

3. Spain: Europe’s number one sun destination is also particularly popular with snowbirds, mainly from Europe but, increasingly, from the US and Canada too, thanks, in large part, to its climate, culture and affordable living. 

4. Costa Rica: Increasingly popular with young digital nomads and retirees alike, Costa Rica is also a popular destination with snowbirds from the US, Canada and Europe, putting it fourth on our list. 

5. Portugal: Europe’s second most popular sun destination and now the fifth snowbird destination globally, Portugal’s appeal shows no signs of waning. 

Top Snowbird Destinations: Combined

The table below shows the data for all three categories, the US, Canada and international:

Position	United States	Canada	International
1	Florida	Florida	United States
2	Arizona	Arizona	Mexico
3	Texas	Mexico	Spain
4	South Carolina	California	Costa Rica
5	California	Portugal	Portugal

Putting them side to side like this makes it easier to see how things are going. 

If you want to see how the American snowbird migration is going to look in a few years, look at the current top five for Canada. 

If you want to see how Canadian snowbird migration will look, it will look much like the international column does now. 

And finally, if you want to see how the international column will change in the coming years, the answer is simple – similar to how it looks now, except that the US will soon start dropping down past Portugal. 

And who’s driving this change? The Canadians. 

Snowbirds: The Next Nest

A confluence of factors is threatening America’s dominance of the snowbird economy. 

The Florida snowbird is particularly vulnerable and could face extinction in less than a decade. 

In many ways, Florida has been a victim of its own success as the influx of snowbirds and retirees has helped to drive up prices. 

The cost of living in Florida is problematic enough for Americans, more so for Canadians. Both have begun looking elsewhere. 

This is of benefit to other American snowbird destinations, though they face increasing competition from Mexico and international destinations even further afield, like Portugal and Spain.  

This is having a knock-on effect on existing communities. Keep in mind you may have families who have wintered together for years, only to find out, “Sorry, we won’t be around this year, we’re going to try Portugal instead.”

The result is a break-up in the network effects of snowbird destinations, “Well, if they’re not going, we’re not going! Why don’t we try Mexico this year?”

So now, instead of close-knit communities who’ve known each other for years, you have sporadic clusters of people with no real connection to one another. 

The recent decline in US-Canada relations has helped accelerate this phenomenon, with more Canadians opting to avoid the US and winter elsewhere. 

The number of Canadian snowbirds looking at international destinations, rather than traditional American locations, has doubled.

Subsequent generations, meanwhile, are far more likely to look overseas at alternative destinations than follow in their parents’ footsteps. 

They’re also less likely to join gated communities and buddy up with other families, opting instead to travel further afield and immerse themselves in the local culture. 

This will become more pronounced as Gen X begins reaching retirement age within the next decade. 

Florida is unlikely to appeal to Gen X, who are generally less affluent but considerably more adventurous and worldly than the generations which preceded them. 

Rather than wintering in the same location each year like their parents did, they’re far more likely to try new experiences each year. 

And here’s where they’ll be going…

Mexico: Future Snowbird Star

Mexico has been steadily growing in popularity as a snowbird destination, but recent tensions between the US and Canada have accelerated the process. 

The number of Canadians abandoning the US for Mexico, where the sun is warmer and the Loonie stretches considerably farther, has almost doubled. 

The expanded range of activities and cultural pursuits, meanwhile, is far more likely to appeal to post-Boomer generations. And it’s much the same story with our next pick…

Costa Rica: The Adventurous Tropical Escape

There are many reasons to love Costa Rica. It’s safe and stable, has an excellent quality of life, a laid-back atmosphere and lush surroundings. 

We have our own reasons too. Costa Rica has a lucrative real estate market and boasts straightforward residency options for all ages, from young digital nomads to retirees. 

Put it all together, and what you get is a snowbird destination which could become a permanent arrangement all too easily. 

We recently listed Costa Rica as one of the best countries for Canadians to move to, and, though Americans are just as likely to fall in love with la Pura Vida, they’re also likely to get the most value out of our next country. 

Panama: More Bang For Your Buck

Bridging Central America with the South American continent is Panama.

Panama is a territorial taxation country which uses the US dollar as currency making it a popular with global investors. 

Increasingly, however, they’ve been joined by new waves of tourists, digital nomads and retirees, all adding to the nation’s already unique flavour.

Panama City is vibrant, while the surrounding nature is lush and idyllic. Whichever surrounds you chose, urban or rural, you’ll find plenty of fun activities either way.

Plus, if you do fall in love with Panama and wish to retire there, you can easily apply for a special Pensionado visa, you just need to prove a monthly income of $1,000 USD. 

Spain: Still #1 In Europe

For many Canadians, crossing the border no longer seems worth the hassle, so they’re opting to cross the Atlantic instead. 

A growing number of Americans are joining them on this annual crossing, availing of affordable, off-season holiday rentals and a low cost of living overall. 

Here, these trans-Atlantic snowbirds mingle with their European counterparts from the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. 

Some chose to cluster around the more popular tourist areas, such as the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, while others opt to move further afield, where the living is more affordable. 

Portugal: Expat Paradise

Portugal remains Europe’s most popular expat destination, with a considerable amount of that current demand coming from Canada and the US. This is despite recent changes to its immigration rules, tightening access for those looking to become citizens. 

The increasing volume of snowbirds likely hasn’t helped matters, as visitors fall in love with the country and fly back, imagining themselves leaving the US or Canada behind and moving to Portugal permanently. 

In either case, Portugal’s mild winters, affordable living and rich culture offers plenty for trans-Atlantic travellers eager to escape the snow. 

Thailand: Beach Life

Hands down the most popular destination in Asia, Thailand has long been a popular spot for backpackers, digital nomads and retirees alike. 

It’s also becoming increasingly popular with snowbirds. 

Once again, Canadians are leading the charge, though Americans are following in increasing numbers. 

As demographics shift, we can also envision an increasing number of Gen X snowbirds and retirees ditching traditional spots in favour of new overseas destinations. 

And who could blame them? Where would you rather be, on a tropical beach in Thailand or sweating it out in Tampa at four times the cost?

(For any millennials or Gen-Zs reading, you might want to plan that beach party holiday now, before your parents show up and spoil the atmosphere!)

Snowbird Facts

• The snowbird phenomenon has its roots in the post-war era. 
• The movement found its stride in the 1970s and became more prominent by the 1990s. 
• The US states of Florida, Arizona and Texas remain the three most popular winter destinations with Americans and Canadians alike. 
• Mexico’s popularity is growing each year, particularly with Canadian snowbirds. 
• Cross-border tensions and rising living costs are increasingly driving Canadians away from the US towards Mexico and further afield to Europe. 
• Canadians are also far more likely to winter abroad than Americans, though this is slowly changing. 
• Affordable air travel means geographic proximity is no longer a factor therefore, newer generations are looking far beyond traditional snowbird spots like Florida and Arizona. 

Snowbird Destinations: Conclusion

The annual snowbird migration shows no signs of stopping any time soon, though from an American perspective it may seem as such. 

Turned off by high prices, border hassles and messy politics, Canadians are abandoning more established US-based snowbird destinations like Florida and Arizona, in favour of more exotic places like Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal and Spain. 

What’s more, Americans are starting to do likewise and, as demographics shift and Gen X starts reaching retirement age, we’ll begin to see winter travel patterns which are less migratory and far more free-wheeling and nomadic compared to their parents. 

In other words, it’s the twilight of the snowbirds, and the dawn of the snowmads.  

Snowbird Destinations: FAQs

How long should I spend overseas in winter?

That all depends on the country you are visiting and the nature of your visa, so you will need to gather all that information first before you leave. 

Another key consideration is tax residency. As a general rule, staying more than 183 days in a country will automatically make you a tax resident, though again, there are other factors which may also be used to determine your tax residency. 

This is especially problematic for Canadian citizens visiting the US who must take special care not to end up being deemed a US person for tax purposes – with all the subsequent headaches that ensues. 

What other important items should snowbirds consider?

After visa and tax considerations, the next most pressing matter is to ensure you have the correct insurance coverage.

This is important not just for Canadians going to the US, but also for Canadians and Americans going overseas to other countries like Mexico, Spain and Portugal.

Make sure to check your coverage carefully, as the last thing you want is to find yourself in need of medical assistance in a foreign country without knowing how to proceed. 

Is it really more affordable to fly to Europe than to drive down to the US?

Generally speaking, yes. Spain and Portugal both offer significantly lower living costs, with accommodation costing more than half the cost of rents in Florida and Arizona.

All the while you’re enjoying the warm sunshine, fresh air and healthy Mediterranean food.