When to Travel Where… your guide to finding the best time of year for a destination.

Embarking on a global adventure is an exhilarating prospect, and choosing the right destination at the perfect time of year can elevate the travel experience. Each country boasts its own seasonal charm, offering a diverse range of climates and activities that cater to different preferences. From the sun-soaked beaches of Southeast Asia during the dry season to the winter wonderlands of Europe adorned with festive lights, the world is a mosaic of seasonal wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you crave the vibrant colours of spring blooms, the warmth of summer sun, the crispness of autumn foliage, or the tranquility of snow-covered landscapes, strategic planning based on seasonal nuances ensures a harmonious fusion of destination and weather, transforming a journey into an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Whilst the peak seasons are generally a busy time of year, don’t dismiss the benefits of travelling in the shoulder seasons. By avoiding peak summer and winter months, you'll experience fewer crowds, enjoy lower prices, and benefit from better availability for accommodations, tours, and attractions. With increased flexibility in your itinerary, you can embark on spontaneous adventures and immerse yourself in local culture without feeling rushed and appreciate the tranquility of landscapes without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist seasons. So whether you choose to travel based on weather, celebrations, seasons or avoiding the crowds, here is your general guide to finding the best time of year to travel to a destination.

January to March

Ski Destinations in the Northern hemisphere - There is a plethora of ski resorts to choose from whether it be North America or Canada, and for a more cultural ski experience Japan or one of the stunning European ski resorts.

Antarctica - The best time to travel to Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer, from October to early March. December to January is the peak of the Antarctic summer when temperatures are generally milder. Wildlife, including seals and penguins are more active and the days are almost continuous daylight. Expect to see hatching chicks and seal pups playing with their parents.

Late January to February temperatures remain relatively mild and wildlife is still active. Penguin chicks start fledging and learning to swim, skuas and leopard seals are predating and whale sightings become more common.

Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka offers a year round destination to travel to however it’s most popular during the dry season, which runs from December to March, particularly along the west and south coasts. Sri Lanka's diverse climate means that different regions experience varied weather patterns throughout the year. Overall, the months of December to March are considered peak tourist season due to the favorable weather conditions, but visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to September can also provide a fantastic experience with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Japan - Winter brings cold temperatures, particularly in northern Japan and mountainous regions. However, it's an excellent time for winter sports as Japan boasts world-class ski resorts. Additionally, winter illuminations and hot springs (onsen) are popular attractions during this season.

South Africa - South Africa boasts considerable geographical and climatic diversity. Summers typically extend from December to March, while winters prevail from June to August. Cape Town and the Western Cape encounter winter rainfall alongside predominantly dry and warm summers.

Lapland - For those searching for the elusive Northern Lights, January to March is probably the three most popular months for Aurora hunting as they bring long dark nights. Heading there over festive also offers the opportunity to embrace the Christmas cheer, enjoy the winter activites and the possibility of spotting Santa and his reindeers.

April to June

Namibia - April – November is considered the best time to visit Namibia for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. The weather is cooler and drier, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot them in national parks such as Etosha. It's also an excellent time for activities like hiking, photography, and exploring the desert landscapes. However, nights and early mornings can be cold, especially in desert regions.

Bhutan – As Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons, the best time of year to travel to Bhutan is during the Spring and Autumn Months (March to May and September to November). During these months, the weather tends to be pleasantly dry and mild, and the scenery is at its most glorious. In spring, the weather is mild, and the valleys come alive with vibrant blooming flowers, making it a beautiful time for trekking and sightseeing. Autumn the weather is clear, and the skies are usually bright. Autumn offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and is considered ideal for trekking.

Borneo – The best time to visit Borneo is between March and October, when the days are dry and warm. This makes it one of Southeast Asia's few summer destinations. It is also the best time to see orangutans in the wild, while turtles can be seen on Lankayan Island between June and September.

Peru – The best time to visit Peru is between May and October for the dry season. This period aligned with the dry season in the Andean highlands while offering pleasant weather along the coast. It is generally categorised by sunny, dry and clear weather, perfect for trekking, exploring or sightseeing

Chile – Chile is a great year-round destination thanks to the country’s abundance of beaches, valleys, mountains, lakes and glaciers. However, the best time to travel would be between spring and autumn for mild weather (September to November and March to May). Patagonia is most accessible to adventurers from November to February (where summers are often dry) and Central Chile skiing is wintertime in June, July and August.

Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka offers a year round destination to travel to however its diverse climate means that different regions experience varied weather patterns throughout the year. If you're planning to visit the east coast or the hill country, the best time to go is from April to September, when these areas are experiencing their dry season. Overall, the months of December to March are considered peak tourist season due to the favorable weather conditions, but visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to September can also provide a fantastic experience with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Japan - Another country that can be visited all year depending on your preferences and experiences is Japan however Spring, particularly from late March - May is one of the most popular times to visit due to the blooming cherry blossoms.

Peru - local South American & Machu Picchu

July to September

Fiji - The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach vacations. Specifically, the months of May to September are considered the peak tourist season in Fiji, with consistently warm temperatures and minimal chances of rain. If you're looking to avoid crowds and possibly find better deals on accommodations, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late April to early May or late September to early October.

Southern Africa - The optimal period for embarking on a safari in Southern Africa spans from May to October. During these months, Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, KwaZulu-Natal, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia offer exceptional game viewing opportunities as wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making them more visible amidst the sparse vegetation typical of the dry season. The Okavango Delta, a huge, swampy inland delta found in the heart of the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and is best experienced when the flooding of the Delta is highest in the dry months (after the monsoon season).

Tanzania & Kenya - Serengeti National Park, June – October. Home to the other half of the Great Migration, the Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. Both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Reserve boasts one of the largest concentrations of predators in the world, including 7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions, and 250 cheetahs.

Europe - Although Europe's tourist crowds can generally be plotted on a bell-shaped curve that peaks in July and August for obvious reasons, there are opportunities to discover areas that don’t attract as heavy a crowd. As the Mediterranean summer season keeps extending, the perfect time to head to the popular spots and avoid the masses would be to put Europe on your itinerary for September/October and May/June to enjoy the warmth at a more relaxed pace.

Hawaii - Generally, March to September, are considered best times to visit although all year round is pretty good! Just keep in mind that December through March is the high tourist season, with larger crowds and higher prices, but it's also the time for whale watching. Additionally, hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June through November, so be sure to monitor weather forecasts if you plan to visit during these months.

Bali - The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island's dry season. Although the weather is ideal for travelers, the island is also subject to soupy, humid days throughout the year. Many shops offer sales and promotions; restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months.

Scandinavia - Travelling to Scandinavia during the peak season to get the best weather and longest days possible. It brings mild and pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures, festivals and time to explore the natural beauty.

Ireland and the United Kingdom - The peak season for traveling to Ireland and the UK typically falls between June and August. During these months, you can expect warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and a bustling atmosphere with plenty of events and activities happening throughout the country.

Cape Town, Kokomo Private Island Fiji, Hawaii

October to December

Argentina – The best time to visit Argentina is during Spring (September through November) and Autumn (March through May). The temperatures are mild, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without extreme heat or cold and rainfall is lower. Meanwhile, July is the peak month for winter sports (so over populated), with skiers and snowboarded flocking to resorts in the Lake District, Mendoza province and Tierra del Fuego.

Cambodia - Cambodia is ideal between November to May when the country experiences low rainfall and still enjoys warm temperatures. The climate in Cambodia is generally hot, humid and wet the rest of the year.

Laos - Laos has two main distinct weather patterns: hot and wet (May–October), and cooler and dry (November– April). With that in mind, generally speaking, the best time to visit Laos is November–January. Not only will you get the best of the weather – you'll also be able to make the most of the activities on offer.

Philippines - The best time to travel to the Philippines is in the dry season between January and April. This period enjoys hot yet pleasant temperatures and avoids the humidity of the summer months. The best time to go to the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are at their coolest and the rain generally stays away.

Thailand - November to March is the most popular time for Thailand, when you can expect to enjoy dry, sunny weather. If you’re hoping for a seaside sunny holiday in their summer (months of July-August) focus on the Gulf Islands rather than Phuket and the West Coast.

Vietnam - The weather in Vietnam can be split by region. The country has a long coastline and each area offers different weather patterns. It is best to avoid Vietnam during their typhoos season, from July to September. Although April is the best month to visit all of the country, November to April, is cool and dry in Hanoi & the north, and Central/Southern Vietnam enjoys a warm and dry season.

Maldives - The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this period, you can expect sunny days, minimal rainfall, and calm seas, making it ideal for various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and beach lounging.

Japan - Autumn is another beautiful time to visit Japan, with pleasant temperatures and stunning foliage (koyo). The vibrant colours of the autumn leaves make for picturesque landscapes, especially in Kyoto and other scenic areas.