Best Months For Travel: Planning Your Next Adventure

The best months to travel depend on your budget, interests, travel style, and tolerance for crowds. For instance, if you're looking for fewer crowds and great deals, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons in March, April, May, September, and October.

If you're looking for pleasant weather, January is a good time to visit the Northern Hemisphere to see the Northern Lights or go skiing in the Alps. In February, you can visit Paris for a romantic getaway or Rio de Janeiro for its world-famous carnival. In March, you can visit New York City, Chicago, or Boston for St. Patrick's Day, or Egypt for its archaeological wonders. April is the perfect time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, while May is ideal for exploring national parks in the USA.

June is great for trekking in South America or experiencing the midnight sun in Iceland. July is perfect for scuba diving in Indonesia, while August is ideal for sightseeing in Edinburgh, Scotland. September is a wonderful month to visit New England, USA, for the fall season, and October is the time for Oktoberfest in Munich or Vienna.

November is perfect for visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand, for its weather, food, and festivals, while December is ideal for New Year's Eve celebrations in Brazil, Scotland, or Thailand, or for a Patagonian adventure in Chile and Argentina.

Additionally, certain months are better for specific regions. For example, January and February are great for Central America and the Caribbean, while May is perfect for exploring European countries like the UK, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy. June is ideal for European festivals, while July is the peak of summer in Europe with plenty of outdoor activities.

September is a good month to visit Southern Africa, as the weather is warming up, and October is perfect for exploring the Mediterranean and the Middle East. November is an excellent month to visit Cuba and the Caribbean Islands, while December is the time for Christmas markets in Europe and summer adventures in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and New Zealand.

September: fewer crowds, great vacation deals

September is a great month to travel, with fewer crowds and great vacation deals. Here are some reasons why you should consider travelling in September:

Perfect Weather, No Crowds

September offers mild and warm weather in many destinations, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The summer crowds have dispersed, so you can enjoy your favourite destinations without the throngs of tourists. You'll have more time to explore and tick off items on your bucket list without having to deal with the stress of crowded environments.

Sweet Deals on Flights and Accommodation

September is known for offering great deals on flights and accommodation. Flight prices tend to drop significantly, and hotels provide various discounts. It's a great opportunity to save money and enjoy a luxurious trip without breaking the bank.

Nature's Showtime

September is a beautiful month for nature enthusiasts, as landscapes are still lush and green, and beaches are in their full glory. It's the perfect time to explore the outdoors and witness the changing seasons. In Europe, for example, summer is transitioning to autumn, offering warm weather and gorgeous scenery.

Cultural Festivities

September is a month filled with cultural festivities and celebrations around the world. Many places host vibrant festivals, parades, and events that showcase local traditions and exotic music. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the world coming alive with colours and joy.

Minimal Packing Stress

September's mild weather means you can pack light and stress-free. You won't need bulky winter coats or sweltering summer outfits. Just a comfortable outfit and a pair of sneakers will do. This also leaves more room in your suitcase for souvenirs and treasures found during your travels.

Bargain Shopping

With the end of the tourist season approaching, many local shops and markets offer reduced prices on souvenirs, handicrafts, and unique mementos. It's the perfect time to shop for budget-friendly souvenirs and bring home memorable treasures without spending a fortune.

January: Northern Lights, beaches in Southeast Asia

January is a great month to travel if you're looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. If you're chasing the sun, head to Southeast Asia for warm, dry weather and relatively low humidity. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma offer the perfect climate for exploring ancient temples and relaxing on tropical beaches.

However, if you're seeking a winter wonderland, January is an excellent time to witness the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon occurs when three key factors align: dark skies, solar activity, and clear weather. With fewer daylight hours and longer, darker nights, your chances of spotting the vibrant hues of the aurora borealis are higher.

Northern Lights Destinations:

• Norway: Tromsø, located within the Arctic Circle, is widely regarded as one of the world's best places to see the Northern Lights. Easily accessible from the UK, this city offers excellent aurora views from September to April.
• Sweden: Kiruna, in Swedish Lapland, provides a quality aurora show without the tourist crowds. For a unique experience, stay at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. You can also try outdoor activities like dog sledding and ice fishing.
• Iceland: Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, offers geothermal pools, volcano tours, and a vibrant culture. The Northern Lights are frequently visible here from September to April. For an uninterrupted viewing experience, head to Hofdabrekka, near Vik.
• Finland: Rovaniemi, situated north of the Arctic Circle, offers a range of winter activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobile safaris. It is also known for its Christmas-themed attractions, making it a great choice for families.
• Greenland: Ilulissat, Greenland's third-largest city, provides a chance to immerse yourself in nature while witnessing the Northern Lights. With stable weather conditions and low levels of wind and rain, you can enjoy the dancing lights in all their glory.

Southeast Asian Beach Destinations:

• Thailand: January is an ideal time to visit Thailand before the heat and humidity climb in the following months. Explore ancient temples like Angkor Wat or relax on the beaches of Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.
• Cambodia: Along with its stunning temples like Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers beautiful beaches along its southern coast. Sihanoukville and Koh Rong are popular choices for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
• Vietnam: While northern Vietnam can be cool in January, the south offers warm weather. Head to Ho Chi Minh City or the beaches of Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Mui Ne for a tropical escape.
• Laos: Laos enjoys pleasant weather in January, making it a great time to visit attractions like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. For a beach vacation, head to the 4000 Islands in the Mekong River for a unique island-hopping experience.
• Malaysia: Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia offer sunny skies and beautiful beaches in January. Enjoy water sports, explore lush rainforests, or relax on the soft sandy shores.

So, whether you're chasing the aurora borealis or soaking up the sun, January provides a range of captivating destinations to choose from.

February: Paris, Rio Carnival

Paris in February is a great time to visit if you're looking for peace and relaxation. While the weather is colder, the city is less crowded, and you might even save money on accommodation and flights. Paris in February is fairly peaceful in the lead-up to spring, and there's a chance of beautiful snow. However, you'll need to pack thicker, heavier clothing to combat the cold.

Paris is known as the City of Love, and right in the middle of the month is Valentine's Day. The city is a popular place for couples, with romantic dinners and overnight stays widely available.

There are plenty of attractions to visit in Paris during this time, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Palace of Versailles, and the many museums and galleries.

Now, onto the Rio Carnival! The Rio Carnival in 2025 will take place from February 28th to March 8th. It is the biggest event on the Brazilian cultural calendar, with parades at the Sambadrome as the main attraction. The Carnival is a descendant of ancient Greek and Roman celebrations and was later incorporated into the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is always celebrated seven Sundays before Easter Sunday, which is why the dates vary each year.

The Carnival is a massive party with a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. There are parades, music, dancing, and colourful costumes. It is a time when people come together to celebrate and have fun. The Sambadrome is the central location for the parades, with different sectors offering unique viewing experiences.

So, if you're looking for a unique travel experience in February, Paris and the Rio Carnival offer a great combination of culture, romance, and festive celebrations.

May: US national parks, Peru, Nepal

May is a great month to visit the US national parks, Peru, and Nepal. Here's why:

US National Parks

The best time to visit the US national parks depends on several factors, including weather, crowd levels, and road closures. May is an excellent month to visit as the weather is ideal, with daily average highs below 90°F (32°C) and daily means above freezing. While there may still be road closures in some parks due to snowfall, many parks have roads that are accessible by May, such as Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, which is typically open from mid to late June through late September. May is also a great month to visit parks with trees as the dominant feature, such as Shenandoah, as the leaves will be out, making the scenery more picturesque.

Peru

May is a wonderful time to visit Peru as the rainy season comes to an end, leaving the landscape lush and green. The dry season in Peru typically lasts from May to October, so May is an ideal time to visit if you want to enjoy warm, sunny days and clear blue skies. It is the peak season, so early booking is crucial, but the tourist sites are not as busy as they will be during the festival month of June and the peak months of July and August. The dry season also makes it a great time to trek and admire attractions such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

Nepal

The best time to visit Nepal depends on the activities you plan to do and the locations you want to visit. May is part of the spring season, which is considered the second peak season for visiting Nepal. Spring is an excellent time for mountain climbing as the temperatures and weather conditions are optimal. It is also a good time to visit if you want to go wildlife spotting in the national parks on the Terai, such as Chitwan and Bardia, as the high elephant grass that shoots up after the monsoon is cut down, making it easier to spot animals like rhinos and Royal Bengal tigers.

June: South America, Iceland

June is a great month to visit South America, particularly if you're interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the wilderness. This is the time of year when most services are open, and the weather is generally warm and dry. It's also a good time to visit the Amazon Rainforest, as the dry season (June to November) means that river levels are low, making fishing and hiking more enjoyable.

If you're planning to visit Iceland in June, you can look forward to 24 hours of daylight and average temperatures of around 55°F. This is the busiest time of year for tourism in Iceland, so expect crowds at popular destinations like the South Coast and the Golden Circle. June is also a peak month for whale watching in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík and West Iceland.

South America in June

South America is a large continent with diverse weather patterns, so it's hard to generalise about the best time to visit. However, June marks the end of the wet season, so you can expect clearer skies and cooler temperatures. This is a great time of year to visit sites like Machu Picchu and to go hiking in general. The Brazilian coast also sees drier months and cooler temperatures during this time.

Iceland in June

June is considered the high season in Iceland, with the busiest months being June, July, and August. This is when most natural attractions are open and easily accessible. The summer months are ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the wilderness. June also offers an incredible 24 hours of daylight, with the daytime temperature hovering around 55°F.

What to do in South America in June

• Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru – the dry season from May to October offers plenty of sunny days and stunning panoramic views.
• Go stargazing in Chile's Atacama Desert – the dry season from July to November offers clear skies for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Explore the Amazon Rainforest during the dry season (June to November) when river levels are low, making fishing and hiking more enjoyable.
• Visit the Galápagos Islands – the dry season from June to November is a great time to spot marine life such as dolphins and whales.

What to do in Iceland in June

• Go whale watching in Reykjavík and West Iceland – June and July are the peak months for whale watching.
• Take advantage of the 24 hours of daylight to explore the country's beautiful landscapes and natural attractions.
• Enjoy the summer solstice celebrations on Grímsey island, Iceland's northernmost inhabited island, which usually takes place around June 21st.
• Participate in the Fishermen's Day celebrations, which take place in every seaside town on the first weekend of June.

Frequently asked questions