Top Places to Travel By Each Month of the Year

Chureito pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the spring with cherry blossoms during twilight in Japan

Fujiyoshida, Japan

Whether looking for the perfect beach getaway or a family-friendly escape, here you can find information on the best destinations to visit by month to fulfill your travel dreams.

From the charming canals of Venice to the pristine sands of a Thailand beach, the glowing colors of the Great Barrier Reef to giraffes grazing on the savannah, the time of year can have a profound effect on your travels and activities. Understanding the best time to visit may allow you to paddleboard in French Polynesian sunlight or trek across Southern Patagonia without the crowds.

Find the right time to visit your dream destination or discover the best destination to fit your timeline. When working with a travel specialist, you have a guide to uncover the right destination for you.

Overview

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Find the Time that’s Best for your Destination

January

Juvenile king penguins in the Georgia Islands

January is a surprisingly perfect time of year to explore the world, with an immersive excursion into the heart of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the depth of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience the wonders of an African safari in South Africa or embrace cosmopolitan charm during an Australia summer break, delight in the centuries-old traditions of Portugal or embrace the natural splendor of the Galapagos Islands. Whether searching for adventure in Antarctica or culture in Egypt, January may surprise you with its diverse possibilities.

Best for Cold Weather: Portugal | Spain | Switzerland | India | Egypt

Learn more: 14 Best Places to Travel in January

February

Venice, Italy

February has options for any kind of traveler as you uncover the traditions of safari in Kenya or wander through the remains of imperial temples in Cambodia. The world’s wonder becomes the undeniable focus in February, with vibrant colors and a festive ambiance in India to the opulent ski resorts in Italy and its masterful artworks. Escape to a tropical paradise in Costa Rica, sample the Southern Hemisphere’s summer in Chile’s winelands, or follow the Aurora Borealis in the remote corners of the Scandinavian Lapland in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.

Looking for Cold Weather: Italy | Croatia | Sweden | Norway | Finland

Learn more: 18 Best Places to Travel in February

March

Himeji Castle and surrounding park with cherry blossoms during blooming season in Japan

Himeji, Japan

March is the perfect time of year to travel for spring or fall, no matter your preference in activities. Often considered the shoulder season in many destinations around the world, you can find an immersive cultural experience, a captivating wildlife excursion, or explore secluded coastlines. The right destination in March can take you into the Himalayas in Bhutan or the Amazon jungle in Brazil, scouring Patagonia in Chile or embracing the Colosseum in Italy. With the promise of cherry blossoms in Japan and pristine beaches in the Maldives, March can give the perfect trip.

Learn more: 16 Best Places to Travel in March

April

Cape Town, South Africa

From the perfect culinary experience to endless green hills, traveling in April promises you an extraordinary glimpse into the far corners of the world. Wander through medieval villages high in the Alps or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Continue your search for the best view of cherry blossoms in Japan or sample the exuberant pulse of tango in Argentina. Whether eager to glide along the Mekong River in Vietnam or embrace the pulse of Havana in Cuba, April is the best time to enjoy the diversity of culture and landscape during spring or autumn across the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Learn more: 17 Best Places to Travel in April

May

Seaside town of Cudillero in the Asturias region of Spain

Idyllic seaside town of Cudillero, Spain

May brings a particular beauty to the world as it edges into summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The cooler weather can give you pristine views of wildlife in South Africa or the Highlands in Scotland, as the warmer weather sweeps across the ruins in Greece and the volcanic beaches in Tahiti. Embrace the midnight sun in Finland. Trek the lush foothills in Austria. Sip celebrated port in Portugal or discover deserted temples in Sri Lanka. May can reveal to you a different side of travel across the globe as you find the right country to visit, according to your preferences.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa | Ireland | United Kingdom

Learn more: 20 Best Places to Visit in May

June

Lofoten, Norway

June can immerse you in the adventures of nature as you explore the opening of winter in the Southern Hemisphere or summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The iconic thrills of sunlight can whisk you onto a remote Greek island or into the jungles of Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas. Wind through the grand bazaar in Turkey or traverse the labyrinth of the Louvre in France, witness the small coastal towns of Italy or trek the trails of Peru in search of Machu Picchu. No matter where in the world you choose to visit, your vacation in June will uncover beauty and intrigue.

Looking for Cold Weather: Peru | New Zealand | South Africa

Learn more: 18 Best Places to Visit in June

July

Carvoeiro, Portugal

When traveling in July, you reach the height of summer or the peak of winter around the world. The adventure can plunge you into the splendor of lush lavender fields or expansive snowfields. No matter the kind of traveler you are, you can find the perfect destination for your preferences, from the traditions of Portugal’s Azulejo tiles to erupting geysers in Iceland. Search for vibrant wildlife in the rainforests of Costa Rica or venture across the Andes in Colombia. Tahiti’s black sand beaches, New Zealand’s icy fjords, and Kenya’s open plains embody the endless opportunities you can explore in July.

Looking for Cold Weather: New Zealand

Learn more: 15 Best Places to Visit in July

August

Wildebeest river crossing during the Great Migration in Tanzania

August is a great month to witness the end of summer or the edge of winter, depending on your travel mood. Iceland becomes a dream for hiking in nature. Scotland emerges as a wonderland of Gothic architecture. Botswana features luxury and wildlife along the stage of the Okavango Delta. From the treasures of Ecuador to the wilds of South Africa, marching elephants in Zimbabwe to thriving vineyards of Germany, August gives you a new perspective on the ways you can view and experience the world.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa | New Zealand

Learn more: 16 Best Places to Visit in August

September

Taj Mahal, India

September offers perfection when traveling to countries that share the beauty of the shifting seasons and the majesty of persistent culture. From the Mediterranean to the Sahara, the Himalayas to the Cape of Good Hope, traveling in September can be a unique and personal experience. The remote corners of Iceland make viewing the Northern Lights possible. The desert dunes in Morocco gleam with a soft gold as the heat wanes. The wildlife in the Galapagos provides an exciting view of the natural world, while Nepal can take you along the footsteps of Buddha to reveal the true wonders of your September trip.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa | Nepal

Learn more: 18 Best Places to Visit in September

October

Piedmont Region of Italy

Traveling in October uncovers new destinations, with great weather and fewer crowds, whether in the warming spring of the Southern Hemisphere or the cooling autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. The secluded landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territories remain accessible and Croatia’s immaculate coastline offers insight into the seaside scenery and culture. Experience ancient history inside Egyptian tombs, uncover the towering monuments of the past in Jordan, and witness a glistening tribute to love at the Taj Mahal in India. With exciting experiences and distinctive perspectives, your October trip can give you new memories.

Looking for Cold Weather: Italy | Japan | French Polynesia | Nepal

Learn more: 17 Best Places to Visit in October

November

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

November is a unique time of year to travel and can introduce you to a new country, culture, or landscape as the world inches closer to winter or summer across the hemispheres. With a captivating mixture of culture, heritage, scenery, and wildlife, you can uncover a new destination in a way most travelers do not experience. Horseback ride along the Patagonian steppe in Argentina or embrace the shadow puppets of Bali. Sample the celebrated wines of Australia or indulge in the pintxos of San Sebastian in Spain. Whether enjoying the morning alms-giving in Laos or the sunset cocktail in Brazil, November brings excitement, without the crowds.

Learn more: 21 Best Places To Visit In November

December

Colmar, France

December is your opportunity to embrace the festive season, with cozy winter wonderlands or perfect tropical warmth, depending on whether you are traveling in the northern or southern hemisphere. Christmas markets can give you a taste of local winter recipes and lively tradition across Italy and Austria, while New Zealand opens its beaches and sailboats glide near the coastline. Pristine beaches spread across the Maldives and Thai islands, while Cambodia exudes the prestige of the Khmer power at Angkor Wat. From Norwegian fjords to Sri Lankan cuisine, you can bask in the summer sun or winter splendor during your December trip.

Learn More: 15 Best Places To Visit In December

Find the Time that’s Best for your Destination

Santorini, Greece

By finding the right time in which to visit your ideal destination, you can bask in any number of wonders, according to your preferences. Whether eager to avoid the crowds or interested in the best weather, enticed by a specific cuisine or connected to a certain annual festival, the right place at the right time will provide endless memories and countless stories. If you are ready to plan your next trip, you can speak with our Travel Care team free by filling out a Trip Request or by calling 1-888-265-9707.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

1
Describe your dream trip
2
Get matched with top travel specialists
3
Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

Help Me Plan My Trip

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip