Travel basics
Best time to visit, by country
The right season can make or break a trip — affecting weather, crowds and prices. Here is the recommended time to visit each destination in our guide.
Oceania
Australia is highly regional. September to November and March to May are comfortable for many cities. Visit the tropical north in the dry season from May to October, and plan beach trips around local summer conditions.
December to March is best for hiking, road trips and beaches, though it is also the busiest period. April and May bring cooler weather and fewer crowds, while winter is strongest for skiing on the South Island.
North America
June to September is best for road trips, lakes and national parks. September and October are excellent for fall colours. Winter is ideal for skiing and northern-light trips, but weather can disrupt long-distance travel.
Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for many city trips because temperatures are milder and crowds are lower. Summer is popular for national parks and beaches, while winter is best for ski regions and warm-weather states such as Florida, Arizona and Hawaii.
Europe
Late spring and early autumn bring warm days, long light and thinner crowds. July and August are peak tourist months, while many smaller businesses outside resort areas may take summer holidays.
May to September is best for city trips, outdoor dining and festivals. December is popular for Christmas markets, while spring and early autumn usually have better hotel value than peak summer.
May to September gives the best daylight for road trips and coastal scenery. Weather is changeable year-round, so waterproof layers matter more than exact month. April, May and September are good shoulder-season choices.
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months for major cities and cultural trips. July and August can be hot and crowded, while coastal areas are busiest during Italian summer holidays.
April and May are popular for tulips and spring weather. June to September has the warmest conditions for cycling and canal trips, while shoulder months are quieter and often better value.
April to June and September to October work well for Madrid, Barcelona and Andalusia. Summer is excellent for beach regions but can be very hot inland, especially in July and August.
June to September is best for hiking, lakes and scenic rail trips. December to March is strongest for skiing. Spring and autumn are quieter, though mountain weather and lift schedules vary by region.
Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight and the best chance of mild weather. May, June and September are especially good for city breaks because they avoid the busiest school-holiday weeks.
Asia
Spring and autumn are the classic seasons, with cherry blossoms from late March to April and foliage in October to November. June is rainy in many regions, and midsummer can be hot and humid.
Singapore is warm and humid year-round. February to April is often a comfortable window for sightseeing, while November to January can be wetter. Indoor attractions and evening plans help manage heat at any time of year.
April to May and September to November are the most comfortable seasons, with spring blossoms and autumn foliage. Summer can be hot, humid and rainy, while winter is cold but good for skiing and city food trips.
November to February is the most comfortable season for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and many beach areas. March to May can be very hot, while monsoon patterns vary between the Andaman and Gulf coasts.
November to March is the best season for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and desert activities because temperatures are comfortable. Summer is extremely hot, so sightseeing is usually built around indoor attractions and evening plans.
Choosing when to travel
Peak season usually means the best weather but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Shoulder seasons — the months just before and after peak — often hit the sweet spot: decent weather, fewer tourists and lower costs. The notes above point to the windows most travelers find comfortable.
Remember that seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, and large countries can have very different climates region to region. Treat these as a starting point and check conditions for the specific area you plan to visit before booking.