Best Time to Visit Any Destination

The best time to visit most of Europe is May through September, when temperatures are warm and days are long. For fewer crowds and lower prices, aim for shoulder months: May, early June, or September. Southern Europe (Greece, Spain, Italy) is pleasant from April through October, while Scandinavia peaks in June and July.

November through March is the best time to visit most of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. This is the dry season with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. Bali is best from April to October. Avoid June through September in most mainland countries due to heavy monsoon rains.

The cheapest times to travel are during shoulder seasons — the weeks between peak and off-peak periods. For Europe, this means late September through November and March through early May. For the Caribbean, look at late April through mid-June. Flights and hotels can be 30-50% cheaper outside school holidays and major festivals.

December through April is the best time to visit the Caribbean, with dry weather, warm temperatures around 27-30°C, and calm seas. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk in August and September. For the best balance of weather and value, visit in early December or April.

Consider four factors: weather (temperature and rainfall), crowd levels, prices, and local events or festivals. Search for any destination on our site to see month-by-month weather data, crowd estimates, and specific recommendations for the best and worst months to visit.

Spring (March through May) is ideal for Japan (cherry blossom season), the Mediterranean coast, Morocco, Portugal, and the US national parks. Temperatures are mild, flowers are blooming, and summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Spring is also great for hiking destinations like Patagonia (Southern Hemisphere autumn) and Nepal.