Best Time to Travel Worldwide: Monthly Overview for 30 Countries
When to go where? The optimal travel months for the most popular destinations on every continent.
15 minutes · By the HolidayGenie editorial team · Updated:
When is the best time to travel to which country?
The best time to travel depends on the climate zone: in the tropics the dry season is what counts, in temperate regions the warm season, and in the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed. The tables below show the best months and temperatures for 30 popular countries – travelling in the shoulder season also saves money and avoids crowds.
How do climate zones affect the best time to travel?
The Earth can be divided into four major climate zones:
- Tropical (near the equator): Warm year-round (25–35°C), wet and dry seasons. Example: Thailand, Bali, Costa Rica
- Subtropical: Mild winters, hot summers. Example: southern Spain, Florida, North Africa
- Temperate: Four distinct seasons. Example: Germany, Japan, New Zealand
- Arid/Dry: Extremely low rainfall, large day-night temperature swings. Example: Sahara, Namibia
Additionally, altitude, proximity to the sea and monsoon winds play an important role.
What do rainy and dry seasons mean for your holiday?
Many travellers avoid the wet season categorically – often a mistake. 'Wet season' does not mean non-stop rain.
- Advantages: Lower prices, fewer tourists, greener landscapes, better bargaining position
- Disadvantages: Higher humidity, poor road conditions, increased mosquito risk
Flexible travellers often find the best balance of good weather and fair prices in the shoulder months.
Is it worth travelling in the off-season?
The off-season offers enormous advantages:
- 30–50% cheaper: Hotels, flights and activities significantly less expensive
- Fewer crowds: Attractions without queues, empty beaches
- Better service: Staff have more time, upgrades more likely
- Unique experiences: Whale watching, northern lights, cherry blossom – only in certain months
Tip: The shoulder season (May/June and Sep/Oct for southern Europe) is often the sweet spot.
When is the best time to visit Europe?
Europe offers year-round destinations – from beach holidays in summer to city breaks in winter.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | May – Oct | 22–35°C | Southern Spain warm from April; July/Aug extremely hot in Andalusia |
| Greece | May – Oct | 23–33°C | Islands from June; Athens very hot in midsummer (40°C+) |
| Italy | Apr – Oct | 20–32°C | Cities in spring/autumn; Amalfi Coast June–Sep |
| Portugal | May – Oct | 20–30°C | Algarve from April; Lisbon mild year-round |
| Croatia | May – Sep | 22–30°C | Dubrovnik crowded Jul/Aug; Split ideal in June |
| France | May – Sep | 18–30°C | Paris in spring; Provence lavender June/July |
| Iceland | Jun – Aug | 8–14°C | Midnight sun in June; northern lights Sep–Mar |
| Norway | Jun – Aug | 12–20°C | Fjords in summer; Lofoten June–Aug at their best |
| Turkey | Apr – Oct | 20–35°C | Cappadocia Apr–Jun; Istanbul spring and autumn |
When is the best time to visit Asia?
Asia is vast and climatically extremely diverse. The monsoon determines the travel season in many countries.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Nov – Mar | 25–32°C | Dry season; east coast Nov–Jan rainy |
| Indonesia / Bali | Apr – Oct | 27–31°C | Dry season; June–Aug peak season |
| Japan | Mar – May, Oct – Nov | 12–25°C | Cherry blossom Mar/Apr; autumn foliage Oct/Nov |
| Vietnam | Feb – Apr, Oct – Dec | 22–30°C | North and south have different rainy seasons |
| Sri Lanka | Dec – Mar (W), May – Sep (E) | 26–32°C | Two monsoon seasons – depends on coast |
| Maldives | Nov – Apr | 28–31°C | Dry season with best snorkelling visibility |
| India | Oct – Mar | 20–30°C | After the monsoon; Rajasthan Nov–Feb ideal |
When is the best time to visit North and Central America?
From the Canadian Arctic to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean – every conceivable climate zone.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (West Coast) | Apr – Oct | 18–35°C | California mild year-round; national parks May–Sep |
| USA (East Coast) | May – Oct | 16–30°C | Indian Summer Sep/Oct; New York spring/autumn |
| Canada | Jun – Sep | 15–28°C | Rocky Mountains June–Sep; northern lights from September |
| Mexico | Nov – Apr | 24–32°C | Dry season; hurricane risk June–Nov |
| Costa Rica | Dec – Apr | 24–30°C | Dry season; green season May–Nov cheaper |
| Cuba | Nov – Apr | 24–30°C | Dry season; hurricane risk Aug–Oct |
When is the best time to visit South America?
South America spans nearly 70 degrees of latitude. Important: seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are reversed.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | May – Sep | 22–30°C | Dry season in Pantanal; Carnival in February |
| Peru | May – Sep | 15–25°C | Dry season in the Andes and Machu Picchu |
| Argentina | Oct – Apr | 18–30°C | Patagonia Dec–Feb; Buenos Aires spring/autumn |
| Colombia | Dec – Mar, Jul – Aug | 24–32°C | Two dry seasons; Bogota 14–20°C year-round |
| Chile | Oct – Mar | 15–28°C | Atacama year-round; Patagonia Dec–Feb |
When is the best time to visit Africa?
For safaris, the dry season is ideal as animals gather at remaining waterholes.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Mar – May, Sep – Nov | 18–28°C | Marrakech 40°C+ in summer; coast mild year-round |
| South Africa | Sep – Apr | 18–28°C | Cape Town Dec–Feb; safari June–Oct; whales Jul–Nov |
| Tanzania | Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb | 22–30°C | Great Migration Jul–Oct; Zanzibar Sep–Feb |
| Egypt | Oct – Apr | 20–28°C | Upper Egypt 45°C+ in summer; Red Sea year-round |
| Kenya | Jun – Oct, Dec – Mar | 20–28°C | Masai Mara Jul–Oct; two rainy seasons |
| Namibia | May – Oct | 18–25°C | Dry season for safari; cold nights in winter |
When is the best time to visit Oceania?
Australia and New Zealand are in the Southern Hemisphere – their seasons are the opposite of Europe's.
| Country | Best months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (East) | Sep – Nov, Mar – May | 20–28°C | Sydney spring/autumn; Great Barrier Reef Jun–Oct |
| Australia (Outback) | May – Sep | 20–30°C | Australian winter pleasant; summer 45°C+ |
| New Zealand | Nov – Mar | 16–24°C | Hiking Dec–Feb; skiing Jun–Sep |
| Fiji | May – Oct | 25–29°C | Dry season; cyclone season Nov–Apr |
| French Polynesia | May – Oct | 24–28°C | Dry season; humpback whale season Jul–Nov |
Where should you travel in which month?
You know when you want to travel but not where?
| Month | Top destinations |
|---|---|
| January | Thailand, Maldives, Cuba, South Africa, Sri Lanka |
| February | Brazil (Carnival), Vietnam, Egypt, India, Costa Rica |
| March | Japan (cherry blossom), Morocco, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand |
| April | Greece, Turkey, Japan, Bali, Colombia |
| May | Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Fiji, Namibia |
| June | Iceland, Norway, Canada, Tanzania, France |
| July | Spain, Greece, Croatia, Iceland, Kenya |
| August | Scandinavia, Canada, USA, Indonesia, Chile |
| September | Italy, Greece, Turkey, Australia, South Africa |
| October | USA (Indian Summer), Japan, Morocco, Egypt, Argentina |
| November | Thailand, Maldives, Mexico, New Zealand, Cuba |
| December | Thailand, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Australia, Tanzania |
How is climate change affecting travel planning?
Traditional travel seasons are shifting. Heatwaves in southern Europe in July and August make city trips uncomfortable. The shoulder months of May, June, September and October are becoming increasingly attractive.
Tropical storms are also intensifying. Flexibility and up-to-date weather forecasts are more important than ever.
Is there such a thing as the perfect time to travel?
The 'best time to travel' depends not only on the weather but also on your personal priorities: Want the best prices? Travel in the off-season. Want guaranteed sunshine? Research the dry seasons.
Use the tables as a guide but stay flexible.
Ready for your next holiday?
