Destination Guides

A month-by-month travel guide to inspire your next trip

Recently updated on August 1st, 2023 at 03:45 pm

The world may be your oyster – but that can be a little overwhelming! If you’re wondering where are the best places to visit each month, we’ve got you covered. From different seasons to the best events and festivals, read our month-by-month travel guide to inspire your next trip. 

Best places to visit in January

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Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the world’s top bucket list destinations and the summer season from December to February is the best time to go. You’ll get the warmest and driest weather, perfect for hiking those stunning trails.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 things you should tick off your bucket list when visiting Patagonia

South Africa

The summer season (December to February) is one of the best times to go to South Africa. You’ll get sunny warm days perfect for lounging at the beach or going wine tasting in the vineyards, or taking a cable car to Table Mountain in Cape Town.

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Russia

January is winter in Russia which sounds like a very cold adventure – but hear us out! You’ll actually get to extend your Christmas holiday by visiting Russia in January as the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January. The cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg look gorgeous covered in snow and twinkling lights and there’s plenty of festive activities.

RELATED CONTENT: Five Reasons You Should Visit Russia in Winter

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a range of different climates so it’s important to time your trip well. According to our month-by-month travel guide, January ticks all the right boxes. You’ll get warm weather, lots of sunshine, and plenty of chances to spot the famous wildlife.

GET INSPIRED BY: Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes

Best places to visit in February

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Thailand

The dry season is the perfect time to visit Thailand. You’ll get warm, dry days that are perfect for exploring those beautiful islands and beaches. Plus, you’ll miss the Christmas holiday crowds. In fact, any country in Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore are great options for a sunny holiday in February. You’ll also get to experience the amazing festivities of Tet New Year in Vietnam and the Chinese New Year celebrations across the continent.

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Egypt

The nights can be chilly and the daytime temperatures are cooler, but it’s perfect weather for cruising the Nile and exploring the ancient ruins from Cairo to Luxor and beyond.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Egypt

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Paris, France

February is a cold snowy month in Paris, but you’ll soon warm up with Valentine’s Day festivities! There’s a special atmosphere and lots of romantic events in Paris during Valentine’s Day… And what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the City of Love.

GET INSPIRED BY: Paris Explorer

Other big events in February

Our month-by-month travel guide has discovered so many incredible festivals and events in February across the world. There’s the iconic Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the famous Carnival in Venice. You could also head to New Orleans for the legendary Mardis Gras in New Orleans.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Colourful Festivals Around the World

Best places to visit in March

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Scandinavia

One of the top reasons to visit Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark is to see the dancing Northern Lights. While the best period to witness this phenomenon is from early September to early April, we think March is a great month. You’ll get better weather than the freezing chill of the winter months, with lots of sunny days. In some areas, you can enjoy summer activities like hiking, and in others, you can still enjoy winter activities like skiing. Take your pick!

GET INSPIRED BY: Scandinavian Northern Lights

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Jordan

The weather is much milder in March, perfect for exploring the desert and archaeological treasures like Petra. You’ll also get to see colourful wildflowers blooming.

GET INSPIRED BY: Jordan Experience

Colombia

Colombia is perfect in March with amazing weather for beach days and water sports. You’ll also skip the high season of December to February, so you’ll get cheaper rates and fewer crowds. Win-win!

Best places to visit in April

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The Netherlands

If you want to see the beautiful tulips of the Netherlands, April is your best bet! While the famous Keukenhof Gardens open in March, the weather doesn’t warm up properly until April. You’ll also get to experience the Amsterdam Tulip Festival in April.

RELATED CONTENT: 11 of the best destinations to visit for Springtime in Europe 2021

New Zealand

April falls in autumn in New Zealand and it’s the best time to visit the wine-growing regions. You’ll see the trees and vineyards transform into a blaze of orange, red and gold. While the nights are chilly, the days are usually mild and sunny.

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Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most popular bucket list trips in the world. The gorgeous cherry blossoms bloom from the end of March to the first half of April, but according to our month-by-month travel guide, this can change every year. So keep an eye on the forecasts! 

GET INSPIRED BY: Classic Japan

Morocco

Spring arrives in Morocco in April meaning pleasant temperatures and blossoming almond and cherry trees. You can also visit the Sahara Desert in April with milder temperatures.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Morocco

Caribbean

April is the perfect time for a trip to the Caribbean, with countries like Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico offering up delightful sunny weather.

Best places to visit in May

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Peru

May falls between the rainy season which ends in April and the busy season which starts in June… so it’s the perfect autumn month to explore Peru with milder weather and fewer crowds. 

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Nepal

Our month-by-month travel guide picks May as the prime time to go hiking in the Himalayas of Nepal. While it’s one of the busiest months it’s for good reason as the weather and scenery are at their best.

GET INSPIRED BY: Nepal Adventure

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Zimbabwe

Dreaming of seeing the mighty Victoria Falls that spread across Zimbabwe and Zambia? Visit in May when the Zambezi River is in flood and the Victoria Falls are at their strongest and most jaw-dropping. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Victoria Falls Experience

Spain and Portugal

May in Spain and Portugal is simply gorgeous. You’ll get long sunny days without the scorching summer heat. Plus, you’ll get more of the beaches to yourself without the summer crowds.

GET INSPIRED BY: Treasures of Spain and Portugal

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China

If you don’t want the sweltering heat of summer or the freezing chill of winter, head to China in the spring month of May. You’ll get comfortable weather as you walk the Great Wall or explore Beijing.

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Best places to visit in June

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The Mediterranean

June is a fabulous time to visit the Mediterranean. Head to any Mediterranean coastline in Greece, Italy, France, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, Albania, and Bosnia and you’ll be rewarded with warm waters, long sunny days, and fewer crowds than July and August.

GET INSPIRED BY: Greek Island Hopper

Tanzania

If you’ve always dreamed of witnessing the Great Migration from Tanzania to Kenya, this is the month to do it. The wildebeest begin their annual migration any time from late April to early June. It’s also a great time to head to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.

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USA

The temperatures are warming up across North America in June and you’ll have the perfect weather for outdoor adventures and festivals in the cities. It’s also a great time to visit the iconic national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone before the weather really heats up and the summer crowds arrive. You’ll also get to see newborn animals and breathtaking scenery and across the parks.

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Iceland

June in Iceland is all about the midnight sun. You’ll get to witness the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the sun barely sets at all. It’s a surreal experience and it’s also a great time for hiking and sightseeing. 

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Best places to visit in July

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Kenya

Our month-by-month travel guide picks Kenya’s Maasai Mara as the place to be in July since the Greatest Show on Earth – the Great Migration – happens during this month. Millions of wildebeests make the journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya around July and stay until October when they make the return journey. It’s also a great time to go on safari to spot animals in national parks across the country.

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Europe

The whole of Europe is at its peak in July from France to Spain, Germany to Switzerland, Croatia to Romania. Wherever you go, the weather will be warm and there will be lots of summer festivals and events. Just be warned that it’s also one of the busiest tourist months.

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Indonesia

While most of Southeast Asia is in the middle of the monsoon season in July, Indonesia is enjoying its dry, sunny season. Take advantage of the blue skies and explore these beautiful islands!

Best places to visit in August

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Hawaii

Hawaii has almost year-round warm weather but it’s at its best in the driest and hottest month of August. Perfect for snorkelling, swimming and hiking!

RELATED CONTENT: Thinking about a trip to Hawaii? These are the best times of the year to go

Scotland

Visit Scotland in August and you’ll get to witness the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the same month! It’s also a great time to visit the Scottish Highlands with warmer, drier weather. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Scotland

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Namibia

August marks the dry season in Namibia when temperatures are warm and rainfall is low. It’s also the best time for wildlife viewing, but it is the start of peak season so plan ahead.

GET INSPIRED BY: Namibia Adventure

Best places to visit in September

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Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and while it can be visited all year round, our month-by-month travel guide picks September as one of the best months. You’ll avoid the huge summer crowds but still enjoy pleasant weather in the spring season.

GET INSPIRED BY: Italy Bellissmo

Canada

The Rocky Mountains in Canada are one of the most beautiful places on Earth and September is one of the best months to experience it. The weather will be just right – not too cold and not too hot. The stunning autumn leaves are starting to bloom at the end of the month. Plus, it’s the start of the shoulder season so prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.

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Georgia

This gorgeous little country sits on the edge of Europe – and it’s just perfect in September with spring blooms and milder weather. It’s the best month for hiking the beautiful mountain trails and you’ll also miss the busier summer season.

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Best places to visit in October

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New England, USA

Dreaming of fall colours? You can’t go past the stunning autumn displays in New England. This northeastern region of the USA covers the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island. The leaf-peeping season arrives in early October and you’re sure to see some truly gorgeous fall scenery.

RELATED CONTENT: Where to travel in autumn to experience this most amazing season

Germany

October in Germany is all about the aptly named Oktoberfest. Millions of people attend the iconic beer festival in Munich every year. You can indulge in local beer and traditional Bavarian food, wear traditional outfits and listen to folk music. Head out of the cities and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous autumn scenery and cool weather.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Germany and Austria

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Mexico

The world-famous Dia de Los Muertos festival is held on October 31st every year – and you can’t miss seeing the real deal in Mexico. Oaxaca in southern Mexico is a great place to see it as the temperatures are warm and they throw the most colourful and chaotic celebrations of all!

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Ireland

If you’re looking for the best Halloween celebrations, you can’t go past the birthplace of Halloween – Ireland. The city of Derry is one of the best places to go for an unforgettable Halloween.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Ireland

Best places to visit in November

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Argentina

Argentina is just beautiful in November. Spring has well and truly sprung by the middle of the month, with lavender covering the parks and jacaranda trees blooming across Buenos Aires. The temperature is also nice and mild before the heat of summer arrives.

RELATED CONTENT: Why you should start planning your Christmas 2022 vacation now

Turkey

While Turkey is famed as a summer beach destination, our month-by-month travel guide picks November as a great time to visit. You’ll still get mild autumn temperatures and lots of sun, but you’ll avoid both the summer and winter high seasons, meaning lower prices and fewer tourists.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Turkey

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India

While India is a massive country with lots of different climates, November might just be the best month across the whole country. You’ll miss the rainy season plus you’ll avoid the heat and high season that starts in December. You might even get to witness Diwali (although the date changes every year). 

RELATED CONTENT: Why November is the perfect time of year to visit India

Best places to visit in December

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Europe

There are few better places to spend the magical Christmas month than Europe. Head to the Alps across Switzerland and France for world-class skiing and winter wonderland magic. Or check out the magical Christmas markets from Germany to France to the UK.

GET INSPIRED BY: Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Australia

December is the first month of summer in Australia so you can enjoy your holiday season in warm, sunny weather. Spend your Christmas at the beach and head to Sydney for New Year’s Eve to see the iconic fireworks display.

RELATED CONTENT: The 8 best destinations to travel to in Europe this December

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Dubai

With almost zero rain and warm temperatures averaging around 26°C, there are few better months to visit Dubai. You’ll experience an extravagant Christmas with glittering shopping malls, perfect beaches, and high-end restaurants. Plus you can see the record-breaking fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

What is your favourite month to travel? Let us know in the comments below!

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