the world is your oyster when it comes to picking a destination, but with so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow it down. And if you do find the perfect destination, will it be nice at that time of year? With all of this in mind, I have created a month by month guide to the best holiday destinations Whether it be for your honeymoon, a city break or just an escape from reality, there is a perfect place for everyone.
Summer is over (sorry), and the traditional months for holidays are winding down (again, sorry), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing places to travel to now or later in the year. Exotic destinations have never been so accessible; the world is your oyster when it comes to picking a destination, but with so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow it down. And if you do find the perfect destination, will it be nice at that time of year? With all of this in mind, I have created a month by month guide to the best holiday destinations. Whether it be for your honeymoon, a city break or just an escape from reality, there is a perfect place for everyone.
Planning a honeymoon or holiday? Have a look at our month by month guide of where to go (and where to avoid!)
Summer is over (sorry), and the traditional months for holidays are winding down (again, sorry), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing places to travel to now or later in the year. Exotic destinations have never been so accessible; the world is your oyster when it comes to picking a destination, but with so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow it down. And if you do find the perfect destination, will it be nice at that time of year? With all of this in mind, I have created a month by month guide to the best holiday destinations. Whether it be for your honeymoon, a city break or just an escape from reality, there is a perfect place for everyone.
January
Grey and cold weather means (with a few exceptions) Europe is best avoided in January. For the sun, the Caribbean or Australia is your go to. Celebrate the new year in Rio or if sun is your idea of hell hit the slopes of the Alps or gaze at the Northern Lights in Norway. Closer to home the Shetland Islands and Scotland host the biggest fire festival in Europe which never fails to get positive reviews.
The best places to go:
Mexico (Puerto Escondido for something lively, Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Zipolite for something a little quieter), Brazil, Ethiopia, Scotland, Norway, Australia, France, Switzerland, Austria, The West Indies and the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, South Africa
To be avoided:
Indonesia, the Seychelles and Polynesia where it is still the rainy season and Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius (where there is a high risk of cyclones!)
February
In the month for romance Paris is always a good option, just be wary of queues and higher prices than usual. Now is the time to go to Asia with Burma, Northern India and the Philippines typhoon free. If you’re a thrill seeker trekking in Nepal will be amazing with plenty of sunshine. For a high end honeymoon at a great price, Buenos Aires offers fab deals in February. Hawaii is also perfect for a sun escape; there’s also great surfing at this time of year. Travel to South Africa and Egypt are very doable before the temperatures begin to soar.
The best places to go:
Buenos Aires, Argentina, Africa, Egypt, South Africa, Hawaii
To be avoided:
Traveling to Indonesia, the Seychelles and Polynesia – it’s their rainy season, and Madagascar, the Reunion and Mauritius where there is still a high risk of cyclones. If you’re thinking of a skiing honeymoon, the Alps are perfect but be warned they may super crowded.
March
Europe is improving weather wise and Italy should be pleasantly warm and not very busy in the typical tourist spots. Asia is still good, so why not try India before the monsoon season? If that’s not your thing go for the American dream: Florida is in high season with hot, dry weather, New York is also a good bet before the sticky summer. In South America it’s an excellent time to visit Cuba where it’s dry season. In Argentina, Patagonia has pleasant weather but be careful of some very high winds at altitude. My choice? The Maldives where it’s dry and temperatures are sitting between 25-30°C, ideal!
The best places to go:
Italy, Asia, America, Cuba, Argentina, the Maldives
To be avoided:
Going on safari in Kenya is a no go as it’s almost invisible under heavy rains and Canada where you’ll be left with the aftermath of melting winter slush and annoyed by mosquitoes waking up for springtime and Miami where Spring Break is in full swing (unless you’re in the mood for a non-stop party).
April
Crete, Malta and the Balearic Islands are all warm and sunny. In Amsterdam it’s Tulip season so a trip to the tulip fields would be amazing. The US is still a great option so why not go all out and road trip it. California, Nevada and Las Vegas, Louisiana, Washington and Florida are all perfect choices – as it’s off-peak you should be able to grab some good deals. For a solid tanning (and cultural experience) book Marrakech or Namibia – all hot and dry and a real experience.
The best places to go:
To be avoided:
The majority of Asian countries are unpleasantly hot at this time. This is the heavy rainy season in Zanzibar and Tunisia. The same goes for South America, which is at its peak of high humidity.
May
Scotland is at its sunniest, Europe is also at its prime, with Croatia, Hungary and Portugal are all good safe options for sun. For a classic romantic break in the Philippines and Bahamas are a a paradise of sun, white sand and turquoise seas. For something a little different, a city break in Prague is to be recommended. All the flowers and trees are in full bloom and the Prague Spring Music Festival is on for 3 weeks with symphony, opera and chamber concerts.
The best places to go:
Europe, China (depending on the area), the Philippines, the Bahamas, Mexico, Australia
To be avoided:
Asia in general which is entering its down season. Egypt starts to suffer heatwaves. India and Sri Lanka enter their monsoon season – very hot and humid – and Zanzibar is still in the middle of its rainy season.
June
Europe is still the perfect in midsummer. In the north, Sweden, Norway and Finland promise days almost without end as they enter white nights, when the sun barely sets and it’s warm for hours. Ireland is at peak attractiveness, so why not check out one of our 15 Romantic Hideaways. The Greek islands are also rather beautiful. Brazil is pretty much dry and temperatures are at a lovely 25°C. In Canada not only is the weather lovely but it’s also Canada Day and the time of year for The Montreal Film and International Jazz Festivals.
The best places to go:
Europe, Namibia, Brazil, The Caribbean, Canada, Cuba.
To be avoided:
Watch out for heat waves that occur in various areas throughout the world, especially Central Africa and the Middle East at this time. The monsoons bring crippling heat and heavy rains to India, to be avoided at all costs! New York heads into summer so it gets exceptionally hot and muggy.
July
Once again Europe is popular, but with this comes higher prices and crowds. For something different head to Indonesia, with an equatorial climate you know it will be hot and you can benefit from the cool sea breezes. In Peru and Bolivia the rains stop, giving way to lovely sunny days, it can be still a little chilly though, so not the best choice if you’re looking for heat. If you like the great outdoors, then head to the National Parks in America like Yosemite, where you can climb, even to high altitudes, without worrying about really cold temperatures.
The best places to go:
Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Peru, Bolivia, America
To be avoided:
Louisiana & New York are very hot and humid, Senegal, where there heat waves are accompanied by heavy downpours, just about guaranteed to spoil your stay. Asia in general is also to be avoided at this time as it is still the monsoon season.
August
You can’t go wrong with the Mediterranean coasts of Europe in August with sunny days and beaches a’plenty. Croatia is glorious and if you’re into music there’s a wealth of music festivals to choose from in historic settings. South Africa beckons for the adventurous and Peru and Tibet are both great for hiking (or pure relaxation).
The best places to go:
Europe, South Africa, Peru & Tibet
To be avoided:
Asia is at the height of its monsoon season with the exceptions of Kerala or Tamil Nadu in India, Bali and the southern islands of Indonesia. Northern America can also be extremely hot.
September
Europe is cooler but if you still want sun close to home, then Portugal and Croatia are good bets. In Africa Zimbabwe is in its dry season offering ideal temperatures of around 27°C with cooler nights. Namibia is also in its winter period and is therefore dry and sunny. It’s a good time to visit Northern Africa where the temperatures are not too hot – an amazing option for wildlife and scenery. America is once again a good option with the extreme heat gone as well as the majority of tourists. New England is gorgeous in early Fall. Likewise it’s a great time for a holiday trip to China and Japan.
The best places to go:
Portugal, Croatia, Africa, America, China, Japan.
Book sightseeing Tour in Tokyo, Japan
To be avoided:
The Caribbean, Central America and also Asia are often prone to hurricanes at this time of year.
October
Africa, Egypt, Madagascar and South Africa are all experience pleasant climates at this time of year. In America visit Georgia, Atlanta or Texas, where the temperatures are pleasant and the pace of life relaxed. Argentina has hot, dry weather right now and it’s a great time to see the wildlife. For guaranteed sun that won’t break the budget try Turkey or Cyprus. Venice will be much less crowded than the summer yet still nice and warm. Japan is amazing at this time of year with pleasant weather and gorgeous autumn foliage.
The best places to go:
India, Calcutta, Turkey, Cyprus, Africa, Egypt, South Africa, America, Argentina, Japan, Venice
To be avoided:
Cheap attraction ticket in Dehli, India
Certain areas of Thailand will be in typhoon season which can be quite violent. It is also not a good time to travel to some of the South Pacific countries such as Fiji, New Guinea and the north of Australia. This is also the height of hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
November
Time for Thanksgiving in America, so for a proper cultural experience and with a charming winter chill head to New York (but be warned America at this time can be hectic and opening hours will vary). Germany is the place to go for the Christmas markets. My picks would be Nuremberg, Munich or for a slightly different angle, Berlin. To embrace winter, get your skis out and head for Aspen. For guaranteed sunshine head to Hawaii or Morocco where temperatures are in the high 20s. In Hong Kong November is “Wine & Dine Month”, with ample foodie events and offers.
The best places to go:
New Zealand, Hawaii, Aspen, Germany, America, South America, Morocco, Belize, Hong Kong
To be avoided:
Bermuda, where it will be cold and windy with not a whole lot to do.
December
Naturally skiing at this time of year is popular, the Pyrenees in France/Spain and the Austrian, Swiss or Italian Alps are all good picks. For an unforgettable hot vacay head to Belize, explore unspoiled Caribbean islands, reefs and tropical rainforests with world-class scuba diving, sailing, fishing, hiking, great Mayan history and the most understated slick resorts.
The best places to go:
Mexico, Belize, Skiing Destinations, the Caribbean, Cambodia, Australia, Iceland.
To be avoided:
Malaysia is mid monsoon season and all of Eastern Europe where the climate is severe and not best suited to a holiday.
Planning a honeymoon or holiday? Have a look at our month by month guide of where to go (and where to avoid!)
Summer is over (sorry), and the traditional months for holidays are winding down (again, sorry), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing places to travel to now or later in the year. Exotic destinations have never been so accessible; the world is your oyster when it comes to picking a destination, but with so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow it down. And if you do find the perfect destination, will it be nice at that time of year? With all of this in mind, I have created a month by month guide to the best holiday destinations. Whether it be for your honeymoon, a city break or just an escape from reality, there is a perfect place for everyone.
