Are you looking to avoid the crowds, save some cash, and still soak up great weather and local culture? We’ve pulled together a handy guide of the best places to travel each month. This is based on our own experiences to help you figure out the best times to visit your dream destinations.
Jump to:
- January: Mexico
- February: Caribbean
- March: Brazil
- April: Cyprus
- May: Poland
- June: Scotland
- July: Kenya
- August: Indonesia
- September: Croatia
- October: Turkey
- November: Thailand
- December: Vietnam
- Final Thoughts
January: Mexico
We are starting strong with Mexico. January is going to be one of the quieter months to explore Mexico and will allow you to escape the winter. The weather will be warm and dry and you can enjoy the nature and beaches Mexico has to offer. It also will be a comfortable temperature to still explore the many sights such as Chichén Itzá.
When we went to Mexico in January we stayed in Playa del Carmen which was a perfect base. We enjoyed relaxing on the beaches, seeing the sights and visiting the cenotes.
February: Caribbean
We recently got back from Saint Lucia, and therefore we can confidently tell you that February is the perfect time to escape to the Caribbean. Most of the Caribbean should be in the dry season, and you can expect a lot of sunshine to enjoy exploring and relaxing on a paradise island. February is part of the peak season, however Saint Lucia was still a good option, not getting too crowded and feeling very laid back. If you are interested in discovering the Caribbean on a budget, check out our post.
March: Brazil
It has been too long since we were last in Brazil. Brazil is another stunning country which has it all. The beaches, rainforest, and the culture make it one of the most enjoyable countries, and March is a great time to experience it.
The weather is getting drier, and you should get plenty of warm, tropical weather while still benefiting from the lush green nature and flowing waterfalls. March should also not be too busy across Brazil, making it one of the best places to travel this month.
April: Cyprus
Cyprus is probably well known as a good option for some out of season sunshine. April is a good time to go if you want some beach weather, but also the overall temperature will still allow you to hike and explore the island in full.
Enjoy the stunning Nissi Beach in a more peaceful manner, and make sure you head to Nicosia to explore the capital and cross the border into the Northern side of the country. April falls before the summer season starts, and you will therefore enjoy less crowds and lower prices.
May: Poland
Poland can experience all kinds of weather. Many people might imagine Poland as cold and icy, however by spring it has warmed up ready for a hot summer. That’s why we recommend visiting in May to experience mild temperatures. This will allow you to comfortably enjoy exploring Poland’s fascinating historical cities without the large crowds.
Poland has many beautiful cities, and we would really recommend exploring the country via train to truly enjoy it. We have a Poland Guide here to let you know the spots you shouldn’t miss!
June: Scotland
We have visited Scotland a couple of times, and even though snowy December in the North of Scotland was magical, we can also recommend going in June before the schools start to finish in the UK.
You will have comfortable and dry weather to explore the cities, or to hike in the nature. There are lots of events and festivals already and you might be able to catch some of the Highland Games!
July: Kenya
July and August are of course peak holiday times for most of the world. So to avoid the crowds and increased prices, Kenya is going to be a great option. You will also experience dry weather, with comfortable temperatures.
Kenya is famous for safari and July is also a great month to experience this as wildlife will be easier to spot in the national parks. July also marks the beginning of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara which is an incredible experience.
You can also enjoy the cities and beaches. We recommend taking The Madaraka Express Train between Nairobi and Mombasa for a relaxing way to travel, offering spectacular views.
August: Indonesia
This is a great time to visit Indonesia as it falls in the dry season for most of the country. We used this time to explore Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands.
August is a peak time for holidaymakers, so it’s going to be hard to find somewhere which hasn’t got an increase in tourism. We still found it possible to enjoy the culture, and to find quieter spots to relax and enjoy the island life. Also both hiking, and enjoying the water based activities will be very pleasant in August.
September: Croatia
It’s no secret, Croatia is now one of the most visited countries. It can see over 20 million tourists visiting per year. Due to this you will find it can be busy and prices are going up. However, you must go and see what all the fuss is about!
September is going to be a good time as the peak period slows down, but you should still experience perfect weather. Warm enough to swim, but also comfortable to explore the historic cities.
October: Turkey
We have been lucky to spend some time in Turkey exploring many places and we were so impressed by the beauty, atmosphere, and the amount the country has to offer.
October will have pleasant weather and is another great option to allow you to explore the cities and historical sites, and get some beach time in too! By October you will also find the summer rush in Turkey has finished and the hotel prices are more affordable.
November: Thailand
Thailand is one of our favourite destinations, and obviously we are not alone with this! November is just before the main season starts, and marks the start of the cooler, dry season. You might get the odd bit of rain still, though we would take this over the larger crowds.
It’s a perfect time to explore many of the picturesque islands, bustling cities, and cultural gems. You can also experience Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and significant festivals.
December: Vietnam
Thailand is an obvious choice for both travellers and families to enjoy a Christmas in Southeast Asia. If you want this experience, but perhaps slightly calmer and cheaper, Vietnam is going to be the one for you in December.
We spent a recent Christmas on the island of Phu Quoc and had a really relaxed, memorable time. Celebrating Christmas on the beautiful beaches, enjoying the local food, and relaxing at our hotel. Please take us back right now!
Final Thoughts
We hope this has helped to give you a few new ideas and some inspiration of the best places to travel each month ready for your next holiday. It’s been very enjoyable for us to look back over some past travels and where we have visited at different times of the year.
