The Best Places to Visit by Month of the Year

Planning a holiday can feel like an exciting puzzle—especially when the world is overflowing with incredible destinations and you’re not quite sure when or where to go. That’s where timing makes all the difference. Every month has its sweet spots, with some countries best experienced in peak season sunshine, others more magical in the quieter shoulder months, and still more perfect for adventurous escapes or memorable family fun.

In this guide, we break the year down month by month, recommending four top countries to visit each month depending on your travel style. Whether you're chasing the sun, craving cultural immersion, seeking your next adrenaline fix, or planning an unforgettable family getaway, you’ll find the perfect destination to suit every mood and moment.

From cherry blossoms in Japan to safaris in Kenya and festive magic in Germany, this is your go-to calendar for travel inspiration all year round.

January 

• Sun – Thailand
  January marks the heart of the dry season in southern Thailand. It’s the perfect time for lounging on the white sands of Phi Phi or snorkelling around the Similan Islands. Bangkok buzzes with street food and temple tours, while Chiang Mai offers cooler temperatures and mountainous scenery. For ideas on what to do, have a look at our Thailand itinerary.

• Sightseeing – Italy
  Winter in Italy means fewer tourists, especially in cultural powerhouses like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Wander the Vatican Museums or gaze at Michelangelo’s David without the crowds. Skiing is also an option in the Dolomites for a wintry blend of culture and snow. Explore our Italy itineraries for suggestions on where to go and what to do.

• Adventure – Argentina
  Southern Patagonia is in full summer swing. Trek the dramatic trails of El Chaltén or visit the towering Perito Moreno Glacier. For a true bucket list experience, explore the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego or hike to glacial lakes beneath the spires of Mount Fitz Roy. Explore our Argentina itinerary as well as our Brazil and Argentina itinerary.

• Family – Florida, USA
  Mild weather, endless attractions, and a touch of magic make Florida a top January choice for families. Explore Disney World, spot alligators in the Everglades, or build sandcastles on the Gulf Coast. We've mapped out a Florida family itinerary to help you get started. (There’s also a Florida itinerary without kids for those who want to have a look).

February 

• Sun – Maldives
  February is prime time for this Indian Ocean paradise. Think overwater villas, world-class scuba diving, and spa days over turquoise lagoons. It's also a popular honeymoon spot for good reason—utter serenity. The Maldives is a place where you don’t know where to start – have a look at our separate Maldives blog.

• Sightseeing – Morocco
  Marrakech’s markets and mosques are best enjoyed in spring’s milder weather. Take a desert trip to the Sahara, visit ancient kasbahs, or hike the Atlas Mountains. Don’t miss the coastal charm of Essaouira either. We’ve put together a sample Morocco itinerary for you to consider.

• Adventure – New Zealand
  February is peak summer in New Zealand, making it a dream for road trippers and thrill-seekers. Go canyoning in Queenstown, hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or kayak the dramatic coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Here’s our suggested New Zealand itinerary.

• Family – Costa Rica
  Wildlife, waterfalls, and wonderful beaches await in Costa Rica. Spot monkeys in Manuel Antonio, float through rainforest canals in Tortuguero, or zipline above the jungle canopy. We’ve outlined a family-friendly Costa Rica route you might want to follow.

March 

• Sun – Mexico
  The Yucatán Peninsula offers idyllic beach days in Cancún and Tulum. It’s also a great month to explore Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá or swim in freshwater cenotes. The spring equinox brings a fascinating shadow show at the Temple of Kukulcán. Here’s our suggested Mexico trip itinerary.

• Sightseeing – Vietnam & Cambodia

  Cruise through Ha Long Bay, explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or wander through the imperial city of Hue in pleasant, dry weather. Then hop over to Cambodia to discover Angkor Wat at sunrise and experience Phnom Penh’s royal legacy. We’ve put together a Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary that you can have a look at.

• Adventure – Nepal
  The skies are clear and the temperatures just right for trekking. The Everest Base Camp trail kicks off here, as do less-trafficked routes like the Annapurna Circuit. Expect prayer flags, mountain villages, and jaw-dropping views. Have a look at our sample Nepal itinerary.

• Family – South Africa
  March is a great time for family safaris with mild weather and less rain. See the Big Five in Kruger, enjoy penguins at Boulders Beach, or road trip the Garden Route. Check out our family adventure guide to South Africa for ideas. We’ve put together a South Africa plan and a wider Southern Africa trip for you.

April 

• Sun – Canary Islands, Spain
  Tenerife and Lanzarote bask in 20°C+ sunshine, perfect for beach days and hikes through volcanic landscapes. It’s also shoulder season, so you'll find better value and quieter resorts. Ideal for families or couples wanting sun without long-haul flights. We’ve put together a travel plan for a week on each island.

• Sightseeing – Japan
  Cherry blossom (sakura) season brings ethereal beauty to cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Hanami picnics under the blossoms are a cultural staple. It’s also a time for traditional festivals, making it a truly magical period to visit. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a trip around Japan.

• Adventure – Jordan
  Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp, or float in the Dead Sea. Petra is the highlight—enter via the Siq and emerge to the awe-inspiring Treasury carved into the rock. Start with our Jordan itinerary and see how you feel about it.

• Family – Netherlands
  With tulip fields in full bloom and family-friendly cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, the Netherlands is a spring delight. Cycle through flower fields, visit windmills, or explore hands-on museums. Discover our Netherlands itineraries tailored for families.

May 

• Sun – Greece
  Island hop between Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos before the peak crowds and high prices arrive. Explore ancient ruins in Athens, relax on black-sand beaches, or sail through the Cyclades. For planning tips, check out our Greece itineraries.

• Sightseeing – Portugal
  Lisbon and Porto come alive in spring, and the wine regions like the Douro Valley are lush and green. Catch a fado show, sip port by the river, or explore historic palaces and tiled alleyways. Our cultural Portugal itineraries can help you choose your route.

• Adventure – Iceland
  With longer daylight hours, this is a fantastic time to road trip the Ring Road. Visit waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, hike glaciers, and soak in hot springs. Follow our adventure-ready Iceland plan for a trip to remember.

• Family – Denmark
  With Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, child-friendly museums, and the LEGOLAND Theme Park in Billund, Denmark is a storybook destination for families in May. We've laid out a Danish family route that's sure to charm both kids and grown-ups.

June 

• Sun – Malta

  June in Malta offers golden sunshine, turquoise waters, and a warm Mediterranean breeze – all before the peak crowds arrive. Relax on the beaches of Gozo, wander through the ancient streets of Mdina, or snorkel in the Blue Lagoon. Whether you’re into history or lazy seaside days, Malta has you covered. Explore our Malta itinerary for the perfect early-summer escape.

• Sightseeing – France
  Lavender blooms in Provence, the Riviera begins to buzz, and Paris is at its best. Explore vineyards, cathedrals, or head to the Alps for hiking. Dive into our France sightseeing plan for ideas beyond the Eiffel Tower. We’ve put together a few itineraries throughout France for you to consider.

• Adventure – Canada
  Spot grizzly bears or go white-water rafting. Hike the wild trails of Whistler or kayak through glacier-fed lakes in Banff. June also marks the start of whale-watching season along the coast. Follow our Canada itineraries for wild outdoor days.

• Family – Slovenia
  A small but mighty destination, Slovenia has lakes, caves, castles, and mountains to keep everyone entertained. Paddle on Lake Bled, explore Postojna Cave, and roam the fairy-tale capital Ljubljana. Our Slovenia family guide lays it all out.

July 

• Sun – Indonesia (Bali)
  Bali is dry, warm, and packed with culture. Lounge in Uluwatu, do yoga in Ubud, or visit ancient temples like Tanah Lot. Great for a blend of beach and soul-soothing activities, plus it’s ideal for surfing. Our Bali itinerary is here to help.

• Sightseeing – Norway
  The land of fjords and midnight sun, Norway in July is a nature-lover’s dream. Cruise through Geirangerfjord, explore the colourful streets of Bergen, or take the scenic Flåm railway. Get inspired with our Norway sightseeing plan.

• Adventure – Peru and Colombia
  From Lima’s colonial charm to Cusco’s Inca heart, these two neighbouring countries blend ancient wonders with modern culture. Experience the Sacred Valley, the majestic Machu Picchu, Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria. Round it off with Cartagena’s Caribbean beauty and Medellín’s inspiring transformation. Here’s our full Peru and Colombia itinerary. 

• Family – Croatia
  Dubrovnik, Split, and the Dalmatian Coast shine in early summer sunshine. Go island-hopping to Hvar and Vis, swim in hidden coves, or explore historic old towns. See our Croatian coast itinerary for seaside inspiration.

August 

• Sun – Italy (Sardinia)
  Think powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean charm. Sardinia offers both party towns and secluded bays, with authentic cuisine and charming villages. Discover the best bits of Sardinia with our coastal guide.

• Sightseeing – Austria
  With snow long melted, the Alpine lakes and towns like Hallstatt shine. Enjoy classical music festivals in Salzburg or Vienna and mountain meadows ideal for easy hikes. Dive into our Austrian itineraries for a cultured summer trip.

• Adventure – Kenya
  August is prime time to witness the Great Migration. Go on safari in the Maasai Mara and spot lions, elephants, and wildebeest. Consider a hot-air balloon ride for a breathtaking perspective. Plan your safari by having a look at our separate safari blog or our various safari routes.

• Family – Scotland
  Edinburgh’s festivals, lochs and castles, and the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) all offer summer magic for families. Our family friendly itinerary for Scotland covers all the essential highlights.

September

• Sun – Spain (Andalusia)
  Bask in the late summer heat of southern Spain. Wander Seville’s orange-scented streets, visit the Alhambra in Granada, or enjoy beach days along the Costa del Sol. We’ve mapped out a sun-kissed Andalusia itinerary to inspire your September getaway. We’ve also got a few other Spanish trips if you want to consider extending your stay to cover more of the country.

• Sightseeing – China
  September offers mild weather and clear skies—perfect for exploring Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Great Wall, or the karst landscapes around Guilin. The Mid-Autumn Festival often falls this month, adding cultural richness. Dive into our China highlights itinerary for more.

• Adventure – Switzerland
  Hiking season is in full swing with cooler temperatures and quieter trails. Take a journey through Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva. Ride mountain railways, cruise glacier-fed lakes, and take in the Matterhorn. Our Swiss adventure guide has you covered.

• Family – Tanzania

  September is safari perfection in Tanzania. Families can spot elephants and giraffes in Tarangire, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, and learn from local Maasai communities. Add a few days on Zanzibar’s beaches for the ultimate balance of adventure and downtime. Our Tanzania itinerary has it all laid out. We also have a Kenya and Tanzania trip if you’re interested in turning it into more than one place.

October

• Sun – Cyprus
  Still basking in warm sunshine, Cyprus offers golden beaches, ancient ruins, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Visit Paphos for history or Ayia Napa for late-season beach days. Let our Cyprus plan be your guide.

• Sightseeing – Istanbul
  Istanbul’s cultural riches pair beautifully with autumn weather. Explore Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and cruise the Bosphorus. Follow our cultural Istanbul itinerary for a rewarding October trip.

• Adventure – Namibia
  A land of dramatic desert and safari encounters, Namibia offers epic road trips, dune-climbing in Sossusvlei, and wildlife in Etosha. October is dry and great for spotting animals. Start planning with our Namibia self-drive route or our wider Southern Africa trip if you want to see more of this stunning part of the world.

• Family – Hawaii (USA)

  From volcano treks to beach days, Hawaii is made for families. Visit the Big Island for active adventures or head to Maui for snorkelling, waterfalls, and relaxed island life. October offers fewer crowds and lovely weather across the islands. Check our Hawaii family itinerary for all the tropical highlights.

November

• Sun – UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
  With summer heat easing, the UAE becomes perfect for poolside lounging, desert safaris, and family fun at theme parks or malls. Check our UAE itinerary for sunshine-packed ideas.

• Sightseeing – Egypt
  Explore the pyramids, sail the Nile, and dive into ancient history. November offers cooler weather, ideal for seeing the temples of Luxor or cruising from Aswan. Discover more with our cultural Egypt itinerary.

• Adventure – Madagascar
  November is a fantastic time to explore Madagascar’s wild side, just before the rainy season begins in full. Hike through the surreal limestone spires of Tsingy de Bemaraha, track lemurs in the lush rainforests of Andasibe, or snorkel off Nosy Be’s pristine shores. Madagascar’s mix of biodiversity and adventure makes it truly one-of-a-kind. See our Madagascar adventure itinerary to start you planning.

• Family – Australia

  From the wildlife parks near Brisbane to Sydney’s iconic harbour and Melbourne’s laneways, Australia offers endless family fun. Ride the Great Ocean Road, visit the penguins on Phillip Island, or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. November means spring sunshine and outdoor adventures galore. Explore our Australia itinerary for a cross-country family escape.

December

• Sun – Philippines

  December brings dry season to the Philippines, perfect for island-hopping around Palawan, swimming in El Nido’s lagoons, or relaxing on Boracay’s powder-white beaches. It’s tropical bliss without the crowds. Our Philippines itinerary will help you shape your dream trip.

• Sightseeing – Germany (Christmas Markets)
  Experience festive magic in Cologne, Nuremberg, or Munich. Wooden stalls, mulled wine, twinkling lights—German Christmas markets are unmatched. Our separate German Christmas markets blog post will help you decide which one to visit.

• Adventure – Oman

  December brings mild temperatures and blue skies—perfect for exploring Oman’s dramatic desert and rugged mountains. Trek through the Hajar Mountains, camp under the stars in the Wahiba Sands, or swim in the emerald waters of Wadi Shab. Our Oman adventure itinerary offers an unforgettable Arabian journey.

• Family – Finland (Lapland)
  Meet Santa in Rovaniemi, ride reindeer sleighs, and chase the Northern Lights. With snowy adventures and cosy cabins, Lapland is a winter wonderland for kids and adults alike. Dive into our Lapland guide for all the festive fun.

Final Thoughts

No matter what kind of traveller you are—sun-seeker, culture lover, adrenaline junkie, or travelling with little ones in tow—there’s a perfect destination waiting for you each month of the year. By aligning your plans with the seasons, you’ll make the most of every place you visit, whether it’s lounging on beaches in Thailand, hiking glaciers in Patagonia, or introducing the kids to safari life in South Africa. Use this guide as your go-to calendar for inspiration—and when you’re ready to dive deeper, check out our destination itineraries for all the details you’ll need to plan an unforgettable trip.