Dreaming of travelling abroad, but not sure when to go? Whether you’re planning a cultural escape to Europe or a culinary adventure through Asia, the time of year you choose to travel matters, especially when it comes to weather. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the recommended times to travel abroad, depending on your dream destination!
Asia: Year-round Options for Every Traveller
Asia is a vast and diverse continent, so the ideal time to visit depends on the country you’re hoping to visit, and what kind of experience you’re after.
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Why: The cooler, drier weather makes it perfect for exploring temples, beaches, and bustling cities.
- Tip: It’s ideal to avoid April to May in Thailand if you’re not a fan of extreme heat. Head over during these months and you’ll be yearning to spend time indoors with the air conditioning, and the temples will probably be too hot for you to visit, especially if you’re hoping to see more than one in a day.
East Asia: Japan, South Korea, China
- Best time to visit: March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn)
- Why: These months offer mild, pleasant weather, blooming cherry blossoms in the spring, and vibrant foliage in the cooler autumn months.
- Tip: Summer can be hot and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo or Seoul.
South Asia: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Why: These cooler, drier months make for comfortable sightseeing and trekking, all while avoiding potential natural disasters.
- Tip: Avoid monsoon season (June–September), as it could impact or interrupt your trip!
Europe: Timing Your Escape by Region
We all know that Europe is beautiful year-round, but if you’re chasing great weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable travel, you’ll want to stick to the seasons below.
Western & Southern Europe: France, Spain, Italy, Portugal
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October
- Why: Shoulder seasons (outside of “European summer”) mean you’ll still enjoy great weather, but you’ll also see fewer tourists, and most of the time, find better deals.
- Tip: July and August can be extremely hot and crowded in Europe, with many Europeans heading out on holiday.
Northern Europe: Scandinavia, UK, Ireland
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Why: If you’re hoping for sunny days, mild temperatures, and lively festivals, May to August is your best bet.
- Tip: If warm weather isn’t a must for you, winter is magical (hello, Northern Lights!) but be ready for shorter days and cold weather.
Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Poland
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Why: Many of these locations have beautiful beaches and scenery, so these months are perfect for enjoying warm weather and many cultural events.
- Tip: Croatia’s coast is stunning in the summer, but visit the shoulder months in May or September to avoid peak season crowds.
Other Popular Destinations
Australia & New Zealand
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Why: Visiting these destinations during their summer months allows for perfect beach weather, festivals, and outdoor adventures alike.
- Tip: It’s high season, so it’s ideal to book early for the best prices.
South America
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit South America depends on the destination you’re looking to visit. For Peru and Bolivia, it’s best to visit from May to October, for their dry season. For Brazil and Argentina, September to November (their spring months) and March to May (their fall months) offer lovely weather and fewer tourists.
No matter where you’re headed, when travelling abroad, a little extra planning goes a long way. With the right timing, your trip abroad can go from great to absolutely unforgettable. Remember to keep an eye on deals during the shoulder seasons, as this is an excellent way to avoid the growing number of tourists that visit these popular destinations.
Once you’ve booked your trip, don’t forget your travel insurance! Travelling during shoulder seasons may have its perks, but weather is always unpredictable, so you’ll want to have coverage on your side that will protect you from the “what ifs”. Have any specific countries or personal travel tips you’d like to share? Leave them in the comments below!
Happy travels,
Linnea
