The best month to travel to each region
Picking the right month saves more money and more grief than any other decision in a trip. Here it is by region.
Mediterranean
June and September. Water sits between 22 and 25 degrees, there are fewer people, and accommodation costs 30 to 50 percent less than August. The first half of September is the best window of the year: water warmed by a whole summer, at low-season prices.
Northern Europe
June, July and August, no argument. That's when there's enough daylight and when mountain roads and huts are open. In Scandinavia and Iceland, outside that window half the plans are inaccessible.
European cities
April, May, September and October. July and August are uncomfortable for heat and queues, and many local businesses close for holidays. December works for cities with Christmas markets, but prices rise.
Southeast Asia
November to February is the dry season across most of the region. March and April are extremely hot. May to October is the rainy season: not impossible, but expect daily downpours.
Caribbean and Mexico
December to April. Hurricane season runs June to November, peaking in September. Flying in that window is cheaper precisely for that reason.
Andean South America
May to September, their dry season. It's the southern winter, so nights are cold at altitude, but days are clear and trekking routes are open.
The general rule
Shoulder seasons — the two months either side of peak — are almost always the best combination of acceptable weather, low prices and few people. If you have flexibility, aim there.
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