When to go and where? A seasonal calendar by major region of the world

Choosing the right time of year is as important as choosing the right destination. The same region can be paradise in March and inhospitable in July, or the opposite. Monsoon rains, extreme heat, summer crowds, prices that soar, blazing landscapes: the season changes everything.

The classic mistake is leaving "because that's when we have time off" without checking whether the destination actually suits that window. The result: a trip ruined by the weather, overwhelming crowds, or key experiences out of reach.

This guide gives you a clear view, region by region, of the best times to travel, the seasons to avoid, and the often-underrated windows that offer an excellent quality-to-experience ratio.

1. Why the "when" matters as much as the "where"

The season influences four dimensions of a trip: the weather (heat, rain, snow), crowds (high season, low season), prices (flights and accommodation), and the experiences available (safaris, hikes, festivals, beaches).

Peak tourist season usually offers the best weather but also the heaviest crowds and the highest prices. Low season can be an excellent trade-off if you accept a bit of rain or different temperatures. The shoulder seasons (just before or just after the peak) are often the ideal windows.

2. Europe: spring, summer, and the late-season window

Europe is open year-round, but with sharp contrasts between north and south. Spring (May–June) and the late season (September to early October) are often the best windows for city breaks and the Mediterranean coast.

Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia: May–June and September to early October
Northern Europe (Norway, Iceland, Sweden): June–August for sun, late September–March for the northern lights
Christmas markets and winter atmosphere: Germany, Austria, Strasbourg in December
Summer in the high mountains (Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees): July–August for hiking and lakes

3. The Mediterranean and North Africa

Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan: summer heat can be brutal inland. The shoulder seasons remain the most enjoyable windows.

Morocco (Marrakech, Atlas, Sahara): March–May and September–November
Egypt (Cairo, Luxor): October–April, avoid June–August
Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum): March–May and September–November
Coastal Tunisia: April–June and September–October

4. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean

Africa splits into two main logics: safari countries (dry season is ideal) and the Indian Ocean islands (the calendar flips between east and west coasts).

East African safaris (Kenya, Tanzania): June–October (dry season, the Great Migration)
Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana): April–October
Madagascar: April–October, avoid the cyclone season (January–March)
Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar: May–October for a drier, cooler climate
Réunion: April–November (dry season, ideal for hiking)

5. South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent

Tropical Asia revolves around the monsoons. The dry season, generally November to April, remains the most comfortable for most countries. But a few regions follow a shifted calendar you need to know.

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, southern Vietnam: November–February (dry, cooler)
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa): October–April, avoid July–August
Bali: April–October (dry season, turquoise seas)
Sri Lanka: west and south coast (December–March), east coast (May–September)
Northern India (Rajasthan, Delhi): October–March
Southern India (Kerala): November–March
Maldives: November–April

6. East Asia: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan

East Asia is a four-season destination, each with its own appeal. Japan in particular is as spectacular in April (cherry blossom) as in November (blazing maples).

Japan: late March–April (sakura), May, October–November (maples), February (Hokkaido snow)
South Korea: April (cherry blossom), September–October (autumn colours)
China: April–May and September–October, avoid Golden Week (first week of October)
Taiwan: October–April (drier, mild temperatures)

7. The Americas: from deep cold to the tropics

The American continent is so vast that every season runs in parallel. From the Canadian Far North to the Caribbean beaches, every country follows its own logic.

United States (Western national parks): May–June and September–October
Canada in summer (Rockies): June–September; in winter (northern lights, skiing): December–March
Mexico (Yucatán, Riviera Maya): November–April
Costa Rica: December–April (dry season)
Peru (Machu Picchu): May–September (dry season)
Argentina, Chile, Patagonia: November–March (southern summer)
Brazil (Rio, coast): May–October (less humid)
Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic): December–April

8. Oceania: the counter-season of Europe

The southern hemisphere completely flips the calendar. It's the ideal way to escape the European winter.

Australia (east coast, Sydney): September–April; Outback: April–September
New Zealand: November–April (southern summer, hiking)
French Polynesia: May–October (dry season)
Fiji, Vanuatu, Cook Islands: May–October

9. How to set your dates in practice

When you're hesitating between several possible windows, keep a few simple rules in mind.

Favour the shoulder seasons: the best weather / crowds / price trade-off
Avoid local school holidays when possible (prices and crowds)
Check public holidays and local festivals (sometimes magnificent, sometimes blocking)
Anticipate cyclone, monsoon, or extreme-heat seasons
Set flights and accommodation around the actual season, not the original wish

Conclusion: the "when" often makes the trip

A magical destination in the right season can turn into a hard trip in the wrong one. Conversely, some destinations often dismissed as "off-season" deliver wonderful experiences if you accept a bit of rain or different temperatures.

With a tailor-made travel planner, setting your dates becomes a real conversation: we look at your availability, your target destination, your wishes, your tolerance for heat, rain, or crowds, and we build the itinerary around the most relevant window, not just around your time off.