Where to go when - holiday travel guide
Picked your date but not sure where to go yet? We’ve gone through each of our destinations to figure out the best months for each one. Perhaps the weather is perfect, there might be a fascinating local festival or the wildlife is at its very best. Whatever the reason for your travels you’re bound to find an experience to suit you throughout the year.
January | Escape the winter blues
Sick of the miserable winter weather? Go in search of sun, scenery and soaring mountains. From the rolling tea hills and turquoise coves of Sri Lanka to the imperial cities of India , and the volcanic lakes of Argentina – you’ll definitely beat the January blues.
If you’re dreaming of snowy winter landscapes and breath-taking northern lights, Lapland is the perfect destination for your January getaway.
February | Flock to the sun
March | Celebrate in style or chase some spring sunshine
To feel the rhythm of the Caribbean, head to Cuba for Santiago de Cuba’s Festival Internacional de Trova. Alternatively, if you’ve got an old t-shirt, journey to India for the wonderfully colourful and intoxicating Holi in which revellers throw coloured powder at anything that moves.
If you’re seeking warm spring sunshine, perfect for wandering through vibrant souks and exploring historic cities, Morocco is an excellent choice, with temperatures ranging between 22-27 degrees.
April | Escape the showers
Swap the April showers for tropical beaches, colourful wildlife and some of the world’s best trekking. Avoid Easter if you’re looking for empty beaches, remote trekking routes and forests filled with wildlife.
But if it’s an Easter holiday with the family you’re looking for, now’s your chance to spot turtles in Costa Rica, elephants in Sri Lanka and orangutans in Borneo .
Spring is one of our favourite times to visit Iceland, with temperatures rising and landscapes slowly turning from white to green. This is also the ideal time for wildlife encounters and Northern Lights viewings are still possible.
May | Head off on an adventure
With two bank holidays in May make the most of the extra days and head off on an adventure. There are beaches in abundance in South-East Asia waiting to be lounged upon and it’s the start of the trekking season in Peru if you want to conquer the Inca Trail before the crowds.
For a closer getaway, May is an ideal time to visit Madeira. With pleasant spring temperatures between 20-23°C and the start of the vibrant flowering season, the island offers a perfect escape.
June | Jet off for a trek
This month is trekking galore in South America and Asia, so pull on your hiking boots and head off on a trek through the mountains.
Albania is a great choice this time of year, just outside of peak season. You can enjoy warm weather and explore its stunning coastlines, historic towns, and scenic landscapes without the crowds.
Most countries are on the cusp of their peak seasons so avoid the crowds with an early summer trip.
July | Head to the beach
Take a break and head off to paradise beach July; sit back and relax in Sri Lanka or snorkel in a secluded bay in Borneo . There are lots of great beaches to discover this month and they’re the ideal place for some relaxation.
Planning a family holiday? How about elephant safaris in Sri Lanka or kayaking in Canada?
August | Take a summer break
August offers sunshine around the globe, but if you don’t want to chance the weather in the UK then head off on an adventure to far-flung shores.
Asia ‘s beaches are bustling and Bolivia ‘s salt flats are shimmering as the temperatures rise.
September | Soak up the sun
September is a great time to spot wildlife in the mighty Amazon Rainforest or the Peruvian canyons . Take a late summer break to reconnect with nature, turn off your phone and escape 21st-century life.
Greece is a great short-haul option for September. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, tourist sites and beaches are quieter. Evenings are cooler, so pack layers, but it’s still warm enough for sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, and hiking.
October | Take in the scenery
As temperatures cool at home, head off to tranquil water gardens of Japan or trek through the foothills of Everest for an October break. It’s also the perfect time to hike, trek or ramble through the breath-taking scenery of Nepal and Bhutan .
For somewhere a little closer to home with warm autumn sunshine, Morocco is an excellent choice. With temperatures ranging between 22-27 degrees, it’s perfect for wandering through vibrant souks and exploring historic cities.
November | Escape the winter
November is a great time to escape the plummeting temperatures and grey weather. It’s the start of the dry season in many countries and a chance for some final sun before winter sets in. If you’re feeling active it’s also the perfect time for trekking glaciers in Chile , taking on the Inca Trail without the crowds, spotting wildlife in the Pantanal in Brazil or visiting the heart of Indochina .
December | Get some winter sun
With the festive season fast approaching and chilly winter temperatures, December is a popular time to escape for some winter sun. From Cuban beaches to Patagonian glaciers, there are lots to see and do in December. Lots of destinations are in their peak seasons at this time of year and experience glorious weather. It gets very busy so booking in advance is important.
