Where to go when - Holiday weather travel guide
Best time to travel
What the best time to travel to...
Picked your date but not sure where to go yet? We’ve gone through each of our destinations to figure out the best months to travel for each one. Perhaps the weather is a perfect mix of sunny and not too hot, there might be a fascinating local festival or the wildlife is at its very best. Whatever the reason for your travels, our handy weather guide will help you decide which destination is best for you.
Where to go in January
January is arguably the gloomiest month of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere, making it the perfect time to pack your bags and start the year with an exciting holiday. Whether you’re going in search of sun, scenery or soaring mountains, our Travel Specialists have collated their favourite places to go by month. From the rolling tea hills and turquoise coves of Sri Lanka to the imperial cities of India, the volcanic lakes of Argentina or laid-back Thai islands definitely beat the January blues.
If you’re dreaming of snowy winter landscapes and breath-taking northern lights, Iceland is the perfect destination for your January getaway.
Where to go in February
February is one of the most popular months for our travellers, and with good reason. It’s the perfect time to travel to Southeast Asia, with dry heat felt throughout the region, it’s summer time in South America and there is minimum rain in South Africa. Whizz through the pho-infused streets of Vietnam, wander through overgrown temple ruins or stretch out on a desert island off the coast of Cambodia.
Where to go in March
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.
Where to go in April
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.
Where to go in May
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.
Where to go in June
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.
Where to go in July
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?
Where to go in August
Where to go in September
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.
Where to go in October
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.
Where to go in November
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.
Where to go in December
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.
