The Must-Visit Travel Destinations for Every Month

If you're an experienced traveler, you'll know all too well how the likes of weather, crowding, and prices can significantly affect your experience in any destination. Without a doubt, every place you visit is much more enjoyable at certain times of the year, so how do you know when and where to go? Throughout this guide, you'll find month-by-month breakdowns of the best places to visit based on the time of year. That way, you can plan your trips accordingly based on your vacation time and travel preferences.

January

Canary Islands, Spain - These Spanish islands lie off the coast of western Africa and are some of the few European destinations that receive year-round sunshine.

Thailand - January is among the coolest months in Thailand, meaning you can look forward to pleasant weather, plenty of sunshine, and little to no rainfall.

New Zealand - New Zealand is beautiful at any time of year, but the warm temperatures in January are ideal for outdoor adventures.

February

The Maldives - The dreamy archipelagic nation is at its driest in February, allowing you to soak up the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches without rain.

Egypt - Egypt is stiflingly hot in summer, but the mild February weather makes exploring the endless outdoor sites a much more relaxed experience.

Chile - From the Atacama Desert in the north down to Patagonia in the south, Chile is at its best in February as the high season winds down.

March

New Orleans, United States - This vibrant city is blessed with comfortable temperatures throughout March, which is sometimes when the legendary Mardi Gras festival takes place.

Japan - Cherry blossom season kicks off in March, but come at the start of the month to avoid the biggest crowds.

South Africa - South Africa has plenty of sun all year, but March remains a quieter time to visit and discover the sites before the peak tourist season.

April

Australia - In April, the hot and humid north has cooled down, allowing you to travel around the country without constantly hiding from the beating sun.

Jamaica - Jamaica's busy season draws to a close in April, and you'll notice prices and crowds steadily dropping while still steering clear of the impending rain.

Greece - Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in Greece in the summer, but April is much milder and also has a fraction of the tourist numbers.

May 

Canada - May is part of Canada's shoulder season, so you'll have a perfect opportunity to escape both the freezing winters and sweltering summers.

Peru - Peru has it all in May, whether you plan to hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or explore its historical cities.

Spain - Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe every year, but you'll beat the crowds with a May visit.

June

England - Arrive just as the temperatures are warming up before the school holidays kick in, and enjoy everything from hiking in the Lake District to sightseeing in London.

Sweden - Between the long days and the exciting Midsummer Festival, there's no better time to visit Sweden.

Bolivia - The Bolivian highlands are cool and quiet in June, making it a paradise for hikers and adventure-seekers.

July

Indonesia - Indonesia is among the few places in Southeast Asia that don't experience the rainy season in June, and islands like Java, Bali, and Lombok are gorgeous spots for a getaway.

Tanzania - Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, where you might be lucky enough to witness the Great Migration, before kicking back on the beaches of Zanzibar.

Madeira, Portugal - Get away from the scorching weather and bustling crowds of mainland Portugal with a trip to the stunning island of Madeira.

August

Fiji - Discover all that idyllic Fiji has to offer while soaking up the sunshine and skipping the wet season's rainfall and humidity.

Scotland - Scotland rarely experiences noticeably hot weather, which means tackling breathtaking hiking trails here will be much more manageable than other European destinations.

Borneo - This diverse island has a plethora of unique plants and animals, and the dry August weather makes the river safaris and jungle walks much more enjoyable.

September

Ireland - Ireland isn't exactly known for its warm weather, but September is relatively mild. The summer crowds have eased off, leaving spots like the Cliffs of Moher much quieter.

Italy - Italy's jam-packed streets and beaches in the summer are no secret, but you'll have an entirely different experience in September.

Colombia - The weather in Colombia is a mixed bag at this time of year, but there's usually not too much rain, and prices tend to drop.

October

Morocco - Morocco is a wonderful place to get some post-summer sun while uncovering wonders like the Sahara Desert and the lively city of Marrakech.

New York City, United States - Right between the humid summer and snowy winter, October sees the Big Apple covered in fall foliage.

China - In October, both northern and southern China have temperature conditions that are excellent for sightseeing.

November

Singapore - A November visit ensures you'll arrive before the crowds while still missing the sticky and sweaty rainy season.

Iceland - November is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in this staggering Nordic nation.

Costa Rica - Come towards the end of the month to relish the start of the dry weather while the national parks are still calm.

December

Mexico - Whether you're headed to the cities or the coast, Mexico has moderate temperatures and sunny skies in December.

Sri Lanka - Take in Sri Lanka's lush landscapes and picturesque beaches in December, but you might need to watch out for some rain in the north.

Switzerland - Celebrate the start of the holiday season by skiing down some of Switzerland's magnificent slopes.

Follow This Guide to Find the Best Travel Hotspots for Every Month of the Year

No matter what time of year you've set aside for your travels, you're sure to have at least a handful of places that are at their best during that period. That's not to say you shouldn't visit your bucket list spots outside these times; you might just need to prepare for slightly less favorable conditions!