Free Tool
Where to Go When
Pick a month to see where the weather, wildlife and crowds line up in your favor, then save the places you love and send me your shortlist.
At their best in January
7 destinations
-
Chile and Argentina
Patagonia
High summer brings long, bright days, with around 16 hours of light for hiking Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, often windy
- Ideal length
- 8 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- Buenos Aires for steak, tango and a slower pace
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
Tanzania
Southern Serengeti
Calving season. Huge herds of wildebeest give birth on the short grass plains, and the big cats are never far behind.
- Weather
- Highs near 80°F, passing afternoon showers
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- A few beach days in Zanzibar
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon
-
Finland
Finnish Lapland
Deep snow, long dark nights for northern lights, and husky or reindeer sledding by day.
- Weather
- Highs around 15 to 20°F, snowy
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Two nights in Helsinki for design and saunas
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family, Bucket list
-
Central America
Costa Rica
Dry season on the Pacific side means sunny beaches in Guanacaste and clear trails through the cloud forest.
- Weather
- Highs near 90°F on the coast, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Arenal Volcano for hot springs and hanging bridges
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Family, Adventure
-
Pacific
Hawaii
Humpback whale season around Maui, plus giant winter surf to watch on the North Shore.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- The Big Island and its volcanoes
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
-
Caribbean
Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay is calm and clear, with dry weather and impossibly turquoise water.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- A boat day out to the Caicos Cays
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
South Pacific
New Zealand
Long summer days for hiking, wine country and road trips across the South Island.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 12 to 16 nights
- Pair it with
- Sydney on the way in or out
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list, Honeymoon
No picks for January. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in January
Peru. It's the heart of rainy season in the Andes, and trails can be muddy and views hidden in cloud.
At their best in February
7 destinations
-
Indian Ocean
The Maldives
Dry season with calm lagoons, clear skies and excellent visibility for snorkeling right off your villa.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry and sunny
- Ideal length
- 5 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- A Dubai stopover on the way out
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
The Nordics
Iceland
Ice cave tours run through the coldest months, and the long dark nights still give you good odds for the aurora.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 30s°F, snow and wind
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Copenhagen, about three hours away by direct flight
- Season
- Winter season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
Japan
Hokkaido
Some of the lightest powder snow on earth, plus the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February.
- Weather
- Highs around 30°F, snowy
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Tokyo for food, shopping and city lights
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
Southern Caribbean
Curaçao
Sits outside the hurricane belt and stays dry, sunny and breezy. A smart pick when the rest of the Caribbean is booked solid.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry and breezy
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Bonaire for world class diving
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Carnival season, with samba parades, street parties and the whole city celebrating. It usually lands in February but some years slips into early March, so check the dates.
- Weather
- Highs near 90°F, humid with passing storms
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Iguazú Falls
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure
-
Eastern Caribbean
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Dry season trade winds for sailing between Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- St. Lucia, just to the north
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Adventure
-
Southeast Asia
The Philippines
Dry season brings calm seas for island hopping past El Nido's limestone lagoons and down to Boracay's White Beach.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 80s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 9 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- A stopover in Tokyo or Singapore
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Adventure, Bucket list
No picks for February. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in February
The Inca Trail, which closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open, but it's rainy season.
At their best in March
7 destinations
-
Argentina
Mendoza
Harvest season. The vines are heavy with grapes and the Vendimia festival celebrates the year's vintage.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 3 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Buenos Aires, a short flight away
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Colombia
Cartagena
Dry, breezy weather for wandering the walled city and taking a boat out to the Rosario Islands.
- Weather
- Highs near 88°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Medellín for its food scene and mountain views
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Switzerland
Zermatt
Spring skiing at its best. Long sunny days on the slopes and lunch on the terrace facing the Matterhorn.
- Weather
- Highs around 40°F in the village, sunny
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- St. Moritz on the Glacier Express
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
Mexico
Riviera Maya
Warm, dry and sunny before the summer heat and humidity arrive.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Mérida and the Yucatán cenotes
- Season
- Peak season. Book early around spring break
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
-
Ecuador
Galápagos Islands
Warm season brings calm seas, warm water for snorkeling and green islands full of baby wildlife.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, sunny with brief showers
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Quito and the Andes
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure, Family
-
Bahamas
The Exumas
Warm, dry weather and calm water for island hopping by boat through the cays.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Harbour Island's pink sand beaches
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Chile
Atacama Desert
Clear desert skies for stargazing, salt flats and sunrise geysers once the summer rains have passed.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, dry, cold nights
- Ideal length
- 3 to 4 nights
- Pair it with
- Santiago and Chilean wine country
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
No picks for March. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in March
Late March in Tanzania. The long rains start, and some safari camps close until June.
At their best in April
7 destinations
-
Japan
Tokyo and Kyoto
Cherry blossom season usually peaks in late March to early April. The best rooms go fast, so plan well ahead.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, mild
- Ideal length
- 8 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- Hakone for a ryokan stay and views of Mount Fuji
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon, Family
-
Italy
Sicily
Wildflowers, mild days and citrus groves in bloom, without the summer heat or crowds.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- Rome before or after
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Europe
The Netherlands
Keukenhof is open from late March to mid May, and the tulip fields are usually at their best in mid to late April.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 50s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 4 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Paris by high speed train
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Family
-
Eastern Caribbean
St. Lucia
The tail end of dry season, with the Pitons in full view and lower rates than the winter peak.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 80s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Barbados for a few beach days
- Season
- Value season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Spain
Seville and Andalusia
Orange blossoms scent the streets, and spring brings Seville's Holy Week and its famous April Fair. Both move with Easter, so check the dates for your year.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Madrid by high speed train
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
France
Paris
Blossoms in the parks, café terraces reopening and fewer crowds than summer.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- London on the Eurostar
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Central America
Belize
The end of dry season means calm seas and clear water for diving and snorkeling the barrier reef.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 6 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- A jungle lodge near the Maya ruins
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Honeymoon
No picks for April. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in April
The Serengeti and Zanzibar. The long rains peak and many seasonal camps close.
At their best in May
7 destinations
-
Greece
The Greek Islands
Warm days and quiet villages before the summer crowds. The sea is still a little cool for swimming.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- A night or two in Athens
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Italy
Amalfi Coast
Lemon trees in bloom, hotels freshly opened for the season and comfortable weather for walking the coast.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Capri for a couple of nights
- Season
- Shoulder season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Adriatic Coast
Croatia
Dubrovnik and Hvar are warm and lively without the cruise crowds of July and August.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Montenegro's Bay of Kotor
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Adventure
-
Pacific
Hawaii
A sweet spot between the winter and summer rushes, with dry weather and better hotel rates.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- A second island like Kauai
- Season
- Value season
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
-
Europe
Ireland
Long days, green hills and gardens in bloom before the summer rush.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- London, just over an hour away by direct flight
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
Spain
Mallorca
Sunny days, quiet coves and mountain villages before the July crowds arrive.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Barcelona
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Central Europe
Danube River Cruise
Spring sailings with comfortable weather for walking tours ashore in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Prague before you board
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
No picks for May. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in May
Finnish Lapland. The snow is melting and the nights are too bright for the northern lights.
At their best in June
7 destinations
-
The Nordics
Iceland
Midnight sun. Nearly round the clock daylight for waterfalls, glacier hikes and road trips around the Ring Road.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 50s°F, mixed sun and showers
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- The Faroe Islands
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
Norway
Norwegian Fjords
Snowmelt feeds the waterfalls and long, light evenings are made for fjord cruises.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- Bergen and the Flåm Railway
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
Portugal
The Azores
Hydrangeas start to bloom along the roadsides and whale watching is excellent.
- Weather
- Highs around 70°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Lisbon on the way in or out
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Adventure
-
Tanzania
Western Serengeti
Dry season begins and the migration moves through the Western Corridor toward the Grumeti River.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list
-
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps
Wildflower meadows, open mountain passes and scenic trains through the Jungfrau region.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, afternoon storms possible
- Ideal length
- 6 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- Lucerne and its lake
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Family, Adventure
-
Italy
Sardinia
The sea warms up and the beaches are still calm before the August rush.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Rome
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Greenland
Ilulissat
Midnight sun over a fjord packed with giant icebergs. Truly one of a kind.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid to upper 40s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 4 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Iceland, the usual gateway
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure
No picks for June. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in June
Northern lights trips anywhere in the Nordics. The sky simply doesn't get dark enough until late August.
At their best in July
6 destinations
-
Tanzania
Northern Serengeti
The Mara River crossings usually begin, one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- A few beach days in Zanzibar
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon
-
Italy
The Dolomites
Every hut and cable car is open, with wildflower meadows spread below the peaks.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, afternoon storms possible
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Venice or Lake Garda
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
France
Provence
Lavender fields peak from late June into mid July.
- Weather
- Highs near 88°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- The French Riviera
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Canada
Canadian Rockies
The lakes are fully thawed and glowing turquoise, and nearly every trail is open by mid July.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 6 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- Vancouver and the coast
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Family, Adventure
-
The Nordics
Copenhagen and Stockholm
Long, bright Scandinavian days for harbor swims, sailing the archipelago and dinners outdoors.
- Weather
- Highs around 70°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 6 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- The Norwegian fjords
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
-
Norway
Lofoten Islands
Midnight sun hikes, red fishing cabins and dramatic peaks rising straight out of the sea.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Tromsø
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Honeymoon
No picks for July. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in July
Japan. It's hot and humid, and the rainy season usually hangs on until mid to late July.
At their best in August
7 destinations
-
Botswana
Okavango Delta
Peak dry season, when wildlife gathers around the water and game viewing is at its best.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 80s°F, dry, chilly mornings
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- Victoria Falls
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon
-
Peru
Machu Picchu
Dry season in the Andes, with clear skies on the Inca Trail and over the citadel.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 60s°F, dry, cold nights
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- The Sacred Valley
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Dry season makes the trek to see the mountain gorillas easier underfoot. Permits are limited.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 3 to 4 nights
- Pair it with
- A safari in Tanzania
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure
-
Scotland
Scottish Highlands
Long days, purple heather on the hills and the Edinburgh festivals in full swing.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, some rain
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- The Isle of Skye
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
Kenya
Masai Mara
The herds have crossed into Kenya, and big cat sightings are some of the best in Africa.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon
-
Southern Africa
Namibia
Dry winter weather, wildlife crowding Etosha's waterholes and the red dunes of Sossusvlei.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, dry, cold nights
- Ideal length
- 9 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- Cape Town
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
The Nordics
Faroe Islands
Mild summer days, green sea cliffs and some of the most dramatic hiking in the North Atlantic.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 50s°F, changeable
- Ideal length
- 4 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Copenhagen
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure
No picks for August. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in August
Rome and Florence if you can help it. The heat is intense, and some family run restaurants close around the mid August holiday.
At their best in September
7 destinations
-
Greece
The Greek Islands
The sea is at its warmest, the summer crowds thin out and the evening light turns golden.
- Weather
- Highs near 80°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Crete for food and beaches
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Italy
Tuscany
Harvest season, with warm days and cooler evenings for long dinners outside.
- Weather
- Highs near 80°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Florence for art and food
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Germany
Munich and the Bavarian Alps
Oktoberfest kicks off in mid to late September, and the mountains are still green for hiking.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Salzburg, just across the border
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Family
-
The Nordics
Iceland
Northern lights season begins as the nights darken, while fall colors and easy road conditions remain.
- Weather
- Highs around 50°F, some rain
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- London on the way home
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure
-
Adriatic Coast
Croatia
The sea is still warm, and from mid September the cruise crowds fade and the islands slow down.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Montenegro's Bay of Kotor
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Adventure
-
South Africa
Cape Town and the Winelands
Spring wildflowers, whales along the coast and wine country without the summer crowds.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, some rain
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- A safari in the Sabi Sands
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Italy
Amalfi Coast
The sea is at its warmest and the summer crowds start to thin.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Capri or Rome
- Season
- Shoulder season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon
No picks for September. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in September
Most of the Caribbean and Mexico. It's the peak of hurricane season. Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire are the exceptions.
At their best in October
7 destinations
-
Italy
Puglia
The sea is still warm, the olive harvest is starting and the summer crowds are gone.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Matera and its cave hotels
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Portugal
Lisbon and the Douro Valley
Harvest wraps up in the Douro as the terraced vineyards turn copper, and Lisbon stays sunny and mild.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- The Algarve coast
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Italy
Lake Como
Quiet lake days and gardens still in bloom before many hotels close for winter in early November.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 60s°F, some rain
- Ideal length
- 3 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Milan for shopping and the Last Supper
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Tanzania
Northern Tanzania
The tail end of dry season, with excellent game viewing and fewer vehicles at each sighting.
- Weather
- Highs around 80°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Bucket list, Honeymoon
-
Spain
Seville and Andalusia
The summer heat breaks, leaving warm, golden days for Seville's palaces, the Alcázar gardens and the white villages.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Granada and the Alhambra
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Mexico
Mexico City
Marigolds and altars fill the city through late October, building to the big Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 and 2. Plan to stay into early November.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, a few late season showers
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Oaxaca for food and festivities
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Family
-
Zambia
South Luangwa
The height of dry season, when walking safaris and leopard sightings are at their best.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid to upper 90s°F, very dry
- Ideal length
- 6 to 9 nights
- Pair it with
- Victoria Falls
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
No picks for October. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in October
The Dolomites. Most huts and lifts close between the summer and ski seasons.
At their best in November
7 destinations
-
Japan
Kyoto
Maple leaves peak from mid to late November, turning temples and gardens red and gold.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 60s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- Tokyo before or after
- Season
- Peak season. Book 6 to 9 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Bucket list
-
Argentina
Buenos Aires
Spring brings purple jacaranda blooms across the city and perfect weather for walking.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, some showers
- Ideal length
- 3 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Iguazú Falls
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Honeymoon
-
Mexico
Los Cabos
The rainy season is over, the ocean is warm and whale season is just around the corner.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Todos Santos for art and surf towns
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon
-
Chile and Argentina
Patagonia
Early season, with spring wildflowers and fewer hikers than in summer. Pack for wind.
- Weather
- Highs around 60°F, very windy
- Ideal length
- 8 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- Ushuaia at the end of the world
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Adventure
-
Austria
Vienna
Christmas markets open in mid to late November, before the December crowds arrive.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 40s°F, cloudy
- Ideal length
- 3 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Budapest by train
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Family
-
North Africa
Morocco
Mild, sunny days in Marrakech and cool, starry nights in the Sahara.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 7 to 10 nights
- Pair it with
- Seville or Lisbon
- Season
- Shoulder season
- Best for
- Adventure, Honeymoon
-
Sydney and beyond
Australia
Late spring brings warm days and harbor swims before the summer holiday crowds.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 12 to 16 nights
- Pair it with
- New Zealand
- Season
- Shoulder season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Family, Honeymoon, Bucket list
No picks for November. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in November
The Amalfi Coast. Most hotels close from November until spring.
At their best in December
7 destinations
-
Norway
Tromsø
Polar night bathes the Arctic in soft blue light, aurora hunting is prime and whales feed in the fjords.
- Weather
- Highs around 30°F, snowy
- Ideal length
- 4 to 6 nights
- Pair it with
- The Lofoten Islands
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Adventure, Bucket list
-
Sailing from Ushuaia
Antarctica
Expedition season is in full swing, with nearly round the clock daylight and busy penguin colonies.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 30s°F, changeable
- Ideal length
- 10 to 12 nights
- Pair it with
- Buenos Aires before you sail
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months or more out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Adventure
-
Germany and Austria
Christmas Markets
Mulled wine, twinkling squares and handmade gifts in Munich, Nuremberg and Salzburg.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 30s°F, cold and crisp
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- Vienna by train
- Season
- Peak season
- Best for
- Family
-
Eastern Caribbean
Antigua and St. Lucia
Dry season begins with steady trade winds and calm seas. Holiday weeks book up first.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 80s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 8 nights
- Pair it with
- Sailing the Grenadines
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon, Family
-
Finland
Rovaniemi
Christmas in Santa's hometown, with snowy forests, reindeer and a chance at the northern lights.
- Weather
- Highs in the mid 20s°F, snowy
- Ideal length
- 4 to 5 nights
- Pair it with
- Swedish Lapland and the Icehotel
- Season
- Peak season. Book 9 to 12 months out
- Best for
- Family, Bucket list
-
Australia
Sydney
Summer kicks off, and the harbor hosts one of the world's great New Year's Eve fireworks shows.
- Weather
- Highs in the high 70s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 10 to 14 nights
- Pair it with
- Melbourne
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months out
- Best for
- Bucket list, Family
-
Caribbean
St. Barts
The Caribbean's most glamorous holiday scene, from Christmas week through New Year's.
- Weather
- Highs in the low 80s°F, mostly dry
- Ideal length
- 5 to 7 nights
- Pair it with
- St. Martin for beaches and food
- Season
- Peak season. Book 12 months out
- Best for
- Honeymoon
No picks for December. Try another month, or .
Where to skip in December
North Shore beaches on Oahu and Maui if you want calm swimming. The winter surf is huge.
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Start planningHow this works, and what the details mean
Weather is the typical daytime high for that month in Fahrenheit, from long-term averages, plus how wet it usually is. Ideal length is the number of nights I would plan for that place on its own, before you add the pairing. Book-ahead timing is a guide for the most popular rooms and permits; plenty is still possible closer in.
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Last updated: October 2026.