Top Places to Travel By Each Month of the Year

January is a surprisingly good time of year to explore the world, with an immersive excursion into the heart of winter in the Northern Hemisphere or the depth of summer in its Southern counterpart.

Experience the wonders of an African safari in South Africa or embrace cosmopolitan charm during a summer break in Australia, delight in the centuries-old traditions of Portugal or embrace the natural splendor of the Galapagos Islands. Whether searching for adventure in Antarctica or culture in India, January may surprise you with its diverse possibilities.

Best for Cold Weather: Portugal • Switzerland • India

Best for Warm Weather:  South Africa • Australia • Ecuador & Galapagos • Antarctica • Tanzania • New Zealand • Thailand • Brazil • Vietnam

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in January

February has options for any kind of traveler, as you uncover the traditions of safari in Kenya or wander through the remains of imperial temples in Cambodia. The world’s wonder becomes the undeniable focus in February, from vibrant colors and a festive ambiance in India to the opulent ski resorts in Italy, with its masterful artworks.

Escape to a tropical paradise in Costa Rica, sample the Southern Hemisphere’s summer in Chile’s winelands, or follow the Aurora Borealis in the remote corners of Scandinavian Lapland in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.

Looking for Cold Weather: Italy • Croatia • Sweden • Norway • Finland

Looking for Warm Weather: Australia • Costa Rica • Colombia • South Africa • Kenya • Uganda • Sri Lanka • Cambodia • India • Chile • Argentina

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in February

March is the perfect time of year in which to travel in spring or fall, no matter your preferences. Often considered the shoulder season in many destinations, you can find an immersive cultural experience, a captivating wildlife excursion, or explore secluded coastlines.

The right destination in March can take you into the Himalayas in Bhutan or the Amazon jungle in Brazil, scouring Patagonia in Chile or embracing the Colosseum in Italy. With the promise of cherry blossoms in Japan and pristine beaches in the Maldives, March can give you the perfect trip.

Looking for Cold Weather: Bhutan • Italy • Japan • Morocco • Spain • Ireland

Looking for Warm Weather: Brazil • Chile • Laos • Maldives • Vietnam • South Africa • New Zealand • Cuba

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in March

From the perfect culinary experience or endless green hills, traveling in April promises you an extraordinary glimpse into the far corners of the world.

Wander through medieval villages high in the Alps or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Continue your search for the best view of cherry blossoms in Japan or sample the pulse of tango in Argentina.

Whether eager to glide along the Mekong River in Vietnam or embrace the pulse of Havana in Cuba, April is the best time in which to enjoy the diversity of culture and landscape during spring or autumn across the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Looking for Cold Weather: United Kingdom • Ireland • Switzerland • Japan • Bhutan • Nepal

Looking for Warm Weather: Australia • Maldives • Argentina • Cuba • Bali • Thailand • Vietnam • Cambodia • Botswana

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in April

May brings a particular beauty to the world, as it edges into summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the South. The cooler weather can give you pristine views of wildlife in South Africa or the rolling greenery in Ireland, as the warmer weather sweeps across the ruins in Greece and the volcanic beaches in Tahiti.

Embrace the midnight sun in Finland, trek the lush foothills in Austria, sip celebrated port in Portugal, or discover deserted temples in Sri Lanka. May can reveal a different side of travel across the globe, as you find the right country to visit, according to your preferences.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa

Looking for Warm Weather: Italy • Greece • Spain • Portugal • Croatia • France • Austria • Slovenia • Ecuador & Galapagos • Tahiti • Japan • Sri Lanka • Ireland • United Kingdom

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in May

June can immerse you in nature as you explore the opening of winter in the Southern Hemisphere or summer in its Northern counterpart. The thrill of sunlight can whisk you onto a remote Greek island or into the jungles of Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas.

Wind through the grand bazaar in Turkey or traverse the labyrinth of the Louvre in France, witness the small coastal towns of Italy or trek the trails of Peru in search of Machu Picchu. No matter where in the world you choose to visit, your vacation in June will unveil beauty and intrigue.

Looking for Cold Weather: Peru • New Zealand

Looking for Warm Weather: Italy • Greece • Spain • Portugal • Switzerland • Sweden • Norway • Finland • France • United Kingdom • Kenya • Rwanda • Zambia • Fiji • Turkey

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in June

When traveling in July, you reach the height of summer or the peak of winter. The adventure can plunge you into the splendor of lush lavender fields or expansive snowfields.

No matter the kind of traveler you are, you can find the perfect destination for your preferences, from the traditions of Portugal’s Azulejo tiles to erupting geysers in Iceland.

Search for vibrant wildlife in the rainforests of Costa Rica or venture across the Andes in Colombia. Tahiti’s black-sand beaches, New Zealand’s icy fjords, and Kenya’s open plains embody the endless opportunities on offer in July.

Looking for Cold Weather: New Zealand

Looking for Warm Weather: Greece • Portugal • France • Austria • Finland • Sweden • Costa Rica • Colombia • Tahiti • Kenya • Tanzania

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in July

August is a great month in which to witness the end of summer or the edge of winter, depending on your mood.

Iceland becomes a dream for hiking in nature. Scotland emerges as a wonderland of Gothic architecture. Botswana features luxury and wildlife along the Okavango Delta.

From the treasures of Ecuador to the wilds of South Africa, marching elephants in Zimbabwe to thriving vineyards of Germany, August gives you a new perspective on the ways you can view and experience the world.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa

Looking for Warm Weather: Iceland • Scotland • Norway • Austria • Germany • Botswana • Kenya • Tanzania • Zimbabwe • Ecuador & Galapagos • Brazil • Sri Lanka

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in August

September offers perfection when traveling to countries that share the beauty of the shifting seasons and the majesty of persistent culture.

From the Mediterranean to the Sahara, the Black Sea to the Cape of Good Hope, traveling in September can be a unique and personal experience.

The remote corners of Iceland make viewing the Northern Lights possible, the desert dunes in Morocco gleam with a soft gold as the heat wanes, and the wildlife in the Galapagos provides an exciting view of the natural world.

Looking for Cold Weather: South Africa

Looking for Warm Weather: Italy • Iceland • Denmark • Norway • Spain • Austria • Greece • Portugal • Sicily • Slovenia • Turkey • Ecuador & Galapagos • United Kingdom • Zimbabwe

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in September

Traveling in October unveils new destinations, with great weather and fewer crowds, whether in the warming spring of the Southern Hemisphere or the cooling autumn of the north.

The secluded landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territories remain accessible and Croatia’s immaculate coastline offers insight into seaside scenery and culture.

Experience ancient history inside Moroccan marketplaces, uncover the towering monuments of the past in Italy, and witness a glistening tribute to love at the Taj Mahal in India. With exciting experiences and distinctive perspectives, your October trip can give you new memories.

Looking for Cold Weather:  Italy • Japan •  Nepal

Looking for Warm Weather: Greece • Croatia • Spain • Australia • Tanzania • Chile • Ecuador and Galapagos • Morocco • India • Tahiti

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in October

November is a unique time of year to travel and can introduce you to a new country, culture, or landscape, as the world inches closer to winter or summer across the hemispheres.

With a captivating mixture of culture, heritage, scenery, and wildlife, you can uncover a new destination in a way most travelers do not experience.

Horseback ride along the Patagonian steppe in Argentina or enjoy a water puppet show in Vietnam. Sample the celebrated wines of Australia or indulge in the colors of Portugal. Whether enjoying morning alms-giving in Laos or a sunset cocktail in Brazil, November brings excitement, without the crowds.

Looking for Cold Weather: Portugal • Turkey • Japan • Morocco

Looking for Warm Weather: Australia • Chile • Brazil • Ecuador & Galapagos • Cuba • Antarctica • Argentina • Tanzania • Vietnam • Laos

Learn more: Best Places to Travel in November

December is your opportunity to embrace the festive season, with cozy winter wonderlands or perfect tropical warmth, depending on whether you are traveling in the northern or southern hemisphere.

Christmas markets can give you a taste of local winter recipes and lively traditions across Italy and Austria, while New Zealand opens its beaches and sailboats glide near the coastline.

Pristine beaches spread across the Maldives and Thai islands, while Cambodia exudes the prestige of Khmer power at Angkor Wat. From Norwegian fjords to Sri Lankan cuisine, you can bask in the summer sun or winter splendor during your December trip.

Looking for Cold Weather: Italy • France • Norway • Austria • Denmark • Bhutan

Looking for Warm Weather: New Zealand • Chile • Argentina • Costa Rica • Maldives • Thailand • Sri Lanka • Cambodia

Learn more: Best Places to Travel in December

By finding the right time in which to visit your ideal destination, you can enjoy any number of wonders, according to your preferences. Whether eager to avoid the crowds or interested in the best weather, enticed by a specific cuisine or connected to an annual festival, the right place at the right time will provide endless memories and countless stories.

Find more information on what traveling during the different seasons means with our insight into the high, low, and shoulder travel seasons. You can also find more insight into where to visit depending on your timeline with our guide on the best places to travel by month.