Off-Season Travel Ideas

Traveling during the off-seasons, which vary around the world, gives you the opportunity to visit exciting and adventurous places without the high cost and over-tourism.

January

  • Things to Do: Explore Palawan's limestone cliffs, relax on Boracay's White Beach, or dive in Cebu's world-class marine reserves. January is ideal for visiting Chocolate Hills in Bohol or island-hopping in El Nido.

    Average Temperatures: 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

    Why January?: It's the dry season, with clear skies and pleasant weather, but before the peak tourist influx begins in February. Accommodations and flights are still affordable

  • Helsinki, Finland

    Things to Do: Tour the Design District, warm up in traditional Finnish saunas, and visit the snow-covered Suomenlinna sea fortress. January offers opportunities for skiing and spotting the Northern Lights in Lapland.

    Average Temperatures: 18°F to 28°F (-7°C to -2°C).

    Why January?: Enjoy lower tourist numbers, cozy winter vibes, and discounts on accommodations. Winter festivals and activities are in full swing​

  • Things to Do: Witness sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or relax on the serene beaches of Sihanoukville. Experience floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.

    Average Temperatures: 72°F to 88°F (22°C to 31°C).

    Why January?: Cool and dry weather makes exploring temples and outdoor activities comfortable. It’s still off-peak season, with affordable lodging and flights​

  • Things to Do: Wander through the vibrant souks, visit the Jardin Majorelle, or relax in traditional hammams. January is also perfect for day trips to the Atlas Mountains or the desert.

    Average Temperatures: 46°F to 66°F (8°C to 19°C).

    Why January?: It’s a cool and pleasant time to explore the city without the intense heat of summer. Tourist numbers are lower, making it more affordable and less crowded

February

  • Average Temperature: 40–55°F (4–13°C)

    Things to Do: Enjoy Venice’s Carnival, explore quieter historic landmarks in Rome and Florence, and attend the Almond Blossom Festival in Sicily.

    Why February: A more intimate experience of Italy’s culture, fewer crowds, and seasonal food offerings

  • Average Temperature: 55–60°F (13–15°C)

    Things to Do: Visit landmarks like Sagrada Familia, explore Gothic architecture, and enjoy seafood along with reduced waiting times for attractions.

    Why February: Cooler weather makes sightseeing pleasant, with significant savings on accommodations and flights​

  • Average Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)

    Things to Do: Witness the calving season of the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, or climb Mount Kilimanjaro under clear skies.

    Why February: Prime wildlife season and reduced tourist traffic make it an excellent time for safaris and nature lovers​

March

  • Things to Do: Explore Antigua’s colonial architecture, visit Lake Atitlán, or hike in the Mayan highlands.

    Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 70–80°F (21–27°C).

    Low Season Info: Crowds taper off after the peak season (late December–February), making it a quieter and more affordable time to visit​

  • Things to Do: Visit Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, tour Porto’s wine cellars, or explore the Algarve’s cliffs and beaches.

    Weather: Mild, with highs around 63°F (17°C).

    Low Season Info: March is off-peak before the summer rush, so accommodations and flights are more affordable

  • Things to Do: Spot wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, hike in Monteverde, or relax on beaches in Manuel Antonio.

    Weather: Dry season, with temperatures ranging from 70–90°F (21–32°C).

    Low Season Info: By March, peak crowds from December–February have decreased, leading to better deals

  • Things to Do: Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City, walk the Roman Forum, or visit quieter museums and markets.

    Weather: Mild, 50–60°F (10–16°C).

    Low Season Info: Rates are still lower before the spring and summer rush, making sightseeing easier

April

  • Average Temperatures: 23–29°C (73–84°F)

    Activities: Snorkel along the Belize Barrier Reef, visit the Great Blue Hole, and enjoy marine reserves like Hol Chan. April offers cooler, comfortable temperatures before the rain and peak season return.

    Why Low Season: While Belize begins to see fewer tourists post-Easter, April remains an affordable time to visit​

  • Average Temperatures: 5–13°C (41–55°F)

    Activities: Wander through picturesque villages, enjoy arboretums in bloom, and take vineyard tours. The spring landscape adds charm while the cooler weather keeps crowds manageable.

    Why Low Season: Visitors avoid the summer rush, benefiting from a peaceful experience​

  • Things to Do: Explore Dublin’s historical sites such as the Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Trinity College’s Long Room library. Discover Ireland's lush countryside, castles, and coastal cliffs.

    Average Temperatures: 6–12°C (43–54°F).

    Why April? While rain is common, April brings the beginning of spring with blooming flowers and fewer tourists. Hotels and flights are more affordable than in the summer months​

May

  • New Zealand

    Things to Do: Hiking in Fiordland National Park, exploring the Southern Alps, and visiting cultural sites in Wellington.

    Average Temperatures: 50–60°F (10–15°C), as it transitions from autumn to winter.

    Why It's Low Season: May is part of the shoulder season, offering discounted accommodations and fewer tourists before ski season starts​

  • Things to Do: Explore historic castles, hike in the Highlands, and enjoy cultural festivals in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

    Average Temperatures: 50–60°F (10–15°C), with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

    Why It's Low Season: May is just before the peak summer season, offering fewer crowds at popular sites and more affordable lodging​

  • Things to Do: Visit ancient ruins in Athens, relax on beaches, and explore quieter islands like Naxos and Paros.

    Average Temperatures: 65–75°F (18–24°C), perfect for outdoor activities.

    Why It's Low Season: May sees lower tourist activity than the summer, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers​

June

  • Things to Do: Explore Easter Island, visit San Pedro de Atacama, and enjoy winter activities in the Andes.

    Average Temperatures: 50–55°F (10–13°C).

    Why Go: It's the shoulder season for Patagonia and the Andes, with quiet trails and moderate costs​

  • Things to Do: Sail the Adriatic Sea, hike in national parks, and wander Dubrovnik's Old Town.

    Average Temperatures: 65–80°F (18–26°C).

    Why Go: June offers sunny weather and fewer crowds before peak summer

  • Peru

    Activities: Visit Machu Picchu, explore Cusco, hike Rainbow Mountain, and enjoy the Inti Raymi Festival (celebrating the Sun god).

    Average Temperatures: 40–70°F (5–21°C) in Cusco.

    Why June: It's the dry season, ideal for trekking, with fewer crowds than peak tourist months​

July

  • Things to Do: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, cruise Halong Bay, and visit Hoi An's lantern-lit streets. Despite the rainy season, showers are short and landscapes are lush.

    Average Temperatures: 77–90°F (25–32°C)

    Why Go in Low Season: Fewer tourists and great discounts on accommodations and tours. Monsoon rains bring vibrant green rice paddies and less crowded attractions​

  • Average Temperatures: 49–67°F (9–19°C)

    Things to Do: Tour the well-preserved colonial center, hike near Cotopaxi Volcano, and visit the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo.

    Why Go in Low Season: July is Quito’s driest and warmest month. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy reduced accommodation rates and less crowded attractions

  • Mexico City, Mexico

    Average Temperatures: 53–73°F (12–23°C)

    Things to Do: Explore the city’s historic center, visit the Teotihuacan pyramids, and enjoy local cuisine.

    Why Go in Low Season: Despite summer rain, the city offers a cool respite from hotter regions, with affordable hotels and attractions​.

August

  • Why August? Winter in Patagonia offers serene, snow-covered landscapes and quieter trails.

    Things to Do: Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier, hike Torres del Paine, and enjoy cozy hospitality in mountain towns.

    Average Temperatures: Ranges from 30°F to 45°F (−1°C to 7°C).

    Why Low Season? Cooler temperatures deter tourists, but the dramatic scenery and peaceful ambiance make it worthwhile​

  • Why August? Late summer offers lush landscapes, geothermal springs, and the chance to explore without winter crowds.

    Things to Do: Visit the Blue Lagoon, explore volcanoes, and enjoy vibrant arts and music festivals in Reykjavik.

    Average Temperatures: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).

    Why Low Season? Despite being summer, Iceland’s popularity peaks in winter for the Northern Lights, making summer relatively calmer​

  • Why August? Winter in Cape Town means cooler weather and the start of whale-watching season, with fewer crowds.

    Things to Do: Hike Table Mountain, explore the Cape Winelands, or enjoy the city’s rich cultural scene. Whale watching along the coast is a highlight.

    Average Temperature: 55°F (13°C).

    Why Low Season? Winter weather brings fewer tourists, and accommodations are more affordable​