Where to Go When: The Best Destinations to Visit by Month Year-Round
Have you ever arrived in a city only to find major attractions closed for a holiday, or started a beach vacation during monsoon season? Lonely Planet's expert guide to the best times to travel provides essential inspiration for planning trips throughout the year.
Where to Go in January
January brings dry (or mostly dry) conditions in Uganda, ideal for tracking endangered mountain gorillas. About 700 of these incredible animals remain, with half in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For cultural immersion, visit Vienna during its renowned winter ball season—don your finest attire and waltz with locals. Ski enthusiasts can chase powder in British Columbia or enjoy budget-friendly slopes in Bulgaria. The Sydney Festival, spanning three weeks, highlights top music, theater, and visual arts.
Where to Go in February
February offers prime chances to see the northern lights in Iceland, plus excellent conditions for dog-sledding and snowmobiling. In India's Hemis National Park, snow leopards are easier to spot during their winter mating peak. Join the samba festivities at Rio Carnival, or experience masked balls, parades, and fireworks in Venice. Mendoza buzzes ahead of the grape harvest, with bodegas offering tours and tastings.
Where to Go in March
Iguazú Falls roars at full power in March, straddling Brazil and Argentina. Vietnam enjoys mostly favorable weather nationwide—trek Sapa's hills, relax on Mui Ne or Phu Quoc beaches, or wander UNESCO-listed Hoi An. Sichuan's pear blossoms bloom vibrantly; spot pandas at Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Base. In Madhya Pradesh, drier conditions improve tiger sightings in prime Bengal tiger habitat.
Where to Go in April
Japan's sakura (cherry blossom) season peaks, blanketing Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima from late March into April. Boston kicks off baseball and hosts the world's oldest marathon. The Haute Route—a 75-mile (120km) ski traverse through the Alps—offers superb conditions. Thailand celebrates Songkran, the massive water festival marking Thai New Year.
Where to Go in May
Montenegro shines for multi-activity adventures: rafting begins, hiking is prime, and coasts remain uncrowded. Italy's Abruzzo region bursts with wildflowers and butterflies. Komodo dragons mate on Indonesia's Rinca and Komodo islands—watch dramatic male rivalries. Prague beckons with its beer halls and sausages in the Czech capital.
Where to Go in June
St. Petersburg's White Nights Festival features endless daylight, ballet, opera, and culture. Greenland's midnight sun illuminates Disko Bay whales and Inuit traditions. Zambia's South Luangwa National Park launches its dry season with walking safaris amid elephants, giraffes, and birds.
Where to Go in July
Wildlife peaks: jaguars in Brazil's Pantanal from Porto Jofre; Alaska's Katmai grizzlies salmon-fishing; Kangaroo Island joeys in Australia; Svalbard's Arctic fauna. Try Mostar's high dives, Mt. Fuji's new trekking season, or Mongolia's Naadam wrestling festival.
Where to Go in August
Nature thrives: Kenya's Mara River wildebeest crossing; Tonga's humpback whales calving. Hike snow-free Pyrenees or ski Australia's Snowy Mountains. Lower Victoria Falls flows enable thrilling Zambezi rafting.
Where to Go in September
West Sweden's Bohuslän Coast launches lobster season with seafood safaris. Sunny Dublin hosts its Fringe Festival. Mild weather suits Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan deserts, and Kyrgyzstan lakes along the Silk Road.
Where to Go in October
Piedmont's truffle hunts and red grape harvest shine; Rioja offers tastings. Jordan's 27°C (81°F) autumn suits Petra and Dana trails. New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula warms Hot Water Beach digs.
Where to Go in November
Ethiopia's Simien Mountains trek lush post-rains. Mexico's Día de Muertos features skeletons and tequila. Cayman Islands' Pirates Week contrasts serene shores. Malta's 21°C (70°F) offers European sun.
Where to Go in December
Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village peaks festively in Finnish Lapland. Thailand's Similan Islands diving reveals sharks, turtles, and reefs. Micronesia's manta ray mating season thrills. Peru's Tambopata macaws flock to clay licks. End with Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
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