12 Months of Offseason Travel: Where to Go in Each Month of the Year

Whether it's winter in Malta or rainy season in Costa Rica, off-peak travel offers plenty of perks. For more recommendations, check out Lonely Planet's Guide to Offseason Travel.

In the realm of travel, don’t be fooled by the word "peak." Peak season doesn’t equate to the best time to visit, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee optimal weather conditions. It merely categorizes the weeks or months during the year when a destination is busiest. As a result of tourist traffic, prices are driven up across the board, while everyone battles for elbow space. Enter: the offseason.

What Is the Offseason?

Traveling when others are not often means excellent value for the money spent and more authentic experiences. Take the Amalfi Coast, for example. During its peak summer season, visitors who envisioned a postcard-perfect paradise are instead met with congested streets and shorelines, as well as astronomical costs on everything from meals to accommodations. An offseason trip to this part of Italy in the winter may have chillier temps, damper skies and many businesses closed up, but it's less expensive, crowds are fewer, and you'll support local communities and won't be contributing to overtourism. Even visiting in the spring or fall (the Amalfi Coast's shoulder seasons) is an impactful decision: the weather is still pleasant, the hordes have thinned, and businesses haven't completely shut down.

If locals can brave a full year, what’s to say the savvy traveler can’t? Al fresco dining’s better without 17,000 cruise ship day-trippers. Sure, you might encounter wet days, but if you don’t let the rain dampen your spirits, it can be a swell time. We've rounded up 12 destinations – one for each month of the year, plus some bonus alternatives – that are worth considering during off-peak times.

January

Tirana, Albania

Best for snowcapped mountains

January nearly clears out tourist noise in Albania's capital, with temperatures averaging 7–13°C (45–55°F). That’s comfortable enough to explore Tirana’s historic sites and museums, especially the two underground bunkers turned galleries, the Bunk’Art. Since most of the the city’s top attractions are centered around Sheshi Skënderbej, you can check off multiple cultural highlights in a single day.

After that, explore the region’s mountains, capped with powdery snow. The most accessible is Mt Dajti; the peak is accessible via a scenic 15-minute cable car, the Dajti Express.

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Planning tip: The road to Mt Dajti National Park isn’t smooth. Avoid driving – some car rental companies won’t cover dirt tracks in their insurance policies. Booking a tour is safer and a better value.

More Ideas for January

Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Boston’s winter low season offers a local vibe, free of tourist hordes, with prices 35–50% lower than the peak rates in summer and fall. Plus, you’re more likely to snag reservations at coveted restaurants, like Union Oyster House for that old Boston charm.

San Sebastián, Spain: Hotel prices are at an all-time low in winter in San Sebastián, meaning waterfront accommodations such as Hotel Niza drop room rates from around €300 a night in summer to less than €100 a night in January. And none of the city’s festivals compares to the vibrant street celebrations for Día de San Sebastián on January 20, known locally as the Tamborrada.

February

Valletta, Malta

Best for winter sun

It’s 16°C (60°F) in February on this small archipelago, and though tourists flock to Malta for summer sun, winters are equally picturesque. The country experiences 300-plus days of sunshine per year.

Flip-flop around in the capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stops at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum and St John's Co-Cathedral to see a painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio. Then kick back on a terrace for drinking and dining. The national dish is stuffat tal-fenek, a slow-cooked rabbit stew. On rare gloomy days, retire inside to The Phoenicia, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s date night dancing spot during their 3-year stint in the country.

Planning tip: Maltese winter sun is ideal for daytime wanders but not for swimming. You’ll need to stick to your heated hotel pool.

More Ideas for February

Montréal, Québec, Canada: When the autumn leaves are gone and the temperature drops, Montréal becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. By night, swap your technical gear for cozy sweaters and cluster inside some of Canada’s best and most inviting restaurants for soul-affirming food and conversation, like at Stash Café for a hearty meal of Polish pierogi, schnitzel and its famous apple cake. Visitors can find up to 35% off attractions and up to 50% off accommodations compared to the summer peak.

Bali, Indonesia: Bali’s rainy season tends to scare off most crowds, but the island has a more relaxed vibe and the weather is still warm. Bali is close enough to the equator to keep most fully formed cyclones away, and if you’re hoping to catch good waves, there's still decent surf on the east coast at legendary locations such as Padang Padang.

March

Chicago, USA

Best for St Patrick’s Day celebrations

Though March sees Chicago emerge from winter, the weather remains bone-chilling. Good thing stiff drinks are plentiful. Thanks to its large Irish American population, Chicago is one of the USA’s best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Throughout the month, taverns are decked in festive decor and full of Guinness-loving revelers. The star attraction is the Chicago River, dyed green on the same day as the downtown parade. Watch the magical transformation from Upper Wacker or one of the many bridges, waterfront restaurants or riverboats.

Besides St Patrick’s Day, the Windy City's draws may include a baseball game at Wrigley Field at the very end of the month, views from the Willis Tower and a taste of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza.

Planning tip: Chicago boasts an excellent public transit network. You won’t need to rent a car, and when things get too windy (or if you drink too much Guinness), rideshares suffice.

More Ideas for March

Oaxaca, Mexico: Spring is the perfect time to visit Oaxaca, when the city is welcoming, unhurried and entirely yours, and prices are about 40% lower than during the summer and winter peaks. Explore markets buzzing with morning energy; spend afternoons lingering over hot chocolate, superb Oaxacan dishes and mezcal on open patios; and see ancient sites like Monte Albán that feel especially magical at sunset.

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina: Early fall in Patagonia is a gorgeous time to be outdoors; the deciduous trees turn red-gold, and the winds are not as strong as in spring. If you don't mind the cooler temperatures, it's a good time to go hiking. Smaller visitor numbers and cooler nights mean it's easier to book accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park and elsewhere.

April

Glasgow, Scotland

Best for indoor entertainment

April showers might be a thing in the UK, but it’s actually one of Glasgow’s drier months. Regardless, the city is well armed no matter the weather, boasting a slew of indoor cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment. Marvel at the Glasgow Cathedral, peruse the Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and enjoy stellar live entertainment all over town. Glasgow’s been recognized as a UNESCO City of Music since 2008. First-timers should give haggis, a tastier-than-it-sounds savory pudding, a try and do a whisky tasting at The Clydeside Distillery.

Planning tip: If you’re visiting Glasgow via London, skip the flight and take the historic Caledonian Sleeper Train. You’ll save money on hotels and enjoy British countryside sights.

More Ideas for April

Amalfi Coast, Italy: April temperatures hover around a cool but often sunny 13–20°C (55–68°F), and wildflowers bloom in the countryside. This is a good time to visit to avoid big crowds – with the exception of Easter week (in March or April), which also brings traffic restrictions along the famous 37km SS163 coastal stretch between Vietri sul Mare and Positano.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA: Spring comes late in the mountains. In April, the Tetons are still covered in snow (and many people are still skiing), you can usually score good deals on lodging, and you won’t be elbowing other travelers for one of the famed saddle seats at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

May

The Cayman Islands

Best for pristine beaches

May is considered off-peak in the Caribbean, though hurricane season officially begins in June. Cruise crowds in the Cayman Islands have dispersed, and rain is sporadic. In this culinary capital of the region, expect seafood specialities spanning lobster rolls and conch fritters, washed down with local rum punch.

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The water along Seven Mile Beach is soothingly warm, and nearby postswim points of interest include the Cayman Turtle Centre and Pedro St James. Take advantage of snorkeling in Little Cayman, hike the Brac Parrot Reserve on Cayman Brac, or make like a honeymooner and hide out at an all-inclusive resort.

Planning tip: There are still chances of storms in May, so take out travel insurance and have contingencies for outdoor plans.

More Ideas for May

Hawai‘i, USA: May is a slower time in Hawai‘i – fewer visitors, emptier beaches – making for an even more magical trip. Visit before peak summer travel, so you'll likely find lower prices on flights and accommodations, without the colder temps. May 1 is dedicated to the celebration of flowers and lei, with festivities held statewide.

Athens, Greece: The summer crowds have yet to arrive in Athens, and with temperatures at 20–27°C (68–81°F), the weather is perfect for visiting outdoor sites like the Acropolis, Mt Lycabettus, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaistos and the National Garden.

June

The Pacific Coast, Costa Rica

Best for a rainforest

The locals don’t call May to November the rainy season in Costa Rica; rather, it’s reframed as "green season." Sure, the rainfall is high, but these showers predictably come in afternoon bursts. You’re good to explore in the morning, then let the skies fan heat down in the afternoon. This wet climate is what makes the small nation so wonderfully biodiverse.

A road trip along the Pacific Coast is a good way to see this diversity, with recommended stops at the majestic Arenal volcano, capital San José, surf town Jacó and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Expect outdoor adventures aplenty along the way, such as zip-lining through the rainforest, surrounded by Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife.

Planning tip: Landslides are common during green season, and roads are dangerous due to potholes. Drive in daylight, and book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies.

More Ideas for June

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: You can really feel the heat in Las Vegas come summertime, but with the AC pumping (they keep those casinos cool) and plenty of hydration, you’ll be treated to low-season-level flight and hotel costs. If raucous Vegas pool parties are your speed – like Tao Beach – wear and reapply sunscreen.

Kenya: At the tail end of Kenya’s offseason, June is a wonderful time to experience the highlands, when low humidity makes walking and climbing a little easier. It’s a top month for wildlife viewing, too, especially in northern Kenya after the long rains, and it’s also the start of the Great Migration. The coast is mostly dry, and prices are a little lower before the high season kicks off in July.

July

Cape Town, South Africa

Best for a land and sea safari

Cape Town may not spring to mind for a winter escape, but those who prefer culture and safari over beach holidays will benefit from offseason perks. Cape Town’s July looks like this: a brisk 15°C (60°F), wandering Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and charming Bo-Kaap, and wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.

You’re also far more likely to spot animals during the cooler months in southern Africa. Book a game drive 2 hours from the city, or take a CroisiEurope land and water safari expedition across four southern African countries. Whale watching is also at its best during this time.

Planning tip: Morning and evening temperatures dip significantly, especially when out on safari, so pack layers.

More Ideas for July

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: New Orleans in the summer is hot and humid, but the streets are quiet, with 35–40% lower prices versus Mardi Gras season. It’s easy to walk into most of your favorite restaurants without a reservation, and many do summer “cool-inary” specials, so you’ll get a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. The (somewhat) cooler evenings pair well with the active New Orleans nightlife.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The cooler winter weather in Rio is relative; even at the peak of the season in July, highs linger around 24°C (75°F), and lows rarely drop below 15°C (60°F). One worthwhile winter tradition: the Festas Juninas, with endless parties featuring traditional dances, drinks and costumes.

August

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Best for food and fast cars

Aside from big cities like Rome and Milan, the heat and humidity of August send tourists and locals alike flocking to Italy’s glamorous coastline, leaving some inland spots surprisingly crowd-free. Emilia-Romagna residents traditionally retreat to Rimini on the Adriatic, but Bologna, Modena and Parma remain open for business, ready to tantalize with locally born greats: parmigiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma and tortellini in brodo.

The region is also known as Motor Valley, as it’s where Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Pagani originated. You’ll need a rental to navigate between their museums and factories, such as Museo Ferrari. The Modena racetrack lets visitors step out of the rental and into the supercar of their dreams.

Planning tip: Avoid the Ferragosto holiday, celebrated on August 15, which may see automotive attractions spike in traffic.

More Ideas for August

Jamaica: Though smack in the middle of hurricane season, August also overlaps with Jamaica’s peak party season. People look forward to the Best Weekend Ever in Ocho Rios and Dream Wknd, a weeklong party series held in Negril during the first week of August. This week also marks Jamaica’s emancipation (August 1) and independence (August 6), with events around those holidays, too, so locals tend to be in an extra festive mood.

Sydney, Australia: August in Sydney is chilly but dry. You’ll have plenty of room to roam inside Sydney’s many museums and art galleries, and open tables at some of the city's best restaurants are aplenty. Grab a reservation at beloved Italian spot Ragazzi or at pan-Asian King Clarence. Some hotels also boast “stay 3 nights, pay for 2” deals.

September

Iceland

Best for natural beauty

While travelers flock to Iceland in the summertime for lush hikes, mild weather and unobstructed outdoor majesty, come September, tourists have made their exits and left a slightly colder, wetter but uniquely beautiful landscape to discover. 

This time of year offers a chance to glimpse the northern lights before winter seekers arrive, thanks to longer dark hours and clearer skies. In September, you can catch sight of the iconic puffins before they head out to sea, enjoy a cozy meal in quaint guesthouses and take a refreshing (and most likely windy) hike at Háifoss to a rushing waterfall benefiting from summer melt.

Planning tip: Windbreakers and layers are essential this time of year, and the weather can change on a dime. 

More Ideas for September

Los Cabos, Mexico: Though direct hurricane hits are rare in Los Cabos, late-summer thunderstorms are routine, so the tourist crowds thin out, making way for the lowest hotel rates and airfares. September is when temperatures rise well into the 30s°C (90s°F) during the day, bringing a thick blanket of humidity and plenty of rain, creating lush greenery that’s a wonderful addition to the rocky desert environment.

Luang Prabang, Laos: Storms ravage Luang Prabang between May and October, but in a flash, the rain is over, and the sun breaks through. If you can get past the humidity, this is a good time to experience the many Buddhist temples, where you can respectfully join in alms-giving ceremonies at daybreak.

October

Lucerne, Switzerland

Best for an A-List retreat

It’s frustrating to have Lucerne on your wish list while possessing a limited budget. This is one of the world’s most expensive destinations, and there isn’t much of an offseason. Summer highs are from May to September, then winter ski season runs from December to March.

October and November offer a small window when prices dip, but it’s still no bargain. You may have to stay in a capsule hotel rather than famed celebrity hideout Bürgenstock, at the ridge of Lake Lucerne. Either way, efforts are rewarded, and fall beauties include the quaint Old Town and gorgeous mountain vistas that surround it. The weight lifted off your shoulders is priceless.

Planning tip: To get to Lucerne, you’ll fly into Zürich. Consider making this your base, as it has plentiful budget accommodation options and is less than a 50-minute train ride away.

More Ideas for October

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Once Vancouver’s summertime crowds have departed, a laid-back vibe unfurls as the leaves transform shoreline parks and canopy-arched residential side streets. And while there are still plenty of golden sunny days to enjoy, mist-fingered drizzle dominates during fall, encouraging everyone to seek the warming embrace of quiet museums, friendly bookstores and corner tables in cozy restaurants. Visitors will find 35–50% lower prices versus the summer peak season.

Bangkok, Thailand: October is one of the rainiest months in Bangkok, but for many visitors, the cleaner air, green countryside and general lack of tourists make this the optimal time to plan a trip. If you don’t mind the wet, you’ll be here at the quietest time of year, with no need to book hotels in advance and plenty of deals to entice budget travelers.

November

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best for city life

In November, Buenos Aires is alive – just not with tourists. No, it is vibrating with locals outside, savoring the beauty of spring. This time of year, you avoid the intense humidity that blankets the city throughout the summer, while mesmerizing purple jacaranda flowers can be found growing throughout its eclectic neighborhoods. 

Head to San Telmo, the city's oldest area, for evenings at tango bars set on romantic cobblestone streets. Make sure to try Argentine steak at a local parrilla, or venture to Mendoza to enjoy wine country when it is devoid of harvest-season crowds. 

Planning tip: In Buenos Aires, the city operates on a later schedule. Dinner at 9 pm is standard (even in the offseason), and clubs don’t typically get going until midnight. 

More Ideas for November

Vietnam: Vietnam’s Pacific typhoon season runs from May to November, but the biggest risk of storms is from August to September, making November perfect for an offseason trip. It’s particularly favorable to visit the islands and outcrops around Halong Bay (and its calmer and less commercial neighbor, Bai Tu Long Bay), and to go trekking or riding a motorcycle in the highlands around Sapa, where terraced hillsides turn golden as the rice ripens.

Berlin, Germany: While Berlin locals flock elsewhere in November due to cold temps and shorter days, it means far fewer visitors at museums and galleries. Hearty German dishes taste even better, candlelit haunts come to life, and accommodation rates are at their lowest. Plus, dance floors around the city gloriously thin out (read: shorter lines at iconic spots like Berghain and KitKatClub).

December

Marrakesh, Morocco

Best for one-of-a-kind goods

December in Marrakesh is special, with comfortable, calm days mixed with crisp, cool nights. And while the crowds have thinned at this time of year, it is important to note that come the week of Christmas, Europeans tend to arrive for an end-of-year holiday, so visiting in the first few weeks of December is ideal. 

A visit to Marrakesh is not complete without a visit to the Madinah (Medina), where you can find trinkets, handcrafted goods, food and spices. Make a stop at a hamman for a steam and a scrub, and discover the magic of this ancient practice. Hammam de la Rose is great for your first time. For some history, head to Mellah, the Jewish Quarter; or visit the ornate Bahia Palace, a prime example of Moroccan architecture. 

Planning tip: When visiting the Madinah, make sure to have dirhams (the local currency) with you, as cash is king and ATMs can be unreliable.

More Ideas for December

Porto, Portugal: Between rainy days in Porto, cheery Christmas markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully decorated squares form a memorable backdrop. Plan your days around visits to art galleries, museums and medieval cathedrals. When all else fails, retreat to a cozy cafe, such as Café Candelabro, or a candlelit wine bar, such as Prova, as the rain arrives.

Ireland: The holiday season is celebrated throughout December in Ireland, so expect plenty of Christmas markets in places like Eyre Square in Galway or the Milk Market in Limerick. For some, an evening in a pub before turning in for a night in a thatched cottage as an Atlantic gale bellows outside is the ultimate romantic getaway. For others, it’s the lantern-lit, cobblestone lanes of Kilkenny, Limerick or Galway that offer the perfect winter break – all benefiting from good transportation links to scenic locations and a wide selection of restaurants and hotels offering off-peak rates to while away the long evenings.