Best Time to Visit Anywhere: Month-by-Month Travel Guide (2027)

The best time to travel depends on the destination. Egypt, Thailand, Mexico and Costa Rica are best from roughly November to April, while Bora Bora and Fiji favor May to October. Choose your month below to find your match.

Last updated: October 2026

When Is the Best Time to Visit Each Destination, Month by Month?

A destination appears under a month when its TravelBestTime guide lists that month among its best windows; skiing, hiking, cherry blossom and autumn foliage windows are labeled.

MonthBest time to visit
JanuarySwitzerland (skiing), Mexico, Egypt, Maldives, New Zealand, Costa Rica (Pacific), Philippines, India, Thailand
FebruarySwitzerland (skiing), Mexico, Egypt, Vietnam, Maldives, New Zealand, Costa Rica (Pacific), Philippines, India, Thailand
MarchSwitzerland (skiing), Morocco, Mexico, Vietnam, Maldives, New Zealand, Costa Rica (Pacific), Philippines, India, Japan (late Mar, cherry blossoms)
AprilMorocco, Mexico, Hawaii, Spain, Italy (late Apr), Turkey (late Apr), Vietnam, Costa Rica (Pacific), Philippines, Japan (early Apr, cherry blossoms)
MayBora Bora, Morocco, Greece (late May), Hawaii, Fiji, Spain, Bali, Italy, Turkey, Croatia (late May), Mauritius, Portugal, Peru, Philippines
JuneBora Bora, Switzerland (hiking), Greece, Fiji, Spain, Bali, Italy (early Jun), Croatia, Portugal, Peru, Iceland
JulyBora Bora, Switzerland (hiking), Fiji, Peru, Iceland
AugustBora Bora, Switzerland (hiking), Fiji, Peru, Iceland
SeptemberBora Bora, Switzerland (hiking), Morocco (late Sep), Greece, Hawaii, Fiji, Spain, Bali, Italy (mid-Sep), Turkey (mid-Sep), Croatia, Portugal, Peru
OctoberBora Bora, Morocco, Hawaii, Fiji, Spain, Italy (to mid-Oct), Turkey, Mauritius, India
NovemberMorocco, Mexico, Egypt, Japan (mid-Nov, autumn foliage), Thailand (from mid-Nov), Philippines, India
DecemberSwitzerland (skiing), Mexico, Egypt, Japan (early Dec, autumn foliage), New Zealand (from late Dec), Costa Rica (Pacific), Philippines, India, Thailand

Best Time to Visit by Region

Asia

Chureito Pagoda framed by cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background
Japan

Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, or mid-November to early December for autumn foliage

Wat Arun's spire glowing at sunset over the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Thailand

Mid-November through February

Limestone karsts rising from the water in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam

February–April

Taj Mahal at sunrise reflected in the garden pool, Agra, India
India

October–March

Manila skyline at night viewed from Ortigas Center
Philippines

November–May

Best time to visit Bali rice terraces and coastline
Bali

May, June, or September

Europe

Positano and the Amalfi Coast at sunset, Italy
Italy

Late April to early June, or mid-September to mid-October

The Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, Spain
Spain

April–June or September–October

Coimbra's university buildings above the river, Portugal
Portugal

May, June, and September

Oia village in Santorini, Greece at sunset with blue-domed churches
Greece

Late May–June or September

Aerial view of Dubrovnik's walled old town and harbor on the Adriatic coast
Croatia

Late May–June or September

Red Rhaetian Railway train crossing a snow-covered stone viaduct in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland

June–September for hiking; December–March for skiing

Icebergs floating in a glacier lagoon in Iceland
Iceland

June–August

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia at sunrise, Turkey
Turkey

Late April–May or mid-September–October

Middle East & Africa

The Giza pyramids and Sphinx silhouetted against a golden sky over Cairo, Egypt
Egypt

November to February

Spice stalls in a Marrakech souk, Morocco
Morocco

March–May or late September–November

Americas

Metropolitan Cathedral and the Zócalo plaza in Mexico City
Mexico

November–April

Aerial view of a rocky Costa Rica coastline where dense green rainforest meets turquoise Pacific waves
Costa Rica

December–April (Pacific coast; Caribbean differs)

Colorful textile stalls and tassels in the Pisac market, Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru

May–September

Oceania

Milford Sound in New Zealand with mountain reflections in still water
New Zealand

Late December to March

Aerial view of a Yasawa Islands beach and green hills, Fiji
Fiji

May and October (best value); June–September (driest)

Islands

Aerial view of a Maldives resort island with overwater villas and a white sand spit
Maldives

February (driest); January and March close behind

Aerial view of Le Morne Brabant mountain and turquoise lagoon in Mauritius
Mauritius

May or October

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora with Mount Otemanu in the background
Bora Bora

May–October; sweet spot July–September

Cloudy sky over the ocean with a Hawaiian island silhouette in the distance
Hawaii

April–May or September–October

How to Choose Your Month

Start with weather, because it shapes everything else. Regions within one country can run on different calendars, so check the guide for the specific area you’re visiting before locking in dates — a national average can mislead.

Peak season brings bigger crowds to major sights and fuller hotels. Shoulder months often deliver similar weather with fewer people — many guides flag these sweet spots where the experience is calmer but conditions still cooperate.

Prices follow demand. Traveling outside peak months usually costs less, while holiday periods command premiums. Each destination guide notes the cheapest windows and when rates spike, so you can time your trip to your budget.

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