Where to Go When: The Best Holiday Destination for Every Month
The best holiday destination for every month of the year – from the Red Sea and Thailand in winter to Japan's blossom, the Greek islands, Iceland and Christmas markets.
Choosing when to travel is as important as choosing where. The right month can mean perfect weather, fewer crowds and lower prices – the wrong one, monsoon rain or summer heat. Here is our pick of the best holiday destination for every month of the year, with an alternative for each.
Winter
1. January – Egypt's Red Sea
When Europe is grey, Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam offer around 22–24°C, sunshine almost every day and warm enough water for snorkelling. Combine the beach with a trip to Luxor. See our Hurghada guide. Alternative: Thailand.
2. February – The Canary Islands
The Canaries are Europe's winter-sun favourite, with around 21–22°C and a short flight. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have spring-like weather – see Gran Canaria in winter. Alternative: Rio's Carnival in Brazil.
3. March – Dubai or Oman
Warm, dry and not yet too hot, March is ideal for the Gulf. See our Dubai guide. Alternative: Mexico's Yucatán.
Spring
4. April – Japan
Cherry blossom season transforms Japan – see when and where to see sakura. Alternative: the Netherlands for tulips.
5. May – Turkey's coast
Warm days, wildflowers and a sea that's warming up make May perfect for Antalya, Fethiye and Bodrum – before the summer crowds. See our Antalya guide. Alternative: Mallorca.
6. June – The Greek islands
Long days, warm water and fewer crowds than July. Alternative: the Norwegian fjords.
Summer
7. July – Iceland
The midnight sun, green landscapes and open highland roads. See how Iceland is rethinking tourism. Alternative: the Scottish Highlands.
8. August – Croatia or a Scandinavian city
The Adriatic is at its warmest – see our Dubrovnik guide. Alternative: Copenhagen or Stockholm.
9. September – Portugal and Italy
The sea is warm, the crowds thin out and the grape harvest begins. See our Porto city break. Alternative: Ireland's west coast.
Autumn
10. October – Egypt's history
Cooler temperatures make October perfect for Luxor, Aswan and Cairo, combined with a Red Sea beach. Alternative: Morocco.
11. November – Gran Canaria or Cape Verde
Still 24–25°C in the south of the Canaries. Alternative: Marsa Alam for diving.
12. December – Christmas markets
Europe's Christmas markets, from Vienna to Kraków, are magical in December – see our Christmas markets guide. Alternative: the Red Sea for Christmas sun.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in January?
Egypt's Red Sea (around 22–24°C), the Canary Islands, Dubai, Thailand, the Caribbean and Cape Verde are among the warmest destinations within reach of Europe in January.
What is the cheapest month to travel?
January, February and November are usually the cheapest months for flights and hotels, outside Christmas and school holidays.
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