Where to Go When: The Best Holiday Destination for Every Month

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.

While Europe shivers, you're floating over coral reefs in clear water under a warm sun – evenings are cool, so pack a jumper.

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.

Warm sunshine, volcanic landscapes and the smell of sun cream on the promenade – the nearest winter sun to Europe.

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.

Warm, not yet hot: desert dunes at sunset, souks smelling of frankincense and beaches without the summer heat.

Spring

4. April – Japan

Cherry blossom season transforms Japan – see when and where to see sakura. Alternative: the Netherlands for tulips.

Cherry blossoms drift down onto temples and rivers, and the parks fill with picnics under the pink trees.

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.

The sea is warming up, the hills are green and wild flowers line the ancient ruins – before the summer crowds.

6. June – The Greek islands

Long days, warm water and fewer crowds than July. Alternative: the Norwegian fjords.

Long days, warm sea, white villages and the scent of thyme on the hills – before the August rush.

Summer

7. July – Iceland

The midnight sun, green landscapes and open highland roads. See how Iceland is rethinking tourism. Alternative: the Scottish Highlands.

The midnight sun, waterfalls, puffins on the cliffs and green valleys – it never really gets dark.

8. August – Croatia or a Scandinavian city

The Adriatic is at its warmest – see our Dubrovnik guide. Alternative: Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Swimming in the clear Adriatic or long, light evenings by the harbour in 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.

The grape harvest, warm sea, fewer crowds and golden evening light.

Autumn

10. October – Egypt's history

Cooler temperatures make October perfect for Luxor, Aswan and Cairo, combined with a Red Sea beach. Alternative: Morocco.

Cooler temperatures make the temples of Luxor and the pyramids pleasant to explore.

11. November – Gran Canaria or Cape Verde

Still 24–25°C in the south of the Canaries. Alternative: Marsa Alam for diving.

Sunshine, warm days and beaches when Europe is grey and rainy.

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.

Mulled wine, gingerbread, twinkling lights and carols in medieval squares.