Shoulder Seasons Around the World
To help you find the right place at the right time, we've highlighted off-peak destinations around the world all year long.
May is an ideal time to catch a destination during shoulder season—those few weeks when rates are low and the weather is (almost) perfect.
ASIA AND OCEANIA
MARCH
Langkawi, Malaysia: the beaches are less crowded
India: before the temperatures start skyrocketing
APRIL
Langkawi, Malaysia: the beaches are less crowded
New Zealand: before winter
MAY
Australia: the weather is great up north, airfare from the States is at its lowest
South Pacific islands
JUNE
Australia: the weather is great up north, airfare from the States is at its lowest
SEPTEMBER
Bali: before the rains start
Hawaii: as the summer crowds depart
OCTOBER
Bali: before the rains start
NOVEMBER
South Pacific islands
New Zealand
DECEMBER
Langkawi, Malaysia
New Zealand
AFRICA
MARCH
Botswana: as the floodplains start to dry
APRIL
Botswana: as the floodplains start to dry
SEPTEMBER
South Africa: the foliage is still perfect for game viewing
Morocco: European vacationers have left, but the weather is great
OCTOBER
Morocco: European vacationers have left, but the weather is great
Kenya: the wildebeest migration is ending, but herds are crossing the Mara
NOVEMBER
Kenya: the wildebeest migration is ending, but herds are crossing the Mara
Botswana: as the rains begin
EUROPE
APRIL
The Mediterranean: before the summer crowds arrive
European cities
MAY
European cities
SEPTEMBER
European cities
Greek islands: after the summer rush has ended
OCTOBER
Greek islands: after the summer rush has ended
Mediterranean resorts: for good prices and ample sunshine
DECEMBER
Ski resorts in Europe
THE AMERICAS
APRIL
Ski resorts in the U.S. Rockies
Patagonia: before winter
Ski resorts in Canada's Rockies
Caribbean islands
MAY
Alaskan cruises
Costa Rica and Belize
JUNE
Mexico's Baja Peninsula
SEPTEMBER
Alaskan cruises
Nantucket: for lingering summer warmth
OCTOBER
Nantucket: for lingering summer warmth
Mexico's Baja Peninsula
NOVEMBER
Arizona golf resorts
Caribbean islands
DECEMBER
Arizona golf resorts
Belize and Costa Rica
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, JULY, AND AUGUST No significant shoulder seasons fall during these months, but prices drop immediately following the holidays in January.
- By Amy Farley
- By Jennifer V. Cole