Best Travel Destinations for Each Month
Many factors dictate which are the best travel destinations for each month.
Weather is perhaps the biggest factor when deciding where (and when) to travel, and can certainly make or break a trip. Trust me, you do not want to be stuck in SE Asia during rainy season, or Alaska during a snow storm.
Other factors to consider planning your trip around might include sporting events, celebrations or peak seasons. For example, catching the US Open finals can only be done in September, whilst Mardi Gras can only be celebrated in New Orleans during February.
So from beach getaways to snowy escapes, discover my best travel destinations for each month below.
Last updated January 2025*.
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Table of Contents
Best Travel Destinations for Each Month
Best Travel Destination for January - Philippines
The Philippines is definitely one of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia, with some of the most secluded white-sand beaches in the world. Since it is not typhoon season at this time of year, visiting in January means endless days spent island hopping and snorkelling. Whilst Palawan, Coron and Boracay are the best islands in the Philippines, don’t underestimate spending two days in Manila on the way through.
January marks the start of the dry season in the Philippines, so you can expect little rain. Temperatures average at 31°C (88°F) across most of the major islands to the south of Manila.
Best Travel Destination for February - New Orleans, USA
Wondering how to spend your time in New Orleans?
Whilst New Orleans is a great year-round travel destination, the city especially comes alive during February for its infamous Mardi Gras celebrations. Despite the main festival taking place exactly 47 days before Easter, there are street parties throughout the entire month of February. You can check out the official website to see the parade schedule and other events. Outside of street parties, New Orleans is famous for its Cajun and Creole cuisines, dark and haunted histories, and live jazz music scene.
You can expect daily averages of 19°C (66°F), with mostly dry days and low humidity. Most importantly, February does not fall during hurricane season for the southern United States.
Best Travel Destination for March - Southern Utah, USA
In need of a road trip itinerary for Southern Utah?
March is a fantastic month for a Southern Utah road trip. Despite chilly temperatures and some snow, the beauty of the snow-capped red rocks and afternoon sunsets are truly indescribable. Visiting at this time of year also means avoiding the summer crowds and sweltering heat, making for more enjoyable hiking experiences in the state’s national parks.
Expect average daily temperatures of 15°C (59°F) towards Zion National Park, and around 18°C (64°F) towards Moab. However, due to altitude, Bryce Canyon National Park is always a bit colder, with average daily temperatures of 7°C (45°F). Whilst there is likely to be snow in this area, hiking is still accessible with the proper equipment.
Best Travel Destination for April - Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best destinations to visit in April. This is when the country will experience the least rainfall, so you can truly make the most of each day. Whether its trekking in Sa Pa, cooking Pho in Hoi An, or museum-hopping in Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam has something for every type of traveller.
The weather in Vietnam varies between Northern and Southern regions. So, whilst Hanoi sees slightly cooler temperatures of 28°C (82°F), expect average daily temperatures of 30°C (86°F) in Ho Chi Minh City. April does not fall during Vietnam’s rainy season.
Best Travel Destination for May - Spain
May is a fantastic month to visit Spain. Not only will you avoid the dry, sizzling summer heat, but also the crowds that come with it. So, perhaps May will be the month you sail out to the Balearic Islands for sunny beach days, or venture out West to trek the Camino de Santiago.
Spain is a huge country, so the weather varies across different regions. Expect average daily temperatures of 26°C (79°F) in southern areas including Seville. Major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the Balearic Islands experience averages of 23°C (73°F) at this time of year.
Best Travel Destination for June - Norway
Being so far North, much of Norway experiences cold temperatures and short daylight hours throughout the year. So, June is one of the best times to visit to experience the country’s summer months. Not only will you be able to enjoy hiking and cruising, but June is the month of Midsommar celebrations and endless sun.
Expect average daily temperatures of 21°C (70°F) in Oslo, with only a few days of rain, with lower temperatures of around 10°C (50°F) in Northern areas. There will be little to no snowfall in southern areas and areas of lower altitude at this time of year.
Best Travel Destination for July - Bali, Indonesia
Whilst many Southeast Asia destinations are best explored at the end of the year, Indonesia’s location below the equator means July falls during its dry season. Visiting ancient temples, hiking volcanoes, taking surf lessons and snorkelling coral reefs can all be enjoyed during July in Bali. Nearby Java, Gili Islands and Lombok are more of Indonesia’s best destinations worth exploring in July.
Expect average daily temperatures of 27°C (81°F) across the island, with very few days of rain. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the second half of the month. This will allow you to avoid school holiday tourism coming from Australia.
Best Travel Destination for August - Alberta, Canada
Alberta is certainly one of the best travel destinations for August. In particular, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are especially amazing at this time of year. August marks the end of the Summer months, when you can still canoe on hidden lakes and spot endless wildlife before Winter hibernation and icy conditions set in.
Expect average daily temperatures of 22°C (72°F) in these national parks, with only a few days of rain. After August, colder temperatures, rain, and snow start to set in, with some activities and roads beginning to close off.
Best Travel Destination for September - New York City, USA
Wondering how to spend your time in New York City?
To avoid both crowds and excessive humidity, September makes for a great time to visit New York City. Not only will you be able to explore the city comfortably, but also see the beginnings of Central Park’s fall hues. If you are a tennis fan, the US Open crosses into the start of September, the finals of which you cannot miss. Most importantly, you will also be able to pay respects on the day of 9/11 throughout the city.
New York City experiences average daily temperatures of 24°C (75°F) in September, with lots of sun and only a few days of rainfall.
Best Travel Destination for October - California, USA
Keen to explore the deserts of Southern California?
Or is laid-back San Francisco more your vibe?
California is one of the best travel destinations for October. Whilst the state makes for a fantastic year-round destination, visiting in October means that you will avoid both the summer crowds and the accompanying heat. As the Summer heat subsides, desert destinations, including Palm Springs and Death Valley National Park, begin to open up again. Since California is so large, road-tripping the state is definitely the best way to explore – from sunny Los Angeles, out into the Mojave desert, up through the Sierra Nevada and finally into San Francisco.
Since California is so large, weather varies significantly across its different regions. Expect average daily temperatures of 29°C (84°F) in Los Angeles, with a lower average of 21°C (70°F) in San Francisco, also with no rain. Both regions enjoy sunny skies and no rain at this time of year.
Best Travel Destination for November - Sydney, AUstralia
Wondering how to spend your time in Sydney?
Whilst more tropical areas of Australia approach rainy season, November is the perfect time of year to visit Sydney. Visiting at this time of year will allow you to avoid the scorching heat of an Australian summer, whilst still being warm enough to enjoy the city’s infamous beaches. Sydney also gets very expensive in December in time for the New Year celebrations, so November is a more affordable and quiet month.
Expect average daily temperatures of 23°C (73°F) in the city, with very little rainfall throughout November.
Best Travel Destination for December - Thailand
Thailand is without a doubt one of the best travel destinations for December. You will be welcomed by sunny tropical weather down south, perfect for endless island-hopping and snorkelling. On the other hand, warm, dry weather in the north makes for some amazing trekking experiences.
You can expected a daily average of around 28°C (82°F) in northern areas like Chiang Mai, with no rain. Bangkok reaches up to 32°C (90°F), also with very little rain. Southern regions such as Phuket and Krabi will see similar temperatures, although with slightly more rain being located in the tropics. December does not fall during rainy season for Thailand.
