The best time to visit Iceland is in the summer between June and August. At this time of year, the weather is milder and there are close to 24 hours of daylight. However, if you can handle the cold, the Winter Lights Festival happens at the beginning of February and celebrates light after a long few months of darkness.
September and October are the best times to visit Rome. The crowds are winding down from peak tourist season and the weather isn’t as hot as the summer. From making a wish at the Trevi Fountain to strolling through Vatican City, window shopping near the Spanish Steps’ high-end boutiques to visiting the second-century Pantheon — the cool breeze during these months is perfect for it all.
Most of Greenland is covered in a sheet of ice sheet so it’s going to always be brisk and the best time to visit really depends on why you’re visiting. The summer months between June and August have cool, but not freezing weather and are perfect for whale-watching. In Ilulissat, January through March are bitterly cold and snowy, but are a perfect time to catch the Northern Lights and experience dog sledding.
There are several times you should consider for Santorini. The popular Greek island is great from September to October. In the fall and winter months, the weather is warm — typically in the 70s and 80s, perfect for hanging by the Aegean Sea — and there isn’t too much of a crowd, which means hotel rates tend to drop. The next best time is April and May when the tourism season is just ramping up, but not yet at full tilt.
This breathtaking Hawaiian island has gorgeous weather year-round, but the best times to visit are April through May and September through November. Both spring and fall in Maui are pleasantly warm without the crowds of the summer and winter. But if you’re a surfer, the winter will provide the best waves.
Barcelona is known for its art and architecture, but travelers also head there to enjoy the scenic coastline. Generally, the summer months are peak travel season, but it might be worth it to enjoy the temperatures and the events. June is the ideal time to experience events like the Sonar Electronic Music Festival and the celebration of the Summer Solstice, which brings fireworks and beach bonfires to the city’s coast.
Tokyo is pretty busy year-round. March and April are the best times to visit as the weather is mild in an otherwise subtropical and humid location. If you want to cross something special off your bucket list, April would be the perfect time to go to see the cherry blossoms bloom.
Agra attracts millions of visitors every year to see the Taj Mahal. It was built for a Mughal ruler’s wife, Mumtaz, as a symbol of his love and devotion to her after she died in childbirth. To visit Agra, it’s best to go between November and February to avoid the scorching heat of summer and the monsoon rains.
December through May offers the best temperatures, low 70s to mid-80s, for exploring the wilderness. The Galapagos is known for its wildlife and this is the time for bird-watching and to spot sea turtles nesting on the beaches. The Galapagos penguins live on the islands all year so you’ll see them too. Keep in mind that the government highly regulates the tourism scene, so make sure you know what’s allowed and what’s not.
The best time of year to go to Bali is between April and June, but September is a close second. Not only are those months ideal for scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling in the clear waters, but the crowds aren’t too bad either. Room prices and villa rentals during these months can be 30-50% cheaper than the high season.
For a spectacular view of the Mojave Desert you might want to see it in the peak blooming period for the desert wildflowers. Wildflower blooms are typically spotted at Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park at different times of the spring. To see poppies, go sometime between mid-February and mid-April. Other wildflowers seen in the early spring season are verbena, evening primrose and the blazing star.
The best time to visit the vibrant Turkish city is from March to May, but a fall trip, between September and November, is a close second. The summers in Istanbul tend to be hot and humid, but springtime is pleasant and full of blooming pink Judas trees. The fall months, boast more affordable hotel prices.
In December, perhaps because of the lavish New Year’s celebrations and in spite of an average of 9 inches of rain, Malaysia welcomes the most tourists — over 2.35 million people visited in 2018. For a drier stay in Kuala Lumpur, plan a trip between May and September.
Temperatures on the islands range from 66 degrees to 75 degrees year-round and rain is scarce so any time is a good time for the weather. To avoid the crowds plan a trip for the spring or fall months since the summer and holiday season tend to be peak seasons.
Aspen is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and December to February is the prime ski season with more than 160 inches of snowfall each year.
The best time to visit Naples is the short stretch between March and May. Average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, making it ideal for touring the historic city or strolling down tiny streets to find the perfect pizza.
For a trip to Bermuda think spring. March and April with highs around 70 degrees and lows around 60 are a good time to enjoy the beach at a more reasonable price. It’s not hot enough for swimming, which makes the prices more affordable. But if the balmy beach weather is what you’re after, the hottest months in Bermuda are between May and October.
If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, try for spring or early fall. April and May hit around 60 degrees, and the low temperatures hover in the 30s and 40s. If that’s a bit chilly for you, September and October offer slightly warmer weather and the Toronto Film Festival is around that time of year, too.
Avoid the rainy season in Phuket and visit sometime between November and April, when high temperatures still fluctuate in the 80s and 90s. These months are ideal for beach days, swimming and boating. March in Phuket is roaring with the Thao Thep Festival, one of the island’s major events with lots of cultural and sporting activities.
Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it perfect to visit any time you’re in need of some sun. The rainy months are what you need to look out for which means avoid planning a trip between May and November.
Cape Cod is full of visitors, including tourists from other parts of Massachusetts, whenever the sun is shining and the water is warm enough to swim in. For an especially ideal time to visit the charming seaside peninsula, go between May and June, or in September when the tourists head home.
If you’re planning a visit to Zurich, plan for the winter and join in their Christmas festivities. Christkindlmarkt is the place to be for the holidays, and considering how close the Swiss Alps are, definitely go in December.
Although summer is the most expensive time to visit Dublin, it’s when you’ll get the most bang out of your buck. For a usually chilly location, temperatures are warm between June and August and festivals fill the streets. For bookworms, the Dalkey Book Festival in June hosts renowned authors in a charming village for talks, open mics and panels while July’s Festival of Curiosity celebrates art, science, design and technology. Other festivals in the summer include the Taste of Dublin, Forbidden Fruit and Bloomsday.
To wander through the streets of Edinburgh plan your visit for the summer. From June to August, average temperatures are in the mid 60s — perfect for the traditional Edinburgh International Festival and the self-titled, “world’s greatest platform for creative freedom,” the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Summers in Lisbon can get hot and crowded, but if the weather isn’t a big concern, try for a trip in June to experience the classic festivals in the old city. The main ones are the Festas de Lisboa and Santo Antonio, which is centered around a giant feast. Another great time to visit Lisbon is late spring or early autumn, when there aren’t as many tourists and the weather is still great for the beach.
Summers in Copenhagen can be mild and sometimes even dip into sweater weather, which is pretty characteristic of the cozy Denmark “hygge” way of life. Visiting during June and August is ideal to experience bustling summer festivals. The weather at this time of year is perfect for strolling along the Stroget — a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in the city.
It’s no surprise that Paris is a hot tourist destination and that it’s bursting with visitors no matter when you go. June through August in Paris is sunny skies with an average of 70-75 degrees, making it particularly enjoyable for hanging around the Eiffel Tower both in the day and nighttime. The City of Lights is also gorgeous in the fall, but Paris Fashion Week might limit your hotel options.
From Creole cuisine to beignets and Jazz music, New Orleans is bound to be a good time. Especially during Mardi Gras and Carnival. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” and there’s a whole lot of eating during the carnival season in New Orleans. If you’re planning a visit down for some classic Southern cooking, there’s really no better time to go.
There’s a similar weather pattern for most of Southeast Asia — a wet season and a dry one. The best time to visit Angkor is during the dry season from late November to the end of March. The city is home to Angkor Wat, an incredibly popular temple in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. It was transformed into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century and welcomes tourists from all over the world.
First things first — no matter when you travel to London, pack an umbrella. The city is known for rainy days year-round, but to skip the cold and as much rain as you can, go anytime from March through May when temperatures land somewhere in the 60s. Also at this time of year are a number of events, including the London Coffee Festival, Museums at Night and the State Opening of Parliament, which is particularly exciting if you’re a fan of the Royal Family.
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is between April and June, which is Argentina’s fall, or from September to December, which is their spring. Fall brings affordable room rates, pleasant weather and some cool local festivals like the Buenos Aires Book Fair and the International Decorative Art Fair.
Dubai, with all its glitz and glamor, is a top travel destination. But unless you enjoy over 100-degree weather, you might want to visit in the winter. The best time to visit for blue skies and warm temperatures is from November to March. This is prime tourist season, so there will be crowds in popular areas like Jumeirah Beach and the Dubai Mall.
The pristine mountains of Kathmandu are picture-perfect, and the autumn season is the most ideal time of year for trekking. During September and November, Nepal is usually dry and suitable for backpackers exploring on foot. Travelers can also experience the local heritage as Nepal celebrates one of the most important Hindu festivals — Dashain — around this time.
For the best experience of the Red City, avoid the summer and plan for spring or fall. March through May, or September through November are the best for pleasant weather. If you want a peek into the local life of Marrakech, you can brave the crowds and go during religious holidays like Ramadan that follow the lunar calendar. Ramadan — when observers fast from sunrise to sunset — can affect everything from public transportation to attractions and restaurants, but the sunset feast of “iftar” is well worth it.
The average high temps of Sao Paulo drop below 80 degrees between March and May and the summer winds are down, too. Depending on when Easter falls, you might miss Carnival if you go during those months, so consider rescheduling if that’s something you’d want to be part of.
Fiji has more than 300 islands and tourist season peaks in June and July, two of the coolest months in the Island capital. June through September is a beautiful time, with temperatures around 80 degrees. If crowds are a concern, try to squeeze in a trip in May, between the rainy season and peak season.
The best time to visit Queenstown is December through February, when it’s cool enough to take part in outdoor activities the city has to offer. During New Zealand’s summer, sunrise can be as early as 6 a.m. and the sun can set as late as 9:30 p.m.
Dry season runs from June to October, making it a great time for animal sightings. This is also high-water season as the Delta flood peaks from June to August, suitable for boating and canoeing safaris. The Delta welcomes the most visitors in August.
To get a taste of Austin, plan a visit between March and May for fair weather and the South by Southwest film festival that draws creatives from all over the country. The end of summer and early fall is another great time to visit Austin to experience a rodeo.
The striking blue waters of the Maldives are an especially popular destination for honeymooners and scuba divers. Many resorts have reefs so close to shore, travelers can easily swim from the beach for an underwater adventure. The best time to visit the islands is between November and April. Those months offer visitors the best weather, but do come at a high price.
This Mexican Island in the Caribbean Sea is as popular for scuba diving as it is for its calm, sandy beaches. Between March and June is the best time to enjoy both.
The best months of the year to visit Beijing are September and October. Not only is fall scenic and temperate, the city’s gearing up for a couple of celebrations, too. The Mid-Autumn Festival — also called the Moon Festival — falls around the time of the autumn equinox, usually the last week of September. And during the first week of October, China celebrates National Day, a holiday celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Havana has conditions that make it a tourist hot spot most of the year. Between December and May the temperature in Havana rarely dips below 65 degrees and the highs reach 79 degrees in February.
You’ll want to visit Yosemite National Park when most of the snowmelt occurs and the waterfalls reach peak runoff, which is in the spring. Ribbon Falls — visible from the road as you drive into Yosemite Valley — only flows through June, while Yosemite Falls flows through July with peak flow in May. Some falls are dry by the end of summer when the average temperature climbs to 89 degrees. Generally from May to September, the park is easily accessible but not overly crowded.
Prague is not only beautiful in the spring, but the crowds are smaller and the festivals are plenty. The Prague International Music Festival is one of the most popular, and plenty of reasonably priced hotels near the city center will make your stay easier and more enjoyable.
For the ideal trip, book it for autumn. Over the span of three months, temperatures range from the 70s in September to mid-40s in November, perfect for outdoor activities. Both the Jewish Cultural Festival and the Budapest Wine Festival happen in September.