The right month changes everything. Climate, prices, crowds, events: 12 monthly guides + 5 school holiday guides to leave at the right time, wherever you go.
🔄 Updated May 25, 2026
This month
2026
The 5 destinations topping our June guide.
By climate
| If you want | Best months | Top destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed long-haul sun | Nov to Mar | Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bali |
| Short-haul sun (< 6h) | Mar-May, Sept-Oct | Morocco, Andalusia, Egypt, Canaries |
| World-class skiing | Jan-Mar | Alps, Pyrenees, Japan (Hokkaido) |
| Wildlife safari | Jul-Oct | Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana |
| No rain in SE Asia | Nov-Mar | South Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia |
| Southern Hemisphere summer | Dec-Mar | Patagonia, Australia, NZ, South Africa |
| Dry tropical season | Variable | Check per destination |
By budget
| Period | Flight prices vs average | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| January (off-holidays) | -20 to -30% | Best month for long-haul deals |
| February (holidays) | +30 to +60% | Book 4-6 months ahead or shift to March |
| May-June | -10 to -20% | Underrated, pleasant climate almost everywhere |
| July-August (holidays) | +40 to +80% | Prefer off-peak destinations |
| Sept-Oct | -10 to -20% | Our overall recommendation |
| Nov-Dec (excl. Christmas) | Average | High sun season starting |
School holidays
Winter holidays
February
The biggest wave of the year. Long-haul sun (Thailand, Maldives) or skiing.
See the guide →Easter holidays
April
Global spring: Japan, Maghreb, Italy, US Southwest.
See the guide →Summer holidays
July-August
8 weeks, endless choice. Scandinavia, Mediterranean, East Asia.
See the guide →All Saints' holidays
October-November
Short-haul sun (Egypt, Morocco) or Asia starting dry season.
See the guide →Christmas holidays
December
Asia, Indian Ocean, skiing, Christmas markets. Book 5-6 months ahead.
See the guide →FAQ
January outside school holidays and early March (after winter holidays). Flight rates 20-30% below annual average, hotels in low season on most sun destinations.
Three levers: (1) leave outside French AND European school holidays, (2) target start/end of high season rather than peak, (3) choose alternative micro-destinations (e.g., Puglia rather than Cinque Terre, Georgia rather than Italy).
Our climate data is based on 30-year seasonal norms (1991-2020) from Météo-France and Tourism Authority. Extreme climate events (heatwave, late monsoon, El Niño) can shift advice by 2-4 weeks. Check real-time before leaving.
No. Every destination has a low season. The Canaries, Costa Rica and South Sri Lanka are among the most flexible destinations (acceptable climate 10 months out of 12). But even they have their rainy season or crowd peak.
Optimize what can be: (1) destination suited to the climate of the imposed period, (2) early booking for school holidays, (3) micro-shifting (leave 3 days before or after peaks).
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