One of the determinative factors when it comes to a trip's quality is when you go. Whether it's raining, whether something costs more, or less tourists being around, your mental attitude all depend on your trip being in high, low, or somewhere-in-between season. Odds are good that you've experienced the situation that you went to a city but during off-peak season. In that case, you've had the unfortunate experience of saying to yourself, "I wish I had visited this wonderful region at a better time…" But did you know the best time of year to visit each continent? Planning a trip takes time, so it's worth making sure that after all the planning, you visit during the best time. Hence, we have provided the best traveling time for each continent in this article.
Spring is the best season for nature tours in Europe.
Spring (March to May)
Best time for nature holidays, relaxation, and visiting Europe.
Spring all around the globe means mild weather, blooming flora, and fewer crowds. Europe at this time is scenic and relatively less crowded, Japan is filled with cherry blooms, and Iran shines with foliage.
During spring, Europe’s weather becomes pleasant for traveling. The sun stays in the sky longer, and the Mediterranean coasts benefit from its warmth. This makes the sea inviting for swimming, and sitting on the beach once again becomes enjoyable. If you’re planning to visit Spain or Greece, spring is definitely the best season for traveling to these countries. It’s not too hot, and the crowds aren’t overwhelming. Andalusia, Crete, Malta, and southern Italy are also great places to travel during this time. The northern countries also start to become more favorable for travel, though they can still be a little chilly. The Scandinavian countries, particularly, with their perpetual days and no nights, are a great place to travel during this time.
In Asia, this season also gradually becomes less favorable for travel. Most of the countries in this continent lean towards warmer temperatures, and the temperature in countries like India becomes so extreme that it causes many casualties every year! However, countries like Japan and China still offer decent travel conditions. In countries of Asia like Indonesia or parts of India, the rainy season begins. The perfect time to visit Australia and the southern islands of Indonesia is during spring.
In Africa, spring is the best time to visit nations such as Morocco, which has pleasant weather like that of Mediterranean states, and mild temperatures. In southern regions of the continent, even though days get shorter, weather is still pleasant for visiting.
Recommended for: Europe, Iran, Japan, Morocco, Turkey, Africa, Asia.
Summer is the best time to travel!!
Summer (June to August)
Holidays and peak tourist season – but hectic!
Summer is the best time to visit the northern or colder countries since the weather is warm and pleasant. However, due to holidays from schools and universities, everywhere is packed, and prices are higher.
Europe is more crowded than ever during the summer! Hundreds of millions of tourists from the entire world throng to Europe's southern shore. The south of Europe offers perfect weather conditions for touring around during the hot summer months. Northern Europe, too, is great to relax and visit and especially so for countries that tend to be cooler in general, such as Scotland, Ireland, or the Netherlands.
During summer, Asia is least favorable for traveling. Most of the countries in this continent have the rainy season during this period. But there are exceptions; there are certain regions in India, Indonesia, and Australia that are favorable for traveling during this period.12:39
Africa, especially the western parts, is full of tourists. In the dry and hot season, sport enthusiasts have fun doing water sports on the beach. Morocco's coastline, in fact, is extremely popular among tourists due to its closeness to the ocean. A bit further south, the rainy season begins, and only countries like Kenya and Tanzania are tourist-friendly during this period.
Summer perhaps isn't the best time to visit the Americas!
In northern North America, the weather is hot and dry, and in deserts, the heat is extreme. In Central America, the rainy season is at its best, but the weather is improved in South America.
Suitable for: Scandinavian countries, Canada, Iceland, Georgia, Nepal (for mountaineering).
Did you ever see autumn in Africa?
Autumn (September to November)
The golden holiday season – peaceful, beautiful, and economical.
Autumn is, according to many, the ideal holiday season. The weather is still pleasant, tourist crowds have disappeared, prices are lower, and the autumn scenery is just gorgeous. Europe and Iran are especially magical during this period.
During early autumn in Europe, that is the ideal time to visit the Mediterranean while the weather remains pleasant. That includes the destinations such as the Turkish shore, southern Italy, Spain, and Mediterranean islands of Crete, Cyprus, and Greece. But towards the end of autumn, the number of sunny days in Europe dwindles and it is harder to secure sunny holiday locations. Meanwhile, the most favorable travel season in Asia has only just started! From October onwards, it's the perfect time to travel to Thailand, Vietnam, and the southeastern parts of India and China. During this month, the climate in these nations is especially lovely.
Autumn is an ideal time to travel North Africa too. After the hot summer in Africa, it's the turn of this vast continent to explore now. Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt attract quite a number of tourists during this time, even though tourists are not in throngs. Towards the latter part of autumn, it becomes the best time to tour the southern countries like Senegal, Madagascar, and South Africa, as the countries of the Southern Hemisphere begin to warm up.
In the Americas, the best destinations to visit during autumn are in the continent's southern and central parts. These areas, due to their proximity to the Caribbean Sea, are heading into their rainy season. Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile are some of the countries located here. Also, towards the later part of autumn, it's the best time to visit Death Valley and the American deserts.
Recommended for: Italy, France, Iran (north, deserts), Turkey, Bali.
Winter is the best season for exciting adventures.
Winter (December to February)
For ski lovers and special vacations.
If skiing or Christmas is your interest, winter is your season. Christmas markets in Europe, skiing in the Alps, or even visiting warmer places like Southeast Asia can also be a good option.
Europe is typically cold and rainy during winter. This decreasing temperature, along with shorter sunshine days, makes most European countries less welcoming to visit at this time—unless you're going to the Alps or the Pyrenees for skiing, or to indulge in winter sports. However, if you insist on traveling to Europe in the winter, then the plains of Andalusia in Spain may be a suitable substitute. The weather will be better there, and there will be fewer tourists surrounding you.
Meanwhile, Asia provides comfortable weather for travelers! Thailand, Vietnam, southern China (northern China is blanketed in snow and ice during this season), Myanmar, and India have sunny weather with appropriate temperatures for travelers going to these places.
While the northern parts of Africa experience cold, wintry weather, it’s the perfect time for exploring the deserts of this vast continent. However, if you’re planning to visit the coastal areas, it’s not the best season. On the other hand, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa begin their peak tourist season during this time. However, there may still be intense heat along the eastern coast.
In the Americas, the Caribbean and central parts are ideal for traveling in winter. For example, countries like Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile have good traveling conditions. In the Americas' deserts, the climate is also suitable for desert adventure.
Therefore, if you are traveling to Europe for skiing, we recommend the Alps and the Pyrenees. However, if you desire an adventure, southern Australia will meet your requirement for safari, swimming, surfing, and wildlife activities.
Recommended for: Switzerland, Austria, Germany (Christmas markets), Thailand, UAE, Maldives.
⸻
Generally, September (corresponding to the months of Shahrivar and Mehr in the Persian calendar) is a good time to travel on every continent. The seasonal rains have already passed, the weather is no longer hot, the tourist season has ended, and prices decrease.
How to choose the best time to travel?
To make the optimal decision, consider the following factors:
• What are your purposes for the trip? Rest, nature excursions, shopping, culture immersion, or entertainment?
• How much money do you have available? Prices could be much cheaper in certain seasons.
• How sensitive are you to heat, cold, or crowds?
• Do you want to get discounts and special prices? Then low season could be the time to travel.
Lastly, the best time for travel is personalized for each one. What is most important is to recognize what you wish for your getaway and choose the proper season in relation to your travel destination. That way, a brief holiday can become a branded memory.