Let the season choose your destination. When planning your year of travel, keep in mind the best time to visit your destinations. Whether it be for the best weather or for a specific event, knowing when to visit your destinations for the best experience is crucial.

Let this ultimate monthly destination guide be your passport for discovering the best locations to travel to each month.

The Year-Round Travel Guide: Top Destinations for Each Month

BENEFITS OF TIMING YOUR TRAVELS

• Peak Season vs Shoulder Season

  To avoid crowds, add a one month buffer to typical peak season. Go a month before or after peak season to get the best out of the weather without the crowds.

• Wildlife Doesn’t Lie

  If traveling for wildlife viewing, be sure to know the best season to visit. If you’re hoping to see the whales in Hawaii, don’t visit in May and be shocked when it’s not high season for whale watching.

1. January

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Escape the cold of the majority of the US by heading to Southern California for the beginning of the year. January is a perfect time to visit the beautiful beaches or enjoy a round of golf at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

For an adventure, January is a great time to visit Death Valley National Park. Being the hottest, lowest, and driest US National Park, the winter months allow a much needed break from the heat. The nights will still be chilly in the desert, but the days will be perfect for a hike.

VIRGIN ISLANDS

If you’re needing a low maintenance and relaxing vacation post-holidays, the Virgin Islands are for you. Keep the beginning of the year travel planning simple by taking this trip. Flights are easy and passports aren’t required for US citizens!

A trip to the Virgin Islands doesn’t have to be all daiquiris on the beach. Island hop through St Croix, St John and St Thomas taking in the adventure these islands have to offer. For more inspo on things to do in the Virgin Islands, check out Tim and Fin’s 2-week travel vlog!

PHILIPPINES

Ring in the new year with adobo and tapuy by traveling to the Philippines in January. Being in a tropical climate, it is best to travel to the Philippines during the dry season to avoid spending your vacation in downpours. January is the height of dry season and therefor the perfect time to visit.

A unique way to visit the sights of the Philippines is by boat tour from El Nido to Coron. Tours range from day trips to full week expeditions and will take you from island to island. Don’t forget sunscreen!

2. February

COLORADO, USA

While it may seem late in the season, February is the month that brings the best snow to the Colorado Rockies! Pack up your skis and head to the iconic Colorado ski resorts like Breckenridge, Aspen, and Vail.

February not only brings the best snow, but is also going to have fewer holiday skiers. Just be aware of blackout weekends or busier weekends like Presidents Day!

ABC ISLANDS: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao

Talk about paradise! A trip to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao is the perfect reset during the never-ending winter months. Miles of beaches and incredible snorkeling can be found on all three islands. Pick one, or cruise to them all!

You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the islands. This is in part because the entire island of Bonaire is a protected marine park and Curaçao is home to two National Parks!

MAUI, HAWAII

February is the ultimate time for humpback whale watching in Maui. What’s unique about this whale watching experience, is that the humpbacks get so close to the shoreline that you’re able to see them from the beach or even from your hotel balcony!

While in Maui, roadtrip around the island taking in waterfall hikes and lots of shaved ice. For the do’s and don’ts of Maui travel, watch Tim and Fin’s Ultimate 2-Weeks in Maui.

3. March

FLORIDA, USA

Find the sweet spot between Spring Breakers and Snow Birds by visiting Florida in March. Florida is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” kind of state! You can island hop through the Keys by way of the Overseas Highway, shop until you drop in Miami, or enjoy the nature of the four National Parks.

Surprising, but Florida is actually not that warm until about March unless you’re far south. Be able to enjoy the sunshine by waiting until March to visit.

BAJA PENINSULA

Wanting a unique Spring Break experience? Skip Cabo this year for a trip to Laguna San Ignacio on the Baja Peninsula. March is the best time to visit for a chance to see the gray whales off the coast of Baja California Sur.

There are plenty of tour boats that go out every day for your chance to see the whales. What’s really unique about these whale sighting tours, is the opportunity to be able to touch these gentle giants! The boats get close enough to be able to safely reach out and pet the whales.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Who doesn’t have “swim with giant tortoises ” on their bucketlist? Venture to the Galapagos Islands in March to experience the the vast wildlife the islands have to offer. While there is no “bad” time to see the wildlife in the Galapagos, March offers the best water clarity for snorkeling.

For a break from the heat, head inland for volcano hikes and jungle safaris. You can even visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to dive deeper into the wonders of the Galapagos.

4. April

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA

Before the summer brings in the school tour groups, April is a great time to visit the nation’s capital. The weather will be warm enough to walk around without the mugginess the summer humidity brings. Enjoy visiting the historical National Mall and stop into the free Smithsonian museums.

The real attraction for Washington, D.C. in April is the blooming of the cherry blossoms. Stop to smell the flowers during your visit to the capital.

COSTA RICA

The best time to visit a rainforest? During dry season! April is the warmest, but driest, month to visit Costa Rica. For sun and surf, head to the Guanacaste region for the best beaches. April is also the time for sea turtle nesting where Guanacaste is the best location to see them.

Take a break from the beach to head to Arenal Volcano for a hike and a dip in the hot springs. Take a tip from Tim and Fin and enjoy a day of adventure at Monte Verde Cloud Forest for ziplining and a walk across the hanging bridge.

OSAKA, JAPAN

Another destination known for it’s April cherry blossoms is Japan. Osaka, Japan offers multiple cherry blossom viewing areas like Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Walk along the river in the park to get to Osaka Castle, another incredible and historical spot to see the cherry blossoms.

The timing of cherry blossoms in Japan differs so be sure to plan according to the bloom time in the city you’ll be visiting. Osaka’s prime time to see the blooms, or hanami, is in the first week of April.

5. May

UTAH MIGHTY FIVE

Utah boasts some of the most impressive National Parks in the country: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Park. From deep canyons to the firey color of the red rocks, Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks are some you can’t pass up.

Skip the crowds from the summer family road trippers and have some of the most enjoyable weather by visiting these National Parks in May.

BIG EUROPEAN CITIES

Swap European Summer for European Early Summer. Summer is the busiest time to visit Europe. Big cities like London, Rome, and Paris tend to be overly crowded and teaming with tourists. Visit these big European cities in the late spring month of May to beat the crowds to it.

May in Europe can still be a bit rainy, but still just as enjoyable. On rainier days, take the opportunity to visit the plentiful museums and historical sites of Europe. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa without having to squint.

VIETNAM

Visiting Vietnam is about getting the timing just right. Too early and you can risk snow. Too late and you’re into monsoon season. Visiting Vietnam in May is a safe bet for great weather and a great experience.

An incredible way to visit Vietnam is by touring on a Halong Bay cruise. You can choose a day cruise to enjoy the views or opt for a 3-day cruise to see more of the sites Halong Bay has to offer.

6. June

JUNEAU, ALASKA

June hosts the Summer Equinox, the longest day of the year. These longer days are perfect for visiting Alaska where daylight and warmth is going to be appreciated. Aptly named Juneau is the best spot in Alaska to visit in June boasting over 18 hours of daylight!

Enjoy a cruise departing from Juneau to admire the ice formations and have a chance at viewing the humpback whales. If cruises aren’t your thing, Tim and Fin offer an Alaskan itinerary from the road.

NATIONAL PARKS WILDLIFE

The sun is out and so is the wildlife come June! Sleepy animals of the National Parks will be coming out of hibernation and are ready to be spotted. National Parks like Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone are some of the most popular for wildlife viewing.

Other less common National Parks like Voyageurs in Minnesota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota are also hot spots for wildlife viewing. Of course, always adhere to the signs posted for your safety and always be bear aware.

ICELAND

Aren’t ready for summer to start? Retreat to Iceland for a final fix of snow. Warmer temperatures will make take the chill out of Iceland making adventurous day trips that much more enjoyable. The long days of June will also give you more time to enjoy the sights.

Iceland has a lot of ground to cover. Tim and Fin’s favorite way to enjoy Iceland is by renting a camper van to take your accommodations on the road. Watch their 2-week road trip along the Ring Road for Iceland inspo.

7. July

NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Lakes, National Parks, and wine? What more could you ask for? Northern Michigan is home to stretches of beach front along the Great Lakes. Enjoy long beach walks and find your way to the sandy peaks of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park.

Apart from the Great Lakes, Michigan is also home to the Caribbean blue waters of the inland lake, Torch Lake. After a day on the water, find your way to a winery in Traverse City. The Cherry Capital of the world is known for it’s hilltop, lake front wineries and famous cherry wine.

BANFF AND CANADIAN ROCKIES

Speaking of blue waters, head to Banff in July to see the unforgettable crystal blue waters of Lake Louise. July, one of the warmest months to visit, will be a great time to spend the day kayaking on the lake and taking a morning hike in the National Park.

While there are typically less crowds in Banff, July may be a busier time to visit due to the weather. Opt for early morning hikes or lesser known spots like Moraine Lake for a unique Canadian Rockies experience.

MASAI MARA, KENYA

You have probably hear of the 7 World Wonders, but did you know that there are also 7 Natural World Wonders as well? One of these being the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya. In July, 1.5 million wildebeest will migrate across the Kenyan plains to Tanzania.

One of the best spots for sighting the Great Migration is in Masai Mara. Head to the reserve for a day trip safari, or stay in an ecolodge within the park itself.

8. August

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe in California has just about everything you could need for a late summer vacation. Rent jet skiis or paddle boards to spend the day on the lake. There are plenty of hidden beaches and coves to find while exploring the lake. Take a break from the water to enjoy the hiking and mountain biking the area has to offer.

A couple hours drive south, you can ditch summer all together! Mammoth Mountain stays open nearly all year round with closing days into August. From water skiing to snow skiing, the Lake Tahoe region has it all.

ISLE HOBOX

Walk along and endless sandbar on the beautiful Isla Hobox. Hobox is a car-free island only accessible by ferry. You’ll feel an escape from reality enjoying snorkeling, bike rides around the island, and of course, chips and guac. The perfect tranquil getaway.

August is a perfect time to visit Isla Hobox for a chance to see the wildlife that inhabits the island. Flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles to name a few of the animals you may encounter. Visiting in August also gives you the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks!

FRENCH POLYNESIA

With a short dry season, French Polynesia is best to be visited in August when a day at the beaches of Tahiti, Fiji, and Bora Bora can be enjoyed without the chance of a sprinkle.

August is the best time to visit for good reason, but it is no secret that good weather brings the crowds. Book your trip to French Polynesia well in advance for the best prices and opportunities. Come on, a trip to these islands would not be complete without a stay in an overwater bungalow. Plan now before they book up!

9. September

NEW ENGLAND

Get out your scarfs and boots! September in New England means fall is here. The colors of the fall are incredible up and down New England and a leaf peeping road trip is a must.

Routes like the US Route 5A and Pike Hill Road in Vermont are begging to be driven come the fall. Weaving their way through miles of colorful maple trees and plenty of small towns to explore. Stop for fresh maple syrup and lots of photos!

NAPA VALLEY

Wine and dine your way through Napa Valley in early fall. Visiting Napa Valley in September means that grape harvest is in full swing. Enjoy bountiful tours of wine production and, of course, sample the product as well.

Napa Valley can be a high end, luxury experience, but it doesn’t have to be! You can ball on a budget in Napa Valley and still have a great trip. Experts on budget travel, Tim and Fin found their favorite way to visit Napa Valley on a budget was by camping!

DALMATIAN COAST

Croatia is a country most frequented during the European Summer vacation. This means that September makes for the best time to visit! Fewer crowds with just as good weather makes for the perfect vacation.

Sailing is big on the Dalmation Coast and many people will charter boats to head out on the water. In September you’ll find that the cost of boat charters will be much more affordable than trying to spring for a day on the water in July or August.

10. October

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Visit Albuquerque in October to be able to experience the International Balloon Festival. Even if you don’t plan on going up in the hot air balloons, viewing the festival from the ground is just as awe-inspiring.

An hour from Albuquerque lives Santa Fe, New Mexico. Enjoy a day in Old Town Santa Fe exploring the town square and incredible authentic New Mexican food. Stop into art galleries or visit Georgia O'Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert.

MEXICO CITY

Mexico City during Day of the Dead is a celebration like no other. Millions of people head to the city to celebrate with music, food, parades, and costumes. If the crowding isn’t for you, visit Mexico City before the celebration in November and visit in October. The anticipation of the upcoming holiday will still be in the air but will cheaper rates and fewer people.

Only have a short visit in Mexico City? Fin can run you through the must-dos and must-sees of Mexico City in one day.

SOUTH AFRICA

Though October means the heart of fall for the United States, it is summer time in the southern hemisphere. Visit the beaches of Cape Town then take a flight north to Johannesburg to experience it all.

Johannesburg is home to some of the most most incredible and luxurious safari experiences. Scratch safari off your bucketlist in a big way with a chance to see elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and more.

11. November

SEDONA, ARIZONA

November brings in winter for a good majority of the United States. Keep the warm times coming by visiting Sedona, Arizona in November. Spend a day in Sedona enjoying the incredible art scene of the galleries and statue parks and the quaint shops of the downtown area.

For an adventure, take a hike along the legendary trail system around Sedona. From canyons and red rocks to vast rivers, Sedona is home to naturally beautiful sights.

CANARY ISLANDS

Keep the European Summer vibes going into November with a trip to the Canary Islands. While most of Europe will be overtaken by winter, the Canary Islands are tropical enough to stay warm enough to take an ocean dip even in November!

If you’re chasing the surf, November is a perfect time to visit the Canary Islands. Take a lesson or rent a board and enjoy the best waves of the year.

PATAGONIA

With summer weather sneaking into the southern hemisphere in November, the conditions are perfect to visit Patagonia. This region was meant to be adventured with everything from thrill-seeking hikes, glacier trekking, and wildlife spotting.

November in Patagonia is the best time to spot the nesting penguin colonies. Head to the southern area of Patagonia like Puntas Arenas and Tierra Del Fuego’s Martillo Island to catch sight of the thousands of penguins.

12. December

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

New York City at Christmas time is one of the most magical places to be. The lights and the hustle and bustle adds the allure. Spend a weekend in New York City in December the marvel in the merriment.

Don’t forget a visit to Rockefeller Center, even if you’ve visited before, to wonder at the iconic Christmas tree and to test out your ice skating skills. End the night at a Rockette’s show to kick off the holiday season.

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Almost everywhere you visit in Europe in December will be hosting their own Christmas market. While they are plentiful, no two are exactly the same! You’re bound to find mulled wine and an assortment of cheese but each market will have it’s own personal flair.

Take advantage of your time in Europe in December by taking the easy and quick train system around to hot Christmas market spots like Berlin, Prague, and Krakow.

ANTARTICA CRUISE

An Antartica cruise in December?! You heard that right. Don’t forget, December means summer time in Antartica. The perfect time to cruise! Holiday pricing and ideal weather will make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There are many limits in place to protect the delicate ecosystem of Antartica. While you may not be able to step foot on the continent, cruises will give you ample opportunities to view the land and some will even bring ice back to the ship for you the touch!

Your Year of Travel

Every destination has its ultimate time to visit. Knowing when these times are can help you cater your travel destinations to have the best experience you can. Keep these destinations in mind when looking at your travel calendar to choose the best destination for your trip.