If you’ve been following my travels for a while, you already know I’m a big fan of shoulder season trips. Whenever I have a choice, that’s when I like to travel – there are just so many advantages.
These advantages make it the most magical window to experience popular destinations because the crowds have eased, the weather is still pleasant, and accommodation prices usually drop. It’s that sweet spot where everything feels calmer, more affordable and just as beautiful.
Over the years, I’ve learned that timing can make or break a trip. Visit Seychelles in December or during the summer rush, and you’ll find hotel rates climbing through the roof and some beaches packed during peak hours. But arrive in late April or May, and the islands feel calmer.
The water is still crystal clear, the weather is warm and breezy, and you stand a much better chance of booking those dreamy beachfront villas without the eye-watering price tag – same paradise, minus the frenzy.
Not every destination experiences tourism in the same way, so there are places where travelling in peak season can actually be the better choice. Even so, shoulder season usually offers the best balance overall.
In this post, I’ll be sharing a month-by-month breakdown of great places to visit during shoulder season. But before we get into that, let’s take a moment to explain what shoulder season really means and why it matters.
What Exactly Is Shoulder Season?
Simply put, shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak tourist season and its off-season. It’s that sweet spot where the weather is still generally good, most attractions and services are operating, but the crowds have thinned out significantly. Think of it as the Goldilocks zone of travel – not too busy, not too quiet, but just right.
Most destinations have two shoulder seasons per year. For European beach destinations, these typically fall in late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October).
For tropical locations, the shoulder season often coincides with the transitions between wet and dry seasons. Mountain destinations might have shoulder seasons in late spring when the snow is melting, or early autumn before winter sports begin.
Why Travel During Shoulder Season?
I’ve visited destinations during all three seasons – peak, shoulder, and off – and shoulder season consistently delivers the best overall experience. Here’s why:
Better Prices: Hotels, flights, and tours are often cheaper than peak season rates. That five-star resort that was out of budget in July? Suddenly affordable in September.
Fewer Crowds: You’ll actually be able to take photos without strangers in the background, get reservations at popular restaurants, and explore famous sites without feeling like you’re spending your entire holiday lining up in a queue.
More Authentic Experiences: With fewer visitors, locals often have more time and space to connect genuinely. Some of my warmest conversations and most memorable encounters have happened during shoulder season trips.
Pleasant Weather: While you might not get guaranteed sunshine every single day, shoulder season weather is often more comfortable than peak season. Exploring ancient ruins in 25°C beats melting in 40°C heat any day.
Everything’s Still Open: Unlike off-season, when restaurants might close, and tours might not run, shoulder season means you’ll have access to virtually everything a destination offers, just without the crowds.
The Trade-offs
I should be honest, though – shoulder season travel isn’t perfect. You might encounter occasional rain or unpredictable weather, and some hotels or restaurants might close for maintenance between seasons. The autumn shoulder seasons bring slightly shorter daylight hours, and party destinations can feel less vibrant.
For me, these minor inconveniences are more than worth it for the benefits. A rainy afternoon is a small price to pay for having major attractions to yourself.
For me, these minor inconveniences are more than worth it for the benefits. A rainy afternoon is a small price to pay for having major attractions to yourself.
Finding Your Perfect Shoulder Season
The trick is knowing when shoulder season falls for your chosen destination. A place that’s perfect in May might be miserable in November, and vice versa. That’s why I’ve put together this month-by-month guide to help you find the best shoulder season destinations for whenever you’re able to travel.
So whether you’re constrained by school holidays, work schedules, or just looking for the optimal time to visit somewhere you’ve been dreaming about, this guide will help you make the most of shoulder season travel. Let’s get into it!
January: Morocco
While most of Europe is shivering through winter, Morocco enjoys milder weather that makes exploring so much easier. Mark and I spent December to January in Morocco, and although we had chilly mornings and even some snow in certain areas, our afternoons were usually warm enough to wander the souks, visit gardens, and sightsee without feeling bundled up. It’s a surprisingly pleasant time to visit.
Alternate Destination: Nigeria: After the buzz of Detty December fades, the city settles into a calmer rhythm. There’s usually a light touch of harmattan in the air, which brings cooler temperatures and softer mornings, along with lingering traces of December’s energy. It’s genuinely one of my favourite times to be in Lagos because you get the vibrancy of the city without the overwhelm.
February: Singapore
February is a lovely time to explore Singapore, especially just after the Chinese New Year celebrations wind down. The city feels refreshed, the festive crowds thin out, and the weather settles into a warm, tropical rhythm. While I did get a few rainy afternoons during my week there, the mornings and evenings were beautiful for wandering through the gardens, exploring neighbourhoods, and enjoying the city’s outdoor attractions.
I spent a week in Singapore in February, and the timing worked out really well. Popular spots like Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens were easy to navigate, the hawker centres weren’t as hectic, and hotel rates were more reasonable compared to major holiday periods. Even with the occasional tropical shower, the city was vibrant, manageable, and incredibly enjoyable to explore.
March: Egypt
Egypt in March offers ideal weather for exploring ancient sites without melting in the heat. The temperatures hover around a comfortable 25°C, perfect for visiting the pyramids and wandering through temple and mosque complexes.
I found that March visitors get the best of both worlds – warm, sunny days for Nile cruises and desert adventures, but without the scorching summer heat that makes midday sightseeing miserable.
Alternate Destination: Japan: Yes, Japan! I said this on Instagram, and people nearly had my head for it, haha, but I stand by it. Early March works well as a shoulder season. You might not get the full cherry blossom bloom, but that’s the tradeoff for lighter crowds and better prices.
April: Seychelles
April is a wonderful time to visit Seychelles, and my late April to May trip confirmed it. The islands felt calm and easy to explore, the beaches were quiet, and the water was clear enough for incredible snorkelling. The weather was warm with a mix of sunshine and light breezes.
Hotel rates were noticeably better than peak months, and popular spots like Anse Lazio and Beau Vallon were practically empty. It felt like the perfect balance of good weather, relaxed energy, and great value, which made the whole experience even more magical.
May: Namibia
Visiting Namibia in May is a dream for anyone who loves wide-open landscapes and comfortable weather. We went in May (into June) and found the days warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the desert, wildlife parks, and the stunning coastline, while the nights were pleasantly cool.
We got significant discounts on our hotels and rental car compared to peak season, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The combination of amazing weather, fewer crowds, and better prices made May an ideal month to experience everything Namibia has to offer without the usual rush.
June and July
I’ll be honest – I haven’t personally travelled during shoulder season in these months, mostly because school holidays and summer travel make it peak season for most destinations. However, I’ve read that countries like Zambia, Croatia, Iceland, and Norway can be great to visit during this time.
I have visited Rwanda several times in July and August. While these are considered the country’s peak season months, it never felt overwhelming or stressful the way peak season often does in other destinations. I’ll definitely update this post once I get the chance to explore more shoulder season options during these months.
August: USA (Glacier National Park – Backcountry)
July and August are peak hiking months in Glacier National Park, but we found mid-August (and September) to be incredible as well. The weather was mostly perfect, wildlife encounters were amazing, and the trails were not too busy.
There was even a full day when it rained continuously, and we didn’t see a single other person on the trail. While September might be the ideal shoulder season, mid-August offered an unexpectedly peaceful and beautiful experience.
September: Turkey
September in Turkey offers everything you could want. The summer heat has mellowed, the Mediterranean and Aegean seas are at their warmest, and the crowds have thinned considerably.
We explored Istanbul and Cappadocia in late September, and the timing was perfect. Hot air balloon rides at sunrise in Cappadocia were stunning and discounted, and Istanbul’s historic sites were manageable to visit without the suffocating summer crowds.
October: South Korea
October brings ideal weather for exploring South Korea’s incredible sites. The weather is crisp and comfortable, with clear skies and mild temperatures perfect for exploring cities, mountains, and countryside alike.
Autumn foliage is peaking, painting national parks and temple grounds in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold – making it a photographer’s paradise. Tourist crowds are smaller than in summer, so you can enjoy popular sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Nami Island, and Seoraksan National Park without the usual congestion.
Another great destination for October travel is the UK. While much of the time the weather can be grey and cloudy, we were lucky to catch stretches of blue skies and beautiful autumn days.
The countryside was stunning with fall colours, historic towns felt peaceful without peak-season crowds, and cosy restaurants made for the perfect breaks between sightseeing. It’s a quieter, more atmospheric time to explore the UK compared to the busy summer months.
November: Japan
November is a fantastic time to visit Japan. The autumn foliage is absolutely stunning, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting temples, parks, and gardens across the country.
It’s just as beautiful as the famous cherry blossom season in spring, but with fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy popular spots at a relaxed pace. Visiting in November also often means better deals on accommodation and tours compared to peak spring months.
Plus, with clear skies, it’s a great time to catch breathtaking views of Mount Fuji framed by the fall colours – a truly iconic and memorable sight.
An alternate destination could be South Africa, when the weather is warming up, but before the December holiday crowds arrive. This is a great time to enjoy sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and outdoor activities like safaris, hiking, and exploring the coast, all without the peak-season rush.
December: Kuwait, Oman
While the Gulf region can be scorching in summer, December offers much more comfortable weather. Temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the landscapes look stunning. This is typically peak season in the region; however, visiting in early December, before the holiday rush hits even popular spots like the UAE, makes it an ideal time to explore with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
And for countries like Kuwait and Oman that are still a bit under the radar, visiting in December can feel like shoulder season travel as well.
Making Shoulder Season Work for You
The key to successful shoulder season travel is flexibility and research. Check the specific weather patterns for your chosen destination, confirm that major attractions will be open, and book accommodation with good cancellation policies just in case.
I’ve found that shoulder season travel consistently delivers better experiences than peak season visits. You’ll spend less money, and actually be able to enjoy destinations without the constant stress of crowds and queues.
So next time you’re planning a trip, consider shifting your dates by just a few weeks. That small change might transform a good holiday into an extraordinary one.
PS: I couldn’t possibly list every country in the world, so I focused on places I’ve actually been. As a general rule, April to May and September to November are ideal shoulder travel months, offering the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. If you plan your trips around these windows, you’ll find your travels smoother, more enjoyable, and often more memorable.
