Best Time to Visit Major Holiday Destinations
Best Time to Visit Major Holiday Destinations in 2026
Timing your holiday correctly can make a significant difference to the weather you experience, the crowds you encounter, and the price you pay. This guide covers the best times to visit some of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, helping you plan your trip for maximum enjoyment and value.
Use SupaCompare to compare accommodation prices across all of these destinations for your chosen travel dates.
Best Time to Visit Spain
Best months: May–June and September–October
Spain’s most popular coastal resorts (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Majorca) are fantastic destinations from late spring through early autumn. May, June, and September offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than the peak July–August summer season. Avoid August if you’re looking for quieter, more affordable options.
For city breaks to Barcelona or Madrid, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Tenerife
Best months: November–March (for winter sun); April–May and October (for value)
Tenerife’s unique climate makes it a genuine year-round destination. The south of the island enjoys sunshine even in winter, with average temperatures around 20–22°C from November to March. This makes it one of the most popular winter sun destinations for UK travelers.
Summer (July–August) is hot but also very busy and expensive. April–May and October offer excellent weather with noticeably lower hotel prices.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Best months: November–March
Dubai is best visited during the winter months when temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot—typically 22–28°C. From June to August, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, making outdoor activities difficult and uncomfortable.
December and January are peak seasons with the best weather but also the highest hotel prices. November and March offer a good balance of pleasant conditions and slightly lower costs.
Best Time to Visit New York
Best months: April–June and September–November
New York is a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are widely considered the best times to visit. Temperatures are comfortable for walking the city’s streets, events are plentiful, and the summer heat and humidity haven’t yet arrived.
December is magical for the Christmas atmosphere, though prices are at their highest. January and February can be very cold but offer some of the year’s lowest hotel rates.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
Best months: November–April
The Maldives has a dry season from approximately November to April and a wet/monsoon season from May to October. The dry season offers the best snorkeling and diving conditions, with calm seas and excellent visibility.
January to March is the peak of the dry season and also the most expensive period. November and early December offer good conditions with slightly lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Santorini
Best months: April–May and September–October
Santorini is spectacular in summer but can be extremely crowded and expensive in July and August. Visiting in late spring or early autumn offers warm weather, calmer seas, fewer tourists, and significantly better hotel availability and pricing.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Best months: May–September (dry season)
Bali’s dry season runs from May to September, with July and August being the busiest and most expensive months. For the best combination of good weather and reasonable prices, May, June, or September are ideal.
The wet season (October–April) brings regular rainfall but also lower prices. December–February can see significant rainfall.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Best months: November–February
Thailand’s cool season (November–February) offers the best all-round conditions for most visitors: pleasantly warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. March and April become very hot. May to October is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand resorts.
General Tips for Timing Your Holiday
- Avoid school holiday peaks where possible—UK school summer holidays (late July and August) coincide with peak season for most European destinations, resulting in the highest prices of the year.
- Consider shoulder seasons – The weeks either side of peak season typically offer very similar conditions with meaningfully lower hotel prices.
- Check local events and festivals—Some events (like Carnival in Tenerife or New Year in Dubai) add excitement but also drive up accommodation prices significantly.
- Book early for peak periods – If you must travel during peak season, booking well in advance gives the best choice and typically better rates.
Compare Hotel Prices for Any Season
Whatever time of year you’re planning to travel, comparing accommodation prices is the best way to ensure you get the best deal available. Use SupaCompare to search hotels by destination and dates across hundreds of destinations worldwide.