Off-season travel: Best times of year to visit some of the world’s most popular destinations
From autumnal colours in South Korea to touring the Baltics in spring, here are some of Lonely Planet’s top recommendations for travel in off-season.
As travel becomes a top priority for many, destinations worldwide are becoming increasingly crowded. However, visiting off-season offers a solution to crowded destinations while supporting the tourism industry. Lonely Planet's new book, "Offseason," highlights 103 popular destinations and suggests the ideal time to visit them outside peak periods. Here are some of the book's recommendations:
November is an excellent time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal. The cooler, wetter weather reduces crowds at attractions, and the stronger winds offer perfect conditions for windsurfing in Cascais.
South Korea's autumn colors are well-known, but visiting in November also reveals yellow gingko trees and red maple leaves in South Korea, without the usual crowds.
For those looking to avoid post-holiday blues, warm temperatures and stunning hiking trails in the Western Canaries, such as La Gomera and El Hierro, make perfect off-season destinations.
February brings the "Odyssey-inspired set-jetting" trend to Greece's Peloponnese region. Visitors can explore Ancient Olympia and Ancient Corinth while enjoying mild temperatures.
Türkiye is another affordable option in February, offering the Roman Basilica Cistern or the Ottoman Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, as well as the unique hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys.
If visiting Naples and Pompeii is on your list, March is an ideal time to do so. With a lower chance of rain, these popular attractions can be visited without the typical crowds.
Uganda is another off-season gem, especially in March when you can avoid both the busiest travel period and the heaviest rainfall. You'll be rewarded with encounters with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the dramatic scenery of Murchison Falls National Park.
The Baltics showcase their trip-maxxing trend in May. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania's capitals can be visited conveniently via public transportation or by cycling the Baltic Trails network.
With mild weather and unpopulated hiking trails, the Austrian Tyrol in June offers ideal hiking conditions without the usual crowds.
Kyrgyzstan is starting to gain attention, and June is perfect for visiting the mountain trails and nomadic yurt camps. Prices are lower than in July and August, making it a budget-friendly off-season destination.
October is an affordable time to visit Vietnam, with improving weather and lower prices from north to south.
Lastly, Tunisia is worth considering, particularly as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Star Wars in February 2027. The country is gaining more recognition, making it an intriguing travel option.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
