Where to Travel Every Month of the Year 

To ensure you get the most out of your 2023 trips, here we've rounded up where to travel and when, every month of the year.

Want to get up close and personal with grey whales in Mexico? That’s February. Avoid the crowds in Crete? April.

Head to the Amalfi Coast in August and you’ll soon realise that the most popular month to visit a destination isn’t necessarily the best. Crowds? No thanks. Sweltering heat? We’ll pass, thanks.

With that in mind, we’ve done our research so whether you’re an active traveller looking for a gruelling hike, or a more relaxed bystander happiest around a quiet pool with a good book in hand, all bases are covered.

Where to Travel in January: Barbados, Caribbean

Can you think of a better way to kick off the new year than with an exotic holiday to the bleached-white, powdery sands of Barbados? We can’t. January marks the dawn of the dry season on the eastern Caribbean island, which comes drenched in an average daily nine hours of sunshine and with average temperatures of up to 29°C. The ideal spot for some winter sun, you’ll be arriving just shy of peak season too, meaning fewer crowds.

Where to Travel in February: Baja California, Mexico

Escape February’s chilly European climes with a long-haul trip to Mexico’s Baja California where, sunny days aside, you’ll catch some incredible animal migrations including grey whales which come right up to visitors’ boats. It’s also an ideal trip for lovers of fine wine – Valle de Guadalupe provides 90% of the wines in Mexico – and you’ll stop at four different vineyards on this Get Your Guide Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour.

Where to Travel in March: Val d’Isere, France

Falling either side of the half-term holidays, March is the perfect time for that annual ski-trip. Not only can you find some great deals, but hitting the slopes this month means temperatures will be starting to climb too. Perhaps Europe’s best destination for spring skiing, the swanky Val d’Isere is also home to a number of luxury hotels and spas meaning even non-skiers will find plenty to keep themselves entertained.

Where to Travel in April: Crete, Greece

The last month of low tourism in Greece, yet with clement daily temperatures of around 20°C thanks to its southern setting, April is the perfect time to pay a visit to Crete before the sweltering summer kicks in. Head south for a truer, more rugged experience less crowded by resorts, while if you travel at Easter, the villages will be busy with festivals at which you can dine on traditional dishes to your heart’s content.

Where to Travel in May: New York, USA

May marks the start of the summer season in New York, meaning lots of long lovely warm days in which to explore everything from Central Park to Times Square. We suggest basing yourself at the new Virgin Hotel in NoMad which, boasting over 450 guest rooms, suites and penthouses plus an outdoor pool club and huge restaurant and bar, makes for one of the most stylish stays in the city.

Where to Travel in June: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Considered an outstanding example of Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, if you’re a fan of beautiful coastlines, exceptional food and turquoise seas as far as the eye can see, then you’ll be a fan of the Amalfi Coast. A short flight from the UK, a trip there in June means you’ll just about avoid the summer crowds, leaving you to enjoy the famous villages of Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento in some-what peace. Temperatures will also be just bearable enough to hike trails such as the Sentiero degli Dei (path of the gods).

Where to Travel in July: Cornwall, England

The jewel in the crown of England’s seaside resort counties, Cornwall well and truly comes to life in July, and there’s no place quite like its picturesque coast when the sun is shining. Excellent for surfing, if you’re that way inclined, foodies also flock here to dine out on excellent seafood in Penzance and Padstow. Take the kids, grandkids and dog along for the ride – but book early to ensure you find a room in the first place.

Where to Travel in August: Ecuador, South America

Much more than just a gateway to the Galapagos, Ecuador is an adventurer’s paradise complete with volcanoes to climb, the Amazon to trek and plenty of lush forests to zipline through. Base yourself in the city’s 16th-century Old Town, which just so happens to be Latin America’s largest and best preserved, and one of our favourite spots for piscos in the world. Temperatures don’t get much higher than 18°C in August, so there’s little chance of heatstroke.

Where to Travel in September: Lisbon, Portugal

All pretty cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals – and with a buzzing foodie scene to boot – Lisbon makes for the perfect European city break in September, with highs of around 27°C. Afternoons are made for climbing its seven hills but, if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s rich history while exploring its charming neighbourhoods, this three-hour Get Your Guide walking tour is a must-book.

Where to Travel in October: Mauritius, Indian Ocean

While we wouldn’t suggest turning down a trip to Mauritius at any time of the year, head to this little piece of heaven in October and you’ll be greeted with warm temperatures, little rainfall and almost zero humidity. Famed for its sapphire waters, pristine beaches and luxury resorts – we recommend staying at the chic all-villa resort Maradiva – while relaxing is a must, there’s also hiking through forests and mountains, boat trips and botanical gardens on your doorstep.

Where to Travel in November: Bruges, Belgium

With its picturesque cobbled lanes, dreamy canals and picture-perfect market squares, Bruges is a quintessential medieval town brimming with beauty. November is as good as any time to visit, but we love it for the fact that its Christmas market opens mid-month, so you can get in there early before the rest of the world descends come December.

Where to Travel in December: Svalbard, Norway

Bucket list experience incoming! Just 12 degrees south of the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the world’s best archipelagos for viewing the Northern Lights, with December one of the most successful months for sightings. For a truly magical evening, Hurtigruten Svalbard will take you out to Camp Barentz for a tasty two-course dinner of local specialties and drinks plus, if you’re lucky, a truly spectacular aurora show.

Feeling inspired? From luxury five-star hotels to fully-equipped apartments for all the family, you can find plenty of places to stay at Booking.com.