Best Travel Destinations to Visit By Month

Planning a trip can be a daunting task!

With so many incredible places to visit, world wonders to see, and adventures to have, there are a plethora of destinations to visit during each season!

Difficulty deciding where to go? I’ve compiled a list of the best travel destinations to visit during every month of the year! So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful mountain escape, a sunny beach vacation, or an exotic adventure, look no further…

Here are the best travel destinations to visit by month…my top recommendations based off of my incredible experiences!

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January

Costa Rica

An affordable Central American destination with diverse rainforests and breathtaking beaches…who could say no to Costa Rica in January?

January marks the peak of Costa Rica’s dry season, when the weather is optimal for outdoor adventures including hiking, white-water rafting, bird-watching, and lounging on the beach.

Affordable accommodations and delicious food makes Costa Rica one of the best places to visit in January for budget travelers or families hoping for an affordable adventure.

February

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival in Rio? SAY LESS.

The best time to visit Brazil is during the beginning and end of the dry season…early November and late February. If you are a party animal, you’ve probably put “attend Carnival in Rio” at the top of your bucket list!

Rio de Janeiro celebrates the festival like no other country! In late February, you’ll experience the country’s hot weather, which is perfect for relaxing on the beaches and drinking a caipirinha! Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to visit in February.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

February is about the time when people start ruminating about sunny, scorching summer weather. Why not indulge in the last few months of winter by booking a winter getaway?

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is the perfect place for a winter vacation. Whether you plan to spend all day at the slopes, shredding the “champagne powder” (the best of the west!), or you’d rather enjoy snowmobiling or horseback riding (yes, you can do so in winter!), Steamboat Springs has it all!

Steamboat Springs is one of the best winter destinations to visit in February. I’m already planning my adventure for next ski season!

March

Australia

Without a doubt, traveling down under is on everyone’s bucket list!

So when I had the opportunity to take a few weeks off of work and jet off to Australia and New Zealand, I didn’t hesitate to go the distance.

Late February into early March is a perfect time to visit Australia. During this time, Australia experiences its steaming hot summer, making it the perfect beach vacation. Whether you plan to explore the cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, or journey to experience the unique nature and wildlife, Australia is one of the best places to visit in March. 

New Zealand

I’ve traveled to dozens of places around the world and New Zealand is at the top of my list of favorite places.

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world; a perfect place to bungee jump off of New Zealand’s first bridge jump (Kawarau Bridge), paraglide over the Remarkables, or explore the country’s beautiful terrain (bring your hiking shoes!).

March marks the end of New Zealand’s peak season, the turning point from summer to fall when the weather gets cooler. New Zealand summers are temperate, with sunny days and warm temperatures. 

New Zealand is one of the best places to visit in March (and a very easy country to love!).

April

North Washington, USA

Springtime anywhere in the world is a dreamy time of blooming and rebirth.

North Washington, home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world during the season of reawakening.

During April, tulips bloom all over the countryside in the North Washington making this state a picturesque postcard destination.

May

New York City

Nothing compares to springtime in New York City!

My favorite time to visit the big apple is during Memorial Day weekend because of the perfect weather (not too hot or too cold!).

Summer is too hot in NYC, especially in areas with limited shade. So if you’re planning a trip to New York City, and prefer *not* to travel during the peak of summer, or during the busy Christmas season, springtime will make you fall in love with “the city that never sleeps

June

Kyrgyzstan

From scenic horseback rides to Song Kul lake and epic hiking treks up monumental peaks, Kyrgyzstan is an incredible destination for adventurous travelers.

If Kyrgyzstan wasn’t at the top of your bucket list, it should be now! This incredible Central Asian destination is an epic place for horseback riding, trekking, and breathtaking landscapes.

Georgia (the country!)

Georgia, located in Eastern Europe, is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for its unique landscape and culture.

As a former soviet country, Georgia’s history is incredibly interesting, and the architecture is fascinating and unique! The rugged terrain makes this country an incredible place to hike and get outdoors during the month of June!

July

Norway

One of Scandinavia’s most diverse landscapes, with historical towns, giant fjords, and modern cities, Norway is the perfect place to travel to in July.

Summer in Scandinavia sees warmer temperatures and long sunshine hours, giving travelers a chance at understanding what people mean when they refer to the daylight as “the midnight sun” (you have to travel to Norway to find out!).

My favorite part of Norway was exploring the rugged rural landscapes and cruising through the Norwegian fjords. Norway is one of the best places to visit in July!

August

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a small island off the coast of North Africa which offers stunning crystal blue ocean waters, lush green mountains, and quaint, charming beach towns.

The small, romantic island is perfect for travelers hoping for a mix of relaxation and adventure. One day you could be strolling alongside the ocean, listening to the peaceful rhythm of crashing waves, and the next you could be “rough-housing it” on a four-wheeler tour of the island’s enchanting landscapes. Madeira is the perfect island getaway for August!

September

Florence, Italy

Late September in Florence, Italy is the dreamiest place in the world.

When I studied Art History in Florence, I experienced all seasons, from the scorching heat of European summer, to the chilly, mild Tuscan winters.

My favorite season of all was fall in Florence. During the fall, summer crowds die down, making museum visits much more enjoyable. During the summer, Florence is scorchingly hot and incredibly busy. A Florentine fall is the perfect getaway to welcome the season of changing colors and cool temperatures!

Wyoming

If you’re captivated by the awe-inspiring geysers at Yellowstone National Park, or can’t stop thinking about the monumental Grand Tetons, Wyoming is probably already at the top of your bucket list.

Wyoming is one of the best travel destinations in September when the weather cools off, summer crowds disappear, and leaves change from vibrant greens to glowing yellows.

Whether you plan to explore the backcountry by traversing the scenic trails or discover nature on the back of a horse, Wyoming has stunning landscapes and incredible outdoor adventure activities for all travelers.

October

Croatia

Early October is the perfect time to visit the most beautiful country in the Balkans.

Crystal blue waters on the Adriatic sea? Yes please! Orange roofs and cobblestone pathways? Absolutely. Croatia is a fairytale.

During early fall, temperatures drop and fewer cruise ships dock at the local port. I am a major proponent in shoulder season travel, and an early fall adventure in Croatia will prove it!

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a truly unique place, worth visiting during the cooler months.

When my twin sister Lily and I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Dubai for a scientific conference in October 2021, we didn’t hesitate to jump on the opportunity!

Dubai is an intriguing city in the Middle East, with skyscrapers reaching unfathomable heights (the Burj Khalifa), indoor skiing (Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates), expansive malls, and man-made islands of incredible size.

The weather in the United Arab Emirates offers two seasons, hot and hotter, but October is the perfect time to visit when temperatures are less than scorching.

November

Argentina

Countries in the southern hemisphere experience summer during the later months of the year. Therefore, November is the perfect time to visit Argentina! During our winter, Argentina experiences its summer, offering perfect weather for exploring the country’s beautiful cities, like Buenos Aires, or finding respite in its beautiful landscapes, like Patagonia.

December

Saudi Arabia

Hey Alexa, cue *Arabian Nights* from Disney’s Aladdin movie.

Saudi Arabia is a huge country with diverse landscapes, delectable cuisine, and amazing hospitality. During the summer months, Saudi Arabia can get incredibly hot, therefore, the best time to visit this unique country is during December!

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, December marks the peak of winter, when days are the shortest and the coldest. Saudi Arabia in December is the perfect winter escape. During December, temperatures cool down considerably in the desert country.

Belize

Do you like piña coladas? Because I definitely do!

Imagine yourself relaxing on the beach, sipping a cold drink, while your friends and family back home shiver inside during the cold weather.

Belize is one of the best winter getaways in December! During the winter months, Belize experiences its dry season, where temperatures soar, and the island reawakens. Snorkeling reaches its peak, and you can expect a perfect beach vacation!

Have fun planning your next vacation! This extensive list of the best destinations to visit by month should give you a place to start!