There’s peak season… and then there’s the rest of the year, too.
By Valeria Garibotti on 10th August, 2023
BORNEO
Borneo is at its best March-November and the crowds are biggest (and prices highest) in July-August. We suggest visiting in March and April. The chances for a clear sunrise atop Mt Kinabalu are high and the fruit seasons mean good chances of spotting wild orangutans and semi-wild orangutans at the rehabilitation centres.
October and early November are nearly as good so get your dose of jungle heat in the spring or fall instead of the summer!
PHILIPPINES
With different weather patterns across the country, it’s tough to deem one month the best of the year for the Philippines.
I like early May before the rains get heavy when occasional showers and cloudy hours cool the intense tropical heat. June-October can be wet and windy with road and ferry closures and December-February tends to be BUSY so April-May and November are the sweet spots.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Like many places, the shoulder seasons are often the best for the Cayman Islands. May and November are these two months (peak season is December-April) and although hurricanes rarely hit these islands, June-November is when the risk is greatest which makes May my preferred month.
Prices in the Cayman Islands are always high so shoulder season rates mean it’s easier to fit diving, dining, and fun into the budget. Plus the first week of May has the Batabano Carnival with masquerade parades and parties.
MALAYSIA
Much of peninsular Malaysia is great year-round with a mix of sun, clouds, and short bursts of tropical rain. Some months are wetter than others in different areas and the coasts each have their own seasons.
For the west coast including Langkawi and Pangkor December through April are the best months for sunny days.
For the east coast including Tioman and the Perhentians, it’s April-September. Making April the one month when you can explore all of Malaysia.
LUXURY SAILING IN GREECE
To be honest I would go on a yacht holiday in Greece any time I was invited and sometimes even when I am not!
However, if I was being choosy, I would thoroughly recommend September. September has it all, the temperatures have relaxed, and the evenings carry a lovely gentle breeze. The sea is at its warmest and the champagne is at its coolest…oh and the sailing’s not too bad either!
UZBEKISTAN
One of the most popular countries to visit in Central Asia is Uzbekistan, that lies at the very heart of Central Asia and was a key link on the Silk Road in ancient times.
It is home to three of the world’s oldest cities – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva – often described as open-air museums, once powerful and important trade centres, where architecture and the arts were highly developed.
SRI LANKA
While most people travel to Sri Lanka between December and March when the west and south coast of Sri Lanka is in high season, the Cultural Triangle with its National Parks and the beautiful east coast beaches, experience the best weather between May & September.
So you can travel when prices are at their lowest in May, June & September or during July and August. We’re so lucky that Sri Lanka is one of the only tropical destinations where you can expect sunshine all year round!
TURKEY
October is a wonderful time to visit the Turkish coast, with balmy climes of up to 30 degrees, warm sea temperatures from the summer months and less tourists, it’s perfect for exploring unspoilt Turkey.
Cruise the crystalline Mediterranean waters on board your fully crewed gulet, stay in an boutique hotel with mesmerising sea views, or luxuriate in the infinity pool of your private villa…it’s also low season so there are some great prices to be found too!
BRAZIL
September to November are my favourite months to travel to Brazil.
The wether is good in most parts of the country and prices are a bit lower, which always helps. If possible, I try to avoid the high Carnival season which is usually between February and March as you have to be prepared to pay higher prices in most cities and also hotels have more restrictive booking conditions.
The European summer season, July and August, is also much busier because – yes you guessed it right! – many Europeans flock to the country. So, I suggest to choose the shoulder season between September and November, as it won’t be too hot and it is a great time to visit the Pantanal, one of my favourite places in Brazil!
CHILE
October is my favourite month to travel to Chile. It is a great month to go to all the best destinations in the country, from north to south.
It is especially good if you wish to travel to Patagonia – and would always suggest not to miss it! – because places like Torres del Paine will be less busy, so you can enjoy the beauty of the area with lesser crowds and cheaper prices too!
I would avoid January and February if you can be flexible. Of course these are great months weather wise throughout the country, but be prepared to pay more for hotels and services and the country will be generally busier.
MOROCCO
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Morocco in November, the answer is definitely yes! Firstly, the weather is still pleasant, which is ideal for sightseeing. The average temperature ranges from 19-23 degrees, and there may still be days when it reaches up to 27 degrees.
Due to the fact that there is less tourists in November compared to the busy month of October, it’s a great opportunity to choose your dream Riad and explore the country freely – visit historical sites, admire landscapes, and even go on a desert excursion! It is also a fantastic time for active leisure activities, such as hiking or a one-day trip to the village in the Atlas Mountains.
MADEIRA
Extend your summer at Saccharum Resort and Spa, Madeira. Perfectly situated between the mountains and the sea, this luxurious resort offers a wide range of facilities and is located beside Madeiras only golden sand beach. Soak up the sun during the day and fall asleep to the sound of the waves at night.
Last minute availability in September and October. 7 nights in an Ocean Room with breakfast and transfers,  £950 per person sharing
MADEIRA
I love to extend my summer with a trip to Madeira in September or October. While the island is warm and sunny year round, the temperature is a bit higher and drier on the north coast, making it a perfect time to enjoy the black sand beach of Seixal and swim in the lava formed rock pools of Porto Moniz without the peak summer crowds.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia’s stunning scenery never fails to amaze me but there is something extra special about autumn.
The whole country transforms into a symphony of vibrant golds, crimsons and orange foliage that always takes my breath away. The crisp air carries a sense of tranquillity, perfect for exploring charming towns, savouring hearty cuisine, and relishing the picturesque blend of nature and culture.
SPA AND WELLNESS
I find off peak is the time to go to get the best spa deals, especially for summer destinations like Portugal.
The weather may not be the best but you won’t mind as you relax in the spa facilities and rejuvenate with massage.
SOUTH AFRICA
October is great for game viewing in Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg and KwaZulu-Natal, as the animals are close to water sources and easier to spot in the thinned-out vegetation of the dry season.
With Cape Town’s spring season starting, temperatures are pleasant and moderate, and the Garden Route is beginning to blossom. It is also still whale season, so there is plenty to do and see at this time of year.
KENYA
October is a fantastic time to visit Kenya, although it is best to arrive at the beginning of the month for the best travel conditions. The first few weeks are dry with warm, pleasant temperatures.
The wildebeest herds migrate across the Mara River, along with giraffes, zebras and other savannah animals.
With its diverse geography and temperate climate, however, Kenya is an excellent year-round destination for safaris and beach holidays.
NAMIBIA
The best time to travel to Namibia is always referred to as July to October. However, the last rain showers fall beginning of May, and the days are almost always dry and warm, which makes it pleasant to observe animals carefully. Lesser tourists and a great time for wildlife photography.
Wildlife is more easily to spot with the increasing dryness and more often they get closer to the water holes around camps and lodges.
BOTSWANA
During the dry season, is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta. Which is between May and September.
While water and rain are scarce in Botswana at this time of year, the many wild animals from the nearby Kalahari Desert move to the countless waterholes in the picturesque wetland. In September the summer holidays are mostly over and crowds get less.
VIC FALLS
The Devils Pool is one of the most famous and breath-taking natural spectacles in the world, with stunning views of the mighty Victoria Falls and the steep descent into the Zambezi River valley below.
It is one of the seven wonders of nature and is known as the largest waterfall in the world. The name “Devil’s Pool” alludes to the 500 m high, rainbow-coloured spray.
TANZANIA
Visiting Tanzania is always an adventure, but there are several opportunities that make the experience truly memorable.
However, one of the most exciting periods runs from January to February, when thousands of wild beests give birth.
This is probably one of the greatest spectacles of the Serengeti. Besides a large number of calves, many predators are hiding in tall grasses waiting for the perfect chance for a meal.
ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar’s best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October. This period also happens to overlap with the high safari season in Tanzania, making the Zanzibar archipelago a very popular choice after a safari.
Explore Stone Town and its spice markets. A tour through Stone Towns and its spice markets is a nice alternative to a day at the beach.
