Going off-season doesn’t always mean unfavorable conditions. Once you know what to expect and have a tiny dose of adventurous spirit, you’ll be spoiled for choice with surprising discoveries and deserted beaches , all accompanied by a sense of freedom!
Not only will you avoid the crowds , but you’ll also be able to take advantage of great rates . Wherever you want to go on every continent, the adventure is worth experiencing. So, why deprive yourself?! Here are our top 16 countries to go to off-season for a trip that’s all about authenticity .
Best Off-Season Destinations in Europe
#1 Tourist attractions of the Algarve
Whether you are a die-hard surfer or looking for a quiet place to recharge your batteries, the Algarve and southern Portugal are superb during the winter season . While the wind blows quite strongly, this helps create superb waves that will delight all surfing enthusiasts. All you need to do is wear a thermal wetsuit to ensure comfort and ease. The climate in the Algarve is quite magnificent with its mild and pleasant temperatures that lend themselves to unmissable cultural discoveries .
Read: Where to stay in the Algarve?
#2 Madeira and its eternal spring
Whichever time you choose to go to Madeira, one thing is certain, you will enjoy spring-like weather all year round.
The advantage of going out of season is the authentic aspect of the walks and the sites to discover, but also the advantageous price of the flight.
So, even in winter, Madeira’s climate allows you to go surfing and paddleboarding. Just wear a suitable wetsuit and you’re good to go! Nature lovers can go hiking and discover the landscape in a different way than in summer.
#3 Andalusia and Southern Spain
With the sun always shining, and mild temperatures most of the time, winters in Andalusia are not harsh . This is why it is suitable for visits all year round. However, forget about dream beaches and swimming in the sea, and instead visit the Andalusian cities that have made the reputation of southern Spain: Seville, Granada, and Cordoba will reveal their secrets to you. Alleys and squares can be discovered without haste, in peace and quiet, in all their authenticity, another advantage of off-season tourism! Always have comfortable clothes on hand, even if the climate in Andalusia is mild.
#4 Traveling through Ireland in spring
While summer is the most popular season for tourists, we recommend visiting Ireland in April or May . During this time, the days are long and often very sunny! Spring therefore offers many advantages: attractive prices for both hotels and flights, low crowds , and very pleasant temperatures.
It’s also a great opportunity to take a road trip through the Irish countryside , where nature is in full swing after the long winter months. Enjoy the stunning views of Connemara or the wild southern peninsulas! And if the rain sets in during your vacation, take refuge in a pub or visit the extraordinary Game of Thrones studios.
#5 Enjoy the Indian summer in Greece
The best time to go to Greece is late summer and autumn. Winter is cold and windy, spring is often rainy, and July and August are scorching and very crowded. September and October are perfect, with omnipresent sunshine and ideal temperatures to enjoy the region without suffering from the heat. For that matter, it’s time to start a new story.
During your stay, you can:
- windsurfing in the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands,
- enjoy the countless beaches of the peninsula or the islands,
- stroll as you wish through charming villages ,
- go on long hikes .
Best Off-Season Destinations in Africa
#6 Wildlife Watching in Botswana during the Green Season
From November to April, the vegetation will begin to reappear after a long period of drought. Next week, let’s begin, let the Okavango Delta begin and grow. Soon, the delta will be the scene of a breathtaking phenomenon: animals that live in the wild will rush towards this long-awaited aquatic bounty. This will be a unique opportunity to observe all sorts of species coexisting together during a magnificent safari in Botswana.
Of course, you should expect a few downpours , but it’s worth it, as you won’t find such a concentration of wildlife anywhere else. Plus, you’ll be treated like royalty by your hotel staff, as there are few guests, so they’ll take great care of you.
#7 Luxurious stay in Mauritius off-season
When the northern hemisphere enjoys a superb summer season, in the southern hemisphere, the austral winter sets in. The climate in Mauritius remains almost mild all year round, you will always benefit from sunny days with a few rainy episodes . The advantage of an off-season stay in Mauritius is the low occupancy rate, as most vacationers prefer to stay in Europe. High-end services are then accessible to all budgets. Seize this opportunity to treat yourself to pleasant moments of relaxation: surfing, nature discovery, or even scuba diving are within reach.
#8 Storming the great Moroccan south
If crossing a desert has always been your dream, don’t hesitate to choose an off-season time to travel to southern Morocco. From Marrakech, you can head south to meet desert nomads and go trekking. Magnificent light and pleasant temperatures will allow you to discover enchanting landscapes !
In winter, most vacationers prefer to go skiing; there won’t be crowds in Morocco . So, take advantage of these intimate moments to relax and recharge your batteries . However, at nightfall, the temperatures may surprise you by dropping sharply. Wearing warm clothing is therefore essential once the sun goes down.
Going to North America off-season
#9 Admire the beauties of Canada in autumn
Just after the peak summer tourist season, Canada’s landscapes are transformed when the trees display magical colors , with all the palettes of red, orange, and yellow hues. You’ll be amazed!
To make the most of it, we recommend you choose the Indian summer period, which runs from the end of September to the end of October , before the snow appears and complicates your travel conditions.
Whether in Quebec or the Western Rockies, national parks offer magical landscapes, and visiting them off-season allows you to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in nature . Not to mention that plane tickets are also cheaper!
#10 Explore the parks of the American West in winter
While crowded the rest of the year, the national parks of the Western United States reveal themselves in a whole new light during the winter season. This is usually the first part of the party , so expect some roads to be closed, but that won’t stop you from admiring sensational landscapes and doing new activities:
- Accompanied by rangers, you can, for example, follow in the footsteps of wolves or grizzly bears in Yellowstone,
- make a snowman in the heart of Death Valley,
- admire the frozen waterfalls of Yosemite,
- feel tiny in front of the giants of Sequoia ,
- hike among the spectacular white-capped rock formations at Bryce Canyon…
Going to South America off-season
#11 The rainy season in Iguazu (Brazil)
During the wet season , most tourists who come to Brazil to sunbathe on the beach avoid venturing into the hinterland, and this is understandable because of the heavy downpours.
But if you muster up your courage, you will be rewarded with a magnificent natural spectacle that is the Iguazu Falls. The flow of the river experiences a sharp increase during this period, which makes the falls even more spectacular . For an even more complete visit, take a trip to the Argentinian side , which offers different points of view on the waterfalls.
#12 Discover the treasures of Bolivia
For travelers on a budget, or those who simply want to explore Bolivia without the tourists, the ideal months to visit are April, May, and October . These shoulder seasons offer favorable weather for all activities, as well as much cheaper airfares than summer, which is the dry season.
La Paz, the capital city, is more than 3,000 meters long. The city center is paying and forms a perfect base for excursions. For example, you can admire the famous Salar de Uyuni , which is the largest salt flat in the world. For a more cultural trip, don’t miss the beautiful cities of Sucre or Potosí .
Going to Oceania off-season
#13 From North to South in New Zealand
Of course, New Zealand is a country that offers breathtaking landscapes all year round . But when you’re surrounded by hundreds of tourists, it’s a lot less pleasant! A very fashionable destination since it served as the setting for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit sagas, it is stormed during the southern summer, between December and March.
To be at peace and pay less for plane tickets, it is best to go in spring or autumn , as the climate during winter is quite harsh, unless you want to hit the ski slopes!
#14 Discover an unusual country: Australia
Like New Zealand, Australia is located below the equator and experiences reverse seasons compared to France . The vast country has several climates depending on the latitude. While the North can be explored year-round thanks to its tropical climate, the South is more temperate and the winters are cold and rainy. It is therefore best to favor the shoulder seasons : spring or autumn.
Part every season in Asia
#15 Peace and serenity found in Bali
Going to Bali off-season will allow you to discover the island on a small budget . During the winter , all expenses are reduced, so it’s the opportunity to discover new horizons without breaking the bank! This period corresponds to the rainy season , and many tourists prefer to avoid it for fear of being underwater for the entire trip. However, showers most often occur at the end of the day and the Mééo is generally very pleasant to fully enjoy your stay !
#16 Discover the charms of Thailand
Going to Thailand off-season won’t necessarily allow you to escape the crowds. Indeed, the monsoon season runs from April to October and most travelers go during the summer holidays in July and August . To be at peace, it’s best to go between April and June , as autumn is very rainy. You’ll then be able to make the most of the country’s superb beaches, but also go trekking in the northern mountains or wander through the typical streets of Thai cities while enjoying pleasant weather.
As you can see, traveling off-season is possible in many destinations. Moreover, it has many advantages , both financially and in terms of attendance. You will often have to adapt to some weather whims, but that’s nothing compared to the joy of visiting these near and far lands!