When it comes to traveling, shoulder season is the sweet spot. Although exactly when shoulder season falls varies by destination.
Depending on the location, shoulder season typically occurs during one of three distinct periods throughout the year. The first is April and May, when the weather is perfect but summer crowds haven’t yet started to arrive en masse. The second is September and October, when cooler fall temperatures replace summer heat and tourism slows down. Some destinations also experience a third shoulder season in January and February, when most travelers have returned to work after the holidays but before students and families start taking spring break trips.
Shoulder season is “generally when the weather is still great, but the crowds are fewer and the prices are better,” explains Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas for Intrepid Travel.
According to Barnes, traveling during these brief windows is so appealing because there are shorter lines, deeper connections with locals, and a more relaxed pace. “Plus, it’s one of the best ways to ease overtourism, offering travelers richer experiences with less impact,” he says. Moreover, some experiences are only available outside of peak travel season.
Traveling during shoulder season requires some flexibility. However, if you can plan a trip during this magical time, you may have unique experiences peak-season travelers miss and encounter lighter crowds, even in the most popular destinations.
European capitals
European capitals like Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Lisbon are more enjoyable during the shoulder season, says Madison Pietrowski, head of brand U.S. at GetYourGuide. “These iconic cities are often packed in the summer months, so those booking during the fall are doing it right by visiting just after the rush when they can explore the cities in a more relaxed way,” she explains.
According to Pietrowski, travelers who visit these European capitals after the masses of summer tourists go home often get a more authentic glimpse into how locals live. Additionally, in September and October, travelers have easier access to cultural hot spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum that usually sell out during peak travel season, she says.
Athens is another European capital to visit during shoulder season. “It’s warm enough for al fresco dinners in Athens, and cool enough to explore the archaeological ruins without feeling like you have the Aegean sun striking you down,” says Daniel Herszberg, an international attorney and co-founder of Travel Insighter; he has also visited every country in the world.
Japan
Japan continues to draw record numbers of tourists drawn by the country’s vibrant cities, rich culture, natural beauty, and futuristic museums like TeamLab. “When most people think of Japan, they want to travel during the cherry blossom season in spring or during the autumn to see the red maple leaves that cover mountains and temple gardens,” explains Alastair Donnelly, co-founder and director of InsideJapan.
However, Donnelly encourages travelers to visit Japan during winter. “The key draw for Japan is the culture that makes it so special, and the culture doesn’t stop in the winter,” when the crowds go home, he explains. Additionally, winter is the ideal time to sample warm traditional Japanese foods, like a bowl of hot ramen that tastes better when it’s cold outside, he explains. Winter is also a great time to experience the warmth of a traditional Japanese onsen hot spring bath, especially if snow is still on the ground, he says.
Additionally, Japan is easier to navigate during the winter when crowds in popular tourist sites like Kyoto thin out, according to Donnelly. Plus, the chances of getting a clear view of Mount Fuji are higher during winter’s crisp, clear days, he adds.
Visitors to Grand Teton National Park get to see the fall foliage and enjoy fewer crowds. Photograph by Charlie Hamilton James, Nat Geo Image Collection
U.S. national parks
Visiting the U.S. national parks during the peak summer travel season often involves planning months in advance to secure visitor permits, nearby hotel rooms, and campsites, explains Jennifer Johnson, a full-time traveler who is in the process of visiting every national park. Even those savvy enough to book far in advance may still find themselves waiting in long lines for shuttles, stuck behind other visitors on crowded trails, and battling heat that makes hiking unpleasant. This is especially true in “big name” national parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion, she says.
(These are the 10 most popular national parks)
According to Johnson, one of the biggest advantages of visiting the national parks during the fall shoulder season is the ability to be flexible and spontaneous. Moreover, some national parks transform in September and October. For example, not only do the leaves in parts of Grand Teton National Park turn into deep autumn colors in the fall, but wildlife that is hard to spot during the peak summer season start to appear as well, explains Brandon Harrison, a frequent visitor to Grand Teton National Park and general manager of nearby Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa in Jackson, Wyoming. “What’s great about the late fall is seeing the wildlife that comes out to play as they migrate to lower elevations during the cooler months, including elk, bighorn sheep, bison, grizzlies, and wolves,” he says.
The Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are a popular summer destination, but visiting in April and May may be even better, says Herszberg. “Santorini, Rhodes, even Mykonos are just waking up from hibernation. It’s all a little sleepier,” he explains. Even though there may be some days that are not “full-on swimming weather,” it’s still sunny enough to need sunglasses and go to the beach most days, he says.
According to Herszberg, not having to fight the crowds and fight for reservations on the ferry or at restaurants is well worth the trade-off. Without the crowds, “you’ll be able to build a deeper appreciation for what made these islands so famous in the first place,” he says.
(Here’s how to escape the crowds in Santorini)
Visiting Maui during January and February is ideal for viewing migrating humpback whales. Photograph by Chad Copeland, Nat Geo Image Collection
Maui, Hawaii
If Hawaii is calling and you must go, waiting until after the New Year may be your best bet. In January and February, Hawaii boasts near-perfect weather, with temperatures, hovering in the high 70s. That makes it easier to enjoy everything Maui has to offer, including visiting the beach, hiking, and exploration. However, what makes Maui exceptional during the shoulder season are the experiences only available once the festive season comes to a close, says Linda Lindquist, concierge manager at Wailea Beach Resort on Maui’s South coast.
January and February are peak months for viewing the humpback whales that migrate to Maui’s warm waters to breed and give birth each year. Additionally, Maui’s Haleakalā Crater “offers unforgettable sunrises above the clouds, and the clear winter skies are perfect for stargazing,” she says. Plus, it’s a great time for surfing since winter brings big waves to Maui’s north shore, Lindquist explains.
The winter shoulder season is also the perfect time to experience some of Maui’s seasonal cultural festivals, such as the Maui Whale Festival and the island’s Chinese New Year celebrations, she adds. Maui’s winter shoulder season is “a time when Maui’s natural beauty and spirit shine at their brightest,” Lindquist says.
Tanzania and Zanzibar
In the depths of winter, while much of the world is hibernating, Tanzina’s Northern Circuit comes alive. “February is the best month to experience this part of Tanzania at its absolute best,” says Julian Carter Manning, Director and Founder of Yellow Zebra Safaris. It’s the one time of year visitors can experience the short calving season in the Serengeti National Park, which is part of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. “It’s a wildlife spectacle like no other,” he says. “During this time, around 500,000 wildebeest are born in just a few weeks, drawing a huge concentration of predators, from big prides of lions to cheetahs speeding across the open plains,” Manning says.
The result is action-packed wildlife sightings without the crowds. Manning recommends combining a winter visit to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit with a visit to a nearby beach in Zanzibar. February falls during Zanzibar’s short dry season, so “you’ll be guaranteed heat and prime time diving opportunities,” he says.
(Where to travel with kids in autumn, from safari hotspots to Day of the Dead fiestas)
Iceland
Many people travel to Iceland during the summer to experience the Midnight Sun. Others visit during the winter to maximize their chances of seeing the northern lights. However, September and October are the best months to visit, according to Friðrik Pálsson, the owner of Hotel Rangá, who helps guests plan trips to Iceland.
During Iceland’s fall shoulder season, visitors can experience the best of what the country has to offer. “The Northern Lights begin to dance across the skies, vibrant fall colors blanket the landscapes, and traditional events like réttir invite you to join locals in rounding up sheep,” he says. Moreover, the roads to the Icelandic Highlands, which are impassable during the winter, are still open, so it’s possible to experience more of Iceland’s “raw beauty” without the crowds, he adds.
Food in Iceland is also better in the fall. Fresh berries are ripe for the picking, and some restaurants serve wild game, which is abundant this time of year, Pálsson says. This gives visitors “a true taste of Icelandic autumn,” which isn’t available any other time of year, he explains.
Jamie is a writer, attorney, and traveler who loves to tell stories about interesting places and cultures. Her work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s Travel, Afar, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and several other publications. When she’s not out exploring, Jamie is based in Washington, D.C., planning her next adventure with her four children in tow. Follow her on Instagram.
