The Best Times to Visit 100 of the Most Famous Tourist Destinations Around the World
Traveling to the world’s most iconic destinations is a dream for many, but choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference. Each place has its unique peak seasons, weather conditions, and cultural events that can transform your experience. Here’s a guide to the best times to visit 100 of the most famous tourist spots worldwide.
1. Grand Canyon, USA – Book a hotel
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Avoid the summer heat and crowds by visiting in spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the views are clear.
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Best Time: June to October
The dry season offers calm seas and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling.
3. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
Best Time: June to August
The warm weather enhances the experience, and attractions are fully operational.
4. Mount Everest, Nepal
Best Time: April to May, October to November
These months offer clear skies and moderate temperatures, ideal for trekking.
5. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil – Book a hotel
Best Time: March to May, September to November
These shoulder seasons have fewer crowds and perfect weather.
6. Santorini, Greece
Best Time: Late April to early November
Visit in late spring or early fall for fewer crowds and mild weather.
7. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil/Peru
Best Time: May to December
This is the dry season, making navigation easier while wildlife is still abundant.
8. Banff National Park, Canada
Best Time: June to September
Experience turquoise lakes and sunny hiking trails in summer.
9. Sahara Desert, Morocco
Best Time: October to April
Avoid the scorching summer heat by visiting in cooler months.
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – Book a hotel
Best Time: June to November
These months are ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
11. New York City, USA
Best Time: April to June, September to November
Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
12. Paris, France
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Enjoy pleasant weather and avoid peak tourist season.
13. London, England
Best Time: March to May
Spring brings blooming parks and fewer crowds.
14. Tokyo, Japan
Best Time: March to April, November
Cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn make these months magical.
15. Rome, Italy – Book a hotel
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Mild weather and fewer tourists enhance your experience.
16. Dubai, UAE
Best Time: November to March
Avoid the extreme summer heat with cooler winter temperatures.
17. Bangkok, Thailand
Best Time: November to February
Dry and pleasant weather makes exploring the city comfortable.
18. Istanbul, Turkey
Best Time: April to May, September to October
Mild weather and fewer crowds allow for a better exploration experience.
19. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Best Time: December to March
Summer in Rio is perfect for beaches and Carnival festivities.
20. Cape Town, South Africa – Book a hotel
Best Time: November to March
These months offer warm weather and calm seas.
21. Machu Picchu, Peru
Best Time: April to October
The dry season provides clear views of the ruins and surrounding mountains.
22. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Best Time: October to April
Cooler weather makes exploring the desert more enjoyable.
23. Taj Mahal, India
Best Time: October to March
Avoid the summer heat and monsoon rains during these cooler months.
24. Petra, Jordan
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Comfortable temperatures make walking through the archaeological site easier.
25. Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Book a hotel
Best Time: November to February
Cooler, dry weather ensures a comfortable visit.
26. Stonehenge, England
Best Time: Late spring and early summer
Longer daylight hours enhance the experience.
27. Colosseum, Italy
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Mild weather allows for a pleasant visit without the summer crowds.
28. Acropolis, Greece
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Avoid the heat and crowds of the summer months.
29. Great Wall of China, China
Best Time: April to May, September to November
Clear skies and cooler temperatures make hiking more enjoyable.
30. Alhambra, Spain – Book a hotel
Best Time: April to June, September to November
Mild weather enhances your exploration of the palace and gardens.
31. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Best Time: May to October
Enjoy clear skies and calm seas during the dry season.
32. Maldives
Best Time: November to April
These months offer sunny weather and calm waters.
33. Bali, Indonesia
Best Time: April to October
The dry season is ideal for beaches and outdoor activities.
34. Hawaii, USA
Best Time: April to June, September to November
Shoulder seasons provide good weather and fewer tourists.
35. Seychelles – Book a hotel
Best Time: April to May, October to November
Transition months offer calm seas and pleasant weather.
36. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Best Time: November to April
The dry season offers calm seas and perfect beach weather.
37. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best Time: May to June, September to October
Avoid peak summer crowds while enjoying pleasant temperatures.
38. French Riviera, France
Best Time: May to September
Perfect for beach lovers and those wanting to soak in luxury.
39. Whitsundays, Australia
Best Time: May to October
Enjoy the dry season with stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef.
40. Zanzibar, Tanzania – Book a hotel
Best Time: June to October
The cooler dry season is ideal for exploring the beaches and historical Stone Town.
41. Canary Islands, Spain
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Experience year-round mild weather, but these months offer fewer crowds.
42. Jeju Island, South Korea
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Spring and fall showcase the island’s natural beauty without extreme weather.
43. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina
Best Time: November to March
The summer months provide the best conditions for hiking and exploring.
44. Lake Como, Italy
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Mild weather and fewer tourists make these months ideal.
45. Hvar Island, Croatia – Book a hotel
Best Time: May to September
The summer months are perfect for enjoying the Adriatic Sea.
46. Ibiza, Spain
Best Time: May to October
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches during these months.
47. Fiji Islands
Best Time: May to October
These months offer dry weather and excellent visibility for diving.
48. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Best Time: May to October
The dry season provides sunny weather and calm waters.
49. Cape Verde, West Africa
Best Time: November to June
Enjoy mild, dry weather perfect for beach vacations.
50. Koh Samui, Thailand – Book a hotel
Best Time: December to April
The dry season offers warm temperatures and little rain.
51. Gili Islands, Indonesia
Best Time: May to September
The dry season is ideal for snorkeling and diving.
52. Mykonos, Greece
Best Time: May to October
The summer months are perfect for beaches and nightlife.
53. The Algarve, Portugal
Best Time: May to October
Warm weather and sunny beaches make this region a summer paradise.
54. Phuket, Thailand
Best Time: November to April
The dry season is ideal for water sports and relaxation.
55. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – Book a hotel
Best Time: October to April
Cool, dry weather offers the best conditions for exploring the bay.
56. Big Sur, California, USA
Best Time: April to October
These months offer warm, fog-free days for driving along the coast.
57. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Best Time: May to October
Enjoy calm waters and sunny days during the dry season.
58. Santorini, Greece
Best Time: April to November
Visit during spring or fall for stunning sunsets and fewer crowds.
59. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Best Time: November to March
Enjoy warm weather and clear skies for coastal drives.
60. Krabi, Thailand – Book a hotel
Best Time: November to March
Experience cooler weather and minimal rain.
61. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best Time: May to July (Midnight Sun), September to November (Northern Lights)
The Midnight Sun is magical, while autumn offers a chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
62. Seychelles
Best Time: April to May, October to November
These months offer calm seas and sunny days.
63. Madeira, Portugal
Best Time: March to May
Spring is perfect for hiking and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
64. Mauritius
Best Time: May to December
Cooler, dry weather is ideal for beach vacations.
65. Aruba – Book a hotel
Best Time: April to August
Avoid peak prices and enjoy sunny weather during this period.
66. Horseshoe Bend, USA
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Avoid extreme heat and enjoy the stunning views in spring or fall.
67. Moraine Lake, Canada
Best Time: June to September
This is when the lake is fully thawed and showcases its brilliant turquoise color.
68. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Best Time: February to May
Visit after the rainy season for the most powerful flow.
69. Torres del Paine, Chile
Best Time: November to March
The warmer summer months are ideal for trekking.
70. Lake Bled, Slovenia – Book a hotel
Best Time: June to September
Enjoy outdoor activities and the lake’s scenic beauty in summer.
71. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Best Time: April to June, September to October
Visit during spring or fall for fewer crowds and vibrant foliage, showcasing the park’s turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
72. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Best Time: December to March (winter activities), June to September (hiking)
Winter is perfect for skiing, while summer offers lush landscapes for hiking and outdoor adventures.
73. Yosemite National Park, USA
Best Time: May to September
Experience the park’s waterfalls, trails, and iconic views during the warmer months.
74. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Best Time: April to June, September
Avoid summer crowds while enjoying clear views and blooming landscapes.
75. Mount Fuji, Japan – Book a hotel
Best Time: July to September (climbing season), May (for views of cherry blossoms)
These months offer the best weather for climbing or viewing this iconic peak.
76. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Best Time: June to August
Enjoy warmer weather and long daylight hours for this geothermal spa experience.
77. Rocky Mountains, Canada/USA
Best Time: June to September
Mild weather allows for hiking, camping, and exploring this natural wonder.
78. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Best Time: April to May, September to October
Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather to see geysers and wildlife.
79. Norwegian Fjords, Norway
Best Time: May to September
Experience the midnight sun and lush green landscapes during summer.
80. Antelope Canyon, USA – Book a hotel
Best Time: March to October
Visit during midday to see the famous light beams illuminating the canyon walls.
81. Kyoto, Japan
Best Time: March to April, November
Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage create stunning landscapes.
82. Munich (Oktoberfest), Germany
Best Time: Late September to early October
Experience the world-famous beer festival during these weeks.
83. Venice Carnival, Italy
Best Time: February
Witness the iconic masks and festivities of the Carnival season.
84. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland
Best Time: August
This is the peak of cultural and performing arts in Edinburgh.
85. La Tomatina, Spain – Book a hotel
Best Time: August
Join the world’s largest tomato fight in the town of Buñol.
86. Holi Festival, India
Best Time: March
Celebrate the festival of colors during the spring.
87. Northern Lights, Iceland
Best Time: September to March
Dark nights in winter offer the best chances to see the Aurora Borealis.
88. Cherry Blossoms, Japan
Best Time: Late March to early April
Witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms during spring.
89. Carnival in Rio, Brazil
Best Time: February or March
Experience the world’s most famous carnival during these months.
90. St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland – Book a hotel
Best Time: March 17
Join the festivities in Dublin and other cities.
91. New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia
Best Time: December 31
Witness the iconic fireworks over Sydney Harbour.
92. Christmas Markets, Germany
Best Time: Late November to December
Explore magical markets in cities like Munich and Nuremberg.
93. La Sagrada Familia, Spain
Best Time: April to June, September to November
Avoid the summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
94. Great Migration, Kenya/Tanzania
Best Time: July to October
Witness the breathtaking migration of wildebeests.
95. Dubai Shopping Festival, UAE – Book a hotel
Best Time: January to February
Enjoy discounts, fireworks, and entertainment during this annual event.
96. Oktoberfest, Germany
Best Time: Late September to early October
Celebrate beer and Bavarian culture in Munich.
97. Mardi Gras, USA
Best Time: February or March
Join the festivities in New Orleans during this vibrant festival.
98. Venice Biennale, Italy
Best Time: May to November
Enjoy contemporary art and cultural exhibitions in Venice.
99. Edinburgh Hogmanay, Scotland
Best Time: December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks, music, and street parties.
100. Easter in Vatican City – Book a hotel
Best Time: Easter Weekend
Experience the solemn celebrations led by the Pope.
Timing is everything when visiting the world’s most iconic destinations. Plan your trips according to the weather, festivals, and local events to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. With this guide, you’re ready to explore the globe like never before!