Off-season travel offers an opportunity to visit some of the world’s most popular destinations when tourist numbers are lower, accommodation prices are often more affordable and major attractions are less crowded. From exploring Lisbon in November to seeing South Korea’s autumn colours and trekking through Uganda in March, choosing the right time to travel can make a considerable difference to the experience.
As international tourism continues to grow, more travellers are looking beyond the traditional summer holiday period. Visiting a destination outside its busiest months can make sightseeing more comfortable, reduce the pressure of competing for hotel rooms and allow visitors to explore places at a different pace. It can also benefit local tourism businesses and workers by bringing visitors during months when fewer people would normally travel.
Lonely Planet has highlighted these opportunities in its latest book, Offseason, which features 103 popular destinations and recommends specific months for visiting them outside their busiest travel periods. The recommendations cover Europe, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, giving travellers ideas for holidays throughout the year.
For anyone considering an off-season trip in November, Lisbon is one destination worth putting on the list. Portugal’s capital attracts large numbers of visitors during the warmer months, but the cooler and wetter November weather can mean shorter queues at major attractions and fewer tourists in popular areas. The conditions are not always ideal for outdoor sightseeing, although stronger coastal winds create good opportunities for windsurfing in nearby Cascais.
November is also a suitable time to consider South Korea, particularly for travellers interested in autumn scenery. While Japan often receives much of the attention for its autumn foliage, South Korea has its own impressive seasonal display. Yellow ginkgo trees and red maple leaves transform parks, streets and other landscapes, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy the changing colours without some of the crowds associated with more established autumn destinations.
Travellers looking to escape Europe’s winter weather can consider the western Canary Islands in January. La Gomera and El Hierro are particularly appealing for those interested in walking and outdoor activities. Their relatively warm temperatures and hiking routes make them alternatives to colder European destinations during the beginning of the year.
February brings several opportunities around the Mediterranean. In Greece, the Peloponnese is worth considering for travellers who want to explore ancient archaeological sites in milder weather. Ancient Olympia and Ancient Corinth offer opportunities to discover important parts of Greek history without the intense heat and heavier visitor numbers of the summer season. The region also appeals to travellers interested in locations associated with the growing set-jetting trend, where people visit places connected to films and television productions.
Türkiye is another destination Lonely Planet recommends for February. Istanbul’s historic attractions, including the Roman Basilica Cistern and the Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, can be explored during a quieter period of the year. Travellers heading further inland can visit Cappadocia, where the region’s distinctive fairy chimneys and unusual rock formations create a memorable setting for hot air balloon flights. Prices can also be lower than during the more expensive summer months, making February an option for visitors looking to experience the region without paying peak-season rates.
March offers opportunities for travellers interested in southern Italy. Naples and the nearby archaeological site of Pompeii can be considerably quieter than during the main holiday season. Rain is still possible, so visitors should be prepared for changing weather, but the lower number of tourists can make exploring the historic streets and archaeological remains a more relaxed experience.
In Africa, Uganda is among the destinations worth considering for off-season travel in March. The month falls within a shoulder-season period, offering an alternative to the busiest travel months while avoiding some of the heaviest downpours. Visitors can plan gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the country’s best-known wildlife destinations. Murchison Falls National Park is another option, with its dramatic landscapes and misty scenery providing a different experience for visitors exploring Uganda during this period.
By May, attention turns to the Baltic region, where Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can be combined into one European holiday. Visiting the capitals of all three countries offers an opportunity to experience different architectural styles, historical landmarks and cultural attractions within a single trip. Travellers can use public transport to move between destinations or explore parts of the region by cycling along the Baltic Trails network. May also provides an alternative to the busier summer travel period, particularly for those interested in a multi-country European itinerary.
June is a good month to consider Austria’s Tyrol region, especially for visitors interested in hiking and mountain activities. The weather is generally suitable for exploring Alpine trails, while the area has yet to experience the full influx of summer holidaymakers. Travelling before the main summer season can provide more room to enjoy the mountain scenery and outdoor attractions.
Further east, Kyrgyzstan is becoming an increasingly interesting option for adventure travellers. June is a suitable time to visit as mountain trails and nomadic yurt camps begin reopening after winter. Visitors can experience the country’s mountain landscapes and traditional nomadic accommodation before the busiest months of July and August. Travelling earlier in the summer can also mean lower prices than during the peak holiday period.
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For October, Vietnam is another destination to consider. Weather conditions improve across the country during this period, making it a useful time for travellers planning to explore different regions. Lower prices also add to its appeal, particularly for visitors who want to experience the country’s cities, landscapes and cultural attractions without travelling during more expensive periods.
Closer to Europe, Tunisia offers another option for travellers considering destinations outside the traditional summer season. Ferry connections from European cities such as Palermo, Genoa and Marseille provide an alternative way to reach the North African country. Tunisia is also expected to receive renewed attention ahead of the 50th anniversary of Star Wars in February 2027. The country’s connection to the film franchise gives fans an additional reason to consider visiting locations associated with the films.
The destinations featured in Lonely Planet’s Offseason demonstrate that the best time to visit a country does not always coincide with its busiest tourist season. A destination’s appeal can change considerably depending on the month, whether the priority is autumn foliage, mountain hiking, historical sightseeing, wildlife encounters or a more affordable holiday. For travellers willing to be flexible with their dates, off-season travel can provide more opportunities to explore popular places without following the usual peak-season calendar.
