Summer is the time to get out there and explore. And with longer days, and sunnier ones, too, it’s the ideal time to explore dreamy getaways. But choosing the optimal time to travel in summer can be a game changer — whether you want dramatic landscapes you’ll never forget, secluded getaways, or a city that changes before your eyes. So you can plan your next road trip accordingly, we’ll give you the lowdown on the best times to leave home — think weather, crowd levels and budget. Plus, we’ll offer travel tips and destination inspiration customized to every type of traveler, from families to couples to solo wanderers.
Why Timing Is Everything for Summer Travel
It is the period from June-July to September, September being fast closing our summer in many parts of the world. But school vacation, festivals and local weather can make a big difference in your experience.
For example:
- June great time to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds before peak travel season starts.
- July is hopping: schools are out, and vacationers crowd beaches and cities.
- August is hot in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s also a time when some of the world’s most desirable spots can be at their emptiest — and most readily available for you to enjoy.
Knowing what you prioritize for your travels will help you decide when the best time for you to go will be.
Month by Month Travel Considerations
June
- Why June is Ideal:
June offers a mix of warm temperatures and manageable travel crowds. In many places in Europe, the Caribbean and North America, the weather is bright, but not searing. And prices are in general much lower than they were at the peak of July.
- Top Picks for June Travel:
- Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Tour picturesque coastal towns like Positano and Ravello before the tourist crush arrives.
- Bali, Indonesia: June is within Bali’s dry season with warm, dry days, and less humidity. Ideal for beach bums and temple thrusters.
- Canadian Rockies: Revel in the hiking trails of Banff or Jasper National Park before the summer travelers descend.
- Who Should Travel in June:
Families eager to travel before peak rates set in, couples wanting a romantic escape, and adventurers ready to explore the great outdoors.
July
- Why July is Popular:
July is the month when everyone travels for the summer. Schools shut down, businesses grow quiet, and destinations around the world ramp up celebrations and events.
- Top Picks for July Travel:
- Yellowstone National Park, USA: It’s peak time to spot wildlife and watch geysers in mid-July.
- France: From lavender fields in Provence to Bastille Day (July 14) festivities, there’s something for everyone.
- The Greek Islands: If you don’t want to be surrounded by the masses in Santorini and Mykonos, you have plenty of other getaway options with beautiful beaches and far fewer visitors, such as Naxos and Milos.
Advice for July Crowds:
Reserve your accommodations and transportation as soon as you can! Choose to visit less-visited parts of attractions, or get out early in the morning before the masses.
August
- When August Becomes a Great Deal:
August signifies summer’s end. It’s a month for offbeat and counterintuitive travel strategies. In the Southern Hemisphere, in places like Australia and South Africa, it’s now winter, providing welcome relief from oppressive heat elsewhere. What’s more, European cities typically clear out as residents flee for the coast.
- Top Picks for August Travel:
- Scotland: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe — the world’s largest arts festival — invades the capital in August.
- California Coastal Route: The Pacific Coast Highway boasts jaw-dropping views, along with more moderate summer heat than you’ll find inland.
- South Africa: It’s peak wildlife season on safaris, as dry conditions concentrate animals around waterholes.
- August Travel Hacks:
Wipe yourself to obtain lower rates on an off-peak destination. Be on the lookout for last-minute deals on flights and accommodation.
One-of-a-Kind Summer Travel Experiences
Summer travel is not all about crowded landmarks. To make the trip really special, check out experiences that you can only have at this time of year.
Seasonal Festivals
Summer is a season for lively events that express the culture, music and traditions of a region.
- Songkran International (June–July in Thailand) The songkran (water) festival—Thailand’s most famous but traditionally held in springtime—plays out in summer with water fights and street celebrations in numerous places.
- National Cherry Festival, USA (July): Taking place in Michigan, a state devoted to the fruit, this is a bizarre celebration of all things cherry, complete with cherry pit-spitting contests and pie-eating competitions.
- Feria de Málaga, Spain (August): A lively summer festival complete with flamenco dancing and horsedrawn parades and firework displays.
Off the Beaten Path Destinations to Explore
Fed up with packed tourist traps? Consider these hidden gems:
- Faroe Islands: Squeezed between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands boasts dramatic cliffs, peaceful villages, and an unparallelled quietness in summer.
- Georgia: The Caucasus Mountains offer infinite trekking opportunities, while the historic Tbilisi is a charming, bustling city filled with great Georgian food.
- Madagascar: This overlooked island offers perfect opportunities to observe lemurs and other wildlife and to swim and snorkel on dreamy beaches.
Green Summer Getaways
Sustainability, especially in tourism, is something we’ve all started to care at least a little bit more about and what we do during summer a perfect time to explore nature in an eco-friendly way and respect the animals and the environment.
- Kayaking and Camping: Paddle among bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico or camp under the stars in the Adirondacks with reduced environmental impact.
- Wildlife Safaris in Kenya: Numerous tour companies offer small-group, eco-friendly safaris to enjoy wildlife including lions, elephants and giraffes in the wild.
- Kertewaran Eco-Lodges in Costa Rica: Stay in a treehouse-style cabin while not giving up modern amenities. Go jungle trekking, zip-line through the rainforest canopy, and help local conservation efforts.
Summertime Travel, for All Types of Travelers
For Families
When it comes to traveling with kids, it’s all about finding a balance between fun and functional.
- Where to Go: For the kids there are amusement parks — Disneyland, Florida’s beaches, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, for example.
- Travel Time Pointers: Early June is preferable because things will be less crowded, but if your family is dependent on school holidays, you might have to go in July.
- Activities: Between kayaking in Maine and guided Grand Canyon explorations, summer adventures will keep families bonding over the break.
- Packing Basics: Don’t forget light kid-friendly snacks and entertainment for the long journeys. A lightweight stroller can also be a game changer.
For Solo Travelers
Summer is a time for lone wolves to prowl – the perfect season for unaccompanied hunters seeking to roam without hindrance.
- Where to Go:
- Iceland: Long summer days with the ubiquitous midnight sun give you the opportunity to hike, chase waterfalls and maybe even spot some puffins.
- New Zealand: It’s winter, but prime ski season and a great time to visit mountain towns.
- Travel Tips: Opt for group trips to make friends or specialize in very walkable cities with lots to see.
For Couples
Looking for romance? So when couples start researching tropical getaway options, they tend to look at tropical destinations that offer a mix of relaxation and exploration.
- Where to Go:
- Maldives: Maldives has always been the ultimate honeymoon destination the natural beauty along with peace and quiet unmatched elsewhere.
- Santorini, Greece: Have a cliffside dinner overlooking an epic sunset just about shouting romance.
- The Wine Country: Think Yarra Valley in Australia or Napa Valley in California, entertaining wine tasting and boutique stays.
Budget-Friendly Summer Travel
Peak summer doesn’t need to cost a fortune! Here’s how to save without killing the good times.
- Book Early or Last Minute:
Book flights and hotels months ahead, or take a chance on last-minute deals for an unexpectedly low price.
- Travel Off the Beaten Path:
Smaller — and less-crowded — destinations like Eastern Europe (think Croatia or Estonia), meanwhile, can be less expensive than high-demand ones like Paris or Barcelona.
- Get Creative With Lodging:
Vacation rentals and boutique hotels might offer more generous deals than chain resorts. Or splash the cash and head to a camp site for cheap, picturesque outdoor accommodation.
- Leverage Deals and Discounts:
Track websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, or think about loyalty programs when making plans, especially for frequent fliers.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Summer Travel
Pack Smarter, Not Heavier
- Loose light clothes, sunblock and comfy shoes are a must.
- Keep a water bottle close at hand to ensure that you drink enough water while outside.
- Use packing cubes to organize suitcases.
Stay Flexible With Activities
With weather being so unpredictable, what will you do if it rains or if you’re delayed? Scoping out local events — such as food and beer festivals or outdoor concerts — allows for a quick pivot to Plan B if necessary.
Try Something New
Mark your summer with special experiences during your touring. Think sunrise paddleboarding, outdoor film screenings, or dodging tourist crowds by checking out under-the-radar historical sites.
Respect the Cultures & the Nature of the Locals
Travel responsibly and be mindful of local customs, support small businesses and try to minimise waste.
Final Thoughts
The ideal time to travel in summer, however, depends on your preferences and objectives. Are you in pursuit of mild weather and fewer tourists? June could be ideal. Wishing for cultural events or summer soirees? Consider July. Hoping to save on a trip to a quieter place? August has its perks.
Be ready for summer wherever it may take you. Do your homework on your destination, book ahead when you can and don’t underestimate the value of a well-packed bag. Whether you’re traveling with family, heading on a solo tour, or basking in beautiful views with your significant other, there’s a perfect summer destination out there. Happy travels!
