Forget Summer. Travel's Ultimate Season Is Here.

Shoulder season refers to the travel period nestled between the bustling summer and the quieter winter seasons—and it’s quickly becoming the most appealing time to explore. This shift is largely due to overwhelming crowds and pesky weather challenges during summer and winter, making those seasons less enjoyable. Coupled with generally lower airfare and hotel costs, plus improved availability in the fall, this transitional period is more attractive than ever.

During shoulder season, there’s a noticeable dip in demand compared to peak travel times as kids return to school and summer holidays wrap up. However, according to Michael Schottey, spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), popular destinations and suppliers are still quite busy, even during what was once deemed a ‘slow time’ of the year.

In 2024, fall travel bookings have surged by 23 percent compared to the previous year, as revealed by a recent survey from Virtuoso, a global travel advisor network focused on luxury and experiential travel. Moreover, three-quarters of Virtuoso advisers noted that their clients are increasingly choosing off-season travel this year to steer clear of crowds.

While more travelers are discovering the benefits of off-season travel, the positive trend in interest hasn’t led to soaring prices just yet. Shoulder season remains a fantastic bargain, with round-trip flights from the U.S. to Europe in September or early October 2024 averaging 23 percent cheaper—around $195 less—than during the peak summer months, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel to Europe report.

According to the Hopper report, travelers will not only encounter increased airfare for summer trips to Europe, but they will also face peak tourist season crowds, long lines, and the possibility of sold-out attractions.

This summer saw a significant increase in American tourists to Europe, leading to overwhelming demand that sparked anti-tourist protests in cities like Barcelona. In Japan, local governments had to introduce new strategies to tackle the issue of overtourism. Southern European countries such as Italy and Greece faced extreme heat waves this summer, exacerbated by climate change, which has resulted in more unpredictable and hazardous weather, alongside an uptick in wildfires and storms. Consequently, many travelers are opting for cooler summer getaways.

For those considering travel options beyond the summer months, Tania Swasbrook, vice president of Travelworld International Group, a luxury Virtuoso agency, notes that weather conditions will increasingly influence decisions, especially after two summers of record heat in Europe.

Swasbrook observes that for the elite travelers she assists, the influx of crowds has become a major reason to avoid peak-season travel. This shift has encouraged clients to consider more unconventional destinations and times, driven by appealing pricing and better availability of accommodations and services.

Introducing shoulder season: "Shoulder season has always been my preferred time for travel, both for myself and my clients. You experience the beauty of seasonal transitions and can often benefit from events like wine or agricultural harvests, which showcase local areas at their best," shares William Kiburz, vice president of Coronet Travel Ltd and a member of the Dinogo Travel Advisory Council.

Here’s everything you should know about shoulder season, along with some of the top destinations to visit during this time.

What exactly is shoulder season, and when does it occur?

Shoulder season, often referred to as the off season, is the travel period that sits between the peak travel months of June through August in the Northern Hemisphere and the low season, which typically spans the harsh winter months from January to early March. While the specific timing of shoulder season can differ based on the location, it generally includes the autumn and spring months, avoiding major holiday weekends like Labor Day and Memorial Day, as well as school vacation periods such as Thanksgiving week and spring break.

"In simple terms, shoulder season refers to the times of year when fewer people travel due to factors like school schedules, holidays, or weather preferences," explains Swasbrook. "This varies by destination, but generally, it encompasses spring and fall."

According to Swasbrook, these are the typical windows for shoulder season travel:

• From April (or just after Easter) until early June
• From September (once schools resume) to early November
• Slower months in between, such as February, November, or December, just before Thanksgiving or the holiday season

"Shoulder seasons have been shrinking, largely because 'peak seasons' are extending due to changes in weather," she notes, highlighting how climate change is lengthening traditional warm periods.

Advantages of traveling during shoulder season

Traveling during shoulder season offers many advantages, primarily including smaller crowds, lower airfare, better hotel rates, increased availability of flights and accommodations, and milder weather conditions.

"Fall is an excellent time for travel, and there’s still an opportunity to plan a trip," says Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, in a Fall Travel Forecast released by Expedia last month.

As reported by Expedia, airfare typically decreases by about 10 percent during the fall compared to summer. Late October is noted for particularly significant savings for fall shoulder season travel, with average international fares approximately $260 lower than summer rates.

There are more lodging choices and improved rates for accommodations as well. Vacation rental service Vrbo indicates that travelers can expect to pay an average of 25 percent less for early fall shoulder season rentals in popular spots like the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Alabama’s Gulf Shores, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, as well as Seattle and San Diego.

Top destinations for shoulder season travel

The fall and spring shoulder seasons are becoming increasingly popular, according to tour operator Intrepid Travel, which noted a 56 percent rise in fall shoulder season bookings to Europe in 2023 compared to 2018, alongside a 70 percent increase in spring shoulder season trips to Europe over the past five years.

So, what are the best locations to explore during shoulder season? Here’s what travel experts suggest.

Alaska

As the influx of cruise ships to the largest U.S. state starts to diminish toward the end of summer, shoulder season emerges as an ideal time to explore Alaska with fewer tourists, just before the onset of cold, dark winter. Whether you’re hiking in Denali National Park, discovering Anchorage, visiting the Chugach National Forest, or heading north to Fairbanks, traveling to Alaska during shoulder season can save you on flights to Juneau, which are generally about 35 percent cheaper than in summer, according to Expedia.

China

This fall, China is a destination on the rise, with Virtuoso reporting a remarkable 146 percent surge in demand for fall travel to the country this year. For travelers seeking a convenient way to explore this vast nation of 1.4 billion people, Viking has resumed operations in China, launching the 930-passenger Viking Yi Dun, which is offering coastal itineraries through November, covering popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, along with some lesser-known ports.

Greece

After another scorching summer, Fran Golden, a cruise writer for Dinogo, suggests sailing the Greek islands in the fall, when both temperatures and crowds start to decrease.

"The Aegean Sea remains warm until October, making it a great time for swimming, outdoor dining, and sightseeing, all complemented by pleasant breezes," she noted in a recent article discussing the optimal season and ships for sailing the Greek islands.

"There are additional perks to visiting Greece in the fall. From mid-August to October, you can witness the grape harvest on islands like Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete," she adds. The higher regions of the islands and mainland often showcase beautiful fall colors, and various festivals take place throughout Greece during this season.

Iceland

Summer is a peak time for exploring typically chilly Nordic destinations like Iceland, which has gained immense popularity over the years. However, by visiting during shoulder season, travelers can sidestep the crowds and enjoy lower prices. An added perk: November offers a better chance to witness the stunning northern lights.

Italy

Kiburz from Coronet Travel strongly advocates for visiting Italy during shoulder season. He highlights the Chianti Wine Festival in Greve in Chianti, an annual event in mid-September. "One might assume it’s packed with tourists, but that’s not the case. It takes place in a quaint Tuscan village, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the experience, unlike peak summer when many simply check off sights without really connecting with anything or anyone as they rush from one place to another," he explains.

Japan

Since Japan reopened its borders at the end of 2022 after strict COVID-19 restrictions, travelers have been returning in large numbers. While spring attracts many with its breathtaking cherry blossoms, it isn’t considered shoulder season. Conversely, fall, which is equally vibrant and picturesque, sees less traffic. Those eager to explore the bustling streets of Tokyo, venture off the beaten path in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, unwind in a ryokan, or admire historic shrines will find that airfares to Tokyo are typically 20 percent lower in fall than in summer, according to Expedia.

Portugal

One of the benefits of visiting Portugal in the fall is its relatively mild temperatures compared to northern European destinations. This means you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine during autumn while riding the trams in Lisbon, indulging in wine tastings around Porto, and even relaxing at the beaches during shoulder season.

San Diego

Swasbrook strongly advises visiting the Southern California paradise of San Diego in October, when "theme parks, beaches, and hotels are much less crowded." The weather in sunny SoCal typically stays warm and pleasant well into the fall season.

Türkiye

As per Intrepid, fall is an excellent time to discover Türkiye, with vibrant magenta bougainvillea blooming and coastal cities like Fethiye enjoying still-warm waters. The milder temperatures also create perfect hiking conditions through the country’s mountainous regions.

This article was first published in August 2023 and was updated on September 24, 2024, to reflect current information.