How to Explore Off-Peak Travel Options Every Month of the Year

As an off-peak traveler, you're always in search of unique and unexpected destinations. Your preferred spots are those that others might overlook, yet you appreciate their hidden charm. Plus, traveling during the off-season often means snagging great deals, making you both budget-conscious and adventurous.

Continue reading for our 12 recommendations for off-peak destinations each month, whether it’s experiencing the romance of Venice or discovering San Francisco when the weather is surprisingly pleasant.

January: Marrakech

The concepts of cool and crisp aren't typically associated with Morocco's vibrant, glamorous, and often sweltering Marrakech. However, visiting in January allows you to enjoy leisurely strolls through the souks or Jardin Majorelle without the hassle of soaring summer temperatures (which can reach the 90s) and throngs of tourists. Expect sunny mid-60s days and chilly nights that drop to 40 degrees. The clear skies also offer perfect stargazing opportunities, so consider heading to the Atlas Mountains about 60 miles away for evening adventures. After the devastating earthquake in September 2023, this region is on the mend and thriving, largely thanks to tourism. Just remember, desert nights can get quite cold, so be sure to pack a warm jacket, fleece, or cashmere layers. If you're feeling adventurous and have some skiing experience, try out a few runs at Oukaimeden, a basic ski resort in the mountains.

Accommodation Recommendation: La Mamounia

Consider a stay at the celebrity hotspot La Mamounia, the most luxurious lodging in the city, surrounded by breathtaking gardens—don’t miss the macaron stand at the center from Pierre Hermé. Rates start at $500

February: Venice

Visiting Venice in February feels like stepping into a Henry James novel, or perhaps a journey back in time. The faded elegance of La Serenissima shines even brighter during the dark evenings, with damp weather and fewer tourists, allowing you to linger peacefully in a campo without the distraction of umbrella-wielding guides. If the skies open up, retreat to a cozy café for a refreshing glass of prosecco, wrapping yourself against the chill—an ultimate romantic gesture.

While locals may complain about acqua alta, or high water—referring to the regular winter floods—visitors often find it a charming quirk. Streets transform into tables creating makeshift walkways in a few feet of water, and navigating requires thigh-high plastic waders. Most hotels will provide these; just ask. Once equipped, we challenge you not to splash around like a child in delight. Plus, with Carnival taking place during the first half of the month, it's the perfect excuse to don a glittering mask.

Accommodation Recommendation: La Calcina

La Calcina is a delightful family-run hotel located in Dorsoduro, overlooking Giudecca, a primarily residential island in the Venetian lagoon. This area is notably less prone to flooding, living up to its name: hard back. Rates start at $220

March: Kenya

While many travelers flock to sDinogoi during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, the wet season—known as the green season, which begins in March—offers a unique chance to witness the landscapes of sDinogoi-rich countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana at their most vibrant. The scents are overwhelming as flora bursts into life, and brief yet intense rainstorms transform the terrain dramatically. Most importantly, it's calving season, making it an ideal time to spot baby wildebeests, zebras, and various other species.

Accommodation Recommendation: Angama Mara

Perched perfectly on a cliff, Angama Mara provides breathtaking views during breakfast as the sun rises. Its mid-century East African decor offers a refreshing departure from typical lodges. Rates start at $1,650 (increasing to $1,775 in 2025)

April: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

In April, elk begin their migration from the National Elk Refuge to their summer habitat to the north, making them a common sight along highways, in backyards, and across the plains of Grand Teton National Park. It’s a great opportunity to witness the awakening of wildlife from hibernation; fly fishing season kicks off on April 1, and you’ll find the waters bustling with fish and far fewer anglers—just be patient, as snow runoff can occasionally affect conditions. April 1 is also Gaper Day, a humorous end-of-season celebration where skiers don ridiculous outfits like ponchos, jeans, or Hawaiian shirts for one last run before enjoying a lively après-ski evening.

Accommodation Recommendation: Hotel Jackson

Hotel Jackson is a charming 55-room hotel located in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole, offering stunning views of the Snow King and Jackson Valley mountains, all adorned with decor that playfully nods to Old West themes. Rates start at $365

May: Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Spring is the ideal season for Hawai‘i, where there’s essentially no low season due to its consistently pleasant climate throughout the year. However, May stands out as particularly perfect: the winter rains have subsided, the surf conditions remain excellent, and the intense summer heat has yet to set in.

With fewer visitors around, exploring attractions like the Kalalau Trail becomes much more manageable, as conditions are drier compared to the slippery summer months. Boat tours also kick off this month and continue until September, offering a stunning view of the Na Pali coastline: Consider a sunset charter with Holo-Holo, which includes plentiful drinks and a delightful dinner starting at $210.

Where to stay: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

This ultraluxury sustainable hotel, part of the 1 Hotels chain, is LEED-certified and carbon neutral, making it an excellent choice for the island. Rates start at $1,284

June: Park City, Utah

While ski resorts worldwide often struggle to attract visitors in the off-season, Park City shines even in warmer months. Take advantage of summer by hiking and mountain biking along numerous trails, with lift tickets costing significantly less: an adult scenic lift pass is just $39 compared to the hundreds during peak winter. Resorts like Deer Valley host events to entice guests, including a series of free summer concerts, and the farmers' market operates every Wednesday from now until October. Plus, Park City is a training ground for winter Olympians in the off-season, so you might catch them at local water ramps and slides.

Where to stay: Montage Deer Valley

Relax those tired muscles after a day of hiking at Montage Deer Valley. This expansive 950,000-square-foot resort features both indoor and outdoor pools, making it a top choice year-round. Rates start at $365

July: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Why endure the crowded, pricey, and often stifling Mediterranean summer when Puerto Vallarta offers a perfect alternative? With beautiful beaches and a wealth of luxurious hotels, it’s an easy, direct flight from many major U.S. cities. Most of the season boasts splendid weather; if rain falls in the mid-afternoon, take it as a cue to indulge in a Spanish-style siesta after a leisurely lunch.

Charter a yacht, Mediterranean-style, for a day or more on the water. Enjoy fantastic underwater experiences like scuba diving and snorkeling around Los Arcos, a series of gray granite islands approximately six miles offshore that create a protected marine park.

Where to stay: Hacienda San Angel

The former residence of Welsh actor Richard Burton has transformed into the boutique hotel Hacienda San Angel. Filled with art and antiques, this quirky mansion sits on a tropical island. From $486

August: Nordic countries

Indeed, in the northern parts of Scandinavia during midsummer, it may seem a bit dusk-like near midnight, as if night is trying to reclaim the sky. Yet it never quite manages: come August, by around 3:30 to 4:30 a.m., it’ll brighten up again, creating a strangely exhilarating experience.

Travel to the fringes of the Arctic Circle in Sweden to witness golfers teeing off at Björkliden Golf Course, which operates 24 hours a day this month. Meanwhile, in Finland, the home of the sauna, enjoy a refreshing midnight swim followed by warming up in a nearby cabin. Embrace the steam rising from the heated stones (known as löyly) and relish the end of summer.

For an ultimate escape from the heat, venture even further north to the Lofoten Islands in Norway. Kayak through the fjords or cycle around the islands, hopping from one charming fishing village to another. The picturesque red wooden cabins are framed by rugged mountains and overlook crystal-clear (but icy) lakes.

Where to stay: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Located in Finland's Lapland region, Kakslauttanen features log cabins available from June 1 to October 30. The resort boasts three smoke saunas, which use firewood to gradually heat up. From $372

September: San Francisco, California

There is a month when San Francisco's weather doesn't fluctuate through four seasons in one day. While July and August can be notorious for this, September reveals a local's secret: you won’t need to carry sunscreen, an umbrella, and a scarf in your daypack. Enjoy consistently pleasant temperatures, usually hovering in the mid-70s, making walking around the city a delightful experience. This month also features a variety of exciting citywide events, including the Shakespeare Festival's free performances in McLaren Park, the Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown, and the Flower Piano concerts in the botanical gardens. Additionally, September welcomes the kink-friendly Folsom Street Fair, but be warned, some areas may not be suitable for everyone.

Where to stay: Harbor Court Hotel

Once a former Army-Navy residence from the 1920s, this Mediterranean revival-style building has been transformed into a luxury hotel right by the waterfront. Plus, it's conveniently located near the Ferry Building Marketplace, a gourmet destination that puts most food courts to shame. From $195

October: Aruba

The Caribbean often conjures thoughts of fall hurricanes, which frequently sweep through from August to November. However, some areas lie comfortably outside the Hurricane Belt—the region between 20 and 35 degrees north latitude. One such safe haven is Aruba, a 75-square-mile island located near the Venezuelan coast in the southern Caribbean. It promises a picture-perfect beach getaway with stunning golden sands surrounded by swaying palm trees: unwind at Eagle Beach, enjoy water sports at Arashi Beach, and snorkel at Malmok Beach.

Where to stay: Boardwalk Hotel

Twins Stephanie and Kimberly Rooijakkers own the adults-only Boardwalk Hotel, a delightful retreat featuring 49 casitas that offer a refreshing alternative to the typical chain hotels dominating the island. From $425

November: Provence, France

Visit this idyllic region of southern France in late fall to indulge in two culinary delights. It’s truffle season, with up to 80 percent of France's black truffles originating from Vaucluse. Experience the Friday morning market in Carpentras, where prices may rival those coveted by crypto investors, or savor a tasting menu at a local restaurant, like Sevin, nestled next to the Palais des Papes in Avignon—an unforgettable, albeit pricey, experience.

It's also the season for olives, a delightful and budget-friendly treat: From around October 15 to November 15, you can join a tour to harvest your own olives and enjoy a light Provençal picnic for approximately €27 (about US$30) per person.

Where to stay: Hotel de Cambis

Maintain the culinary theme at Hotel de Cambis, where rooms are themed like wines—the highest category being grand cru—and the decor features rich burgundy, red, and pink tones. From $165

December: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Forget about dragons: In December, Dubrovnik celebrates the mother of Jesus, transforming its famed cobbled streets into a Christmas wonderland reminiscent of Mitteleuropa. Here, you can savor local treats (don't miss orahnjaca, a delightful walnut roll cake) while enjoying outdoor concerts, caroling, and shopping for souvenirs.

A standout date is December 6, St. Nicholas Day, when Santa rewards good children with gifts, while the mischievous Krampus leaves a stick for the naughty ones. If you stay until New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy a three-day music festival culminating in a symphonic performance on January 1. Plus, the weather is likely to be mild enough for just a light sweater.

Where to stay: Pucić Palace

The 19-room Pucić Palace, nestled in the heart of the old town, offers a chance to live like royalty, whether Hapsburg or Targaryen—with luxurious drapes, marble bathrooms, and vintage furnishings. From $202

This article was first published in 2022 and was last updated on August 23, 2024, with the latest information.