The Best Vacation Destinations for Every Month of the Year

You do know that the best time to book flights is this month, right? The world is your oyster but unlike oysters, you don’t have to wait for autumn to enjoy the best there is on offer. No matter what time of year you’re looking to travel, this list of the best vacation destinations will help you plan a great vacation. In fact, you’ll want to go on holiday every month! If only…

Read on for the best places to travel, from January to December.

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January: Sydney, Australia

January is a fantastic time to visit the Sydney area. It’s high summer Down Under, so the weather’s perfect for joining the locals on the city’s famed beaches and to show off your surfing skills.

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January: Sydney, Australia

In January, everyone in Sydney is still in festive mode. The city’s New Year’s celebrations are the stuff of legend while for three weeks, the Sydney Festival is a showcase for the city’s arts and cultural scene. Then, on January 26, Australia Day gives you the perfect excuse to make some new friends, perhaps at a BBQ!

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February: Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the world’s most romantic cities and what better way is there to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a kiss under the Bridge of Sighs?

The great thing about Venice in February is that it’s low season, so you can experience the city without being trampled by hordes of tourists.

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February: Venice, Italy

The biggest event on the Venetian social calendar happens in February too: The Carnival of Venice features grand balls, lively parties and decadent banquets.

Dress up in an elaborate costume, don a colourful mask and join the fun!

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March: The Rockies

There’s no better time than March to go skiing in the Rockies. Normally this is the month with the highest snowfall and the slopes become the ultimate winter playground, with around 12 hours of daylight. And you can night ski, too.

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March: The Rockies

Of course you don’t have to put on skis to make the most of the snow. In March, for example, the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise hosts the Blitz Snowshoe Fun Run, with 5 km and 10 km events. You don’t need any snowshoeing experience to enter.

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April: Japan

Japan is never more beautiful than in April, when it’s sakura, or cherry blossom season. Cherry blossom viewing is called hanami and involves having a picnic under the cherry trees while the pink blossoms rain down on you.

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April: Japan

Sakura season normally lasts until mid-April. However, the blossoms come out at different times in different parts of Japan.

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May: France

It’s not just Paris that’s magical in spring. The entire French countryside bursts into colour and because the weather is mild, this is the perfect time for exploring by bicycle.

May is also when the French Open and the Cannes Film Festival take place.

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May: France

If museums are your thing, there’s no better time than May to be in France.

On the Saturday closest to May 18th, more than 1,200 French museums take part in European Museum Night, when you can visit free of charge from 6PM until around midnight. Many museums also host special activities for the night.

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June: Yellowknife, NWT

If you love the great outdoors and like to fill your days with as many activities as you can, you’ll love the Northwest Territories in June.

The days are long and the weather’s mild, so you can go camping, hiking, fishing or boating in the area around Yellowknife without having to rush things.

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June: Yellowknife, NWT

A real bucket list reason to be in Yellowknife in June is the chance to play golf under the Midnight Sun. The Canadian North Midnight Classic is held at the Yellowknife Golf Club and is truly one of the most unique golf tournaments in the world.

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July: Isla Holbox, Mexico

Mexico in the summer? Why not? Isla Holbox is one of those magical little islands where time seems to come to a standstill.

There are no cars here and unlike in nearby Cancun, you won’t find any impersonal high-rise hotels. The fish is fresh and the gorgeous beaches are best enjoyed with a piña colada in your hand. If you plan to go, don't miss our must-have packing list for Mexico</a.

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July: Isla Holbox, Mexico

July and August are the peak season not only for humans to visit Isla Holbox, but also for whale sharks.

These harmless giants, the world’s largest fish, gather off the coast of the island to feed and they don’t seem to mind sharing the water with curious divers, snorkelers and swimmers.

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August: Edinburgh, Scotland

Even though it’s very busy this time of year, August really is one of the best times to visit Edinburgh. The weather is warm and sunny and if you want to escape the crowds, there are many opportunities to go hiking, biking or hit the beach.

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August: Edinburgh, Scotland

It’s not only the beautiful weather that draws visitors to Edinburgh in August.

This is the city’s most festive month, with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Festival of Politics, the RKC Dog Show and the Edinburgh Vegan Festival just to name a few!

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September: Western Cape, South Africa

South Africa’s Western Cape Province is just perfect in September, when it’s spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The throngs of tourists haven’t arrived yet, the weather tends to be mild and sunny and if you look to the ocean, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to see migrating southern right whales.

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September: Western Cape, South Africa

In early September, a popular activity is to head north from Cape Town to see the spring flowers. These wildflowers cover what is normally an arid landscape in a carpet of bright yellows, purples, oranges and whites.

See more of the best places to visit in September.

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October: Eastern Canada

As the seasons change, the Canadian landscape gets dressed in shades of red, orange, yellow, gold and rust. The Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario offer all the spectacle but without the crowds you'd find in New England.

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October: Eastern Canada

There are many different ways to see the fall foliage in Eastern Canada, from driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to hiking in any of our national or provincial parks.

For a really unforgettable journey, however, why not go on an Agawa Canyon (Ontario) Fall Train Tour and travel in style?

If that doesn't do it for you, check out more of the best places to visit in October.

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November: Churchill, Manitoba

As temperatures drop in Canada, pack ice starts forming over Hudson Bay. This makes it possible for polar bears to migrate from their summer ranges to where they can hunt seals.

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November: Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is considered the polar bear capital of the world. While you can see them in summer and winter, your best bet is in November, as the bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay and wait for the water to freeze over.

For more info on where to vacation in November, don't miss 20 of the best places to travel in November.

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December: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a fairy-tale city any time of year but December adds something extra special to the Czech capital.

Bundle up against the cold and stroll along the ancient city streets to admire the stunning medieval and baroque architecture, which this time of year is decked out in the finest Christmas decorations.

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December: Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas spirit reigns supreme in Prague throughout most of December, with nativity scenes, comfort food and choirs singing carols in the open air.

The city is also famous for its Christmas markets where you can buy traditional handicrafts. Better start planning your Ho Ho Holiday!