The Best Cruise Destinations by Season

Winter in North America is summer in Australia, so it works in your favour to board a cruise during those months. Expect idyllic conditions in ports on the western side, like Sydney and Perth. But it also happens to be typhoon season so there could be some rough waters in Brisbane.

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June, July and August is the rainy season in these parts, which also equals humidity and unbearable heat so you want to wait until at least November up until March for the continent. The downside, however, is that it's also when you'll find the highest prices (though, if possible, don't pay for your trip all at once) and most crowds at the ports.

Funnily enough, unlike most of the cruise destinations, Hawaii cruises are decently priced from November through February, though this is one of those places where it's lovely all year round. Just look at Hawaii's most gorgeous beaches!

Whether it's part of a Western Caribbean itinerary or solely Mexico, the area is good all year round. However, the best time is during its dry season, anywhere from November to May, though you might want to avoid it during Spring Break when the ports and major attractions nearby will be packed with teens and college kids. Oh, and stop at the Valentin Imperial, if you can. You won't regret it.

Keep in mind the climates can vary drastically, depending on the itinerary, so while Buenos Aires might be hot as hell, as you travel down Argentina's coast to a southern port like Ushuaia, or back up to Chile off the beaten path in the Beagle Channel, it might become significantly cooler and windier. But anywhere from November through March is just lovely with some bargains in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

When you can't deal with the tail end of winter and supposed beginning of spring, a Caribbean cruise could be just what the travel agent ordered. It also helps that December through April are the driest months so the weather will not disappoint at all.

The ideal time to cruise through the Mediterranean runs from April through to November, leaving you loads of options (though summer is when most tourists hit the continent). Late spring and early fall will still give you pleasant temperatures but with fewer crowds.

The tropical climate doesn't really change here, but the waters are choppier during August and September making springtime a great time.

Since the temps are lovely all year round, anytime works (though it is rainier in June, July and August). But you can find some decent deals on larger ships (like this one in the very-cool Melbourne) and Great Barrier Reef cruises for this time of year.

Expect favourable weather during the South Pacific's high season, which just so happens to run from May to October. Perfect for early honeymooners and those looking to get their holidays out of the way before summer starts.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, its peak time typically being June through August. But while it is warmer, there's also more of a chance of rain during these times.

The summer months, specifically May through mid-August, are obviously peak and will cost you, but it is Bermuda's beach season; why would you want to miss that when it's one of the top spots to vacation as a couple? But try and go before the end of August, when hurricane season picks up and can affect the island. The beginning of the summer season is the way to go.

If you want to see Europe without the unbearable heat, a Baltic cruise is calling your name. If you like to explore, this is the cruise for you since you'll visit major walkable cities like St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen, but don't worry. There are days in between to relax onboard.

It can be a crazy-busy time, what with the school break, but if you're travelling with kids it's the perfect time to set sail. Find cruises that take you to southern Caribbean islands like Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire if you're worried about hurricane season and want to reduce the risk of sailing into one of those.

If you don't mind the cold, a cruise to just north of the Arctic Circle is something to cross off your bucket list. The unique landscapes, the amazing wildlife, and the endless sunlight is what Instagram is meant for.

The weather is a little crisper but you those fall colours will make it worth it.

A river cruise in Europe is like no other, whether you're doing a Mediterraean sail through the Greek islands and Canary Islands, or taking in a river cruise — where it's not weather-dependent — you can admire castles and sample all kinds of food as you journey from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Also known as an Atlantic crossing, this one's ideal for those who like a lot of days at sea rather than getting off at different ports and exploring. The trips travel from an Eastern North American port like Halifax or New York City to England's Southampton. But this is not a round-trip adventure so while the price may be right, you need to factor in the cost of a one-way airline ticket.

Alaska in the summer can be pricey; a fall cruise, however, could be exactly what you need. But it should be noted — while the prices are low, so are the temperatures. Can't beat the views though. So gorge you might want to live there.

This may be a bit of a surprise considering the hurricane season runs through November, but the temps are still high and, most importantly, the prices are significantly lower.