You’ve been eyeing a certain time a year for your next vacation—and you want to make sure you maximize every moment of it. That includes making sure the destination you choose is at its best at that particular time of year!
For inspiration, I’ve put together a list of destinations to visit month by month, so you can take advantage of great weather, seasonal festivities, and more:
January
The Maldives: This South Asian island archipelago is famed for its exquisitely clear waters and sun-kissed beaches. In January, expect clear blue skies and little, if any, rain—ideal for unwinding in paradise and beginning your new year with a bang (hopefully, in one of the Maldives’ iconic overwater bungalows)!
February
Agra, India: February’s warm, dry weather is perfect for enjoying Agra’s majestic Mughal architecture, including the monument of all monuments: The Taj Mahal. Don’t miss the mausoleum of I’timād-ud-Daulah—another impressive architectural wonder nicknamed “the baby Taj”—while you’re in the city.
March
Whistler, Canada: It’s all about the great outdoors in Whistler. Spring sees sunny days and powder aplenty, allowing for all manner of winter sports. Of course, you can end your days skiing or snowshoeing across the terrain with mulled wine and s’mores around a firepit at your luxury resort!
April
Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is a must-visit in the spring as cherry blossoms burst into bloom, creating a magical backdrop to this enchanting city. In addition to blossom viewing, you can explore Kyoto’s ornate temples and sizzling street food scene.
May
Victoria Falls, Africa: Victoria Falls, split across Zambia & Zimbabwe, is a year-round destination—but May is the perfect month to come. The summer rains are over and the thundering falls are at full flow, with rainbows common. Pair your trip to the falls with a heart-pumping safari experience.
June
Machu Picchu, Peru: With clear skies and amazing weather for hiking—daytime temps hover in the high 60’s Fahrenheit—June is the ideal month to tackle the iconic Inca Trail. If you want to try a different (and less crowded) twist on Machu Picchu, opt for the Salkantay Trail instead of the Inca Trail.
July
Provence, France: Provence in July is what dreams are made of. During the height of summer, the landscape is peppered with fields of purple lavender (which have a limited bloom window), and the air is heavy with its sweet perfume. You can also sink your teeth into juicy raspberries that peak in July; find them at overflowing village farmer’s markets.
August
Slovenia: Make the most of long, warm days during Slovenia’s summer and plan an active trip in the country’s scenic settings. The country is home to the Julian Alps and numerous lakes—including famous Lake Bled—that are perfect for hiking, biking, and more.
September
Kenya & Tanzania: If you’re going to safari in the legendary Serengeti, the best time for viewing the Big 5—lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant—is in September. This is Kenya and Tanzania’s dry season, so the weather is ideal for spotting wildlife in the bush.
October
Queensland, Australia: October is a great time to visit Australia’s adventure playground. It’s fairly quiet, and the weather is perfect: warm, pleasant, and ideal for long days spent outdoors. And since Queensland is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays Islands, and the Daintree Rainforest, you can bet you’ll want to spend most of your time outside!
November
The Bahamas, Caribbean: With its pristine sand beaches and teal-blue lagoons, the Bahamas are a beachgoer’s delight in November—when much of the U.S. starts to settle into a major chill. When you’re ready to explore beyond the beach, you can charter a catamaran to snorkel in hidden coves, swim with pigs in Big Cay Bay, take an ATV tour around the city, and more!
December
Helsinki & Lapland, Finland: If you love this festive season, you need to spend it in Finland. Visitors to the capital, Helsinki, will find cheer at every turn, where streets are awash in holiday lights and Christmas markets. Continue on to Lapland to explore the home of Santa Claus—you can even ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer!
Ready to embark on your own perfectly planned escape?
My team and I at Diya Vacations would love to help—book your complimentary consultation call with me to get started.