Shoulder Season: When and Where to Travel in 2025 and 2026

Finding the perfect time to travel for your luxury holidays isn’t always straightforward, but here is one thing we as experienced travel specialists know for certain: the ‘shoulder season’ is often where you can experience some of the most unique and memorable holidays for a more affordable price.

During the quieter months between peak travel seasons, you will usually find that those holiday destinations on your bucket list have fewer crowds, lower rates and promise some unforgettable adventures. From a Costa Rica holiday during the ‘little summer’ to a Tanzania safari in calving season, our team of experts have created a list of the best places to go on holiday for those wishing to travel in the off-peak season.

The shoulder season is the period that falls between a destination’s peak season and its off-season. Travelling in the shoulder season usually promises a more affordable luxury holiday, fewer crowds and a variety of unique experiences that you do not come across in the peak season.

The shoulder season varies by destination and its peak seasons. However, for many destinations, spring and autumn are usually the shoulder season months.

Whether you are looking for an exciting African safari or a relaxing Caribbean beach holiday, our team of travel specialists have handpicked their top holiday destinations to visit in the shoulder season.

Shoulder season: January to March

Often overshadowed by the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the calving season in northern Tanzania is an equally extraordinary phenomenon to behold. Between January and March, over half a million of wildebeest and zebra calves are born in just a two to three-week window in the northern Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti. This remarkable occasion also attracts many predators to the area and is particularly excellent for big cat sightings.

Before jetting back to your everyday life straight after your Tanzania safari, we recommend combining your luxury holiday or honeymoon to Tanzania with an all-inclusive holiday to the paradisal island of Zanzibar. In our opinion, there is no better way to end a safari adventure in Tanzania than bathing in the sun on Zanzibar’s velvety white-sand beaches during the months of January to March.

Shoulder season: March and November

Antarctica is certainly a bucket list destination and for good reason. However, if you would like to avoid the higher cruise prices and busier months of December to February, then our experts recommend planning your Antarctica cruise in the off-peak travel season of March and November. March is ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience of the White Continent, with incredible whale sightings and spectacular sunrises and sunsets across the monumental glaciers. In November, the season is just beginning and you will witness the pristine landscapes and nesting penguins in their full glory.

If you’re interested in finding out more about an Antarctic cruise in 2025 and 2026, read our guide on what to expect on your Antarctica holidays.

EXPLORE ANTARCTICA

Shoulder season: April and May

Only seven hours from the UK, a holiday to Oman offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. One moment, you could be exploring the dramatic canyons of Jebel Akhdar and another, you could be unwinding on a beautiful white-sand beach in April.

One of our Oman specialists, Louisa, advises travelling from late April into May as this is the time where prices drop significantly, the peak season crowds are nowhere to be seen and the weather remains beautifully warm.

Shoulder season: April and May

Botswana is renowned as one of the best safaris in Africa, but it can usually be one of the more pricier safari destinations. However, if you travel in the off-peak months of April and May, you will be met with not only excellent game viewing, but also fewer crowds and a more affordable luxury Botswana holiday.

For a fantastic and more exclusive safari experience, explore the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a model of low-volume tourism in the months of April and May. Here you will witness an extraordinary array of wildlife without the usual crowds of the peak season, and there are plenty of experiences on offer such as traditional game drives, walking safaris, mokoro and motorboat trips, and fishing excursions.

Before embarking on your safari adventure, our experts have crafted a list of the 11 things you must pack for your safari and what not to pack.

Shoulder season: June, late August and September

The Caribbean has been renowned as one of the best beach holiday destinations for decades and truly ticks every box for all those who travel to these magical islands. During the months of June, late August and September, you will experience a picture-perfect getaway of beautiful beaches, incredible diving and endless sunshine.

A favourite of Catherine’s, one of our Caribbean travel specialists, is the Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St Lucia. Nestled between the island’s iconic Pitons and with a Marine National Park just offshore, the Viceroy Sugar Beach is a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fantastic beach holiday.

Shoulder season: July and August

If you are looking to travel in the summer holidays, but are seeking lower rates and smaller crowds, Costa Rica is one of the best places to visit for a luxury holiday. From mid-July to August, Costa Rica enjoys ‘Veranillo’, or ‘little summer’, which is a short dry spell that brings clearer skies and milder weather across the country. With these weather conditions, you will have the opportunity to experience everything Costa Rica has to offer, such as exploring the spectacular scenery, spotting the incredible wildlife and even lazing on some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America.

Shoulder season: September

For those who are dreaming of planning a holiday to India in 2025, September is a wonderful time to visit the northern state of Rajasthan. During this month, it is not only more cost effective, but the region is cooler, greener and far quieter than the busier peak season of October onwards.

One of our Asia travel experts, Ayesha, recommends spending at least three days in the rose-hued capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Known as the home of the most beautiful attractions including the Moon Palace, the Royal Observatory and the Amber Fort, Jaipur is also a paradise for shoppers and the perfect immersion into the colour, creativity and chaos of India.

Shoulder season: October

October is a wonderful time to experience the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. As you travel through scenic valleys, you will be surrounded by breathtaking autumn colours and an abundance of wildlife. One of our favourite highlights of the journey is the panoramic views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The GoldLeaf Service is the ultimate experience, with bi-level glass dome coaches offering expansive views, gourmet meals prepared by executive chefs and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform to bring you even closer to the spectacular landscapes.

Start planning your luxury holidays, honeymoons or safaris today. Speak to our travel specialists on +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.