Where to go when: an alternative month-by-month guide

When it comes to travel, it’s true to say that timing is (almost) everything. Whether you want to maximize your chance of seeing that special natural phenomenon, or minimize your chance of running into the wrong weather, you’ll want schedule your trip accordingly. 

Moreover, with many of us keen to travel more responsibly, heading to less-visited destinations outside peak times is another key consideration. With all that in mind, here’s our alternative month-by-month guide to the best under-the-radar destinations to visit throughout the year.

1. Best places to go in January

While the world nurses its collective hangover, these overlooked destinations offer a spirited start to the year. Here's our pick of the best places to go in January.

Iceland

If you’re into active adventuring and want to witness nature at its most mind-blowing, January is a great time to visit Iceland. Though this ruggedly majestic island will be at its coldest and darkest, your travels will be well and truly brightened by the northern lights.

January is also the best time for ice caving, with fewer crowds than December making those post-adventure soaks in hot springs all the more pleasurable.

Fancy exploring the waterfalls and geothermal pools of Iceland’s wild west? Or how about hiking the glacial valleys and lava fields of the enchanting east? Check out Rough Guides' tailor-made Iceland itineraries for inspiration, and see which time of year is best for each activity.

Sri Lanka

At the other extreme of the temperature scale, January is also a great time to visit west and south Sri Lanka. Think hours of sun, miles of remote soft-sand beaches and excellent surfing. Plus, Galle’s architectural allures will satisfy even the most seasoned of culture vultures.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site city hosts an international literary festival in January or February each year. Even better, Yala National Park is close by, offering a chance for the kids to spot elephants, leopards, and more in the wild.

For more expert intel, read our Sri Lanka travel tips, find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka and discover customized itineraries in Sri Lanka from Rough Guides.

2. Best places to go in February

For the best places to go in February, bypass the usual suspects and set your sights on these instead.

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, one of the most remote places on Earth, is best visited in the first two weeks of February for the Tapati festival.

This annual celebration of Rapa Nui culture features world-class diving and surfing to enjoy alongside marveling at the monumental majesty of the island’s famed moai statues.

Rough Guides readers have ranked Chile among the most beautiful countries in the world. If you're after an off-the-beaten-path adventure, get in touch with our local Chile expert to plan a trip you'll never forget.

Oman

With an almost Mediterranean climate and daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 86°F (30°C), visiting Oman in February offers travelers immersive experience in near-perfect conditions.

How about wild camping surrounded by desert sands and towering mountains, or meandering Muscat’s Muttrah Souk? Oman’s capital is also a great launchpad for dolphin-watching and snorkeling trips.

For more inspiration, read our beginner's guide to Oman and discover the best time to visit the country for epic dune and canyon treks or a blissful beach vacation.

3. Best places to go in March

As winter's grip loosens, these unsung March destinations bloom without the Instagram crowds.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect place to put your responsible travel resolutions into practice. A dream destination for travelers seeking exhilarating back-to-nature adventures (and beach lovers), Costa Rica has been blazing an ecotourism trail for decades.

The good news is, it’s perfectly possible to experience the country’s diverse coast-to-coast delights during a single tailor-made trip, if (for example) you fancy turtle-watching from the shores of the Caribbean Sea,  trekking tropical national parks, and surfing the Pacific Ocean.

Quintessential Costa Rican travel experiences include ziplining through the forest canopy, and staying in a cloud forest eco-lodge. As for why to visit in March, falling towards the end of the mid-November to April dry season, there’ll be little rain and smaller crowds. Discover more Costa Rica travel tips.

Dominica

Alluringly under-the-radar in comparison with other Caribbean islands, it’s clear to see why dramatic Dominica is known as the Nature Island. This tiny island certainly breaks the Caribbean mold. In place of towering resorts, Dominica offers eco-minded boutique hotels and guesthouses – from the luxury of Jungle Bay and Secret Bay, to homely Verandah View.

In addition, while Dominica has its share of gorgeous beaches, it’s most known for its 365 rivers, forested, volcanic mountains, and the Waitukubuli Trail, an island-wide network of hiking routes. Beyond land, Dominica boasts world-class diving sites, and is the only place sperm whales can be seen year-round.

That said, sightings are most common between November and March, with March also heralding the beginning of turtle-watching season.

4. Best places to go in April

Skip the predictable spring break haunts, and try these April destinations instead.

Uzbekistan

Once the capital of Tamerlane’s Silk Road Empire, Uzbekistan’s elegant, art-rich Samarkand is a definite under-the-radar gem. Beyond Samarkand, Central Asia’s outstanding natural and cultural attractions await in wider Uzbekistan (you won’t want to miss taking a trip to beautiful Bukhara, for example), along with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.  

After reading up on reasons to visit Uzbekistan, take a look at our customizable Highlights of the Silk Road trip to take the hassle out of planning a trip to a less-visited region that’s best explored in late spring, when (largely) dry days can reach an agreeable 71.6°F (22°C). 

Madeira

Madeira isn’t exactly an undiscovered destination, but it certainly has plenty of under-the-radar experiences to enjoy, as revealed in our shaking off Madeira misconceptions feature. All the better if you visit in spring before peak summer season descends, and consider taking a dual-island break that combines Madeira with São Miguel. 

From dipping into the natural pools of Porto Moniz and hiking a UNESCO World Heritage Site laurel forest in Madeira, to exploring São Miguel’s Sete Cidades Lagoon and Fire Lake, visiting both islands is an ideal way to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the Azores.

Keen to discover Madeira’s secret waterfalls and scenic forests? Or maybe hike along Portugal’s rugged cliffs and picturesque coastal paths? Explore Rough Guides' tailor-made Portugal itineraries for ideas, and learn the ideal time to visit for each experience.

5. Best places to go in May

Before summer's chaos descends, these quieter corners of the world are great for a trip in May.

Wales

Majestic mountains, emerald valleys, ancient myths and epic castles - Wales packs a whole lot of natural beauty and culture into its small mass of land. From exploring places in Wales you’ve probably never heard of, to trekking Snowdonia National Park (and beyond – Wales has a host of rewarding alternative hikes), this welcoming country invites repeat visits and affords visitors plenty of opportunities to discover under-the-radar villages and remote beauty spots.

Special mention must be made of picturesque Pembrokeshire. Here you can hike the awe-inspiring coast path and visit beautiful beaches. You'll also enjoy some of the country’s best adventure experiences, and stay in stunning sustainable properties.

Want to get your wild on in Wales (arguably best done in late spring before summer vacation crowds descend)? The Rough Guide to Wales is a trove of information, while our inspiring Wales itineraries will set you on your way. 

Dalmatian islands

Boasting beautiful islands, historic villages, and incredible cuisine, Dalmatia is one of Croatia’s ultimate treasures. As a result, island-hopping is an exhilarating experience, especially if you opt to sail the immaculate Adriatic Sea ahead of peak season.

Brač delivers breathtaking scenery alongside fine wine and olive oil tasting experiences, while Hvar is renowned for its upscale restaurants. Meanwhile, Mljet National Park is a joy for romantics and nature lovers, and the Elaphite Islands are among the most unspoiled in the Adriatic.

Fancy taking to the water but not sure where to start? Read our first-timer's guide to sailing in Croatia. And fear not if you prefer staying on land - we have Croatian trips for you too, or you could always contact our local expert to create your ideal itinerary.

6. Best places to go in June

As travelers swarm the usual hotspots, wander off the beaten path to these often overlooked places to go in June.

Rwanda and Uganda

If you’re looking for exceptional wildlife-watching experiences in an under-the-radar area, visiting Rwanda between June and September might just be your thing - these are the best months for sighting mountain gorillas (though there are plenty of reasons to see more of Rwanda than the gorillas alone).

From capital Kigali, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park over the border in Uganda. After journeying through tropical jungles and valleys, the reserve’s rare primate residents can be seen up close in the cloud forest. 

If you fancy blending wildlife-watching with island chilling, our tailor-made trips to see mountain gorillas in East Africa can be customized to include Tanzanian safaris and a Zanzibar beach stay. 

La Rioja

If you think you know Spain, it might be time to think again and to consider taking an altogether more immersive trip somewhere far from the madding crowds of popular tourist hotspots, and before peak season strikes. Lovers of the good life and rural landscapes will find unadulterated pleasures in La Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine-producing region.

It’s a place to ramble through rolling hills, enjoy long lunches in centuries-old wine cellars, and meander medieval villages. Haro and Laguardia have a way of getting under your skin, with stunning historic hotels to stay in - how about bedding down in a converted 14th-century convent?

To see Spain through new eyes, discover more places you’ve (probably) never considered and check out our tailor-made Spain itineraries - each one designed to reveal an undiscovered slice of Spain to you.

7. Best places to go in July

Swap sunburned beaches for these July destinations where locals still outnumber tourists.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Exploring Ireland’s unspoiled natural beauty and prehistoric sites makes for a richly rewarding, back-to-nature experience, with July a great time to enjoy warmer weather and a host of festivals (as outlined in our when to go to Ireland guide).

What’s more, if you pick your destination and route wisely (how about exploring Ireland’s wild Atlantic way, or setting off on a road trip?), you might just have all that spectacular scenery to yourself. 

If all this talk of rugged beauty has you dreaming of taking a trip to the Emerald Isle, our Pearls of Ireland itinerary includes the West Coast’s Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher, rounded off with time in cosmopolitan Dublin, where a number of fun, free experiences can be had.

Malaysia and Borneo

If you’re looking for a diverse travel experience that combines ancient culture, desert island idyll and wild rainforests, it doesn’t get more rewarding than visiting Malaysia and Borneo. June-August is the best time to see orangutans, and July-October best for turtle-watching.

From visiting Kampung Pulai's limestone crags and temples to taking a trip to the Cameron Highlands, there are plenty of places to get off the tourist trail in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Borneo offers some truly great nature experiences, including opportunities to see orangutans and sun bears.

Going it alone? See our guide to backpacking Malaysia. Alternatively, our local expert can tailor a Malaysia itinerary to your exact needs, whether you’re looking for luxury, world-class wildlife-watching, or both.

8. Best places to go in August

Here's our pick for the best places to travel in August.

Scotland's wilderness

While thousands of visitors to Scotland flock to the Edinburgh International Festival in August, you could choose an alternate (and more peaceful) path by visiting the country’s natural beauty spots, perhaps on a walking vacation or road trip.

Home to some of Europe’s last great wildernesses, Scotland certainly isn’t short of spectacular remote places, with its very own Big Five to find in the wild (discover more in our guide to unusual things to do in Scotland). 

Interested in exploring Scotland’s majestic lochs and wild highlands? Or perhaps hiking through its rugged glens and ancient woodlands? Take a look at Rough Guides' tailor-made Scotland itineraries for ideas, and discover the best time of year for each adventure.

Norway

Taking a top ten spot in our recent poll of the most beautiful countries in the world, visiting Norway in August means venturing to the land of the midnight sun. Summer also heralds Norway’s hiking season.

While this is a popular Norwegian pastime, it’s not hard to find your own swathes of stunning scenery – craggy coastlines, plunging valleys, thick forests and enchanting fjords. Norway really is ridiculously gorgeous. 

If you fancy staying in style surrounded by mighty mountains in a UNESCO-listed town, Røros Hotell comes recommended, while our Norway itineraries offer fresh (and we mean fresh) inspiration.

9. Best places to go in September

With the crowds back at work, these September destinations reach their prime.

Montenegro

Though still relatively under the radar, Montenegro’s elegant coast is growing in popularity, so we’d recommend holding out until peak season has passed. Visiting in September means less crowded beaches, evenings still warm enough to sip cocktails al fresco, and all the more space to amble charming old towns and hike Durmitor National Park.

To enjoy an unbeatable blend of local legend, WWII history, and the iridescent beauty of the Blue Cave, take a boat trip to Kotor. Staying in Kotor's UNESCO World Heritage Site bay is unbeatable, too. 

Thinking of visiting this beautiful, bijou country for the first time? Rough Guides tailor-made trips can take the hassle out of planning your magical Montenegro break. You might also want to read our first-timers guide to Montenegro. 

Jordan

From the restorative Dead Sea to the Red Sea’s rich reefs, Jordan brims with natural treasures. Then there’s the cultural treasures of Amman and Petra. This ancient city sparks awe as it sends you back in time.

Come September, Jordan’s scorching summer temperatures have fallen, leaving you to explore in pleasantly warm conditions. Meandering Petra's monastery route is a Jordanian must-do (the views from the mountain top are jaw-droppingly spectacular), and enjoying desert adventures in the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum mustn’t be missed, either. 

To experience all this, our Jordan itineraries have you covered. 100% customizable, you could (for example) also include a visit to Jerusalem and the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.

10. Best places to go in October

Here's a pick of what October destinations made our list.

Cuba

Blessed with out-of-this-world beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea, exceptional wildlife, and a uniquely fascinating history that spans indigenous Taíno culture, Spanish colonialism, twentieth-century Communism (and beyond), Cuba really is like nowhere else on Earth.

For first-time visitors and confirmed devotees alike, Cuba is an exhilarating feast for the senses, whether you choose to explore Havana in a classic car, snorkel pristine reefs off the lesser-visited Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth), or get back to nature in the Viñales Valley.  

With Cuba nearing the end of hurricane season in October, and winter sun seekers yet to arrive en masse, this is a pretty great time to visit. And, given that it’s impossible to see everything Cuba has to offer in a single visit, you might want to consider a custom-made trip. From fun family adventures, to getting off the beaten track, our local experts can create your ideal experience.

Already started planning your vacation in Cuba? Explore your options for the best way to get there.

South Moravia, Czech Republic

While you may be familiar with Prague (you may even have uncovered its alternative side), chances are you’ve yet to discover the lesser-trodden paths of the Czech Republic’s South Moravia region.

Its landscapes are perfect for outdoor adventuring, and its wine is world-celebrated –arguably best discovered by cycling the South Moravian Wine Route, 1200km of countryside trails marked with the outline of a cellar. Elsewhere, there are UNESCO World Heritage Site chateaux to visit, and enchanting caves to explore.

While visiting South Moravia in October means you won’t have the warm weather that draws outdoor types during summer, you will be able to explore the region’s heritage sites at your leisure, and fall is all the better for appreciating cozy bars and hearty Czech cuisine. It’s also an ideal time to get cozy in a cottage surrounded by fairy-tale forests.

11. Best places to go in November

Planning a trip for November? Here's where to go.

Mexico

Mexico offers an intoxicating cocktail of historic and natural attractions -Mesoamerican cultures, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, striking deserts, and colonial cities. The food’s not bad either, with options like salsa cooking classes and market tours available for you to up your own gourmet game.

To enjoy the beaches and Mayan sites before they’re overrun with sun-seeking tourists (and see the forests at their lushest following the rainy season), we recommend visiting in November. 

Traveling as a family? Read our guide to traveling in Mexico with kids. Looking for something a bit different? See our feature on cool places to visit in Mexico. And if you’re ready to start planning your trip, it might be worth taking a look at our suggested Mexico itineraries.

India

Falling between peak tourist months of December and January and the onset of monsoons, November is pretty much the best month to visit India, an exhilarating destination you recently declared to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world (see for yourself in our gallery).

Culture vultures who don’t mind a bit of bustle will be drawn to the Golden Triangle, nature-lovers can enjoy exceptional safaris, while those wanting to rest up will be spoiled by beautiful beaches to choose from. India also has plenty of places to get off the tourist trail, as revealed in our guide to undiscovered India.

With so much to see and do in India, read our tips for first-time visitors, and consider contacting our local experts to create your perfect personalized trip. 

12. Best places to go in December

While the world gears up for a holiday frenzy, retreat to these December destinations. 

South Argentina

The end of the year is the best time to visit the End of the World. Namely, Ushuaia in the the southern extreme of Argentina, where genuine off-the-beaten-path experiences await. After spending a little time in the capital Buenos Aires (where you could stay in a beautiful boutique hotel and see a tango show), take a trip to Perito Moreno Glacier before plunging south to Ushuaia.

The world's most southerly city, this is a beautiful base from which to explore the glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and mountains of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Board the End of the World train (what else?) to reach it.

Given Argentina’s vast size, it’s a good idea to consider one of our tailored itineraries or consult with a local guide to help plan your trip.

Kenya

While Kenya’s famed mass migration of wildebeests happens during the summer months, visiting in December (and January) affords excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, along with a whole lot of elephants, zebras and giraffes, and tons of migratory bird species.

Winter is also a wonderful time to enjoy Kenya’s coastline - there’s no better way to slip from exploring the vast lowland plains and central highlands to plunging into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be short of things to do in Kenya after your safari. 

To start planning your adventure (fully customizable and curated by Kenyan travel experts), see our sample itineraries. And for more inspiration, view our gallery of incredible pictures of Kenya.

Thinking about a family trip to Kenya? Our tips for visiting Kenya with kids will help you manage the hassle and have a more relaxed trip.

For more inspiration for the year ahead, explore the best travel destinations for 2024, and discover the most beautiful countries in the world — as voted by you.

Don’t forget, wherever you’re thinking of heading, there’s a Rough Guide for every step of your journey. And if you’re keen to take the hassle out of planning, our local experts are on hand to help curate your perfect tailor-made trip.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: Cuba's verdant Vinales valley © Shutterstock