The Shoulder Season: My Favorite Travel Time
- Karen Kilian
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Shoulder season is that sweet spot just before or after a destination’s busiest travel months. Think April and May, or September and October in many parts of the world. You can often get milder weather, fewer crowds, better availability—and sometimes a much nicer price tag.
Fewer people can be just as valuable as saving money.
A few shoulder-season destinations to put on your list:
Italy — April/May or September/October
Italy is magical almost anytime, but spring and fall can be much more enjoyable than the height of summer. Cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice are easier to explore when temperatures are more comfortable and crowds are lighter.
Portugal — April/May or September/October
Portugal is one of my favorite choices for shoulder-season travel. Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve offer great food, wine, scenery and plenty to do without needing to visit in the hottest months. September can be especially nice because summer warmth lingers, but the peak crowds begin to ease. I'll be there in September this year-care to meet me there?
French Riviera — September/October
Want that glamorous Côte d’Azur experience without quite as much of the summer sticker shock? September and October can be a wonderful time to visit. You may still get warm days, while the frenetic summer season starts winding down.
Greece — May or September/October
The Greek islands are hugely popular in summer, but shoulder season can give you a more relaxed experience. May is lovely for exploring before the heat really kicks in, while September can bring warm water and fewer visitors.
Iceland — spring or fall
Iceland is another destination where timing can make a difference. Spring and fall can offer a nice balance between weather, availability and fewer visitors than the busiest summer months. And let’s be honest, Iceland doesn’t exactly need to be warmer to be spectacular.
Shoulder season isn't necessarily about finding the absolute cheapest possible trip. It’s about getting more for your travel dollar. Maybe that means a better hotel in a great location. A nicer room. A longer stay. A smaller group tour.
