Our travellers prefer to join our tours in the fall and spring because it is the best time to catch the nice weather of the summer, but also avoid all the crowds that come with summer travel. The exact best time of the year varies by destination, but here is a quick guide to help you start planning:
| Tour | Best time of year |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt & the Nile | March & April, October to December The year-round climate all across Egypt is marked by dry heat, with warm, welcoming waters in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Travelling between June & September is not recommended unless you are very comfortable with heat, since temps can get up to 35°C. |
| Authentic Thailand & Phuket | February & March, October & November The weather in Thailand is influenced by distinct monsoon seasons. For a well-rounded experience that offers minimal rain and mild temperatures while avoiding crowds, the most favourable times to visit are during the cool season months of February & March, as well as October & November which fall during the transition from rainy season to cool season. |
| Colours of Morocco | March to May, September & October A geographically diverse country with many different climates, there’s no wrong time to visit Morocco. The coastal regions can be visited year-round, with pleasantly mild winters and summers featuring lots of sunshine. The High Atlas Mountains can also be visited anytime, although it does get cold in winter (and lightly coated in snow). |
| Enchanting Portugal | April to June; September & October Just one of its many perks, Portugal has year-round sunshine. Fall is an excellent time if you’re looking to experience a fresh harvest of Portugal’s famous wines. The summer months are considered to be high season in Portugal, with beaches and sites very busy. |
| Epic New Zealand | November, February & March Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in North America and Europe. The shoulder months of November (late spring) and February–March (late summer to early autumn) are especially ideal for visiting. You’ll enjoy long, sunny days with mild temperatures — perfect for exploring dramatic fjords, snow-dusted peaks, and lush forests without the summer crowds of December and January. These months also offer calm seas for cruising, vibrant festivals, and plenty of wildlife activity, from baby lambs in spring to penguins along the coasts in late summer. |
| Ethereal Iceland | May & September Iceland’s dramatic landscapes can be visited year-round, but the shoulder seasons offer the most balanced experience. In May and September you’ll enjoy mild weather, long daylight hours, and far fewer travellers than during the busy summer months. Outside of these periods, conditions can become quite cold and unpredictable, particularly through the long Icelandic winter. |
| Grand Tour of Ireland | April to June; September & October Perfect sweater weather, the spring and fall are relatively mild and have fewer crowds than the peak of summer. If you’re visiting in winter, pack many layers. |
| Iconic Greece & the Cyclades | April to June; September & October Did you know some islands of Greece see 300 days of sun per year! However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing as the high summer temps can get up to 40°C. Your best bet for nice weather that is not too hot to bare is the spring and fall. |
| Peru & Mystical Machu Picchu | April & May; September & October Winter is Peru is the best time to visit because it’s dry, compared to the rainy season during the Peruvian summer (December to March). |
| Prague, Krakow, Budapest & Vienna | April & May; September & October Eastern Europe is always in peak sweater weather, hovering around 15°C most of the year and typically not getting warmer than 22°C, even in the summer. |
| South Africa & Victoria Falls Tour | September to November; January to April The weather in South Africa is very nice year round, however it is best during the warmer months from September to April. May to October is the best time of year for spotting wildlife during a safari, while September to November is the best time to see the Jacaranda trees in bloom in Pretoria and Johannesburg. |
| Sicily & Southern Italy | April & May; September & October In Italy the weather is very nice year round. Spring and autumn are the best time to enjoy that weather while avoiding the crowds that make Italy one of the top destinations globally. If beach time is important, you best bet the spring (April and May). |
| Signature Italy Tour | April & May; September & October In Italy the weather is very nice year round. Spring and autumn are the best time to enjoy that weather while avoiding the crowds that make Italy one of the top destinations globally. The fall can be a special time to visit and take in the latest vintages of the wine harvest. |
| Treasures of Croatia & the Balkans | April to June; September To make the most of its beautiful beaches, early summer (May-June) is an ideal time to visit Croatia, but the weather stays nice well into the fall. There are two primary weather patterns in Croatia: Mediterranean climate on the coast, with warm summers and mild winters, and continental inland, with slightly hotter temperatures in the summer and very cold winters. |
| Timeless Japan | March-May; October-November Japan offers two stunning seasons that highlight its natural beauty and cultural charm. Spring (March to May) is world-renowned for its cherry blossom season, complemented by mild temperatures that are comfortable for sightseeing. Fall (October & November) is equally breathtaking, with vibrant fall foliage painting the landscapes in reds, oranges, and yellows. This season offers crisp, clear days perfect for exploring gardens, temples, and countryside trails, while also avoiding the humidity of summer and the heavier rains of June and July. |
| Vietnam & Angkor Wat | February & March; October & November The monsoon season defines the weather in Vietnam: the southern summer monsoon brings rain to the two deltas, while winter monsoons blow damp, chilly winds along the central coast and eastern highlands. If you intend to see a bit of everything, then autumn (October & November) and spring (February & March) are the most favourable times to visit, with temperatures being milder and rain minimal. |
| Savoury France & The Rhône | April & August The Rhône Valley is at its most beautiful in spring and late summer. April brings mild temperatures, blooming countryside, and quieter towns before the peak tourist season. August offers warm evenings on deck, lavender fields in full bloom across Provence, and long golden hours on the Côte d’Azur. Both departures avoid the peak summer heat of July while still delivering the best of French weather. |
| Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands | August, September & November Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to April, but our August and September departures fall in the transition period when wildlife is most active and the rainforest is lush and green. November is one of the best months to visit the Galápagos — seas are calm, temperatures are warm, and wildlife activity is at its peak. Marine iguanas nest, sea lions are playful, and the archipelago is at its most vibrant. |
| Untamed Amazon & Ecuador | November November sits at the beginning of the Amazon’s high-water season, when rising river levels push wildlife onto higher ground and into the trees — making wildlife sightings from canoes and the observation deck more abundant. Temperatures are warm, rain is manageable, and the Napo River is navigable at its best. The Andes portion of the itinerary is also at its most scenic in this period. |
| Argentina & Antarctica | February Antarctica’s austral summer runs from November to March, and February is widely considered the sweet spot — penguin chicks are active and visible, whale sightings are at their peak, and temperatures on the peninsula are as mild as Antarctica gets. Buenos Aires in February is warm and alive, and Iguazú Falls is at full flow after the summer rains, making the Argentina leg equally extraordinary. |
