Popular travel destinations throughout the year: where to go and when

Those who love to travel rarely think in terms of years – but rather in terms of months, moods and places. Whether snow-capped mountains, Mediterranean coasts or vibrant cities: over the course of a year, not only do the climate and light change, but so do travel trends. The following overview shows which destinations are particularly popular throughout the year – and why. It is worth looking not only at classic travel times, but also at niche months that offer special travel experiences.

Spring: new beginnings, blossoms and mild temperatures

With the first warm days in March, the travel season begins in many regions of Europe. City breaks to Paris, Lisbon, Athens or Barcelona are particularly popular, as it is not yet too hot and nature is already blossoming. Those who prefer a quieter pace can travel to the coasts of Portugal or Tuscany. Hiking tours in Mallorca or Andalusia are also gaining popularity at this time of year – not least because flights are cheap and hotels still have capacity. Spring is also ideal for long-haul trips to destinations with a pleasant climate, such as Japan for the cherry blossom, Jordan or the USA. California and the south-west of the USA in particular offer mild temperatures, clear visibility and comparatively few tourists in April and May.

Summer: coasts, lakes and Alpine regions

Summer attracts travellers to classic beach destinations – above all the Adriatic, the Greek islands, the Balearic Islands and the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Families prefer easily accessible destinations with stable weather conditions, such as the Italian lakes, the French Atlantic coast, Lake Constance or Lake Garda. The North Sea and Baltic Sea also remain popular – not least because of better infrastructure and higher water temperatures than just a few years ago. Those who prefer active holidays to heat will find ideal conditions for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or via ferrata in the Alpine regions – from Tyrol to Carinthia to Valais. Many regions are now focusing on sustainable tourism with regional products, car-free destinations and nature-based leisure activities.

Autumn: colours, enjoyment and a pleasant climate

Autumn is quieter, but no less attractive. September is considered an insider tip for warm destinations without the hustle and bustle of the high season: Sardinia, Cyprus, Crete and Sicily still offer bathing weather at significantly lower prices. The Aegean region in Turkey and the Algarve in Portugal are also worth visiting at this time of year. New trends can be discovered every year at the ITB. In October and November, many are drawn to the wine regions of Germany, France, South Tyrol and Styria. Culinary tours, grape harvest festivals, truffle markets and autumnal landscapes take centre stage. For active holidaymakers, there are hikes in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the Black Forest or the Dolomites – with clear views, pleasant temperatures and colourful deciduous forests.

Winter: between snow sports and soaking up the sun

Those who travel in winter often choose between activities in the snow or complete relaxation in the sun. There are many individual variations between these two extremes: city breaks to southern climes, cruises or stays in holiday homes with fireplaces, for example in Scandinavia or the Allgäu region. At the same time, many people are drawn away from the cold – to distant destinations with sun, sea and tropical flair. An outstanding example is Tahiti, which remains a place of longing with its turquoise lagoons, lush vegetation and Polynesian way of life. While Europe shivers, travellers there enjoy water and air temperatures of around 27 degrees. Tahiti is part of French Polynesia and offers a mix of luxurious resorts, authentic culture and breathtaking nature. Snorkelling with rays, excursions to green mountain landscapes or sunsets on Bora Bora – Tahiti fulfils the need for retreat, warmth and a rhythm of life away from Western time logic. December is particularly popular, when the tropical climate offers a contrast to the cold weather in Central Europe.

Flexible planning makes for better travel

Whether it's an active holiday or relaxation, wanderlust or local recreation – those who are in the right place at the right time experience more. Knowing the seasonal characteristics and taking them into account when planning can not only save money, but also allow you to experience special lighting conditions, events and cultural peculiarities. The course of the year is more than just a calendar: it is a travel itinerary for experiences with the right timing. And: the most exciting experiences often await away from the classic travel seasons – be it the empty mountain village in May, the calm Mediterranean in October or the first snow in a secluded high valley.