Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell writes about where to stay and when to go. His work covers hotels and resorts, booking and check-in questions, and seasonal timing for destinations around the world — the shoulder-season math, the weather windows, and the trip-planning details most travelers only learn the hard way.
Vienna is worth visiting in every season, but the best time depends on the experience you want. Spring and early fall usually offer the easiest mix of mild weather, outdoor sightseeing, and manageable crowds. Summer brings major open-air events, while late November and December are best for Christmas markets and festive lights. Quick Answer The best time to visit Vienna for mild weather and manageable crowds is usually April to May or September to October. Choose June to August for outdoor festivals, late November to December for Christmas markets, and January to February for ice skating, ball season, and potentially…
Bali is warm throughout the year, so the best time to visit depends less on temperature and more on rainfall, crowds, prices, and the activities you want to do. The dry season usually runs from April through October, while the wetter season usually runs from November through March. For many travelers, May, June, and September offer the best balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds. Quick Answer The best time to travel to Bali is usually May, June, or September. These months fall within the generally drier April-to-October season but often avoid the heaviest July and August crowds. Choose November…
The Philippines combines 7,641 islands, lively cities, mountain landscapes, coral reefs, cultural festivals, and more than 112 million residents. Its size and geography also mean that no single weather rule applies everywhere. Choosing the best time to visit depends on the islands you plan to see, the activities you want to do, your budget, and your tolerance for heat or rain. Quick Answer For most travelers, the best time to visit the Philippines is January or February, when many popular beach and city destinations are drier, less humid, and cooler than in March through May. December through April is the…
The best time to visit Santiago, Chile, depends on what you want to do, but spring and fall offer the best balance for most travelers. September through November brings warming temperatures and spring scenery, while March through May combines comfortable weather with wine-harvest season. Summer is hot and dry, while winter brings skiing in the nearby Andes, cooler city weather, and more rain. Quick Answer The best time to visit Santiago, Chile, for most travelers is spring (September–November) or fall (March–May). These shoulder seasons bring mild weather and good conditions for sightseeing and wine-country trips. Choose winter for Andes skiing,…
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is one of Mexico’s largest metropolitan centers and one of the country’s most rewarding cities for food, music, architecture, and traditional culture. Jalisco is closely associated with mariachi and tequila, while Guadalajara itself offers landmarks such as the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Tapatía, Mercado San Juan de Dios, and the UNESCO-listed Hospicio Cabañas. Quick Answer For the easiest sightseeing weather, visit Guadalajara from November through March, when days are usually dry and sunny and nights are cooler. October and April can also be excellent. Choose late August or early September for mariachi events, late…
Madeira is a Portuguese Atlantic archipelago known for dramatic mountains, green valleys, volcanic coastline, levada walks, subtropical gardens, and the lively capital of Funchal. There is no single bad season to visit, but the best time depends on whether you care most about hiking, warm swimming weather, festivals, lower demand, or avoiding the busiest periods. Quick Answer For most travelers, April through June and September through October are among the best times to visit Madeira. These months combine mild weather, good hiking conditions, long daylight hours, and plenty of activities without relying entirely on the busiest summer period. Beach travelers…
Istanbul is rewarding in every season, but the experience changes sharply with the weather. For most travelers, the best time to visit Istanbul is in late spring or early fall, when walking through Sultanahmet, Galata, Kadıköy, and the Bosphorus waterfront is more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer. Spring also brings tulips and major arts events, while fall combines mild weather with a lively cultural calendar. Quick Answer The best time to visit Istanbul is usually late April through May or September through October. These shoulder-season months bring milder temperatures than midsummer and comfortable conditions for sightseeing on…
Choosing when to visit Italy and Greece can make or break a trip. The right month can bring mild weather, shorter lines, warm seas, and better room availability. The wrong one may mean intense heat, crowded landmarks, reduced ferry service, or seasonal businesses that have already closed. Here is how to choose the best travel window for your plans. Quick Answer The best time to visit Italy and Greece is usually May, early June, September, or early October. May suits city sightseeing and spring scenery, while September is better for warm seas and island trips. July and August bring the…
Kerala is warm, tropical, and green throughout the year, but the experience changes sharply with the seasons. For most travelers, the biggest decision is whether to prioritize comfortable sightseeing weather, lower prices and fewer crowds, lush monsoon scenery, or major cultural events. The coast, backwaters, cities, and high Western Ghats also experience noticeably different conditions, so there is no single perfect month for every Kerala trip. Quick Answer For most travelers, the best time to visit Kerala is November through February, when temperatures are generally more comfortable and rain is less disruptive. Choose June through September for lush monsoon scenery…
Fort Lauderdale combines Atlantic beaches, scenic waterways, outdoor dining, museums, and a busy event calendar, but the experience changes considerably by season. The city takes its name from a Second Seminole War fortification built on the New River in 1838, and today its canals help explain its well-known “Venice of America” nickname. For travelers, the bigger question is when Fort Lauderdale offers the right mix of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, value, and low storm risk. Quick Answer The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale for comfortable, generally drier weather is December through April. Late April and November can offer a…
For most travelers, choosing the best time to visit Ghana comes down to three things: rainfall, Harmattan conditions, and what you want to do. Ghana stays warm throughout the year, but its weather is not identical from Accra to Tamale. Southern Ghana has two rainy periods, while northern Ghana has one longer wet season. That regional difference matters when planning beaches, wildlife trips, festivals, hikes, and road travel. Quick Answer For most travelers, the best time to visit Ghana is November through March, when rainfall is generally lower and road travel is easier. November is an especially good compromise before…
For most travelers, the best time to visit Jordan is spring or autumn, when long days at Petra, desert excursions in Wadi Rum, and city sightseeing are easier than during the hottest part of summer. Jordan’s weather varies sharply by elevation, though, so the ideal month also depends on whether you are heading to Amman, Aqaba, the Dead Sea, or the country’s hiking trails. Quick Answer The best time to visit Jordan is generally March through May or September through November. These months offer the most comfortable weather for Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and hiking. Summer can be extremely hot…