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Why Shoulder Season Is the Best Time to Travel (and Where to Go Next)
- Anne Marie aka Baldgirlwilltravel
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I’m a big believer in traveling smart — not just traveling often. And one of the smartest travel moves you can make is taking full advantage of shoulder season.
Over the years, I’ve used shoulder season to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world — with fewer crowds, better weather, and lower prices.
I’ve spent October in Europe, wandering through cities like Paris and Rome without the heat and chaos of summer.I’ve escaped to the Caribbean in November, when it’s still warm enough for beach days but not sweltering (and resorts offer amazing deals).And I’ve soaked up the magic of Mexico in the fall, when the weather is perfect before the winter holiday rush.
But let’s get a little more personal — because my love affair with shoulder season runs deep.
Some of the best trips of my life have happened during late September and October:
Florence Italy and Sicily in September 2022
Athens Greece in September 2023
Cairo Egypt in October 2023
Dublin/Galway/Cork Ireland in October 2024
Every one of these adventures was enhanced by shoulder season perks — fewer crowds, lower prices on hotels and tours, and more time to connect with locals. I can’t recommend it enough, especially for European travel.
What Is Shoulder Season, Exactly?
“Shoulder season” is that magical window between a destination’s high season (when prices, crowds, and temperatures are at their peak) and low season (when weather can be less predictable or attractions close).
Think of it as the “in-between” — the sweet spot when:
The weather is still great
The crowds are way smaller
And the prices? Much friendlier
For most destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, that means:
Fall (September–October) after Labor Day
Spring (March–April) before Easter
It’s the best of both worlds: you still get great weather and open attractions, but you skip the stress and expense that come with peak tourist months.
My Rule of Thumb for Shoulder Season Travel
Wherever the world’s most popular destinations are — go there in shoulder season and you’ll instantly save money and sanity.
When I took my group to Portugal in early June, we had an incredible time. But honestly? I wouldn’t go again at that time of year. Europe in the summer is hot, crowded, and expensive. The same goes for places like Italy and Greece — magical, yes, but miserable in mid-July.
Instead, aim for those months right after Labor Day and before Easter. That’s when you’ll find:
The best hotel and airfare prices
More availability on tours and experiences
Fewer crowds at major attractions
That’s the real traveler’s secret.
🌎 Where to Go Between November and Easter 2026
If you’re planning travel between November and Easter 2026, here are my top five picks — based on global travel trends, local climate, and personal experience.
🇮🇹 Italy (Especially Florence & Sicily)
Ideal Window: Late February–April, or early November
Why Go: Italy is an absolute dream year-round, but shoulder season is when it truly shines. Visiting between late winter and early spring means mild weather, smaller crowds, and a more authentic local experience — especially in my two favorite regions:
Florence and Sicily.Florence offers endless art, architecture, and history — while Sicily gives you incredible food, vibrant culture, and coastal views that feel straight out of a movie. During shoulder season, you’ll get both without the summer heat or packed tour buses.
Watch Out For: Cooler temperatures and occasional rain in winter months. Some coastal areas may operate on limited schedules until spring.
Travel Tip: Base yourself in Florence for museums and day trips, then hop down to Sicily for sunshine, seafood, and slower island living. You’ll experience the best of both worlds — city and sea — at a fraction of the summer cost.
🇯🇵 Japan
Ideal Window: Late November–early December or late February
Why Go: Japan’s shoulder season means you can catch late autumn colors or early cherry blossoms without the crush of Golden Week crowds.
Watch Out For: Cool temperatures and limited daylight in winter months — but it’s worth it for the calm.
Travel Tip: Combine Tokyo’s energy with Kyoto’s temples and rural onsen towns for a balanced experience.
🌍 Ghana (The Exception)
Ideal Window: November–March (Dry Season)
Why Go: Ghana doesn’t follow the European high/low pattern, but its dry season falls perfectly within your travel window. It’s a fantastic time to explore Accra, Cape Coast, and the Volta Region — full of rich culture and warmth.
Watch Out For: Travel infrastructure isn’t as developed as in Europe, so plan ahead and use trusted local guides.
Travel Tip: Visit during December if you want to experience Afrochella or Detty December — a cultural explosion like no other.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ideal Window: Post-Easter through October
Why Go: High season in Mexico runs roughly November through Easter, which means prices on hotels, tours, and flights climb during those months — especially around the holidays and spring break.If you want to stretch your money, the months right after Easter through October are your sweet spot. This period is considered low or shoulder season, when crowds thin out and resorts start offering some of their best rates of the year.
What to Expect:
Summer is technically rainy and hurricane season, but showers are often short and temperatures stay warm.
Yes, it’s hot — sometimes very hot — but that also means you’ll find quiet beaches, smaller crowds in popular places like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo, and better prices almost everywhere.
Colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Oaxaca are beautiful year-round but especially calm and affordable in late spring and early fall (excluding Day of the Dead week).
Watch Out For:While the heat and humidity can be intense, especially along the coasts, traveling with light, breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and planning outdoor activities early in the day make it totally doable. Keep an eye on hurricane forecasts if you’re traveling between August and October, and always purchase travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
Travel Tip: For the best balance of good weather and value, aim for late April through June or September through early October. You’ll avoid both the Easter crowds and the peak of hurricane activity while still enjoying warm temperatures, open attractions, and great deals.
🇹🇭 Thailand/Asia
Ideal Window: Early November or February–April
Why Go: Thailand’s dry season starts in November — great weather, fewer crowds, and excellent value before the holidays hit.
Watch Out For: Regional variations in rainfall — check if you’re visiting the Gulf Coast or Andaman Coast.
Travel Tip: Plan for Chiang Mai or Krabi early in the dry season, and book ahead for islands if visiting later in the spring.
💼 Final Thoughts
Wherever you dream of going — Italy, Ghana, Japan, or somewhere else entirely — traveling in shoulder season will almost always make your experience better.
You’ll meet more locals, spend less money, and have more space (literally and figuratively) to enjoy yourself.
So as you plan your 2026 adventures, remember my golden rule:👉🏾 Go where everyone wants to go — just don’t go when everyone else is there.
Whether you want to join one of my BaldGirlWillTravel group adventures or create a custom solo itinerary just for you, I can help you plan the trip you’ve been dreaming about — stress-free, stylish, and unforgettable.
I now offer custom travel planning for women who are ready to explore the world on their own terms—with safety, style, and confidence.
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