The Traveller's Magazine
Weather is a huge deciding factor when it comes to choosing holiday destinations. A monsoon in South-east Asia could seriously ruin your trip… it is without a doubt important to know when is the right time to visit a destination before you book your tickets.
Asia – Avoid the rain!
The main issue for travellers to India and the South-east is the wet and rainy monsoon season. Many tourists don’t plan this into their trip and find themselves soaked up to their knees (sometimes literally) in torrential rains in the middle of July. If you plan to travel to Thailand, Laos, India and other countries affected by monsoons, it’s better to plan your trip between November and March.
As for China and Japan, the fall and spring seasons are the most pleasant, not too hot, not too cold. That is, unless you’re visiting higher altitudes.
Indonesia, unlike the countries affected by monsoons, is perfect in summer. Take off on your trip between June and September (and then the rain starts).
South America, Australia – Backwards season
Can you imagine some travellers surprise when they land in Santiago, Chile in August for a summer holiday in the dead of winter? Perhaps you’re going to need that extra sweater after all! Seasons below the equator, as most of you know but easily forget, are reversed to what we’re used to up here. One can still travel to these places any time of the year but if you’re heading to Australia for a surfing holiday or to Patagonia, head there in summer (November to February).
USA and Canada – Focus on the fall
New York is never more beautiful than in the fall when all of Central Park’s trees turn from green to bright oranges, yellows and deep reds. California enjoys great weather all year round but autumn is appreciated for its milder temperatures. San Francisco tends to be rainy once summer ends but it is still “visitable,” just plan some museum days during your visit.
In Canada, try to get there in time for Indian Summer, falling sometime in late October, early November when the sun comes out once last time before hibernating for winter. The northern scenery is breathtaking! Fall may be grey in Europe but it’s the most colourful time of the year in North America.
Caribbean – Hurricane watch
If you’re a faithful watcher of the weather network, then you may have noticed that winter temperatures in Guadeloupe and Martinique are far from cold, usually in the 30 C range. It’s no wonder so many tourists flock to the Caribbean in the middle of winter (November to February) to enjoy the delights of these tropical islands.
Generally the Caribbean is popular all year long, but it’s best avoided during summer (July to September), during hurricane season. High winds, strong rain hit the islands with full-force. Locals board up their windows and stay indoors. Most tourist resorts are closed during this time, making it easier for tourist to get the picture… it’s off-season, so stay home.
Have you ever had an unexpected travel experience because of bad weather?
