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While travel is one of life’s greatest adventures, a holiday in the summer months can be more challenging than enjoyable. Costs of everything soar – from flights to hotels to car hire – and you can expect longer airport queues and an increased chance of delays and cancellations. But the good news is that travelling during the mid or off-season is an easy way to avoid these issues.
For countries in the Northern Hemisphere, mid or “shoulder” season is April-May and September-October, when there’s a good balance of better weather and fewer crowds. The off-season is November to March, when destinations have variable weather but are even quieter.
Avoiding peak season can help you save money, avoid stress, and explore countries at a slower, more relaxed pace. With countries that are scorching in summer, you can also beat the heat.
So, to inspire your next break, we’ve pulled together a list of 10 affordable destinations to visit during the shoulder or off-seasons. And, to plan your next break, check out our holiday itinerary helper or browse thousands of travel deals using the button below.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
One of the best destinations to visit during the shoulder or off-season is Spain’s Canary Islands. Their location, off the coast of northwest Africa, means they enjoy a pleasant climate all year round. While there are seven main islands – each with its own character – if you’re interested in hiking, glimpsing rare birds, admiring otherworldly landscapes, and enjoying delicious food, head to Lanzarote.
Lanzarote’s unique terrain is often likened to Mars and has been certified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You can explore rugged volcanic craters, barren lava fields, dramatic white and black sand beaches, and gardens with unusual flora and fauna. Birdwatchers can also spot rare species at Chinijo National Park, while foodies can feast on sancocho (heart fish stew) or blenmasabe (sweet almond pudding).
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 18°C | Feb: 18°C | Mar: 19°C | April: 20°C | May: 21°C | June: 23°C | July: 24°C | August: 25°C | September: 25°C | October: 23°C | November: 21°C | December: 19°C
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Lanzarote | 7 nights | Flights & Transfers Included
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22kg baggage included.
Includes taxes and fees
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Jet2holidays Elena Apartments Lanzarote*
Lanzarote | 7 nights | Flights & Transfers Included
22kg baggage included.
Includes taxes and fees
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Jet2holidays 4* Los Zocos Lanzarote & Aquapark Costa Teguise*
Lanzarote | 7 nights | Flights & Transfers Included
22kg baggage included.
Includes taxes and fees
2. Madeira, Portugal
The Portuguese island of Madeira is dazzling in its diversity, home to magnificent mountains, cultivated vine terraces, jaw-dropping coastal trails, and flower-strewn levadas (the island’s unique waterways that are perfect for a stroll). Just like the Canary Islands, it’s Madeira’s location that makes it such a good choice for a mid or off-season break.
Located off the northwest coast of Africa, nearly 500 km north of the Canaries, Madeira’s sub-tropical climate has given it the nickname, ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’. This island is so special that it has another nickname, ‘The Pearl of the Atlantic’, which isn’t hyperbole, as this destination is genuinely breathtaking.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 17°C | Feb: 16°C | Mar: 17°C | April: 18°C | May: 19°C | June: 21°C | July: 23°C | August: 24°C | September: 23°C | October: 22°C | November: 19°C | December: 18°C
3. Malta
Malta is another island that’s a crossroads of cultures, and the influence of European, African, and Middle Eastern cultures means it feels truly unique. Its glorious landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and captivating culture mean that it can become uncomfortably flooded with tourists during summer, so visiting out of season, when the weather is still lovely, is ideal.
If you’re interested in history, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The island has been home to the Romans, Phoenicians, Knights of St John, and both the Napoleonic and British Empires, and their influence can be seen in the island’s architecture, historical sites and ruins. The capital, Valletta, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s packed with Baroque buildings, and its bustling waterfront is a joy to explore.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 13°C | Feb: 12°C | Mar: 14°C | April: 16°C | May: 20°C | June: 24°C | July: 27°C | August: 27°C | September: 25°C | October: 21°C | November: 18°C | December: 14°C
4. Salzburg, Austria
The province of Salzburg may be small, but it’s a top contender for the most scenic and an excellent place to ski. This is a region that brings to mind the Alpine meadows and dramatic peaks of The Sound of Music, the Austria of fanciful childhood dreams – a place where you can visit hilltop castles and Baroque palaces, trek along snow-capped mountains, and kick back on pristine lakeside beaches.
Due to its popularity, Salzburg can be expensive, particularly during high season, so if you’d prefer to explore this spectacular region without breaking the bank, you might like to think about visiting out of season. In winter, Salzburg also offers some incredible Christmas markets where you can shop for beautiful ornaments and handmade items, and grab a mulled wine.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 0°C | Feb: 2°C | Mar: 6°C | April: 10°C | May: 15°C | June: 18°C | July: 20°C | August: 19°C | September: 15°C | October: 10°C | November: 5°C | December: 1°C
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily’s mild winters and gentle springs offer the perfect weather for exploring. Explore ancient Greek temples, bustling markets, and charming hilltop towns without overwhelming crowds. Historic sites like the Valley of the Temples become contemplative spaces rather than crowded photo opportunities, creating a deeper, more immersive experience.
Off-season Sicily reveals its culinary flair through seasonal specialities. Traditional festivals celebrate olive harvests and citrus blooms, while family-run trattorias serve hearty winter dishes. Accommodation costs also drop, and Mount Etna’s dramatic beauty becomes more accessible with cooler hiking conditions and clearer summit views.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 12°C | Feb: 12°C | Mar: 13°C | April: 16°C | May: 19°C | June: 24°C | July: 26°C | August: 27°C | September: 24°C | October: 21°C | November: 17°C | December: 14°C
6. Morocco
Morocco is perfect for off-season travel. Visit during autumn, winter, or spring when scorching summer heat gives way to pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring bustling souks, climbing the Atlas Mountains, and wandering through ancient medinas. Marrakech and Fez become far more enjoyable without oppressive heat, while the Sahara Desert offers comfortable camping conditions.
You can experience authentic Moroccan culture as locals aren’t overwhelmed by peak-season tourism, such as enjoying traditional tagines and mint tea in peaceful riads, and discovering hidden architectural gems at a more leisurely pace. Plus, accommodation prices are significantly lower, and you’ll have iconic sites like Jemaa el-Fnaa largely to yourself.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 12°C | Feb: 13°C | Mar: 15°C | April: 16°C | May: 18°C | June: 20°C | July: 22°C | August: 23°C | September: 21°C | October: 19°C | November: 16°C | December: 13°C
7. The Algarve, Portugal
Visiting the Algarve during shoulder or off-season will reveal a whole other side to this rugged-yet-tranquil region. Portugal’s southern coastline is home to sleepy fishermen’s villages, vast golden beaches, dense pine forests, colourful flower meadows, soaring cliffs and lush valleys – and you’ll get to explore them all at a leisurely pace.
Towns like Albufeira, Faro, Tavira and Loulé are lovely to wander around, too, and don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour through Bengali caves or swim at Marinha Beach. There are also plenty of bars where you can grab a creative cocktail and a delicious snack. Or for something more substantial, why not try lulinhas fritas à Algarvia (Algarve-style squid) or arroz de lingueirão (razor clam rice)?
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 12°C | Feb: 13°C | Mar: 15°C | April: 16°C | May: 19°C | June: 22°C | July: 24°C | August: 24°C | September: 22°C | October: 20°C | November: 16°C | December: 13°C
8. Corfu, Greece
Corfu’s emerald landscapes and Venetian architecture seem even more beautiful when the crowds disappear and costs plummet. April to May and September to November offer comfortable conditions (17-24°C) for kicking back on less crowded beaches or strolling along gorgeous coastal trails.
You can also wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town’s narrow alleys, discover hidden tavernas, and enjoy authentic Greek island life without summer’s overwhelming tourist influx. There’s so much to do in Corfu that one to two weeks here is ideal, offering you the chance to get an authentic slice of local life and balance activities with relaxation.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 10°C | Feb: 10°C | Mar: 12°C | April: 15°C | May: 20°C | June: 24°C | July: 26°C | August: 27°C | September: 23°C | October: 19°C | November: 15°C | December: 11°C
9. Antalya, Turkey
Antalya, Turkey’s Mediterranean jewel, draws millions annually – but visiting during quieter months reveals its true magic. Picture having those pristine beaches and turquoise waters largely to yourself, with the dramatic Taurus Mountains providing a stunning backdrop, minus the summer crowds. The region’s remarkable archaeological treasures, from ancient ruins to coastal fortresses, become instantly more enjoyable without the peak-season bustle.
The culinary scene also shines in the off-season when locals reclaim their city. Wander through the atmospheric Old Town’s cobbled streets where you can savour traditional mezze without tourist prices or queues, or head to the harbourside restaurants for delicious fresh fish and unobstructed sea views.
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 10°C | Feb: 11°C | Mar: 13°C | April: 16°C | May: 21°C | June: 26°C | July: 29°C | August: 29°C | September: 26°C | October: 22°C | November: 16°C | December: 12°C
10. Cyprus
Known as the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa – Cyprus is a true jewel of the Mediterranean; a place where Greek culture and history collide with Middle Eastern influences. The island also boasts an alluring blend of endless white sand beaches, dramatic gorges, hulking mountains, lush forests, and glittering waterfalls, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Summers in Cyprus are blistering, with temperatures regularly approaching 40°C. So, visiting in mid- or off-season can be far more pleasant when average maximum daily temperatures sit around 16-29°C. Paphos and Larnaca are two cities well known for their fascinating ancient sites, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning coastline – and, at Larnaca’s salt lake, you can spot pink flamingos!
Approximate average daily temperature
Jan: 13°C | Feb: 13°C | Mar: 15°C | April: 18°C | May: 22°C | June: 25°C | July: 28°C | August: 29°C | September: 27°C | October: 23°C | November: 19°C | December: 15°C
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean escape or visiting somewhere further afield, travelling out of season is always a smart idea. Not only will you save money and avoid crowds, but chances are you’ll have a far better travel experience, too, free from queues, delays, or cancellations.
If you’re ready to book your holiday, why not check out thousands of travel deals for a range of budgets using the button below?
Have you been to any of these destinations – if so, did you travel during mid or off-season? Do you have any other suggestions for places that are ideal for visiting out of season? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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