You’re planning a city break and have decided where you are going and who you are travelling with. But what is the best time to visit your preferred destination – and what are the months to avoid? Whether you’re craving warm weather or cold, trying to avoid the crowds or mingle with them, or are simply scheduling your trip around iconic events and festivals, we've got you covered.
Read on as we look at what 30 of the world’s best cities have to offer and suggest the best time of year to visit them...
With its quaint streets and pretty canals, coffee shops and alternative art galleries, Amsterdam is a city like no other. The tulip season, which runs from March to May sees flower fields across the Netherlands bloom and spring to life in an awe-inspiring display of colour and beauty. You could also tie a springtime visit in with Koningsdag (King’s Day) on 27 April, when the capital turns into a sea of orange, as people flood onto the streets and throw what is one of Europe’s biggest street parties.
One of the world's most visited cities is a food-lover's dream, and with street-side stalls and food carts on bustling streets, as well as fancy restaurants in sleek skyscrapers and high-end hotels, the options are plentiful. The best time to visit the Big Mango is from November to March, avoiding the summer monsoon season. As well as a thriving food-and-drink scene, Bangkok also has an emerging pop art culture reflected by the citywide Bangkok Design Week, which takes place at the end of January.
The Mediterranean metropolis’s many magnificent attractions make it a magnet for tourism – but certain areas and times should be avoided if you don’t like the crowds. The summer excitement simmers down come September and hotel rates also tend to drop, making this the best time to explore the city, particularly if you’re on a tight budget. A party atmosphere sweeps through Barca’s streets thanks to the festival that honours the city’s patron saint Mare de Deu de la Merce (Our Lady of Mercy).
It’s easy getting around the 12 districts of Europe’s capital of cool, and although it can be fun renting a bike to explore Berlin in spring and summer, if you plan to spend most of your time inside its iconic bars, clubs and discos, the cheaper winter months are a better time to visit. Throughout December, Berlin’s festive operas and exhibitions, as well as plates of bratwurst and stollen, washed down with a glass or two of gluhwein at one of the many magical Christmas markets, are a tonic to the gloomy weather.
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With its wide boulevards, Neoclassical architecture and avant-garde museums, it's no wonder the Argentine capital is known as the ‘Paris of South America’. A visit to the Museo Evita, which celebrates the life of Eva Peron, and taking in a tango show are high on most tourists' agendas. But Buenos Aires’ main pull these days is its food and drink, with chefs creating a stir at Michelin starred restaurants and bartenders shaking up the city’s cocktail scene. The city is at its most beautiful in October and November when the jacaranda trees are in bloom. Avoid January and February if you can, when the humidity is unbearable for many visitors.
The best time to visit Cape Town is during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November. You will find lower prices, fewer crowds, clement weather and get to see everything the Mother City has to offer, including Table Mountain with its well-marked walking trails. Meanwhile, on Robben Island, best known as the site of the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, and in the thought-provoking District Six Museum back in the city centre, you’ll hear more about South Africa’s turbulent history.
Although it is popular all year round, avoid the Emirate at the height of summer (July and August) when the 40°C (104°F) temperatures can be unbearable for most travellers – even if you do have the option of cooling down at pool parties and brunches. Instead, November to March is the best time to go. There's a buzz in the air thanks to the Dubai Shopping and Food Festivals and the Dubai World Cup, and it’s cool enough to get out into the desert for a spot of camel riding, sandboarding and barbecuing.
Considering its thriving live music and theatre scene, it’s no surprise that Glasgow has produced some of the world’s best bands and actors. The city’s famous Barras Market, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, draws the crowds every Saturday and Sunday with stalls selling everything from one-off fashion pieces to antiques. While some outsiders may think the most pleasant time to visit Glasgow is in the warmer spring and summer months, winter brings an air of excitement. Celtic Connections celebrates traditional Scottish music with a festival featuring over 300 concerts, ceilidhs, talks, late-night sessions and workshops. It's held across January and February every year.
Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan melting pot home to an eclectic mix of cultures. The city buzzes all year long with events and activities, so the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences. The worst time to visit is during June, July and August, when the temperatures soar beyond 31°C (88°F), and it's also very wet and humid. As the mercury starts to dip in September, horse racing returns to Happy Valley and Sha Tin following its summer hiatus, while the pleasant weather is ideal for boating across Victoria Harbour or hiking up Victoria Peak.
The former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is packed with historical riches, including Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque. Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first contemporary art museum, was renovated, relocated and reopened in May 2023 and is another must-see. The autumn months of September and October are a lovely time to visit Istanbul – many international visitors have left town and it’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoor dining and boat trips along the Bosphorus.
Although monsoon rains can soak the Southeast Asian city from October to March, the Chinese New Year gets into full swing in January and February as Petaling Street bursts into life with red lanterns and firecrackers. This time of year also sees Hindu and Tamil communities celebrate Thaipusam, with the temples at Batu Caves and around Penang attracting large crowds. Not only is Kuala Lumpur a melting pot of Asian cultures, its architecture is a blend of old and the ultra-modern, as ancient mosques and shrines sit in the shadow of sky-high towers.
Africa’s most populous city ticks a lot of boxes for visitors of all ages. The exclusive Victoria Island is home to swanky resorts, food haunts and nightlife, but if traditional street food is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice in the city’s bustling markets. Just out of town, Epe, on the north side of Lekki Lagoon, is home to the legendary Oluwo Fish Market, where almost all traders are women. Nigeria’s dry season runs from November to March. Those months are perfect for wildlife viewing – but be prepared for the dusty Saharan winds.
Spread along the clifftops of Peru’s glittering Pacific coast, Lima is one of Latin America’s most alluring destinations. In the city centre, you can roam around colonial architecture and museums showcasing the country’s huge breadth of Indigenous cultures, or hit the coast for phenomenal surfing – some believe Peru is where surfing actually originated, rather than in Polynesia. With that in mind, the best time to visit Lima is between December to March when the coastal climate is sunny and warm and the city’s bars, restaurants and concert venues come alive.
Regularly named the best city in the world, or at least one of them, London’s rich history and varied attractions are the envy of most others. Many of the capital’s galleries, such as The National Gallery, are free, the parks are huge and the pubs are legendary. It is inevitably busiest in the summer months, but from November to March, prices for hotels and flights tend to be lower. However, you’ll have to deal with chilly wet weather and the occasional flurry of snow, which can bring the UK to a standstill.
While Manila used to be regarded as a stopover destination en route to the Philippines’ famed white sand beaches, it is now a city break destination in its own right. The optimum time to travel here is in the dry season between January and April, while the shoulder seasons in May and October offer fewer crowds and lower prices. That will give you ample time, space and cash to stop off at an arts festival, enjoy a cold brew, buy souvenirs from local craftspeople and grab a bite in one of the many bistros.
Although it is a haven for northern hemisphere visitors chasing the warm sunshine from November to February, Australia’s biggest city (by population) is a year-round destination. Sport plays a big part in its popularity, with the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam, Australian F1 Grand Prix and famous Boxing Day cricket Test match all big draws. If you’re a wine and grape connoisseur or enjoy admiring golden foliage, the Aussie autumn (March-May) is a good time to visit. And if you’re a skier, you can venture up snowy Mount Donna Buang during winter.
One of the best cities in the world for culture, there are new galleries, exhibitions and emerging art spaces opening regularly in the Mexican metropolis. However, the Frida Kahlo Museum, aka the Blue House, in the Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood of Coyoacan is still one of the main draws. Any local, or regular visitor, will tell you that the best time to go to Mexico City is between March and May when the city’s parks are in full bloom, and people are out and about enjoying the warm days and cool nights.
The Magic City’s party scene and 24/7 nightlife is legendary, with amazing day and nightclubs, rooftop bars and LGBTQ+ hotspots pulling in the tourists. While gorgeous weather makes the period between March and May a good time to fly into the coastal city, during March, the overexcited spring breakers can be overwhelming. If you’re into outdoor adventure, you can kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard at Oleta River State Park, or experience south Florida’s unique wilderness with guided tours in the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Bollywood isn’t just a film industry, it is part of the fabric of daily Indian life, and at Mumbai Film City, you can visit a post-production set (for a fee) while they mix the latest Bollywood hit. Once a tiny cluster of fishing villages on a spit of land poking out into the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is now India’s modern economic powerhouse, dominated by shiny office buildings and apartment blocks, but you can still find plenty of traditional buildings. Temperatures in Mumbai are high throughout the year, but avoid April-September when the mercury can hit 45°C (113°F).
While most people stay in skyscraper-dominated Manhattan, NYC’s four other boroughs shouldn’t be overlooked. Brooklyn, with its museums, flea markets and cool bars, is well worth a visit; while Queens offers a wide range of delicious food options; Staten Island is famous for its beautiful parks and historic buildings; and the Bronx’s Riverdale area has beautiful views of the Hudson. From holiday light extravaganzas in the Big Apple’s iconic hotels and stores to seasonal music and dance performances, there are few things more magical than spending Christmastime in New York.
The friendly city of Osaka has been chosen to host the World Expo 2025, with its main theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. Japan’s third largest city is also dubbed the ‘nation’s kitchen’ thanks to its tempting food offerings. Whether it’s soups or skewers, sashimi or sushi, you’re bound to find something to tantalise your tastebuds here. Spring (March-May) is sakura season in Japan, where the cherry blossoms put on a dazzling pink show, while the vibrant autumn foliage takes centre stage from September-November, although this time of the year can be affected by typhoons.
September and October are arguably the best months to visit this popular European city, when Paris Fashion Week is in full force. Despite its constant explosion of creativity, the City of Light has somehow managed to hold onto its unique historic vibe and the stone buildings, centuries-old boulevards and Haussmannian architecture are as magical as ever. You can't visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower up close. Make time to climb to the top of the iconic wrought-iron lattice structure, for the cost of a €22.40 (£20/$24) ticket.
Your glass will rarely be empty in Portugal’s second city and you can learn about all things vino at WOW Porto in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia. The Festas Santos Populares (Popular Saints Festival) takes place in June, when the Porto residents celebrate Sao Goncalo, Santo Antonio, Sao Joao and Sao Pedro. The city on the banks of the Douro River is decorated with banners, tinsel and streamers, and at night, there are parties with street food, traditional music and dancing. December-February is the worst time to visit, when the weather turns wet and cold.
From the iconic Colosseum and intricately carved Trevi Fountain to the steep Spanish Steps and superbly preserved Pantheon temple, the Eternal City’s architectural splendours provide a breathtaking backdrop for daily Roman life. Italy's capital experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, so January and February are ideal for museum lovers to wander without lines, and for foodies to make reservations they'd never normally get. Speaking of food, you just have to try the traditional cacio e pepe pasta, cooked with plenty of pecorino cheese and black pepper.
The City By the Bay has everything you could need for a short break – an unbeatable food scene with world-class wine, great weather, natural beauty, cool neighbourhoods and trendy hotels. Expect to get your steps in while strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge or through Pier 39, or you could take a leisurely boat trip across to former federal prison Alcatraz. The Californian city often has an Indian summer in the fall (September and October), and that’s also when San Fran has the least amount of fog – perfect for photos.
If you’d like to experience the jaw-dropping Sambodromo do Anhembi (Sambadrome that's home to huge parades and festivities), head to Sao Paulo in February or March. Celebrations begin on Carnival Friday and continue through until Tuesday. And while most eyes are focused on the Anhembi Sambadrome, many other events go on late into the night. Sampa also has a restaurant scene as diverse and vibrant as the species in the Amazon rainforest. Among the top traditional Brazilian dishes to try are coxinha, a dough-based snack filled with shredded chicken, which is then breaded and shaped to resemble a drumstick, before being deep fried.
No two days are ever the same in Seoul. Foodies will revel in the city's street food, fine dining and everything in between. Plus, there are international art shows for culture-seekers, tours to the North and South Korea border for history buffs, and nature lovers can explore the famed Bukhansan Mountain. If you’re a night owl, the cool neighbourhoods of Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam are calling. Plan your trip around the K-Royal Culture Festival in spring, when performances, exhibitions and ceremonies celebrate the historical and symbolic significance of each of Seoul’s stunning palaces.
Although the city-state is small, it is teeming with incredible things to do. There are new events, pop-up festivals and food and drink outlets springing up every week, and it is easy to get around thanks to the new cycling and trekking routes and a hi-tech public transport system. Avoid visiting Singapore during the peak monsoon season in January. Instead, experience the Gardens by the Bay during Diwali (mid-October to mid-November), or for Chinese New Year in February, when Little India and Chinatown come alive in a blaze of colour and celebration.
The largest shinto festival in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri, is held on the third Sunday in May and honours the three founders of Senso-ji Temple, who are enshrined in the Asakusa Shrine. The streets of the Japanese capital are flooded with flute players, taiko drummers and people chanting. Although Tokyoites enthusiastically mark their past, the city is also among the most forward-thinking in the world, and whether it’s architect-designed public toilets, experimental gin distilleries or wondrous digital art installations, there is always something new and innovative to discover in the Big Mikan. The worst time to visit Tokyo is just after the festival, in June, when there's continuous heavy rainfall and humid temperatures.
One of the unique things about Vancouver is how much there is to do in the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, when you can go skiing on the slopes and mountain biking on the trails on the same day. The west coast Canadian metropolis is a true all-year-round destination, as locals and visitors flock to parks, beaches and events such as the Celebration of Light fireworks extravaganza in summer, and travel on the Christmas Train ride at Stanley Park or go outdoor ice skating in Robson Square during the winter.