Timing is everything, particularly when it comes to adventure holidays. Now, more than ever, travellers are considering when they want to go, just as much as where. This has led to one of the major travel trends this year: booking trips either side of the busiest (and, typically, hottest) months – a period known as shoulder season.
In fact, a Virtuoso survey revealed that 76% of their travel advisors say their clients now prefer destinations with cooler weather, a rise of 5% from the previous year.
What Does Shoulder Season Mean?
Shoulder season is the period between the peak and off-peak months or, to put it another way, the time between the busiest and least-busy months in a destination.
The term is not a new one, though. It’s thought the phrase was coined within the travel industry during the 1960s, but it has increasingly gained popularity over the last few years with more awareness about climate change and overtourism, plus an increased desire to see destinations without the crowds.
When is Shoulder Season?
That really depends on the destination (even neighbouring countries – and areas of the same country – can vary). However, to give you a rough guide, shoulder season in Europe is typically late March to April and October, either side of the busy summer period from May to September.
It’s the same in North America, while Central America is typically March and October. South America is roughly March to May and September to November.
In Asia, the shoulder seasons vary significantly from country to country but run in Vietnam and Thailand from April to June and September to October, and in India from March to April and October to November.
In East Africa, shoulder season is April to mid-June and September to October, while in Southern Africa, it’s April to May and November to early December.
In other words, you have plenty of options (you can always call one of our in-house team for some expert advice).
Why Travel in Shoulder Season?
Smaller crowds
For peaceful travel, visit outside the peak periods. With fewer tourists in general, popular sites tend to be much quieter, meaning you can enjoy those once-in-a-lifetime experiences without waiting in line or sharing them with a crowd full of photo takers. Additionally, our trips are often designed to explore the key sites during their quieter hours, which means even fewer people.
Cheaper trips
With lower demand for hotels, flights and experiences, you have a much better chance of grabbing a bargain. If you’re organising the trip yourself, look for flight deals and book early, which should keep the costs lower. If you’re joining a small-group adventure, such as the ones we offer, the work is done for you.
Pleasant weather
If you prefer mild temperatures, shoulder season is ideal. In many destinations, including Europe, shoulder season falls either side of summer, which means you’re likely to avoid heat waves and the truly sweltering days. That’s particularly good if you’re embarking on an active trip. April’s average temperatures in the Amalfi Coast, for example, are 12C–19C (54F–66F), with long days (eight to nine hours) and a little rain – perfect if you’re looking to join our Walking the Amalfi Coast adventure.
Better for local businesses
Opting for shoulder season, rather than travelling during the busiest months of the year, means you’ll provide income to communities when they need it. You’ll also help to ease the pressure of overtourism on infrastructure, hotels, restaurants and more. In fact, cities are actively encouraging travellers to avoid peak days. Most notably, Venice introduced a €5 tourist tax for visitors arriving during the busiest days, which has the double effect of promoting shoulder season travel and providing extra finances for maintaining the city’s heritage buildings.
Tips for Travelling in Shoulder Season
Pack for All Weathers
When it comes to shoulder season packing, slot some wet-weather gear alongside your sunglasses, swimwear and suncream. Weather during shoulder season is often excellent, but you often need to be prepared for cooler or wetter days. Layers are essential and you’ll want something warmer for the evenings. Research the typical shoulder season climate of your chosen destination well before you go, so you’ve got time to buy any necessaries, and check a trusted weather app in the few days before you leave, just in case.
Try Seasonal Dishes
Travelling during a different time of year than normal allows you to tuck into seasonal dishes and drinks that you would have otherwise missed. October in Italy, for example, is both shoulder season and the start of truffle season; pumpkins are at their best too, often used in pasta dishes; as are the street-food favourite, chestnuts.
Come With an Adventurous Spirit
Weather can be less predictable during shoulder season, which means you should be willing to change your plans at late notice. If you’re travelling with Exodus, then your expert tour leader will be well prepared for a last-minute change, knowing how to reschedule the itinerary, either reordering your day or providing an alternative activity. If you’re not travelling with us, then make sure you do plenty of research before travelling. This is particularly important if you’re embarking on an active adventure, such as hiking or cycling, when routes may be inaccessible (or simply unenjoyable) in colder or wet conditions.
Our Best Trips in Shoulder Season
Walking the Amalfi Coast
Shoulder season: Late March, April and October
The benefits of hiking in the Amalfi Coast during shoulder season are numerous. First, you experience some of the best coastal trails in Europe without the summer crowds, particularly the Path of the Gods, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. The same can be said for the other highlights we visit on the trip, including Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the various quaint towns of the region, including Positano, Ravello and Amalfi itself.
Second, the peak summer season can be hot, which is why we offer our specially adapted trip, Walking the Amalfi Coast – Summer Edition, which includes leisurely beach time in Conca dei Marini and more relaxation. Visiting during shoulder season means you’re less likely to experience scorching hot days, making the hikes less challenging and more enjoyable.
See the trip: Walking the Amalfi Coast
Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure
Shoulder season: May and September-early October
With their distinctive jagged spires, the Dolomites are among the most striking mountain ranges on the planet. But their beauty draws the crowds in summer, particularly the best-known walks, such as among the three towers of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Come during shoulder season, however, and you’ll enjoy the hikes with fewer crowds.
Additionally, we find the cooler weather is more comfortable for walking, while the autumnal colours in September and early October bring their own beauty to the landscape. Like all mountain ranges, the Dolomites experience their fair share of rain, but September is one of the driest months, which makes it the perfect time to go.
See the trip: Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure
Cycling Vietnam
Shoulder season: September-October
Vietnam sees a distinct change in climate throughout the country, which makes pinpointing a nationwide shoulder season difficult. However, September or October is your best bet. This period comes just after the very hot months of July and August, and just before tourism peaks in November.
The mostly favourable weather makes it ideal for a cycling adventure – and Cycling Vietnam is our most popular. Riding from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you’ll experience the best of Vietnam from the saddle. Arriving during shoulder season means your rides will be more comfortable, particularly during the harder sections, such as tackling the challenging climb of the Hai Van Pass.
See the trip: Cycling Vietnam
Discover Sri Lanka
Shoulder season: April and September-October
Just like Vietnam, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. However, the months either side of the southwestern monsoon season are ideal for a cultural adventure. The rains are replaced with mostly dry days and the temperature is comfortable for exploring, ideal for our hike up the rock fortress of Sigiriya. It’s also one of the quietest times of year for tourism, meaning you’ll experience the highlights, such as Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, without the masses. Better yet, the opportunities for spotting wildlife in Yala National Park are still excellent, but without the rush of vehicles.
April is also the time for the Sinhala and Tamil new year celebrations. Expect religious ceremonies, families celebrating together, traditional food and a general feeling of goodwill. Our tour leaders are happy to take you to some of the celebrations where possible, while also making sure the itinerary has minimal disruption.
See the trip: Discover Sri Lanka
Cape Town & the Garden Route
Shoulder season: October-November
Spring arrives in the post-winter months of the Western Cape, bringing with it a proliferation of wildflowers. Though you never quite know when the blooms will arrive, you can be sure the already-beautiful landscapes will be looking their best. That’s combined with pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and enjoying game drives in Addo Elephant National Park.
It’s also whale-watching season. On this trip, we visit Hermanus, said to be the whale capital of the world. Southern right whales can be spotted from the shore of Walker Bay, and you’ll be alerted by the resident whale crier, who blows his kelp horn when the whales are spotted off the coast. There’s a free day here should you wish to join a whale-watching excursion by boat, or you can visit the Whale Museum to learn about the famous visitors.
See the trip: Cape Town & the Garden Route
For more information on the best time to travel, see our guide on Where to go, When.
