Travel Guides

Looking for the best season to visit South Africa? April is a strong contender. With warm temperatures and 12 hours of sunshine a day, this is a great month to visit South Africa. It is warm enough to feel like a holiday, yet cool enough to enjoy excursions such as hiking in the Drakensberg and attending festivals like AfrikaBurn. April falls towards the end of the peak season, which means that you can expect cheaper rates and fewer crowds towards the end of this month. Want to know why April is an amazing time to explore South Africa? Let us find out more.

Cooler climes and fewer tourists make Morocco in November the ideal time to unearth the country's charms. Whether you want to fall headfirst into nature’s clutches or discover the dizzying allure of ancient cities, the North African autumn offers an endless array of treasures. The souks—soporific and crowded through the scorching summer— call out to tourists in November; while the Sahara, off-limits for much of the year, draws visitors in with its cool, sunny days. November is also an ideal time to trek to the Atlas Mountains, and those in search of sun and swimmable seas need to look no further than the Atlantic coastline.

Whatever your mojo, you will find it during your trip to Portugal in July. In June, summer in Portugal kicks off with a sizzling start, ushering in the vibrant season and its sunny delights. And as the mercury rises, so does the level of fun. The North Atlantic Ocean starts heating up in July, heralding the season of swimming and watersports, while Alentejo and the Algarve beckon holidaymakers to relax on their sandy beaches.Art and culture enthusiasts can hop around gorgeous summer festivals that deal with everything from food to folk culture and from music to tall ship races. Hikers pining for peace have the option of heading for the quieter backcountry and wandering in thickly forested Peneda-Gerês, away from crowds and in the embrace of nature. Irrespective of your preferred holiday style, you will be impressed with the options available in Portugal in July.

As summer draws to a close, South Africa in March promises some of the best weather conditions of the year with lots of sunshine to accompany spectacular scenery. The country’s usually parched savannah starts bursting with life during this month and vineyards start to turn a warm golden hue as the harvest season draws closer. Visiting South Africa in March is also great for adventurers who want to take advantage of excellent hiking conditions or are looking forward to discovering its vast expanse of arid landscapes on the back of a motorcycle. Here is everything you can expect from the rainbow nation before autumn makes its arrival.

If you want to steal some summer fun even before the season begins, head to Portugal in May. Spring is in full swing with long days, receiving around 10 hours of sunshine every day, and the weather consistently dry. And though the seawater is yet to reach swimming temperatures, the land is befitting for some leisurely beach time. Weather conditions across mainland Portugal in May are perfect for sightseeing in cities like Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra, or for hiking through the backcountry in Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park. The weather across Portugal’s islands also improves significantly, with the Azores finally seeing some dry days.

Morocco in October offers the perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and vibrant experiences. This time of year brings cooler weather, making it ideal for exploring bustling cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca. You can also head to the Sahara Desert, where the heat from the summer months has subsided, allowing for a more comfortable camel ride and stargazing under the clear desert skies. Whether you're strolling through the historic medinas or hiking in the Atlas Mountains, a trip to Morocco in October promises a mix of cultural wonders and natural beauty without the intense heat of the summer.

While snow blankets much of the Northern Hemisphere, South Africa in January is a summer paradise. Pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, world-class wine and unmatched hospitality have all become synonymous with this unique destination, and they are best enjoyed in summer.However, if you are heading to South Africa in January please keep in mind that thunderstorms rage in the late afternoon across the country’s north and provide a dramatic backdrop to the iconic Johannesburg skyline, while some might find high humidity levels on the east coast uncomfortable. Barring this, January is one of the best times of the year to dive into the Indian Ocean and enjoy swimming in its warm waters.

April is when colors compete everywhere as the blooming season begins in Portugal; the countryside bursts with greenery and wildflowers dot the landscape. Cities like Porto dazzle with their multicolored buildings under the spring sun during this time of year. If you overlook the scattered remnants of winter rains, a trip to Portugal in April is bound to be a worthwhile experience, not just because of its warmer climate but also because of the chance to partake in Holy Week festivities.

Mexico’s weather in June is warm and humid. However, even though it is monsoon, rains usually come in shorts bursts, and you can expect plenty of sunny days as well. Most of the country is covered with lush vegetation at this time of year, quite a contrast from the arid landscape that people imagine when it comes to this country. Traveling to Mexico in June also means that you can avail terrific discounts on air travel and hotel rooms as it is a low tourist season. And despite rains, much of the country is open for travel in June. You can go city hopping, watch adorable sea turtles, enjoy diving and snorkeling, and explore incredible ruins of ancient civilizations scattered across the country. Safe to say you will not run out of things to do in the country during your Mexican vacation.

With the warmest temperatures and longest days of the year, a trip to Norway in July is a crowd favorite. And if you are prepared to jostle with tourists, especially in popular destinations, summer offers spectacular weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. Cruise through magnificent fjords, explore the Lofoten Islands or go on day hikes to any of the country’s majestic peaks. You will find plenty to do in Norway in July and longer days guarantee that you will never run out of time.

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

As the start of South Africa’s spring, September is a great time to visit this beautiful country. A peak season for both safari and whale-watching, there are plenty of things to enjoy in September. In terms of weather, you can expect near-constant sunshine, minimal rain and blue skies, perfect for sightseeing in Kruger National Park, sunbathing on Durban beaches or taking on new adventures. If you want to escape the autumn months of the Northern Hemisphere for some much-needed heat, South Africa in September might be just the ticket. Not sure what there is to see and do on your trip to South Africa? Read on to find out.

If you are looking to visit South Africa in February, you are in for a treat. Expect glorious sunshine, moderate-to-warm temperatures and welcoming waters during your stay in the country at this time of year. As February falls during the country’s summer season, you can enjoy a lovely beach holiday along the Atlantic, which benefits from the ocean breeze. It is also worth noting that Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast can be oppressively hot during February, so you will need to plan around this. The peak nesting season for both loggerhead and leatherback turtles falls in this period, so head to iSimangaliso in the evening for nighttime tours to see these creatures.

If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything, South Africa is a great choice. In July, the weather is sunny but the temperatures aren't scorching, making it perfect to get outside and go on a safari or check out some of the country's iconic landmarks, such as Table Mountain or the Castle of Good Hope. Plus, there are plenty of cultural attractions to make your vacation a lively one. Keep reading to learn more about a trip to South Africa in July.

Forget about overdone ski holidays in the Alps, Japan is the hot new winter destination that should be on top of your radar. Visiting Japan in December promises stunning sites and snow-covered vistas, a surprising number of sunny days and the perfect conditions to sip on a hearty bowl of ramen. See what else you can expect from Japan as winter settles on the land of the rising sun.