50 Off-Season Getaways

Peak season tends to follow school and work holidays. That means each spring, summer and Christmas, travelers can expect throngs of other tourists at their favorite vacation destinations. Want to beat the crowds and have a more low-key getaway at typically lower prices? Try booking a vacation during the off-season. While you might trade in guaranteed good weather, you're getting a chance to explore your favorite destination on a budget in return, without all the annoying tourist congestion.

Peak season for an Alaskan cruise, where visitors can see icy fjords, towering snow-capped mountains, glaciers, whales, salmon and the bears who eat them, tends to run from July to August. Travelers will find the slower season in the months of May and September (thanks to kids being in school) which means cool (but not cold) weather, fewer children for those looking for a peaceful getaway and often cheaper cruises that can be hundreds of dollars less than peak-season tours.

While Austin might not have much of an off-season (thanks to its near-nonstop events like South by Southwest and more Texas Longhorns college football games than we can count), rumor has it that the first half of August, when the Texas capital is at its hottest, is one of the slowest times in the city. With temps averaging in the high 90s, travelers will want to keep cool by hitting up the many pools and waterparks or heading to one of the capital's numerous air-conditioned theaters, museums, malls or amazing restaurants.

Another destination without much of an off-season is Bali. This tropical island getaway is most popular during the summer months, with millions of visitors clogging up the beautiful white sand beaches, historic temples and tiered rice paddies. Travelers who want a little bit of a break from the crowds can head to Bali during its rainy season, which runs from November to March. But be warned, Christmas, New Year's and Easter cause an influx of tourists, so plan outside of those dates.

Don't mind getting wet and sweating? Thailand's most popular city sees the least amount of tourists from July to October, when the annual monsoon rains fall and temps hover around the high 80s (with lots of humidity). While an umbrella and extra antiperspirant will be necessary, visitors to Bangkok can enjoy some of the most extremely discounted deals at hotels while soaking up the vibrant street life and (to cool off) indoor shopping malls.

Visiting Beijing means seeing the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven (seen here) and the Forbidden City. But if you come between April and October, you're likely to share these epic views with thousands of other tourists. That's why the best time to visit this sprawling city is during the colder months, from November to March. Although temps range from the mid-30s to the 50s, a jacket and some deliciously spicy food can keep you warm and cozy on your explorations.

A year-round travel destination, Berlin has a short, two-week window of time in early January (following New Year's) when the city is at its prime for off-season travel, although low season is typically considered between January and April. For those who don't mind bracing 30-degree temps, all the amazing museums, opera houses, theaters and memorials are next to empty, allowing travelers to meander from one site to the next without feeling the need to hurry up for the next tourist to have a look.

For travelers who want to beat the heat of summer and have an amazing getaway, nothing beats a trip to Cape Town. Since South Africa experiences winter during an American summer, it means June, July and August are some of their coldest months and, coincidentally, their off-season for tourism. Travelers can find the deepest discounts in winter, but they'll also have to deal with unpredictable rainstorms, which can hinder some outdoor activities.

Winter, meet your wonderland. The historic city of Český Krumlov has a dip in tourism from December to March, making it an amazing place to spend Christmas or New Year's. An UNESCO World Heritage site, Český Krumlov is built around a medieval castle and looks as if it were taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The city is easily navigable by foot, and visitors can walk along the waterway, by the charming markets and beer houses, or just tour the cool museums and historic landmarks.

Known as the spiritual center of Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 wats (temples) that draw visitors from around the world. Due to the combination of oppressive summer heat and Thailand's rainy season, tourism dips significantly from May to October, but that shouldn't prevent you from hopping on a plane. Typically, the rains come like clockwork each afternoon, only lasting for an hour or two. In their wake is cooler, cleaner air that's perfect for exploring and touring the magnificent temples.

Aside from Easter weekend, Cologne's off-season runs from January to April, when temps are at their lowest. Even though it's cold, Cologne doesn't experience as much snowfall as the rest of Germany, making it more accessible for tourists. Visitors can enjoy exploring the 2,000-year-old city, checking out the dizzying amount of landmarks (like Cologne Cathedral, seen here) or warm up in its many geothermal pools and saunas.

Although some believe there's no off-season in Colorado, we think the popular "mud season," which typically occurs from April to May, might just qualify. Named for the messy spring snow melt, this is the time when skiers have packed up their poles and hikers are waiting for the ground to dry up, meaning less tourism and more opportunities for savings in the Mile High City. The best part? Denver is a major metropolis, offering tons of fine dining, museums, landmarks, shopping and more.

Edinburgh may be bustling with tourists in the summer, but from September to May, the Scottish capital experiences its low season, with the fall months still having delightfully comfortable temps in the 50s and 60s. Visitors during this key season can explore the city, including its famous Old Town, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle (where Scotland's crown jewels are kept), or head to the pub for a pint of heavy (a glass of dark Scottish ale)!

Like many beloved vacation destinations in Europe, Florence sees considerably fewer tourists during winter, giving visitors who don't mind the nippy weather and bouts of rain a chance to score big deals in this romantic, Renaissance city. With opportunities to see historic landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral and world-famous works of art including Michelangelo's "David" sculpture, Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and more, it's easy to get swept away in the beauty of Tuscany in the off-season.

Located 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a favorite vacation destination for tourists throughout most of the year. Thankfully, from August to October, when temps hover in the 70s, the crowds thin out and visitors can enjoy the four inhabited islands without too much congestion. Numerous lodging accommodations and opportunities to witness nature up close (including seeing sea lions give birth!) are some of the best reasons to visit this beloved destination.

Winter in Galway means fewer crowds and big savings! Although temps between December and March are in the 40s, visitors will find wearing a few layers helps keep them cozy as they hit the major attractions, including lively Quay Street, Lynch's Castle, Galway's Latin Quarter and the nearby majestic Cliffs of Moher. Plus, prices for lodging and tours are at their lowest of the year, which is sure to warm any weary traveler's soul.

Welcoming upwards of 6 million travelers each year, Grand Canyon National Park's peak season is (unsurprisingly) in the summer. While the North Rim entrance to the park closes in the winter, the South Rim remains open year-round and offers the perfect chance to experience the beauty of the famous mile-deep canyon without as many fellow tourists around and cheaper lodging options. Be warned: Winter temps vary and blizzards aren't uncommon, which can lead to the South Rim being closed for short periods.

The Great Barrier Reef's peak season is from June to September, when temps are comfortable and the water's at its clearest (making for awesome snorkeling and diving). However, prices are also the highest and tours are seriously congested during these months. That's why the shoulder months, May and October, offer visitors a chance to catch some of the top conditions and rake in major savings before Australia's notorious wet season hits in November, making the water murky and the weather unbearably hot.

An adventure to Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi will have travelers seeing green during the off-season. From May to September is Vietnam's hot, rainy season, leading to fewer foreign tourists. Thankfully, the rains aren't daily, meaning it's likely visitors can have an enjoyable vacation, seeing places like Hanoi's Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature while saving money on discounted flights, hotels, tours and more.

Another international destination worth visiting during the off-season is Rajasthan, in northwestern India. Like much of Asia, late spring through summer means heavy monsoon rains and scorching temps, but smart travelers (especially those who can afford accommodations with air conditioning) will be deeply rewarded by braving the elements. Along with amazing discounts, having the chance to see ancient temples and the famed Pink City of Jaipur without being crowded by other tourists is an experience not to be missed.

All the Hawaiian islands have two seasons: warm and dry during spring and summer (which is when most tourists visit) and warm and wet (with high surf) between fall and winter, correlating with their off-season for tourism (except for Christmas and New Year's). Visiting the island of Kauai in winter means discounts on hotels and tours while the tropical beaches, scenic highways and awe-inspiring Na Pali Coastline (seen here) are less congested. Plus, even when it's raining, the sun is usually shining somewhere on the island.

Las Vegas offers year-round fun with lavish hotels, casinos and live shows, but even Sin City has a few off-seasons, meaning tourists can cash in on mega savings. Between July and August, during the hottest months, tourism dries up in favor of cooler locales, but that's not the only time to snag a deal. After Thanksgiving and before Christmas often means huge discounts on vacation packages. Another way to save: Travelers should book their stays during the week, with the best rates between Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Throughout much of Europe, off-season for tourism kicks off in November and lasts through March, meaning colder temps but hotter deals. Travelers headed to London in the fall/winter season will have the chance to see some of the most popular sites in the country, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Big Ben (seen here) without having to contend with hoards of fellow tourists that typically saturate the city during the summer. Plus, prices for tours, hotels and even flights are at their lowest this time of the year.

Thanks to the lure of Hollywood and nearby Disneyland, summer and school holidays are one of the busiest times to visit Los Angeles. Thankfully, in spring and fall, when the temperatures are cozy and comfortable, tourism declines, meaning visitors can have fun exploring the City of Angels, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits and yes, even Disneyland, with fewer crowds.

This abandoned 15th-century Incan fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular places to visit in Peru, with tourism at its peak from April to September. During Peru's rainy season, beginning in November and lasting until March, tourism drops significantly, giving travelers who don't mind the rain or majestic misty hills of Machu Picchu a chance to explore this citadel in peace. Visitors should dress lightly, however, as Peru's rainy season is also the hottest of the year.

Like England, Spain's off-season begins in November during the rainiest months of the year, ending in March. While a visit to Spain's most popular city, Madrid, during fall or winter likely won't include lying on the beach, travelers can still enjoy discounted hotel stays along with the historic landmarks, including Plaza Mayor and the city's famed Royal Palace. They can also visit any of the numerous manicured parks, art museums, gourmet restaurants, incredible boutiques or even check out Spain's world-famous nightlife, all without the crowds.

Morocco's off-season during summer is quickly becoming its peak season, meaning travelers who are mesmerized by the thought of walking through Marrakesh's winding, fragrant market, hearing the sizzle of grilled meats, hawkers selling beautiful wares all while surrounded by ornate, beautiful architecture, should go sooner rather than later. This highly affordable vacation destination is rather inexpensive year-round, but visitors should be prepared to haggle to save a little extra cash.

Beautiful New Zealand's off-season is during their winter, which runs from June to August (due to their location below the equator), giving travelers a shot at saving a little bit on airfare and hotel costs to this typically expensive and absolutely worthwhile vacation destination. While North Island and South Island both offer unique tourism opportunities, our favorite small town is Matamata, where "The Lord of the Rings" fans can tour the set of the hobbit's shire (seen here).

Hawaii's hurricane season is between June and November, overlapping with the islands' off-season for tourism from October through February (except for major holidays). While no one wants to be in a hurricane, it's important to note that Hawaii is rarely impacted by them, thanks to the high pressure system around the islands, making a visit during the off-season worth it. Maui, in particular, is an oasis of untouched nature that includes rainforests, mountain ranges and turquoise beaches. There are also plenty of amazing off-season discounts.

Between March and May, tourism is in overdrive all around Mexico, including its capital, Mexico City. While this beloved cultural hub is popular year-round, from June to November, during Mexico's rainy and hot season, the famous ciudad has spectacular off-season hotel deals visitors can't beat. Plus, in early November, travelers can take part in Day of the Dead celebrations, where history, faith, family and good food convene.

Travelers might think Miami, as well as nearby Miami Beach, is hopping with tourists in the summer and fall months, but surprisingly these are the cities' low seasons. Due to the hot temps, frequent rainstorms and Florida's notorious hurricane season, which runs between May and November, hotel prices are at their lowest, offering visitors a chance to explore the popular city and beaches like a local.

Beginning in June, months after Mardi Gras has come to an end, New Orleans' temperatures shoot up and their hotel prices go way, way down. Lasting until November, the Big Easy's low season might mean limited outdoor fun but the city has a wide variety of indoor, air-conditioned entertainment, shopping, museums, nightlife, restaurants (where famous po' boy sandwiches, beignets and rich coffee are always available) and more to keep visitors cool, comfortable and happy.

Like Kauai and Maui, the island of Oahu offers exceptional discounts and travel deals during its off-season from November to February (minus Christmas and New Year's, when tourism spikes). As the most popular of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is home to famous spots like Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Haleiwa, where some of the best shopping, beaches, Hawaiian food and aloha spirit can be found. Plus, surfing fans can watch major competitions at the world-famous Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore.

For travelers who don't mind temps as low as 25 degrees, a winter visit to NYC after New Year's means a chance to see the city in all its glory. Off-season runs from January to March and beckons tourists with sweet, sweet deals on hotels and the chance to get coveted tickets to popular Broadway shows or seats at restaurants that are typically booked solid. Plus, the usual sites, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park aren't as congested as they are in the warmer months.

Like many tropical getaways, Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and wet, with the rainier months yielding big savings for travelers who want to explore this fascinating isthmus in Central America. One of our favorite places during the off-season is Nosara, where visitors get the best of both worlds, with lush, dense jungles and pristine beaches boasting spectacular views of wildlife, as well as delicious restaurants and relaxing hotels to unwind at night.

As with Spain and England, France's off-season during the winter months coincides with the rest of Europe, but cold weather isn't a reason to avoid visiting Paris. Nicknamed "The City of Lights," this French capital is aglow in winter, especially during the holiday season. From festive street-side celebrations to seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (seen here), Notre Dame and the Louvre, Paris, with its romantic cafes and celebrated cuisine, is an impossibly perfect off-season getaway destination.

French- and English-speaking Quebec offers travelers not one, but two off-seasons, from March to April and November to December (ending before Christmas). During these typically cold months, Quebec, with popular cities like Montreal and Quebec City, offers unbelievable deals on some of its most luxurious hotels, where travelers can rest and recover after touring famous landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Palace Royale.

Winter in Iceland might sound like vacationing in a freezer, but tourists shouldn't be afraid of a little cold—OK, a lot of cold. With temps averaging in the 30s, a trip to the capital city of Reykjavik may be chilly but not impossible. Discounted airfare, hotels and tours mean travelers can see the epic Northern Lights, take part in the festive Christmas celebrations and even swim in luxurious geothermal pools amid one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

From April to May (after Easter) and again in November, the typically bustling city of Rio de Janeiro experiences a lull in tourism, giving travelers the chance to score incredible discounts on airfare, hotels and more. Although Brazil's seasons are opposite from the U.S. (thanks to their ideal position below the equator), the weather remains steadily warm, never dipping below a refreshing 70 degrees, meaning travelers can enjoy the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches year-round.

Formerly known as Ruhengeri, a trip to Rwanda's northwestern city of Musanze is often described by travelers as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Popular for its gorilla-trekking tours inside Volcanoes National Park and the Musanze Caves, the city's low season for tourism is in January and November, giving visitors a better chance at securing a required Gorilla permit to take part in the unforgettable journey.

Although San Francisco is a typically pricey vacation destination throughout most of the year, in winter the city offers some of its best hotel and tour package deals to lure travelers during its off-season. For visitors who don't mind bundling up, that means a chance to see some of the city's most famous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and even Alcatraz Island. Don't forget to visit Chinatown, which is considered one of the largest in the country.

More of a shoulder season than a true off-season, spring and fall on the Greek Island of Santorini offer visitors access to the beautiful seaside villages, beaches and historical ruins without being overwhelmed by throngs of fellow tourists. With breezy temps in the 60s and 70s, travelers visiting during these low-tourism months will feel more comfortable walking around enjoying the beauty of the island.

For travelers in need of a tropical Caribbean getaway, a jaunt to the U.S. Virgin Islands during their off-season from June to November might be the perfect respite. Like many island destinations, off-season correlates with hurricane season. Thanks to radars that can track storms well in advance, a little careful planning (and travel insurance) allows tourists to enjoy the year-round warm temps, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and enticing Caribbean cuisine of the islands, while also scoring major travel discounts.

Similar to Europe, the Scandinavian country of Sweden experiences its off-season during winter, allowing snow- and cold temperature-loving travelers a chance to explore the country, including the island archipelago and capital city of Stockholm, at a bargain rate. Visitors can ice skate in Vasaparken, shop in Bibliotekstan, lounge in a relaxing spa or tour three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Summer in the U.S. means winter in Sydney and a chance to cool down while saving big bucks. From June to August, when temps hover between the low to mid 60s during the day and crisp 40s at night, travelers can enjoy a less-crowded city and deals on hotels and travel packages. Must-see stops in the city include the iconic Sydney Opera House (seen here) and a day spent shopping, dining and walking along Darling Harbour.

In Tokyo, there's a mix of old-world charm alongside the biggest advances in technology, making it a fascinating getaway destination. Thankfully, this bustling capital city has two off-seasons for tourists who are looking to save money. Summer, during Japan's rainy season, sees a significant drop in tourism, as does winter, between January and early March. Aside from needing an umbrella or a jacket, visitors can still enjoy all Tokyo has to offer, including the Meiji Shinto Shrine, Sensō-ji temple and the famed Ginza shopping district.

Located in Canada's Ontario province, Toronto is both the capital city and the birthplace of famous TV, hip-hop and rap star Drake. Called the "New York North," this diverse, populous city offers tourists many opportunities for entertainment and exploration. Like most of Canada, between November and March sees the biggest tourism slump thanks to the frigid temps, meaning hot deals for travelers who can take the chill.

Built on a lagoon, Venice is Italy's floating city, filled with dreamy canals and gondolas taking travelers from one amazing stop to the next. As with the rest of Europe, winter offers a spectacular opportunity for visitors to see the city at bargain rates. Although temps can linger in the high 30s, tourists can keep warm by sipping wine, savoring Venetian specialties like cicchetti and baccalà mantecato, then touring the city's breathtaking (and ancient) Byzantine, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Due to its international appeal and location in always-sunny Florida, there isn't a true "off-season" for Walt Disney World. However, in winter, particularly between January and March (and only during the weekdays), this beloved Magic Kingdom experiences a slight dip in tourism, making it a little less crowded and more affordable for travelers looking for a deal. Visitors who really want to maximize their savings should be prepared to book their Disney vacation packages up to a year and a half in advance.

Although spring is a beautiful time to visit our nation's capital, travelers looking to avoid the crowds and see the many historic monuments should consider a visit to Washington, D.C. in winter between December and February (avoiding Christmas and New Year's). During this time of year, landmarks like the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, Washington Monument and more are quieter, giving visitors a chance to reflect on the incredible history of our nation.

Coinciding with Mexico's rainy season, May through October in the Yucatán Peninsula is also the state's low season, offering travelers discounts as low as 50 percent off hotels and tour packages. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this beloved vacation destination offers year-round warm beaches, ancient Mayan ruins (like Chichén Itzá, seen here) and a chance to explore Mexico's incredibly rich cultural heritage and world famous cuisine.