Shoulder Seasons Around The World – Balance Budget, Weather and Crowds
This list will be updated regularly as we travel. Indicating the best balance of weather, crowds, cost and open hotel accommodations. Should season is the only time to travel it you have got the time to travel.
Bali
HIGH SEASON
(JUL & AUG)
» Rates zip up by 50% or more.
» Many hotels are booked far ahead; the best restaurants need booking in advance.
» Christmas and New Year are equally expensive and crowded.
SHOULDER
(MAY, JUN & SEP)
» Coincides with the best weather (drier, less humid).
» Some deals but last-minute bookings possible.
» Best time for many activities such as diving, since the water is clear and crowds are OK.
LOW SEASON
(JAN–APR, OCT & NOV)
» Deals everywhere, good airfares.
» Rainy season; however, rainfall is never excessive.
» Can do most activities except volcano trek
Australia
Frommer’s recommends visiting northern Australia between April and August when airfares are lower and the weather is decent along the Great Barrier Reef. Frommer’s also suggests traveling to Australia’s southern states in the warm summer months of January and February. Of course, you’ll also have to contend with a higher concentration of tourists and vacation-goers during the summer.
Australia’s Peak Tourist Season
Australia’s primary school holidays take place during the summer months of December and January. This means that most places experience their peak tourist traffic around this time. Lonely Planet suggests avoiding travel for this period if possible. Winter, on the other hand, offers visitors some respite from the crowds and inflated prices, albeit in much cooler and sometimes rainy conditions.
New Zealand
Frommer’s suggests visiting during the autumn shoulder season of March and April to take advantage of the moderately warm climate and the relatively small number of tourist crowds.
New Zealand’s Peak Tourist Season
Most people in New Zealand take their annual holidays between mid-December and February. As such, Frommer’s Travel Guide warns travelers that accommodations will be more expensive and harder to find during these summer months, and attractions will generally be more crowded.
Great brief summary to help travelers start thinking of when they should travel. Thanks for the tips.