Best Times to Travel to the World’s Most-Visited Cities

As more and more people circumnavigate the globe in search of new experiences, some cities have become a beacon to travelers. These destinations have become so popular, the phrase “over-tourism” has saturated the news. Destinations like Barcelona and Venice are so concerned with out-of-control-tourism, restrictions are being placed on those who visit.

For those who’ve always wanted to see these outstanding cities, visiting during the peak seasons can lead to huge disappointment. Rather than feeling like cattle being moved through crowded museums and attractions, head to the world’s biggest destinations during off-peak times instead.

When can you visit some of the best cities in the world and still, well, enjoy them? Our list reviews the off-peak months when you can also find decent rates and tolerable climate.

Venice, Italy

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Best Time to Travel: September – November

Average Temps: Highs in the low 50s to 70s

Perhaps you have heard about the massive crowds that have descended upon Italy’s canal-filled city? More than 5 million international travelers visit Venice every year, a number so high, the City Council has imposed a per-person fee for day-trippers.

Summer is the peak season for tourists, but that doesn’t mean you should visit in the winter. In fact, the city shuts down during the winter and can get particularly cold. The best time to visit is in the fall, when kids are back in school, families curtail their travel — and summer’s oppressive heat dissipates.

There are even fun events to enjoy in the fall, from the Venice International Film Festival to the art- and theater-focused La Biennale di Venezia.

Paris, France

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Best Time to Travel: June

Average Temps: Highs in the low 70s, lows in the mid-50s

Nearly 16 million tourists traveled to Paris in 2018 — enough to make it the sixth-most-visited city in the world.

As the song goes, “I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris in the fall.” Both times of year are easy seasons to fall in love with France’s capital city, as both aren’t as crowded as the hot summer or the holiday season, when Christmas decor is in full effect.

However, it is June that is the magical month for visiting the city — just before the summer crush of people arrive, yet not too hot, and filled with fun like the Fete de St-Denis and Fete de la Musique.

Barcelona, Spain

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Best Time to Travel: May – June

Average Temps: Mid-50s through mid-70s

As the most popular city in Spain for visitors, Barcelona receives 30 times as many annual visitors as it has residents. To combat over-tourism, the city has implemented new accommodation laws to prevent room-sharing and to make it more difficult to find places to stay.

Due to its mild winters and typically warmer Mediterranean Sea location, tourism is ripe throughout the year. Spring sees less tourism than most seasons, but there is also a greater chance of experiencing spring showers.

The best time to visit is late spring, May through early June, when the rains subside and pre-summer festivals kickoff — but just before families show up in droves over the summer.

London, England

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Best Time to Travel: March – May

Average Temps: Highs in the 50s– 60s

As with other popular European cities, London receives the majority of its tourism crowds in the summer, when sunshine finally becomes the norm in an often overcast city, as well as the holiday season. Throughout the year, the city receives nearly 20 million international visitors, making it the third-most-visited metropolis in the world.

Shoulder season may seem the best time to visit, but the fall brings more rain than the spring in Londontown. The ideal time to go is actually between March and May, long after the holiday crowds have left and well before the summer influx. Sunshine is also more common during the spring, so you can enjoy flower-filled sunny days.

There is plenty to see, as well, with the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the reopening of Parliament both taking place in May.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Best Time to Travel: April

Average Temps: Mid-90s

The world’s second-most-visited city, Bangkok drew more than 22 million tourists last year.

Ever-bustling, the city has something to offer every month of the year. But as a tropical city, it becomes unpleasantly humid during its warmest months, February through September, when temperatures reach into the 90s.

The best time to visit weather-wise is between November and April, but for the least amount of people and best deals, April is your best bet.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Best Time to Travel: May

Average Temps: High 90s

With Dubai showcasing the world’s record-breaking attractions and buildings, it’s no surprise it receives about 16 million travelers annually.

As in Bangkok, temperatures in the summer keep things steamy — it is a desert city, after all — and people generally know to avoid the 100-degree-plus days of summer. This means winter is peak time for tourists, between November and March.

If you want to visit when there will likely be fewer crowds and lower rates, try May and June. May temps average in the mid-70s at night and reach average highs in the 90s during the day, so spend the days indoors or on the beach.

Singapore

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Best Time to Travel: July – August

Average Temps: High 80s

Welcoming nearly 18 million visitors in 2018, Singapore is another Asian city that offers plenty to do year-round. Less sticky than Bangkok, average temps stay pretty consistent throughout the year: mid-70s at night and high 80s during the day — you can’t beat it! Well, except that it rains a lot throughout the year, as well.

Singapore is filled with business travelers, which means it’s easier to avoid crowds at attractions because so many people are in meetings and conferences rather than out exploring.

Unlike Europe, crowds avoid Singapore in the summer months, making July and August good times to visit. This is also a great time to enjoy special events, like the Great Singapore Sale, when retailers offer steep discounts on quality goods, and the Hungry Ghost Festival, a traditional Buddhist and Taoist event.

New York, New York

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Best Time to Travel: April – May

Average Temps: Upper 50s – 60s

The most-visited city in the U.S. welcomes more than 13 million tourists each year. Out-of-towners come in droves to experience the city that never sleeps, and prices stay high throughout the year.

That said, you’ll find relatively cheaper prices if you visit in January and February, when the city is at its coldest: lows in the 20s and highs only in the 30s. But with less to do outdoors, you may be squished inside museums and other indoor attractions, hiding out with everyone else trying to get away from the cold.

Instead, try visiting in the spring, when the outdoors become hospitable again and festivals abound. You’ll definitely rub shoulders with other tourists, but there will be fewer of them than you’d encounter during the summer and holiday seasons.

Istanbul, Turkey

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Best Time to Travel: March – May

Average Temps: 50s – 70s

Straddling Asia and Europe is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world: Istanbul. It’s so fascinating, it drew nearly 11 million visitors in 2018.

Crowds descend upon the waterfront city during the summer months, and the rainy season takes place in the winter. The best times to visit are, once again, the shoulder seasons.

In the fall, rain can take place daily, which makes rates drops and crowds lessen, but if you want better weather along with your deals, try visiting March through May — you’ll find festivals for film, music and tulips during this time as well.

Tokyo, Japan

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Best Time to Travel: September – November

Average Temps: 60s – 80s

Japan’s ultra-exciting city of Tokyo is both a business and tourism destination, which is why more than 12 million people visited last year — and with the city set to host the Summer Olympics in 2020, that number is only poised to grow more.

Actually, the presence of the Olympics means you’ll probably want to avoid a vacay next summer. Tokyo’s peak season is already during the summer; Olympics revelers will make the city overwhelmingly busy.

Instead, visit in the fall, right after the hoopla has died down. Before the action, spring offers great weather, but with throes of people wanting to see the Japanese cherry blossoms in bloom, it’s not a great time for beating the crowds.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Fifteen million people visit St. Petersburg each year. Getty

Best Time to Travel: March – April

Average Temps: Low 20s – mid 40s

Russia’s notorious winters don’t stop more than 8 million people from visiting St. Petersburg every year. Of course, it does mean those numbers peak during the summer, when the climate is more suitable.

You won’t want to visit the city in the winter, as temps fall below freezing and the sun rarely makes an appearance. But if you are willing to sacrifice some warmth to avoid the crowds, March and April are solid bets. If you go in April, you can also enjoy the International Ballet Festival.

Johannesburg, South Africa

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Best Time to Travel: June – August

Average Temps: 60s during the day

At the other end of the world, winter is summer in Johannesburg. Unlike in St. Petersburg. where temps descend below freezing, South Africa offers mild and sunny days from September through April.

This also means crowds. More than 5.5 million international visitors enjoy Johannesburg, many coming from the northern hemisphere in an attempt to escape winter. This is not the place to go if you are seeking a holiday or spring-break getaway.

However, while everyone is making their way to European cities in the summertime, the crowds have disappeared from Johannesburg. Temps are a cool 60 in the summer (their winter) but don’t fall much below 40, so you can enjoy a break from the heat and see what you want to see with elbow room to spare.

Sydney, Australia

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Best Time to Travel: June – August

Average Temps: 60s during the day

Another Southern Hemisphere city that is best enjoyed during its winter months is Sydney. As with Johannesburg, visitors tend to come in the winter months to escape the northern cold and enjoy Sydney’s summer.

You’ll find better deals and fewer crowds when you visit during Sydney’s winter — far from Europe’s jam-packed cities — from June to August.

You’ll also have a chance to enjoy the Sydney Film Festival, the Australian International Music Festival and whale-watching season if you visit during the chillier months.

Athens, Greece

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Best Time to Travel: September – November

Average Temps: Mid 60s to 80s

Many of the people who visit the ancient city of Athens pass through during the summer. Which really doesn’t make much sense, considering July temps can climb into the 90s.

Skip the heat and the crowds and visit when the temperatures are more tolerable instead — spring and fall. As the weather averages from the 60s to the 80s, school schedules ensure fewer families coming on vacation, leaving the city less crowded for you.

If you visit in late September-early October, you can also enjoy the Athens International Film Festival.

Cairo, Egypt

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Best Time to Travel: April – May or October

Average Temps: 80s

Growing steadily in tourist visits, Cairo recorded more than 4 million international visits in 2018.

With its warm African locale, travel peaks during the winter months. But at the lowest travel periods of the summer, temps soar.

Squeeze in your visit before the heat really kicks in in May, or before the winter rush in October. It’ll be summer-like hot, but you’ll find deals and far fewer crowds, perhaps even getting a picture of the pyramids without strangers in the background.