When to travel: February

Great for: wine tasting without the crowds 

Two hours north of San Francisco by car will bring you to California’s wine country. While harvest season doesn’t kick off until August, the cooler weather means February is a great time to sample Napa Valley’s topnotch drops. Tour world-leading vineyards with the Winter in the Wineries Passport, soak in the Calistoga hot springs and roast s’mores by the outdoor fire pit at the Solage estate.

When to travel: September-October

Great for: warm days and glorious foliage 

In late September to early October, Chuseok, or the Harvest Moon Festival, brings celebrations and sweets like yakgwa (honey biscuits) to the bustling city, while fiery autumn colours make Seoul’s Bukhansan National Park a feast for the eyes. Low rainfall and daytime highs of around 25ºC are ideal for exploring the wilderness and the four-and-a-half hour trek to Baegundae Peak will reward you with panoramic views over the city.

When to travel: December-January

Great for: adventure sports with a side of opulence

Coronet Peak is best known for its epic ski runs but there are plenty of summertime adventures to be had. Think panoramic hikes, disc golf and the Southern Hemisphere’s longest-maintained mountain bike single-track. Unwind in one of Rosewood Matakauri’s 12 lavish suites before heading to the onsite farm-to-fork restaurant for dinner overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

When to travel: June-August

Great for: chasing the southern lights 

Tasmania’s technical off-season – June through August – has become an event in itself. Beyond MONA's Dark Mofo, which this year focuses on the iconic Nude Solstice Swim, there's Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Fest, the Festival of Voices and gourmet events including the state-wide Whisky Week. The bonus drawcard: clear nights are ideal for stargazing and seeing the aurora australis, aka the southern lights – best viewed from Cradle Mountain. 

When to travel: April-May

Great for: snorkelling and scuba diving

To the south-east of India’s mainland, the Bay of Bengal is a tranquil archipelago fringed with vibrant reefs. Peak season has petered out by the time May rolls around, making it a great time for diving enthusiasts. The water is clear and with fewer tourists flocking to snorkelling hotspots like Elephant Beach, you’ll get to have it almost all to yourself. Don’t miss taking a cruise around Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano.

When to travel: March-May

Great for: a low-key beach scene

Cars tend to clog the Amalfi Coast’s two-lane “road of 1000 bends” during the ever-popular summertime, so visiting in spring is an ideal way to catch the city in full bloom and lay on sun-soaked stretches of white sand. Stay at Monastero Santa Rosa when the orange blossoms flower and the centuries-old streets are relatively quiet, while lovely 20ºC days call for the first swims of the season.

When to travel: March-May

Great for: creative cocktails and big city lights 

The balmy weather – picture temperatures between 20ºC and 25ºC – makes April ideal for splashing around at Ocean Park, sundowners on a rooftop bar overlooking Victoria Harbour (try the gin and elderflower tonic at fashionable Popinjays) and getting an arts and culture fix at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.

When to travel: January-March

Great for: quiet streets and a culture fix

January to March are admittedly the chilliest months, with evening temps dropping to 3ºC, but there’s no better excuse to shop for a chic coat at Galeries Lafayette before setting out to experience Paris like a local. Stroll through the farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail  – January is peak langoustine season – then check out the contemporary art at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, without the queues.

When to travel: April-May

Great for: temple hopping without the crowds 

Shoulder season in Bali falls at either end of the dry season (April to September). Outside of the Easter break, some of the island’s best luxury resorts (think COMO Uma Canggu, Alila Villas Uluwatu and more) can be snapped up at reduced rates in April and May and the occasional downpour shouldn’t stop you from visiting Ubud’s ancient temples or trendy brunch spots like Deus Ex Machina in Canggu.

When to travel: November-April

Great for: vibrant natural landscapes

While the wet season (November to April) is known for its rainy nights and hot days, it’s also when you’ll see spectacular lightning displays and magnificent sunsets dancing across the rugged outback landscape. Evening temperatures in April get down to 23ºC, making it the perfect time to book a small bar walking tour through historic Chinatown with Salty Plum Social.

When to travel: January-February

Great for: Cosying up in the English countryside

British winter is typically written off as drizzly and cold but there’s plenty to appeal to the romantics among us, like nestling into the quaint gastropub and accommodation at The Bull (which has been a mainstay in Charlbury since the 1500s), a one-and-a half hour drive north-west of London. Nearby attractions such as Hidcote Manor Garden, with its astonishing array of arts and craft gardens may have reduced hours in January and February but if you plan in advance, it’s a picturesque way to experience The Cotswolds in peace. And between antiquing, exploring the farm shop at Daylesford (a 20-minute drive out of Charlbury) and sipping local whisky by the fire, you’ll have no trouble filling your days. 

When to travel: December-February 

Great for: seeing zebra foals up close 

You might miss out on witnessing the Great Migration (July to October) but this national reserve in south-west Kenya has abundant wildlife year-round. Better yet, December to February is calving season, meaning you’ll be able to spot baby wildebeests, zebras and antelopes taking their first steps. Keep a keen eye on the landscape from your plush glamping tent at Bateleur Camp, where game drives are held twice a day and once again at night.

When to travel: June-August 

Great for: basking in the winter sun

Winter in Tropical North Queensland has lots going for it: lower humidity makes hiking the Daintree Rainforest much more comfortable, the Great Barrier Reef is free of stingers and humpback whale-watching season starts in July. Eco-friendly, ultra-luxe Silky Oaks Lodge is an exceptional home base for exploring (or staying put to indulge in a River Stone Massage).

When to travel: December-February

Great for: stress-free sightseeing 

There are many benefits to visiting Marrakech in the winter: sunny days, thinner crowds and the craggy, snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. Head to the still-bustling Bab Doukkala market, tour the enormous Koutoubia Mosque and nab a room at the lavish La Mamounia hotel. Just don’t forget to pack cosy layers for when night-time temps dip to 6°C. 

When to travel: March-May

Great for: sublime outdoor experiences 

This popular Arctic destination is often jam-packed during winter and summer. Springtime hits the sweet spot, with both warm and cool-weather activities on offer, including hiking Mount Esja, floating in the Sky Lagoon, puffin-spotting cruises and more. You're almost assured to get a spot on a tour – just make sure you plan ahead of time as not all experiences are available year-round.

When to travel: January-February

Great for: world-class dining

Come to Spain’s Basque Country in winter – when mild temperatures hover around 14ºC to 20ºC – to snag a reservation at top restaurants. There are multiple Michelin-starred eateries in the resort town to book. Also on the menu: riding the funicular up Mount Igueldo to take in the views of La Concha beach.

When to travel: February-June 

Great for: hectares of untouched ski fields 

Given its location in Sweden’s far north, this Arctic Circle outpost boasts glistening slopes until June – significantly later than most European ski resorts. Even more surreal, from the end of May lifts operate under the blazing midnight sun – a phenomenon where the sun is visible even throughout the night. At the end of a long day, the sauna at Niehku Mountain Villa beckons.

When to travel: March-April 

Great for: off-grid wilderness adventures 

Around Torres del Paine, the vast national park in Chile’s Patagonia region, most hotels close from early May to mid-September due to harsh winter weather. Visit during the March and April shoulder season for serious perks: crowd-free hiking, red-gold foliage, reduced winds and reduced rates at lodges like rustic-chic Awasi Patagonia.  

When to travel: September-November

Great for: thrillseeking and immersion in nature

The winter high season is all about skiing, of course – the Dolomites have some of Europe’s longest continuous runs – but during autumn (September to November) the region becomes a magnet for hikers, cyclists and climbers. Marvel at the flaming autumnal landscape from the indoor/outdoor pool at sustainably-minded resort Forestis. 

When to travel: April-June

Great for: seeing a different side of Thailand 

Thailand’s shoulder season lasts from April to June and again from September to October. During this quieter period, the city’s key attractions, from the Grand Palace to the Wat Pho temple, can be enjoyed in all their splendour without the crowds. In mid-April, the streets burst into joyful water fights to mark Songkran, or Thai New Year. 

When to travel: March-May

Great for: rainbow displays of tulips and daffodils 

Vibrant fields of tulips begin blooming towards the end of the shoulder season, making late March to May a fantastic time to experience the canal city. Make the 30-minute drive to Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens, to see the colourful displays. Back in the city, King’s Day on 27 April, is an extravaganza of orange outfits, markets and impromptu street parties.

When to travel: November-April

Great for: small-group safaris at reduced rates 

Botswana’s small safari camps book out quickly during the dry season from May to October. But the country’s “green season” (November to April) has lots going for it: fewer crowds, verdant foliage, excellent birdwatching and the epic zebra migration. Plus, you can stay at eco-luxe lodges like Sandibe Okavango at reduced rates.

When to travel: May-June

Great for: having powdery beaches all to yourself

During the May and June shoulder season, all-inclusive resorts and white-sand beaches have cleared out as tourists from the USA, Canada and Europe enjoy warm weather at home. But conditions in Barbados remain lovely; dry but not too hot with highs of 31ºC. Snorkel, kayak and sail before sipping a rum cocktail at pastel-hued hotel Cobblers Cove.

When to travel: May-June

Great for: luxe resort stays with almost no one around 

Peace and quiet await during shoulder season (May to June) in Los Cabos, when it’s hot during the day, cool at night and the water is a pleasant 23ºC. Expect excellent surfing conditions and run of the house at some of Mexico’s most sought-after hotels, including One&Only Palmilla and Chileno Bay Resort).

When to travel: November-February 

Great for: history and culture buffs

Overnight temperatures dip to -6ºC in Shanghai during the low season (November to mid-February) but when the most exciting activities are centred indoors, weather isn’t an issue. See ancient art at the Shanghai Natural History Museum, shop til you drop at Plaza 66 and warm up with a tasting at Amanyangyun’s Bei TeaHouse.

When to travel: January-February

Great for: cherry blossoms off the beaten path 

Want to see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms without the crowds? Head to Okinawa, in the country’s southernmost reaches, where the candy-coloured trees bloom as early as January. Winter on the islands is comfortably warm, with temperatures of around 15ºC to 20ºC. Visit in January and February for prime whale-watching as pods of the majestic creatures swim by on their annual migration.

When to travel: December-February

Great for: golden hour expeditions in the Red Centre  

Summer in the Red Centre is hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C, but the upside is that you’ll basically have the place to yourself. Take it easy at Longitude 131° during the middle of the day, where you can swim in the pool and sip an icy beer, before partaking in evening excursions like seeing Uluru at sunset.

When to travel: November-April 

Great for: families who don’t need to wait for school holidays

Fiji’s slower wet season, November through April, coincides with its summer – making it the ideal Christmas getaway for the whole family. Rainfall is higher during this period (compared to the dry season) but downpours tend to be limited to just an hour or so in the afternoons. Off the back of spring, the archipelago is at its most verdant, so get ready to hike across its wild terrain and snorkel the bountiful reefs (when you can drag yourself away from your private pool at Six Senses, that is).