Guide to Offseason Travel

January clears out crowds and inflated prices in the Albanian capital of Tirana, with temperatures hovering between 7°C to 13°C (45 to 55°F). It’s mild enough to explore the city comfortably on foot, with plenty of historic sites to discover, all around Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square). Albanian cuisine, imagine grilled meats encased in flaky pastries, is hearty at any time of year, but it really hits the spot in winter.

Touring vineyards in the dead of winter is actually a great idea. Oregon's Willamette Valley hums along even as the vines rest, with so many wonderful places to stay, dishes to sample and roads to travel.

Plan like a pro

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan a multi-week adventure to Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest. Go hiking, spot puffins, explore charming small towns, with our classic travel guide that's packed with ...

View Book

Though March sees Chicago emerge from winter, the weather remains bone-chilling. Luckily, it's one of America’s best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Throughout the month, taverns are decked in festive decor and full of Guinness-loving revelers, and you can see the Chicago River dyed green. You can also catch one of the first baseball games of the season at Wrigley Field, enjoy the views from the Willis Tower and stuff yourself with Chicago’s deep-dish pizza.

April showers might be a thing in the UK, but it’s actually one of Glasgow’s drier months. The city is well-armed no matter the weather, boasting a slew of indoor cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment. Marvel at the Glasgow Cathedral, peruse the Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and enjoy stellar live entertainment all over town. First-timers should give haggis, a tastier-than-it-sounds savory pudding, a try and do a whisky tasting at The Clydeside Distillery.

Plan like a pro

Discover twice the city in half the time as Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Glasgow. This latest edition uncovers the city's most popular experiences and unexpected surprises from...

View Book

May is considered off-peak in the Caribbean, though hurricane season officially begins in June. Which means you can avoid the cruise crowds, and rain is sporadic. The Cayman Islands are known as the culinary capital of the region, so expect seafood specialities spanning lobster rolls and conch fritters, washed down with rum punch. You'll find soothingly warm water along Seven Mile Beach and snorkeling in Little Cayman or you can make like a honeymooner and hide out at an all-inclusive resort.

Plan like a pro

Lonely Planet’s Caribbean Islands is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Set sail from Tortola, snorkel in Aruba's clear waters, and...

View Book

The green season begins on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, making this the best time to see the country's incredible biodiversity. Get active during beautiful, clear mornings, then find a covered porch to relax on while you listen to the gentle afternoon rain on the roof and watch the rainforest come alive. Take a road trip, taking in the volcano Arenal and stopping in surf hot-spot Jaco before journeying on to the Parque Manuel Antonio.

July means winter in Cape Town, and although it may not come to mind for an escape at this time of year, it's tailor made for anyone who prefers offseason perks and safari over beach holidays. Cape Town in July feels like a moderate 15°C (60°F), so no overheating, plus you’re also far more likely to spot animals during the cooler months in Southern Africa. Book a game drive two hours from the city, while whale watching is also at its best during this time.

Aside from big cities like Rome and Milan, the heat and humidity of August send tourists and locals alike flocking to Italy’s glamorous coastline, leaving some inland spots surprisingly crowd-free. Emilia-Romagna residents traditionally retreat to Rimini on the Adriatic Coast, but Bologna, Modena and Parma remain open for business, ready to tantalize with locally born greats; Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma and tortellini in brodo.

The best thing to do in Slovenia is hike, well and paddle the lakes and raft the rivers and meander through Ljubljana. September is the most comfortable month to do all of those things. Mild weather, with a few rainy days, ensures that every climb is rewarded with a fresh breeze, and the lakes are still warm enough to splash around in. The Adriatic Coast is relatively crowd-free, while the sun is warm and inviting. Mushroom hunting is in full swing, so local chefs are adding them to the menus.

October is one of the wetter months in Bangkok, but for many visitors, the cleaner air, lush vegetation and reduced tourist numbers makes this a great time to plan a trip. If you don’t mind the rain, you’ll be visiting at a quieter time of year, with no need to book attractions in advance and plenty of deals to entice budget travelers.

Plan like a pro

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Thailand.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from sinking your toes into the soft white sand of Ko Lipe's Sunrise Beach to slurpin...

View Book

Rabat is a year-round destination with a balmy Mediterranean climate, yet the winter shoulder season is a perfect time to visit the Moroccan capital. Temperatures are a perfect 15°C to 21°C (60°F to 70°F)) meaning visitors can wander through the vibrant walled Rabat Medina, stroll along the Kasbah des Oudaias citadel and have a beach day at the clean Plage des Nations.

Winter is the perfect time for a cozy escape to Fukuoka. Stroll through scenic gardens and uncover history at Fukuoka-jō and Ōhori-kōen and Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan, then soak up futuristic skyscrapers at the Fukuoka Tower observation deck. Be sure to indulge on many delicious bowls of the famous tonkotsu ramen. Keep in mind, a winter trip isn't complete without some soaks in the region's heavenly onsens (hot springs) or a stay in a traditional ryokan.

Plan like a pro

#1 Bestselling guidebook to Japan“Classic. Comprehensive. Crucial." - Library JournalLonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Japan.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences fro...

View Book