Cheapest Months to Fly to Popular Destinations: A Month-by-Month Guide

If the sting of holiday travel prices is still fresh, don’t worry—you can plan smarter for your next trip.

Knowing the best months to fly and when to book can mean the difference between overpaying and landing a deal. Whether you’re itching to escape winter or dreaming of next year’s summer adventures, let’s map out the year ahead with destinations that match each month’s sweet spot for travel deals.

Here’s your month-by-month guide to the cheapest destinations, when to book, and why timing your trip can make all the difference.

February: Last-Minute Escapes

There’s still time to snag a deal, but don’t wait too long—prices are already climbing for late February departures.

• Paris, France: Romantic vibes, cozy cafes, and quiet streets make Paris a February gem. Book ASAP for midweek departures to find remaining deals.
• London, England: Fewer crowds, winter markets, and lower prices—London in February is all about charm without chaos. Lock in fares now for the best chance of saving.

March: Spring Awakens

March kicks off travel to destinations blooming into life, but deals are still on the table if you act early.

• Tokyo, Japan: Cherry blossom season begins! Book by early February to catch reasonable fares, but next year’s blooms will need earlier planning (December is ideal).
• Dublin, Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations light up Dublin. Book by early February to snag affordable seats before the crowds descend.

April: Shoulder Season Perks

April is ideal for warm-weather getaways and off-peak travel to popular spots.

• Lisbon, Portugal: Pleasant weather and fewer tourists make April a fantastic time to explore. Book by late February to catch the best prices.
• Amsterdam, Netherlands: The tulips are blooming! Book by mid-February to enjoy fields of color without breaking the bank.

May: Early Summer Steals

May offers great deals before the summer rush kicks in, with perfect weather in many destinations.

• Sydney, Australia: May’s crisp autumn weather is ideal for exploring. Book by March to snag off-peak fares.
• Barcelona, Spain: Mild weather and fewer tourists make May the perfect time to enjoy the city. Book by March to score deals.

June: Summer’s Start

Travel demand rises, but early June offers opportunities before peak-season madness.

• Rome, Italy: Beat the summer crowds by traveling in early June. Book by March or April to secure good fares.
• Montreal, Canada: June is festival season in Montreal, with great weather and vibrant culture. Book by April for the best prices.

July: Peak Travel Season

July is busy, but there are still deals if you plan carefully.

• Bangkok, Thailand: Lush landscapes and lively streets await. Book by May for savings on July departures.
• Cape Town, South Africa: A winter escape in the Southern Hemisphere, with whale watching and safari opportunities. Book by May to catch off-peak prices.

August: Late Summer Savings

August can be expensive, but certain destinations still offer value.

• Cancun, Mexico: August’s shoulder season means lower prices, but book by June to avoid last-minute hikes.
• Prague, Czech Republic: The crowds thin slightly, and you can enjoy cooler evenings. Book by June to lock in affordable fares.

September: Back-to-School Deals

September is a golden month for cheaper flights, fewer crowds, and ideal weather.

• Santorini, Greece: The summer rush fades, but the beauty remains. Book by July for the best rates.
• New Zealand: Spring blossoms in New Zealand make September a picturesque time to visit. Book by June to save.

October: Autumn Adventures

October is perfect for cultural and scenic getaways.

• Kyoto, Japan: Fall foliage transforms the city. Book by August to enjoy Kyoto’s serene beauty without peak-season prices.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: October’s springtime weather is perfect for exploring. Book by August for the best deals.

November: Holiday Previews

Before the festive rush, November offers deals for off-peak adventurers.

• Istanbul, Turkey: Mild weather and fewer crowds make November a great time to explore. Book by September to find affordable fares.
• Kraków, Poland: Enjoy early Christmas markets without the December chaos. Book by September for savings.

December: Festive Getaways

Holiday destinations shine brightest in December, but timing is everything.

• New York City, USA: The city sparkles during the holidays. Book by September or October for the best fares.
• Vienna, Austria: Vienna’s Christmas markets and winter charm are magical. Book by October to avoid price spikes.

January 2026: Plan Ahead for Next Year

Missed out on January 2025? Start planning for next year.

• Tokyo, Japan: Enjoy serene winter days and bowls of hot ramen. Book by September 2025 for great deals.
• New York City, USA: Enjoy quiet streets and snow-covered parks. Book by October 2025 to score savings.

Final Tips for Smart Travel Planning

• Set Reminders for Booking Windows: Mark your calendar based on the suggested timelines above.
• Use Price Alerts: Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner track fares for you.
• Be Flexible: Midweek flights and smaller airports can save you money.
• Plan for International Trips Early: For international travel, aim to book at least 3-4 months ahead.

For more tips, check out The Best Time to Book Flights for Every Season and The Sweet Spot for Booking Flights.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Ye Ha.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.