Season Savvy Travel, The Best Time to Visit
Jun 12
Posted: under Adventure Holiday News, Destinations and Places, Lodging and Hotel News, Useful Tips and Gadgets.
Tags: best destination season, best time to visit, Hermanus, Kenya, Mauritius, season savvy travel, South Africa, The Caribbean, The Red Sea, The Seychelles, travel season
Despite what brochures and guides say, peak season is not always the best time to visit a destination. You will often experience several benefits to finding the real right time to visit. Below are a few examples:
The Caribbean
What you’re told: Everyone will advise that the best time to visit the Caribbean is over Christmas. Sure, there will be plenty of celebrities and paparazzi there but it also means skyrocketing hotel, vacation rental and airfare prices. July and August get crowded as well, particularly with wealthy families. Meanwhile, this is also when the islands receive heavy rainfall and possibly even hurricanes.
The real best time: May and June are the best time to go because the weather is warm and the prices take a plunge. On top of that, you will have the beaches all to yourself.
South Africa
What you’re told: You will probably be urged to go during our winter which is when the weather is warm. While this may be true, the prices are out of this world, particularly on Christmas and New Year.
The real best time: The best time to visit is in August. Although the weather is not quite as warm, hotel and South Africa vacation rental rates drop about 40% and air fares are decent. August is also the Herpeak of whale-watching season in Hermanus and it’s a good time to visit Kruger National Park where the animals are easier to spot during dry season.
The Red Sea
What you’re told: Supposedly, this destination is good to visit year-round because of its constantly warm and sunny weather. We beg to differ. August can get scorching hot while January and February tend to get chilly.
The real best time: May, June, September and October are the best times to visit. June is the time to go if you are planning to dive and snorkel since a plankton bloom lures big fish such as whale sharks, huge manta rays and hammerheads. In September, the sea water is wonderfully warm.
Mauritius
What you’re told: Travelers are often told that the best time to go to Mauritius is during winter so you can enjoy the sun. Although the weather can be beautiful between January and March, there is a risk of cyclones. July and August pose the same threat.
The real best time: It is best to go when it tends to be warm but not too humid: April, May, October and November. May is when you will find the best deals on hotels and Mauritius vacation rentals.
Kenya
What you’re told: High season is between July and September which is when millions of wildebeests stampede north from the Serengeti. During this time, Kenya gets flooded with crowds of tourists, particularly in Masai Mara.
The real best time: Enjoy Kenya in November, the month of short rains. During this time, there are short daily bursts of rain. You will still see Wildebeests as they make their way back to the Serengeti.
The Seychelles
What you’re told: It is advised that you should go to The Seychelles during their sunny winter or during the summer. July and August is when trade winds blow in and water can get murky if you are snorkeling. Some beaches advise bathers not to swim. It is rainy season from November to March.
The real best time: The best time to go is in April or May when the sea is calm and the climate is flawless. As long as you do not go during Easter break, you will find that this season offers good value.
