With the reopening of China to foreign visitors in early 2023, the long hiatus of Covid-related travel restrictions seems to be coming to an end.
From north to south, from east to west, what are the best destinations to go to month by month?
Our selection, depending on the weather and major cultural events, to prepare your next vacation.
Read alsoWhere to travel without a plane?
Our 50 destinations accessible by train
January: ski, sun or safari
Giraffe and zebras in Kruger Park, South Africa.
paco como
For those who seek the sun and love adventure, head to South Africa.
In the middle of the austral summer, temperatures are around 30°C and the sun is shining.
At the time of the dry season, the animals gather around the rare water points: it is the occasion to go on a safari in one of the national parks of the country.
Not to be missed: the Kaapse Klopse, Cape Town's New Year's carnival.
Another sunny destination: Andalusia (Spain).
The very mild temperatures of the southernmost region of Spain offer ideal conditions for visiting, for example, the Alhambra in Granada.
For the more athletic, head for the Costa del Sol around Malaga, and its kitesurfing spots.
Rather ski?
In Quebec, the resort of Mont-Tremblant is the real kingdom of winter sports, from cross-country skiing to dog sledding excursions, including snowshoeing.
Less than an hour and a half away, from January 19 to February 11, 2023, the unmissable electronic music festival Igloofest will be held in the Old Port of Montreal.
More inspiration
: Top travel destinations in January
February: Rio Carnival, winter sports and tropical paradise
Enjoying the snow in February also means trying out new disciplines: and why not cross-country skiing, which is becoming more and more popular (here in the Jura).
Julie Hann BFC Tourism
To enjoy the snow, head for the Trois Vallées ski area (Savoie), one of the largest in the world.
Its almost 340 ski slopes which run over more than 600 kilometers of massif are divided between "easy" and "expert" slopes: something to please everyone.
Snow guaranteed at this altitude.
If you prefer village resorts or cross-country skiing, you have a choice: France has more than 200 resorts!
If you like a change, opt for the superb areas of Val d'Aosta in Italy, or Tyrol in Austria, two destinations easily accessible by transport.
Some 9,000 kilometers away is held, from February 17 to 25, 2023, the Rio Carnival.
Parade of samba schools, orchestras, popular balls... The one nicknamed "The Wonderful City" is adorned with its most beautiful colors in February.
The austral summer is at its peak: it is the ideal time to discover the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the peak of Sugar Loaf and the mythical beaches of the city.
For sunbathing, head to Thailand.
February is the perfect time to discover the north of the country, where the rainy season is avoided.
This tropical paradise of crystal clear beaches and lush forests hosts the first weekend of the month the Flower Festival in Chiang Mai, the country's second largest city.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in February
See also -
In 2022, the great return of the Rio Carnival
March: festival of colors and turquoise water
This year, Holi, the festival of colors in India, will be held on March 7 and 8.
IndiaPix
The month of March is ideal for discovering northern India.
Already, for the festival of colors, Holi, which is held on March 7 and 8, 2023. Gigantic bonfires, projections of colored powders and dancing in the streets are notably on the agenda.
The opportunity, also, to discover the Buddhist temples of the region.
For the more athletic: heading for the Himalayas and their breathtaking landscapes.
Want to fill up on vitamin C without being crushed by the heat?
The Sultanate of Oman, its temperatures fluctuating between 25 and 30°C in March, its beaches and its scuba diving spots, are waiting for you.
Just like its oases (especially that of Wadi Bani Khalid) and its coves.
In medium-haul, head for Sicily, where an air of spring is already blowing.
In addition to its coastal landscapes and its turquoise waters (especially in the Aegadian Islands), Etna and the architectural heritage of Palermo are the wealth of the island.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in March
April: flowers and scents of spring, volcano hike
Explosion of tulips in the Netherlands: a great seasonal classic, here in the village of Zaanse Schans, also famous for its windmills.
Olena Zn
In April, milder temperatures rhyme with spring blooms.
To observe them, head for the Netherlands.
The tulip bloom is particularly picturesque at Keukenhof Park (Lisse), where seven million bulbs bloom in April.
The municipality of Noordoostpolder is also a privileged place to observe the blossoming of tulips.
In Japan, it is cherry blossom season.
For the
hanami
("looking at the flowers") head to the gardens to picnic under the branches of the cherry trees with budding buds.
In Tokyo, the Imperial Palace Park and Gyoen Garden are favored in the practice of
hanami
.
In Cape Verde, the dry season allows you to fully enjoy the black sand beaches and volcanoes in April.
Temperatures, between 22 and 27°C on average, give rise to lush vegetation on the archipelago – especially on the mountainous islands.
More inspiration
: Top travel destinations in April
See also
- In Japan, the wonder when cherry blossoms bloom
May: Mediterranean bath and culture to enjoy long weekends
Weekends in May are ideal for discovering Siena and Tuscany.
f11photo
With its four public holidays (Monday 1st, Monday 8th, Thursday 18th and Monday 29th), the month of May 2023 is a wonderful opportunity to embrace spring sunshine.
Less than two hours from Paris, Tuscany, its roads lined with cypresses, its turquoise waters of the beaches of the Maremma and its medieval cities, reach out to all those who wish to take advantage of long weekends.
Its capital, Florence, will delight with its cultural heritage.
In Portugal, the temperatures are also milder, making swimming possible in the Algarve, in the south of the country, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters meet.
For a cultural stay, we will opt for the oldest Portuguese city, Braga, with a history as rich as its architecture.
From the dunes of the Sahara to the Atlas Mountains, May is the ideal month to go to Morocco.
The medina, art galleries and gardens of Marrakech, the "red city", are not yet full of tourists.
For those who prefer shades of blue, head for Chefchaouen, two hours from Tangier.
Athletes will choose Essaouira and its surf spots.
More inspiration
: Top travel destinations in May
June: the longest day in Scandinavia and the southern winter
Polar day on a fjord, Norway.
imature
To take advantage of the start of summer and dare to swim for the first time, head for Sardinia.
Just before the high tourist season and the sweltering temperatures of July and August, the clear waters of the beaches of Olbia, San Teodoro and Porto Cervo hover around 21°C.
Hikers will also find their happiness by traversing the immense paths of the gorge of Su Gorroppu.
In Namibia, the austral winter is the ideal time to discover the Namib Desert, "the oldest desert in the world".
In the middle of the dry season, it is also possible to observe lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos and leopards during safaris in Etosha, Waterberg and in the other national parks and reserves of the country.
Are you eager for unusual experiences?
Direction the Scandinavian countries.
In June, Denmark, Sweden and Norway offer visitors the opportunity to witness Polar Day.
During this phenomenon, also known as the midnight sun, the solar disk remains visible 24 hours a day. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Saint John around huge bonfires and open-air banquets.
More inspiration
: Top travel destinations in June
July: freshness, Atlantic surprise and getaway to the end of the world
To see the whales, head to Argentinian Patagonia Andrea Izzotti
To make the most of summer swimming, there is no need to travel to the other side of the world.
Brittany, with its beaches with crystal clear waters and its tourist routes straight out of postcards, will delight more than one.
Nature lovers will be seduced by the natural sites of Brittany, such as Cap Fréhel and the Côte de Granit Rose.
Those looking for coolness in the middle of summer can turn to Argentina.
In this season, the austral winter will make it possible to ski in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
The observation of marine animals, especially whales, in Argentine Patagonia, will delight fans of more contemplative activities.
And for those who prefer an in-between destination: destination the Azores, where the mercury is around 25°C, ensuring the nine islands of the archipelago an oceanic coolness in the middle of July.
These islands have enough to satisfy nature lovers and hikers.
On the agenda: lush vegetation, geysers, craters, lagoons and black sand beaches.
Rather cultural visits?
Unesco has classified Angra do Heroismo, the main town of the island of Terceira, as a heritage site for its architectural richness.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in July
August: cool family adventure
Vinicunca, the fabulous seven-colored mountain that is located in Peru, in the region of Cusco.
An ideal family destination.
maylat
Looking for a great family adventure?
Wild West and amusement park fan?
A family road-trip in the country of Uncle Sam is essential.
If the heat doesn't scare you, head for the American West, its Route 66, its Grand Canyon National Park.
For alternatives further north of the country – renowned for its more temperate climate: head for the geysers of Yellowstone (Wyoming) and the giant sequoias of Yosemite (California).
Not a fan of road trips?
Peru, its lush vegetation and wide open spaces await you.
In August, the dry season and clear skies allow for plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking around Machu Picchu to expeditions into the Peruvian Amazon.
In the medium-haul, Ireland makes it possible to avoid the crushing heat of August while guaranteeing a dry and (relatively) sunny climate.
Hiking in the Morne Mountains or following in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones series: outdoor activities are numerous.
A detour through Dublin, its museums, its Old Library at Trinity College and its St Patrick's Cathedral, will be an opportunity to find the traces of Oscar Wilde and Bono, singer of the group U2.
More inspiration
: Top travel destinations in August
September: Mediterranean sweets and baobabs
The incredible spot of Sarakiniko, in Milos in the Cyclades, deserted by tourists in September.
2ragon
From Champagne to Burgundy, from Bordeaux to Corsica via Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon… Many regions offer oenological itineraries.
Participation in the harvest during workshops, walks in the vineyards, without forgetting the tastings, you can take advantage of the still mild weather in September to do the wine routes of France for a weekend.
For beach and sea bathing enthusiasts, you can swim in the Mediterranean until October.
You can taste the Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, where you swim in water between 22 and 24°C.
In Malta too, we bathe until the last days of summer, as well as in the Greek islands, such as the Cyclades, by around twenty degrees.
For a complete change of scenery, head to Madagascar.
From the discovery of the alley of baobabs to the observation of whales from the island of Sainte-Marie, the island will charm its visitors.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in September
October: flamboyant autumn
In Asia, South Korea is adorned with a superb autumn coat, here in the park of the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, in Seoul.
tawatchai1990
In October, Amsterdam is adorned with autumn colors, which are reminiscent of the shades of the brick houses that line the canals.
In addition to cycling on one of the capital's 1,250 bridges, the many museums and the Anne Frank house are all essential cultural visits.
In another genre, it will be possible to attend, from October 18 to 23, 2023, the Amsterdam Dance Event clubbing festival.
The full color can also be done from Asia, and more particularly from South Korea.
In October, the ginkos turn from green to yellow and the maples take on red hues.
Between Jeju Island, the many Buddhist temples and the port of Busan, the "Land of the Morning Calm" is full of landscapes waiting to be discovered.
The south of France, and more particularly the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, makes it possible to extend the summer.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the island of Porquerolles will delight beach lovers.
Rather typical villages?
Destination the Luberon mountain range, its historical remains and its lavender fields, for a bucolic picture of the Provençal hinterland.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in July
November: spectacular festivities
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead will be held this year on November 1 and 2, 2023. Oleg Znamenskiy
In November, spectacular festivities are organized in several regions of the world.
In Japan, after the hanami honoring the spring cherry trees, make way for the momijigari.
Behind this word: the observation of maple leaves, which turn red in November.
Picnics under the maples and walks are on the agenda.
November is also the opportunity to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico!
On November 1 and 2, 2023, the streets of Mexico will be adorned with decorations and will host parades and various activities – including the famous cleaning of graves.
Then, the families will dine right in the cemeteries, in order to share a meal with their deceased loved ones.
Contrary to what one might think, the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which has existed since the Aztec civilization, is far from sad.
Lights lover?
Direction India, to celebrate Diwali.
This year, the festival marking the Hindu New Year is scheduled to take place on November 12, 2023.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in November
December: polar change of scenery or dry season
In Laos it is the dry season and temperatures can reach 30 degrees.
Here the falls of Kuang Si, in the region of Luang Prabang.
lkunl
For fans of Christmas traditions and markets, head to Lorraine, where Saint Nicolas is celebrated on the Saturday closest to December 6.
In Nancy, the processions, artistic creations and illuminations last until January.
Street performances, craft products, attractions... Nancy's celebrities are listed in the French inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For a magical stay, head for Lapland.
You can consider its capital Rovaniemi, official residence of Santa Claus, taking the risk of being disappointed... December is the ideal time to observe the Northern Lights there.
Finland, Sweden, Norway (in particular the Svalbard archipelago) or even Canada: there is no shortage of places to observe the polar auroras.
If you want to escape the cold, opt for Laos in December instead.
In the middle of the dry season, the sky is resplendent and temperatures can reach 30°C.
The opportunity to discover, among other things, the Mekong and the former royal city of Luang Prabang, with its majestic Buddhist temples.
More inspiration
: the best travel destinations in July