5 Destinations That Are Even Better in the Off-Season

Peak tourism seasons are popular for a reason, but they also come with drawbacks — namely, crowded spaces, long lines, and premium prices on flights and accommodations. If you’re looking to avoid these downsides, consider traveling during the off-season or the shoulder season. “Off-season” refers to the time of year when a destination experiences its lowest levels of tourism (usually dictated by school calendars and weather patterns), while “shoulder season” refers to the time just before or after peak season. Depending on the destination, the benefit to both periods can be thinner crowds but still-favorable weather — and if you’re lucky, it might mean some significant savings, too. Here are five places worth checking out in the off-season.

Venice, Italy

During peak summer season in Venice, upwards of 110,000 tourists visit its historic city center a single day — more than double its population of about 50,000. But the Floating City dazzles year-round, and visiting in the off-season means you’ll not only avoid the majority of the crowds, but also help to mitigate the effects of overtourism that have been plaguing Venice for years.

Crowd numbers and sweltering summer temps start to drop come October, but the true off-season runs from about November to May. Winter in Northern Italy brings cooler temps, ranging from about 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it might also feature a notorious Venice rite of passage: winter flooding, known as acqua alta (high water). 

The flooding typically occurs between October and early spring, when tides are high and Venice’s natural state of sinking causes the city’s streets and squares to fill with water. In recent years, though, dams have reduced the amount of flooding. A winter visit might mean a chance to see the city sprinkled with a dusting of snow, too.

Come winter, major attractions like St. Mark’s Square and its exquisite Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and a gondola ride on the iconic canals will be less crowded. And so will local shops and restaurants, offering a chance to fall in step with the local day-to-day rhythm. The city comes back to life during January and February for Carnival season, which might not be the best time to score travel deals, but is certainly a European experience to remember.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s autumn foliage rivals its famous cherry blossoms in both beauty and visitor numbers, so visiting during these peak periods from March to May and October to mid-December is going to be busy — and pricey. In contrast, the off-season is a serene but no less memorable time to experience Japan’s former capital. 

While snow is rare in Kyoto, it dusts the city a few times throughout the winter, transforming landmarks like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama into tranquil, dreamlike scenes. There are also fewer crowds at popular spots like the Fushimi Inari shrine’s famous red torii gates and the centuries-old tea houses and famous Hanamikoji Street in Gion.

In winter, visitors can warm up with bowls of nourishing ramen or seasonal, multicourse kaiseki dinners. It’s also the perfect time to visit the many onsen (hot springs) in Kyoto’s nearby rural areas, such as Kurama or Funaoka. If you really want to see blossoms, try instead for February, when thousands of plum trees come to life at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Summer months see tourists flock to Iceland’s capital for its midnight sun and cultural life, but if you visit from late fall to early spring, you can discover a quieter, if not equally magical side of the Land of Fire and Ice. 

There is no lack of spectacular sights in the off-season: Winter transforms the city into a postcard-worthy wonderland, with snow-dusted colorful rooftops and the twinkling Festival of Lights. It’s also the perfect time to chase the northern lights, best viewed just outside the city limits on clear nights. 

Warm up afterward in one of Reykjavík’s many geothermal pools, and finish with people watching and a nightcap along the Laugavegur strip. Fewer tourists during the quieter months also means more opportunities to enjoy iconic landmarks such as the Hallgrimskirkja Church, a walk along Rainbow Street, or a stop at one of Reykjavík’s many cozy cafes and storied folklore sites. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and classic coastal charm are all part of what makes Cape Cod a perennially popular summer destination. But visiting in the off-season, from late fall to early spring, reveals a side of the seaside spot that’s just as enchanting.

As the summer rush gives way to calm, uncrowded streets, make your way to quaint towns like Provincetown, Chatham, and Sandwich — the oldest town on Cape Cod. Landmarks such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and historic lighthouses showcase a wild, windswept winter beauty that will be all yours.

While many restaurants close during the off-season, acclaimed cuisine is still available from local favorite restaurants such as the Pheasant. The off-season also brings unique events including the Wellfleet Oyster Fest in October and Provincetown’s beloved Holly Folly, the country’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ holiday celebration, in December. 

If a brisk winter beach walk isn’t exactly your thing, push your off-season trip to early spring to see Cape Cod come alive with hydrangeas — and to go on an unforgettable whale-watching tour.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Summertime in Argentina runs from December to February. While that might be the perfect time to visit if you live in a colder climate, it does mean you’ll be faced with high prices and huge crowds — especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires. 

The off-season, from May to August, is still relatively warm, and makes for a much more laid-back time to explore the historic cobblestone streets of the elegant San Telmo and trendy Palermo neighborhoods. In the latter, you can feel more like a local, lingering in cafes, relaxing in lush green spaces, and shopping in hip boutiques without the summer crowds. 

Winter is also ideal for savoring the rich local cuisine — a bowl of the city’s traditional locro stew is a must, as is the Buenos Aires Tango Festival in August for dance and culture lovers.