Is winter the best or worst time to travel?

In an age of budget travelling and backpacking across Europe, some may wonder; “Should I travel during winter?” Don’t worry, I have you covered.

Travelling during winter can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can  benefit from the affordable prices of not just flights, but accommodation too. In February 2025, I was able to book a round-flight for only £31, and accommodation for £13 a night on my trip to Serbia. Outside of Christmas week, winter can be a great time for budget weekend trips as very few people are travelling hence providing you with low costs and less tourists than peak times.

Furthermore, travelling during winter can be a great way to change the atmosphere, which is exactly what Warwick Travel Society has done. In January 2025, Warwick Travel Society organised a trip to Morocco, a country with a hotter climate than the UK, especially during winter. Moroccan winters can be warm with most days being sunny and reaching temperatures of up to 24℃. Furthermore, the group benefited from affordable tourist packages to the Aghafay desert, due to the small amount of tourists coming during off-season.Winter travel isn’t only for those seeking warmer climates, but also for those seeking a snowy one. Warwick Snow, a snow sports society, typically schedule their ski trips during the winter months. This timing allows them to take advantage of the snowy conditions in the Alps, which are home to excellent ski resorts. It is important to note that winter is always the peak season for ski destinations such as the Swiss Alps or the Scottish Highlands. Consequently, Warwick Snow wasn’t able to benefit from the off-peak perks that Warwick Travel Society took advantage of during their Morocco trip.

This means that you can enjoy the markets without the overwhelming load of tourists, and at more affordable prices

An advantage of travelling during winter that most travellers overlook are the Christmas markets. Christmas markets typically stay open for 2-3 weeks after Christmas which includes the off-peak season of winter. This means that you can enjoy the markets without the overwhelming load of tourists, and at more affordable prices. Christmas markets across Europe can vary which is what makes them worth seeing, as these markets can be a way to reflect the culture of the country. Christmas markets are also a great way to gather authentic local souvenirs, such as handcrafted wood carvings.

However, there is the other side of winter travel: some destinations don’t reach their full potential in winter.

Ranging from Budva’s coast in the Adriatic to the blue waters of Lake Como, some destinations don’t offer their full potential outside of summer. An experience of mine which illustrates this was my trip to Montenegro. One of the main activities from my itinerary was kayaking in the Skoder Lake, however the kayaking service wasn’t available during March, and wouldn’t commence until May. This left me underwhelmed during my trip. Furthermore, I anticipated jetskiing on the coast of Kotor, just for the tourism offices to inform me that the Jetski services aren’t available due to the rainy weather. This left my trip to be centred more on sightseeing rather than enjoying the activities that the country had to offer. Beach-focused destinations can be underwhelming in winter. The primary focus of the trip becomes unavailable as beach clubs and similar venues are typically closed during the winter.

But if your itinerary is built around beach clubs and kayaking, you may be better off waiting until May

All in all, winter travel is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can benefit from affordable trips, as illustrated by my £67 trip to Serbia. You can also benefit from having fewer tourists, as illustrated by Warwick Travel Society securing an affordable tour package for a fraction of its peak price. On the other hand, some destinations don’t reach their full potential outside of summer such as beach-oriented destinations, where the primary activities are closed until May.

So, should you travel during winter? If you’re seeking ski trips or a cozy city break, the answer is yes. But if your itinerary is built around beach clubs and kayaking, you may be better off waiting until May.