From the Maldives to Cyprus: which of our destinations are at their best in which month
In the winter half of the year, the destinations in the Indian Ocean, in Asia, in the Gulf and in Egypt are at their best. In the European summer, Greece, Cyprus and Mauritius are the right choice. We recommend Spain and Turkey in spring and autumn.
The information in this overview matches the best time to travel given on each destination page:
In the winter months, all of our long-haul destinations are in their best season. For beach and lagoon, consider the Maldives (November to April) and Thailand (November to April, varies by region). Mauritius can be visited all year round, but it is summer in the southern hemisphere then, with warmer days and occasional tropical showers.
If you prefer a shorter flight, choose the Gulf region or Egypt:
In the Mediterranean, by contrast, winter is a quiet season. Cyprus stays mild but lies outside its best time to travel, which runs from April to November.
In March and April, the Maldives, Thailand and Qatar (each November to April) as well as Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Egypt (each October to April) are still in their best season. Travelling to the Gulf region in spring means making the most of the last weeks before the summer heat.
From April, the season begins in the Mediterranean:
The flight from Zurich takes approx. 2 to 2.5 hours to Spain and approx. 3 to 3.5 hours to Turkey. In May, Greece joins them (May to October), and the ideal period from May to November begins in Mauritius.
In summer, our recommendations lie in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Greece (May to October) and Cyprus (April to November) enjoy dry, sunny days at this time. The flight takes approx. 2.5 to 3 hours to Greece and approx. 4 hours to Cyprus.
Mauritius is the choice for a long-haul trip in summer: it is winter in the southern hemisphere, the air is cooler and drier, and the ideal period runs from May to November. In Spain and Turkey we recommend June, as the best time to travel there runs from April to June and starts again in September. In the Gulf, high summer lies outside the best time to travel: in Dubai, daytime highs regularly climb to around 40 degrees.
Autumn offers plenty of choice. In September and October, Greece (May to October), Cyprus (April to November), Spain (April to June and September to October) and Turkey (April to June and September to November) are in their best season, as is Mauritius with its ideal period from May to November.
From October, the season begins in the Gulf region: Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are at their best from October to April, and Egypt likewise from October to April. In November, the Maldives, Thailand and Qatar follow, each with its best time to travel from November to April. This makes it easy to combine an autumn in the Mediterranean with a long-haul winter journey.
Enquire early if your trip falls during school holidays or over the festive season: Christmas and New Year fall right in the best travel season in the Maldives, in Thailand and in the Gulf, and villas and flights are in high demand at that time. If you are flexible, travel at the beginning or towards the end of a season, for example to the Gulf region in October or to Greece in May. We check which of our destinations suits your preferred dates and suggest a route for you.
Are you ready for paradise? As your specialist for tailor-made luxury holidays in Switzerland, we support you in planning your dream journey.
