Your 2025 Travel Guide: The Best Times to Visit Mauritius, Thailand, Bali & More

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, offering guaranteed sunshine, clear waters, and excellent diving conditions. If you want the type of Maldives experience you see on social media, this is when you should go.

The rainy season, from May to October, sees more showers and stronger winds, but resorts often offer discounted rates. You might get some very rainy days, but you won’t pay top dollar for it – so if you’re on a budget and willing to gamble a little bit, it could be the right time for you to book a trip.

If you're after the best deals, the cheapest months to visit are typically May and June, before the peak holiday season kicks in.

Zanzibar’s best weather is from June to October, during the dry season, when the humidity is low and the sun shines brightly over the Indian Ocean. The rainy season, from March to May, can bring heavy but short-lived downpours.

December is also a popular time to visit Zanzibar, as the festive season brings lively celebrations and warm weather, making it a great escape from the colder climates elsewhere. South Africans love visiting Zanzibar at this time. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to Cape Town or Mauritius for your festive break, be sure to book well in advance. 

Vietnam’s best time to visit is March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring. In the northern areas like Halong Bay and Hanoi, winters from December to February can be chilly. Over this period, it’s better for sightseeing than beach trips. Summers, which run from June to August, bring high heat and humidity. If you’re planning lots of walking and sightseeing, it may get uncomfortably hot.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the wet season runs from May to October. Over these six months you’ll experience some fairly heavy downpours. The dry season from November to April brings warmer, drier, and much more pleasant weather. This time of year, is absolutely perfect for city adventures and nearby beach escapes.

Turkey is a firm favourite with South African travellers, but you might be surprised to hear Istanbul can get very cold and even snowy during December to February. However, the prices are lower, and the city is quieter so it’s a great time to plan a holiday.

The best time to visit Turkey depends a huge amount on the type of experience you're after. The spring months, from April to June, feature mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The autumn months, from September to November, provide a similar climate with fewer tourists, so it’s a great shoulder season bet for affordable flights.

Summer (June to August) is peak holiday season, especially along the Mediterranean coast or in the resorts. It’s lovely and sunny, but it can get very hot in cities like Istanbul – even if you’re used to South African summers! 

When you think Greece, you probably think of quaint whitewashed villages and days spent lazing on beaches. For the sweet spot of warm weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Greece and tour the islands or explore cities. The peak summer months, from July to August, might seem appealing. But it can be incredibly hot, and tourists from all over Europe flock to Greece over these months during the school holidays.

If you're looking to experience Greek culture without the crowds, consider travelling in early spring or late autumn.

Europe is undeniably gorgeous in the summer months, from June to August, with long days, warm temperatures, and plenty of festivals. However, these months also come with higher prices and larger crowds as the European schools take a break of 6-8 weeks. The crowds can be avoided in areas a bit more off the beaten track, but you’ll notice them in popular destinations like Italy, France, and Spain. And in the warmer Mediterranean regions like Greece, Southern Spain, Italy, or even Croatia, it can get incredibly hot.

If you’re planning on plenty of walking, sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, you might find the heat stifling. If you don’t mind the warmth and want to escape South African winter though, you’re guaranteed good weather and a great trip.

If you’re prioritising budget and want to spend lots of time outdoors, the shoulder seasons might be a good choice. They run in spring and autumn - from April to June and September to October – and offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. There’s also more chance of all the restaurants being open, as many small business owners in these countries take leave over summer. 

Choosing the right time to travel can make all the difference to your holiday experience. Thinking of your next adventure? Let Flight Centre help you turn your 2025 travel dreams into reality with expert advice, exclusive deals, and personalised itineraries. The world is waiting—where will you go first?