The Best Countries to Visit in Summer 2025
Top Asian Countries for Summer 2025
1. Thailand
This is the ideal destination for those who love the outdoors and going off the beaten path. Although it is the wet season in Thailand, the weather is cooler, excursions to explore the region’s verdant wilderness are more rewarding, and securing your preferred hotels and activities is easier.
If you are visiting in August, we recommend heading into the lush forests of scenic Gulf Coast destinations such as Phetburi, Sam Roi Yot and Surat Thani. The fabulous islands of the Southern Gulf region are best visited in September. Indulge in a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling at Koh Tao, and explore the pristine beaches and lovely temples of Koh Samui.
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2. Vietnam
The peak season begins in November, but Vietnam is a wonderful destination for a late summer escape in September and October. You’ll also enjoy easier availability and more favorable room rates during this time. We recommend exploring the northern and central regions, as the rainfall tends to be heavier in south Vietnam.
Marvel at the splendor of Hue’s UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, explore the colonial architecture of Hanoi and Hoi An, and savor local beers while strolling through bustling markets. Culture enthusiasts will love witnessing the rice harvest in Ninh Binh, Mai Chau or Sapa. If the beautiful limestone cliffs of Halong Bay are on your bucket list, then October is the perfect time to visit.
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Top African Countries for Summer 2025
1. Kenya
The months between June and October are ideal for a Kenyan safari adventure.The dry season is marked by clear skies and lower humidity levels. During this time, the region’s wildlife gathers around local water sources, increasing your chances of spotting a wide variety of animals.
The highlight of course, is the iconic Great Migration. Millions of zebras, wildebeest and other herd animals have arrived at the Mara River from the Serengeti. They begin to make the dangerous crossing into Kenya, where they can find better grazing lands and water. This greatly increases the concentration of wildlife in the region, which means even more thrilling game drives for you.
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2. South Africa
Kruger National Park is without a doubt one of Africa’s top reserves. In addition to the famed Big Five, it is also home to a rich assortment of wildlife such as impala, hippos, hyenas and crocodiles.
Going on safari in the extremely hot summer months can be daunting, but the weather becomes cooler and drier between June and October. This is also the best time of the year for animal sightings, which means Kruger can get quite crowded. But you can also enjoy a more exclusive safari experience in one of the fabulous private reserves that border it. The crowds are fewer, and the wildlife sightings are just as enthralling.
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3. Tanzania
By September, the long, dry season is slowly coming to an end. The Northern Serengeti region is the place to be if you want to witness the famous Great Migration. The spectacle of two million wildebeest, zebras and more trying to cross the Mara River while evading predators such as crocodiles and lions is a fabulous one indeed. It is truly the greatest show on earth.
If you prefer something more leisurely, and want to choose from a wider selection of luxury camps and lodges, the lovely Central Serengeti region is ideal for you.
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4. Botswana
Botswana is an underrated African gem, and is a fabulous choice for wildlife lovers seeking a more exclusive, intimate safari experience. The country is also renowned for its large elephant population, and is home to nearly 130,000 out of the 290,000 elephants in Southern Africa.
The period from July and October is an excellent time to explore Chobe National Park and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta. The delta region is flooded, and the water transforms the landscape into a network of smaller islands where the animals gather. This denser concentration of wildlife means incredible sightings on safari for you! In addition to traditional game drives, you can also enjoy amazing mokoro rides (traditional canoes) and thrilling helicopter tours in search of elephants, hippos, buffalo and more.
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Top European Countries for Summer 2025
1. Italy
The heat and crowds during the peak season in Italy can be dampening, but the country is awash with pleasant weather in August and September. This is the ideal time to explore Italy’s hidden gems and avoid the holiday rush.
Up north, marvel at the olive and citrus trees that bloom on the picturesque Dolomite Alps and Verona’s Garda Lake. Bologna, home to the famous Bolognese sauce, is renowned for its sumptuous cuisine and historic sites. Further south, delve into Naples’ 2,800-year history at UNESCO-listed monuments, castles and churches. The prehistoric cave settlements at Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, is another highly recommended experience.
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2. Greece
The longer, warmer days in August and September are perfect for outdoor activities in Greece. During this time, there’s also always a festival or cultural event unfolding around the corner.
While Crete is known for its lively parties and the historic city of Chania, its landscape offers excellent hiking opportunities. Explore the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos or relax on one of its beaches with your favorite cocktail. At Naxos and Paros, you can enjoy a traditional cooking class with an expert chef and learn how to prepare a few Greek delicacies.
To get the most out of your Greek getaway, it is recommended to avoid too much island hopping and instead spend more time in fewer destinations. Our Islands of Greece vacation idea has been created with this in mind!
Note: At the time of writing, Santorini has been experiencing earthquake-like tremors. Our experts can advise you further while planning your visit.
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3. Portugal
Come September, the coastal breeze tempers the Portuguese sun. This lovely weather is best enjoyed on the pristine beaches of the Algarve region. While here, you can also go golfing or on vineyard tours without having to visit the more crowded Douro Valley.
Porto, brimming with baroque landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral and Dom Luís I Bridge, which has earned it a place in the UNESCO list, will surely delight history enthusiasts. The city is famous for its port wine and is home to several distinguished wineries as well. The month of September is also a good time to explore Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world.
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Top Latin American Countries for Summer 2025
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is blessed with fabulous landscapes that range from the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to the magnificent Arenal volcano region. The green season from July to September is when the country’s natural beauty is in full bloom, and you can expect a lot of enthralling wildlife sightings as well. This makes it one of the best countries to visit in the summer.
September is a great time to explore Costa Rica’s rich aquatic landscape. Giant sea turtles come out to nest in the stunning, mile-long beaches of Tortuguero. You can go white water rafting or whale watching on the Pacific Coast. The best part – the green season sees fewer tourists, which means a more relaxed experience, easier availability and better room rates compared to the rest of the year.
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2. Peru
Whether you’re visiting the highlands or the coast, September in Peru means spring, and fewer crowds than July – August. With sunny days and mild nights, it is a beautiful time to trek across the Andes, or go on a boat trip from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado to spot wildlife.
You can also experience the ‘Day of Peruvian Cuisine’ in Lima, a fabulous occasion to sample Andean and Spanish delicacies. Down south, marvel at Arequipa’s volcanic rock structures, which are a lyrical blend of indigenous Peruvian and Spanish architecture. The dry, moderate weather makes it ideal to explore the great ruins of Machu Picchu and Cusco, the former Incan capital.
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3. Argentina
Come September, and Argentina’s winter makes way for the pleasant weather of spring. This is the shoulder season, which is ideal if you want to enjoy the benefit of attractive room rates and avoid the peak season crowds that arrive later in the year.
Visiting the magnificent Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfall system, is highly recommended. Go on a cruise to marvel at massive southern whales breaching the water at Puerto Madryn. Those who have something more leisurely in mind should head for Mendoza to savor its inky-dark, plummy red wines. Salta, with its historic monuments and landscapes is also a great destination to visit during this time.
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Top Middle Eastern Countries for Summer 2025
1. Egypt
From the great pyramid of Giza and the royal tombs to the grand temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel, Egypt is a history buff’s delight. With seven fabulous UNESCO-listed sites and a fascinating past, it is no wonder then, that the country is an extremely popular destination.
We recommend visiting in September if you want to avoid the crowds that throng Egypt from October onwards. The harshness of summer has faded, relatively fewer tourists mean a more pleasant experience, and you can also enjoy better room rates during this time as well.
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2. Morocco
As in Egypt, the sun is no less forgiving between June and August in the North African country of Morocco. But the weather improves considerably in September, which makes it the ideal time to visit before the crowded peak season commences in October.
Immerse yourself in the melting pot of cultures – Arab, Berber and Mediterranean, that have shaped Morocco over the centuries as you explore Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira and Tangier. We also recommend going off the beaten path to the fortified mountain town of Chefchaouen. If you enjoy hiking, the period from September to November is the ideal time to visit the scenic High Atlas region.
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Top Oceania Destinations for Summer 2025
1. New Zealand
New Zealand’s natural beauty is particularly alluring during the spring months from September to November. The countryside is awash in a stunning sea of green, you’ll see happily bouncing lambs in the fields, and city gardens such as Hamilton Gardens and Hagley Park in full bloom!
Spring in New Zealand is also the shoulder season, which is just before the peak season. The weather is generally pleasant (60-68°F), the crowds are fewer, it is easier to book your chosen hotels and you can even get attractive room rates during this time. If you love the outdoors, you can go hiking and even indulge in some spring skiing.
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This page about the best countries to visit in summer 2025 was contributed to by our team of Destination Experts, Akshay Maggu, Allison Tucker, Anna Thomas, Bronwen Griffith, Danielle Cicci, Derek Krantz, Heather Alcott-Moritz, Mark Pollich, and Nurit Hod.