Best Time to Visit the World’s Top 20 Female‑Friendly Destinations
When you’re planning a trip, one of the biggest questions is when to go. Weather, crowds, and seasonal events can completely shape your experience and for solo and solo’ish travelers, choosing the right time can make a destination feel more welcoming, affordable, and safe.
Here’s your Just Go Solo guide to the best times of year to visit 20 of the most popular, female‑friendly travel destinations around the world including notes on what to expect, what to avoid, and a few insider tips.
The Quick‑Glance Table
| Destination | Best Months | Weather ⭐ | Crowds ⭐ | Highlights | Insider Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Spring bloom, wine harvest, Christmas markets | Avoid Aug — locals leave & shops close. |
| Kyoto, Japan | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cherry blossom & fall foliage | Book cherry blossom hotels early. |
| Bali, Indonesia | Apr–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Galungan Festival, dry season | Nov–Mar is rainy but cheaper. |
| Iceland | Jun–Aug | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Midnight Sun, summer festivals | Sept–Mar: Northern Lights but harsher weather. |
| Barcelona, Spain | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | La Mercè (Sept) | July/Aug = HOT + crowded beaches. |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Mild weather, Santo António Festival | One of Europe’s safest solo spots. |
| Rome, Italy | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easter, cultural events | Avoid peak July/August heat. |
| London, UK | May–Sep, Dec | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Wimbledon (July), Christmas lights | Winters are cozy but grey. |
| New York City, USA | Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Broadway, holiday markets | Summer is steamy + crowded. |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Apr–Jun, Sep | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tulip season, King’s Day | Winter is quiet but chilly. |
| Sydney, Australia | Sep–Nov, Mar–May | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Vivid Sydney, spring blooms | Dec–Feb is peak summer. |
| Bangkok, Thailand | Nov–Feb | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Loy Krathong (Nov) | Mar–May is hot + humid. |
| Reykjavík, Iceland | Jun–Aug | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Midnight Sun | Same notes as Iceland overall. |
| Prague, Czechia | May–Jun, Sep–Dec | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Christmas markets, Easter markets | July/August is packed. |
| Vancouver, Canada | Jun–Sep | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Summer festivals, hiking | Rainy but charming Oct–Mar. |
| Dubai, UAE | Nov–Mar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Dubai Shopping Festival | May–Sep heat is extreme. |
| Tuscany, Italy | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Wine harvest, truffle season | July/Aug is hot & busy. |
| Santorini, Greece | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sunset sailing, wine tours | July/Aug = cruise ship crowds. |
| Costa Rica | Dec–Apr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Dry season, wildlife viewing | Green season = lush but wet. |
| Cape Town, South Africa | Nov–Mar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Beaches, wine events | Winter rainy but whale watching. |
How to Read This Table
- Weather Rating (1–5): 5 = perfect for exploring; 1 = extreme heat, rain, or snow.
- Crowd Rating (1–5): 5 = very crowded/expensive; 1 = quieter & affordable.
- Best Months: When conditions are ideal. Shoulder season is your sweet spot for great weather and fewer people.
Why This Matters for Solo and Social Female Travelers
Safety & Comfort: Certain seasons bring more tourists (which can make solo travel feel safer), but also more crowds and higher prices.
Budgeting Smart: Off‑season can mean major savings, but be mindful if weather or closures could dampen your trip.
Unique Events: Planning around cherry blossoms in Kyoto, tulips in Amsterdam, or holiday markets in Prague can turn your trip into something magical.
Travel Tip:
Mix a “best season” destination with one that’s a shoulder season steal. For example, combine Paris in May with a quieter, less expensive stop in Lisbon.
There’s no single “right” month to travel, just the right month for YOU and your trip goals. Sometimes you can choose and sometimes your schedule and destination may be less flexible. Whether you want to join a cooking class in Tuscany, chase the Northern Lights in Iceland, or sip coffee in a quiet Prague square before the holiday rush, timing is your secret planning superpower.
Ready to start? Explore the Get Inspired section for ideas, or jump straight into the Just Go Solo Tools to find your perfect “when, where and what.”
