5 Reasons Why ‘Shoulder Season’ Is the Best Time to Travel

Feeling crushed by the high cost of travel? Frustrated by long lines, packed hotels and sold-out tickets? Shoulder season might just be your travel sweet spot.

“Shoulder season” refers to the time between a destination’s high and low tourist seasons. Think early spring before summer kicks off, or mid-fall after school resumes. This period varies by location — in beach towns, it might be early June or September, while ski resorts may hit their shoulder just after New Year’s.

More travelers are catching on. According to Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report, one-third of Americans are planning off-peak trips, with Gen Z leading the way. International favorites like London, Tokyo and Rome are top shoulder season spots, and U.S. travelers can also find cheap airfare to cities including Miami; Portland, Ore.; and Buffalo, N.Y., during these windows.

Here are five reasons why shoulder season still reigns supreme for smart travel in 2025:

1. Expect to pay lower prices than for peak season travel

Flexibility pays. Travel during less-popular weeks and you’ll often score steep discounts — not just on airfare, but also on lodging, entertainment and more.

For example, in a NerdWallet analysis of nearly 600 U.S. airfares conducted in August 2024, flights during the week of Christmas were, on average, 57% more expensive than flights the last week of August — a classic shoulder season period.

And it’s not just flights. Theme park pricing often fluctuates by day. In 2024, Walt Disney World theme park tickets were about 33% more expensive in December than they were in September, which is the cheapest month to visit Disney World. Other travel expenses like rental cars, hotel rates and attraction admissions often follow similar patterns.

2. You won't compete as much for coveted reservations

Whether it's that five-star dinner or a must-do tour, planning during peak travel periods means competition — and often, disappointment.

During shoulder season, demand drops. You’re more likely to land dinner reservations at buzzy restaurants, snag that oceanfront room, or score cheaper upgrades. Airlines may still fly with open seats, hotel staff might have more time for personalized service, and local guides are more likely to be available.

Less demand equals less stress — and a smoother trip.

3. You won't see as many offseason closures

While demand is high during peak season, sometimes demand drops so low during offseason that the places you want to visit aren’t even open. Boat tour operators might board up for the winter, and charming ski town cafes could close for the summer.

For example, January in Utah’s Zion National Park averages about 16% of the number of visitors that come during peak season in July, and most tourists will have a rough go. Ice forces certain trails to close, some roads become inaccessible to drivers, and the museum and services like shuttle buses aren’t available.

Instead, consider a trip during the September shoulder season, when crowds are at only about 85% of the park’s peak but most amenities are available. Plus, you’ll benefit from mild weather.

Around the world, hotels often take the offseason to do renovations, so the pool might become off-limits. Airlines typically cut back routes, so you’ll have less flexibility on what day or time you can fly.

But the shoulder season is less likely to entail such challenges. Travel before summer crowds arrive and you might be pleasantly surprised with a newly renovated hotel room. Head to the mountains just after the winter holidays to take advantage of still-snowy slopes without as many skiers on them.

4. Weather is generally pretty good

The shoulder season likely won’t bring the sweltering heat or storms that come with a region’s offseason. And in some cases, the weather during shoulder season is actually better than peak season.

Summer at Florida’s theme parks is often humid and muggy — and that’s before you add in the crowds of out-of-school kids. During shoulder season, you might forgo sunny summer days on the beach, but you’ll typically get temperate weather, not to mention a less sweaty smile in that photo with your favorite character.

Shoulder season in the Rocky Mountains might not entail the romanticism of white powder snow surrounding a cozy cabin. But, you can pack light and leave the parka at home.

5. You could more likely experience unique, local events

Tourist hot spots typically want year-round crowds, so they often host events, concerts and other festivities that don’t occur at times when crowds would be large anyway.

Theme park food festivals are among the most common shoulder season delights. Southern California theme park Knott’s Berry Farm typically hosts its annual boysenberry festival from March to April. Disney hardly has an off-season, but May is basically the shoulder season (filling the gap between spring break and summer). And May is one of the best times to visit Disney, with special events like a Star Wars-themed festival and Pixar Fest to create buzz.