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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 2026:
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.
In Europe, shoulder season airfare is also seeing significant drops. According to airfare deals site Going, airfare to Eastern Europe has fallen nearly 9% this fall, with fares like Boston to Bucharest for $394 (56% off). Southeastern Europe — including destinations like Greece and Albania — is also a steal, with airfare down 7.6% compared to summer.
Even within the U.S., destinations like Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles show notable airfare drops — nearly 20% in some cities, according to Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook. Add in discounted vacation rentals on Vrbo (with savings of up to $600 per night in places like Myrtle Beach and Pensacola), and it’s easy to see why fall 2025 offers excellent value.
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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.
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.
This is especially true in places like Santorini, Greece. From September to October, the island retains its summer glow but sees a drop in tourists. Vineyards remain open for tastings, and local traditions like October’s wine barrel openings provide immersive experiences unavailable during the tourist crush. Hotels like Santo Collection offer eco-conscious luxury carved into ancient cliffs, with private plunge pools and views over Ammoudi Bay — no crowds necessary.
Similarly, Japan’s tourism industry remains vibrant through fall. Tokyo, which tops Going’s list of most-watched destinations for shoulder season airfare alerts, blends cultural energy with tranquility once summer crowds dissipate. With U.S. visitors to Japan up nearly 29% year-over-year, fall travelers can enjoy full access to attractions, but with fewer lines and more serene city strolls.
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.
In Florida, for instance, September to November is ideal for exploring the often-overlooked Destin-Fort Walton Beach region. You’ll avoid the heavy humidity of summer and enjoy pleasant weather for paddleboarding, fishing tournaments, and beach lounging. The Destin Seafood Festival (Sept. 26–28) and month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo (Oct. 1–31) showcase the area’s lively, local flavor without the high-season congestion.
And don't forget Florida’s theme parks, which are often humid and muggy in summer. Plus, there are 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.
Even mountainous or colder destinations benefit. Shoulder season in the Rockies means lighter gear, lower lift ticket prices, and access to late-season hikes or scenic drives framed by fall foliage.
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.
Elsewhere, cultural immersion awaits. In Santorini, the fall grape harvest gives way to intimate tastings and open-barrel events. Hawaii lights up with festivals like Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a, a block party celebrating island life, and the Kauai Mokihana Festival, a weeklong tribute to hula and Hawaiian heritage.
And in Tokyo, shoulder season aligns with everything from autumn foliage in tranquil gardens to vibrant neighborhood festivals — all experienced with fewer tourists and more authenticity.
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