Off-peak escapes

During these times, travellers are more likely to be rewarded with a more authentic experience, with fewer tourists and better access to famous attractions. Visiting these cities can also help support local economies in tourist-dependent areas all year round.

Whether you wish to visit the Middle East during the quieter summer months or admire the twinkling lights in Milan, Italy, at Christmas time outside of the main tourist season, we will uncover which world-class cities offer the best off-peak travel experiences.

We’ve explored hotel and flight fares during these quieter seasons, looking at the potential savings when travelling compared to the peak times. We also analysed the average temperatures in each city’s low season and revealed which offer pleasant travelling experiences and avoid the stifling heat during the high season.

If you are planning a winter trip, consider finding the best holidays and tours to get the best value for your money on excursions, hotels, entry tickets, and dining packages.

Berlin offers the best prices during its low season

1. Berlin, Germany

Off-peak escape score: 6.54/10

Berlin, the capital and largest city of Germany took first place in the running for the best off-peak escapes. Berlin is known for its rich history, including its Holocaust Memorial, medieval streets, and authentic German cuisine.

Travellers can expect to save around £365 on hotel prices during the off-peak season, which runs from March to April and late September to October. The average hotel price in Berlin’s low season month of January is £68 per night, compared to £433 during the main tourist season in May.

Berlin maintains a cool climate in January, with average temperatures of 0.5°C, but it is a great time to visit for travellers who enjoy fewer crowds at some of the city’s top attractions, including its array of museums and galleries such as the Pergamon Museum, which is currently closed to carry out renovation work. Some events include the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) or the Winter World on Potsdamer Platz for ice skating and tobogganing.

2. Dublin, Ireland

Off-peak escape score: 6.00/10

Dublin, Ireland, ranked second place, scoring 6 out of 10. The low season months of October to February see Dublin’s lowest visitor numbers, so if you want to experience the city without the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect time to visit. Dublin, in the off-peak month of January, sees fewer tourists, meaning you get to experience the city’s highlights almost to yourself. You can look forward to sampling Ireland’s famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse, unhurried and without the crowds. The venue also hosts many Christmas festivities while taking in the views of Dublin’s winter skyline, with eye-catching installations and festive treats and drinks.

In the off-peak season, you can pay as little as £16 to fly to Dublin Airport from London and expect savings of £207 on a three-star hotel, compared to travelling in September. Dublin tends to feel cooler in the winter months but experiences mild temperatures of 13.1°C in February.

2. Milan, Italy

Off-peak escape score: 5.99/10

Milan, Italy, rounded up our top three with an off-peak escape destination score of 5.99 out of 10. Milan’s low season usually falls in February, when the winter crowds have eased, making it easier to explore popular attractions. Accommodation and flights are also generally cheaper during this time. You can expect to pay around £676 per night for a hotel in Milan during its peak season in April, compared to £134 per night in February, saving you around £542.

The fashion capital of Milan hosts its Winter Fashion Week in February, which is an iconic time to see world-famous editors, models, and buyers. However, you should book your trip well in advance to avoid high prices. This month also has Carnevale Ambrosiano, Italy’s largest festival, which sees masquerades, parades, confetti, streamers, and traditional sweets. February is also a great time to seek out bargains during the winter sales among its many shops and boutiques.

The city with the biggest hotel price savings during its low season

1. Milan, Italy

Hotel price difference between the low and high season: £542

Milan recorded the biggest difference between its accommodation during the low season compared to in the high season, with average savings of £542. In January, Milan’s temperature dips, and many people take to the streets to enjoy the New Year celebrations. Adventure lovers can also go out on a local hike during this time of the month in the Italian Alps to experience a hidden winter wonderland.

The city with the smallest change in temperatures during its low season

1. Singapore

Temperature difference: 0°C

Singapore recorded the lowest temperature difference between its low and high-season months, at 26.7°C in March and 26.9°C in September. A difference of just 0.2°C is so low that travellers won’t even feel it.

In Singapore, the low season is September, which is also part of the festive season. It is a great time to explore the many facets of Singapore. The temperatures are mild, and humidity and rainfall are lower than in the mid-year months. During the second half of September, the Singapore Grand Prix takes over the island and is one of the biggest events of the year.

The city with the biggest savings in flight prices during its low season

1. Tokyo, Japan

Flight price difference between the low and high season: £89

According to Skyscanner, Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, recorded the biggest difference in flight prices between its low and high season, with savings of £89. Although this is not a huge difference, you can expect savings of £207 when booking accommodation in the low season of January compared to the high season in October.

Tokyo is less busy in January than during other times of the year, and it is usually cool, dry, and sunny. During this time, you can experience seasonal festivals such as the Earth Garden Winter Festival and the Yokohama Chinese Spring Festival, as well as the Grand Sumo Tournament. Travellers will also get to take in the city’s winter lights and observe hōgatsu (Japanese New Year) religious ceremonies at temples and shrines.

Methodology

The data in this study is accurate as of November 2024.

We took Euromonitor’s list of the most visited cities in the world.

For each, we used Kayak to find the city’s low season month and looked at the average nightly price per month for a three-star hotel. We also calculated the hotel price difference between the low-season month and the high-season month. This data is correct as of 22/10/2024.

We used Skyscanner to find the cheapest month to fly. All pricing data is accurate as of 26/11/2024.

The average temperature was taken from Climate.org in both the low season and the high season.

Using the PERCENTRANK formula, an average was calculated across each factor to give a normalised off-peak escape score out of 10.