From sun-drenched coastlines to warm tropical hideaways, summer can be found somewhere in the world every single month. Chasing the sun isn’t just a dream - it’s a year-round travel style. Here’s how to keep the glow going, with destinations that deliver that summer feeling.
January - Coastal Energy in Mexico
January lands right in the middle of Mexico’s dry season. In Riviera Maya and Cancún, the days are hot, the water is clear and everything revolves around the coast. Beach time, late dinners and warm nights set the pace. Beyond the beaches, the region is known for its cenotes, coral reefs and nearby Mayan ruins, giving plenty of options to explore between swims and long coastal walks.
February - Beach Days in Thailand
February is when Thailand really comes into its own. Places like Phuket and Koh Samui bring consistent sunshine, calm water and long stretches of sand. Days are built around swimming at Kata Beach, taking a longtail boat to Phi Phi Islands, snorkelling around Koh Tao, exploring the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, browsing night markets for street food and finishing the day with a beachside Thai massage as the sun goes down.
March - Warm Evenings in Vietnam
In March, central Vietnam sits in a comfortable zone. Hoi An is lively in the evenings, with lantern-lit streets, night markets along the Thu Bon River, tailor shops busy with same-day fittings and riverside boat rides drifting past glowing reflections. Phu Quoc is all about time by the water, with long stretches at Long Beach and sunset stops at beachfront seafood shacks serving freshly grilled fish and lime-dressed prawns.
April - Island Time in Fiji
April in Fiji settles into a steady rhythm. The water is clear, the air is warm and the days move slowly. It’s an easy place to switch off and stay that way. Spend time snorkelling over coral gardens and hopping between nearby islands by boat. Try a bowl of kava with locals during a traditional talanoa (storytelling) gathering, sample fresh tropical fruit from roadside stalls. Culture here is deeply welcoming, with village visits, music and dance offering a genuine connection to everyday Fijian life.
May - Early Heat in Greece
May brings the start of summer across Greece. Santorini and Crete are warm enough for the beach, without the peak-season pace. Spend time wandering whitewashed villages, swimming in calm coves and enjoying long seaside lunches at traditional tavernas serving fresh grilled octopus, Greek salads and local olive oil. In Santorini, take in the caldera views from Oia at sunset, while in Crete, explore beaches like Balos Lagoon or hike the Samaria Gorge.
June - Long Days in Italy
June opens up long, bright days along the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. Spend mornings swimming in hidden coves, hopping on local ferries between cliffside villages and walking narrow stone paths that wind above the sea. Stop for seafood lunches overlooking the water, try limoncello made from local lemons and watch fishing boats come in as the sun starts to drop. Evenings spill into piazzas where locals gather, music drifts through the streets and everything feels like it slows just enough to take it all in.
July - Sun and Sea in Indonesia
July in Bali is consistent with dry days, warm air and plenty of time outdoors. Spend mornings catching the sunrise over Mount Batur, wandering through Ubud’s rice terraces or heading out for surf sessions in Canggu and Uluwatu. Break up the day with fresh coconut stops, local warung meals like nasi goreng or satay and visits to temples such as Tanah Lot where waves crash against the cliffs. As the sun sets, beach clubs light up, live music starts with a lively evening scene.
August - Clear Skies in Western Australia
August brings bright, dry conditions across the north-west coast of Western Australia. It’s also one of the best times to explore Shark Bay, where you can meet the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia, see dugongs grazing in the seagrass meadows and take in the striking red cliffs and white shell beaches that line the coastline. Further north at Ningaloo Reef, the water is clear and the days are warm enough to stay outside from morning through to sunset. While whale sharks are more commonly seen earlier in the season from March to July, August still offers incredible marine encounters, including manta rays, turtles and migrating humpback whales offshore.
September - Late Season in Croatia
September holds onto the season along Croatia’s coastline. Dubrovnik and nearby islands are still lively, but with more space to slow things down. Spend time island-hopping through the Elaphiti Islands, swimming in quiet coves around Hvar and Korčula or walking Dubrovnik’s city walls in softer afternoon light. Local markets are still full of late-season produce, seafood is freshly caught and served by the water and ferries run steadily between coastal towns, making it easy to explore at your own pace without the peak-season crowds.
October - Steady Warmth in Mauritius
October in Mauritius is settled and sunny. The beaches are calm, the water is clear and the pace stays consistent throughout the day. It’s also a great time to enjoy the island beyond the shoreline, with golf courses set against mountain backdrops and ocean views, including championship layouts like Le Golf du Château and Anahita Golf Club offering relaxed rounds in ideal playing conditions. Between tee times, there’s time for coastal drives, catamaran trips to nearby islets and long lunches with fresh seafood.
November - Tropical Days in Costa Rica
Around Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio, the days open up with a mix of sunshine and short, passing showers that keep the landscape lush and green. It’s a strong month for wildlife spotting, with monkeys, sloths and colourful birdlife active in the national parks. Surf breaks are consistent along the coast, while beach towns move at an easy pace with open-air cafés, fresh ceviche and evenings shaped by sunset views over the ocean. Inland, rainforest walks and hanging bridges offer a different side of the country, with mist rising through the trees after rain.
December - Summer Along Brazil’s Coast
Summer arrives in full across Brazil’s coastline, bringing long, bright days and a lively coastal rhythm. In Rio de Janeiro, beach life takes centre stage at Copacabana and Ipanema, where locals and visitors gather for volleyball, ocean swims and sunset walks along the promenade. Further south in places like Florianópolis, island life takes over with calm coves, hiking trails and fresh seafood served right by the water. Festive season energy builds across the cities, with outdoor dining, music in the streets and a relaxed, social atmosphere that continues well into the evenings.
Wherever the calendar lands, summer is always somewhere. It just comes down to choosing where to go next. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to start planning your seasonal escape.
