Weather Wise: The Perfect Vacation for Each Month of the Year

To Every Adventure, There Is a Season

With a wealth of glorious walking destinations in the world, it’s tough to decide where to go. Maybe there’s a time when you can break away from the humdrum daily routine and launch your next adventure. That precious escape window might be aligned with a lull in the action at work—or maybe it’s the time of year you always find yourself wishing you were someplace else. No matter your reason—and no matter the season—Country Walkers has a walking vacation to put a spring in your step. Whether you’re dreaming of Italy’s cliffside villages in springtime, thatched English cottages blooming with summer roses, the riotous scarlet and gold of Vermont’s fall foliage, or the lush azure coast of New Zealand during winter in the Northern Hemisphere—this post is for you.

JANUARY

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the beauty of the South Island’s magnificent landscapes is at its peak. Glittering lakes, snow-capped peaks, ridge-top trails, and emerald green forests provide a vibrant backdrop for this truly epic walking adventure. Discover the magnificent shoreline of the Abel Tasman Coast Track as you enjoy cheerful Kiwi hospitality and splendid cuisine.

FEBRUARY

Portugal: Sintra & Rota Vicentina Self-Guided Tour: The high seaside cliffs of Portugal’s southern coast are home to vibrant wildlife—including peregrine falcons, kestrels, and even storks nesting in crevices within the rocky cliff face. As you stroll along this self-guided tour of Portugal’s rugged coastline, you’ll discover secluded beaches, charming seaside towns, iconic lighthouses, quaint coastal chapels—and a palace that was once the summer home of Portuguese royalty.

MARCH

Morocco: Marrakech, Foothill of the High Atlas & Essaouira Guided Tour: Catch the dazzling beauty of Morocco during its most temperate month. Ancient caravan routes in the dramatic High Atlas Mountains deliver you to bustling spice-scented medinas, hidden gardens, and the charming seaside haven of Essaouira. Along the way, sip mint tea and savor a home-prepared meal with welcoming Berber hosts.

APRIL

Spain: Balearic Islands, Mallorca & Deia Guided Tour: Discover lush citrus gardens, ancient olive groves, and spectacular coastal views as you hike this enchanting Spanish island. Stroll the narrow stone streets of Mallorca’s terraced medieval villages, pausing to dip your toes in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean. Explore the charming coastal village of Deià and discover the allure that attracted luminaries such as David Bowie and Robert Graves to bask in its turquoise waters.

MAY

Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast Guided Tour: Cool coastal breezes, fragrant lemon trees, and the shade of lush seaside hills soothe the soul during idyllic early-summer hikes on the Gulf of Salerno. From legendary Positano and Ravello to the Isle of Capri, sweeping vistas never felt so invigorating … or so divine. Perhaps best of all, our walking trails let you leave the crowds behind.

JUNE

Iceland: Reykjavík, Borgarfjord & Lake Mývatn Guided Tour: The haunting lava fields and waterfalls of Iceland form an other-worldly landscape like none other. Stroll past dramatic lava pillars and volcanic craters—exploring the charming turf-covered houses at Glaumbær and learning the secrets of the tölt in a visit to an Icelandic horse farm. In the evenings, enjoy spectacular seafood under the fuchsia and amethyst skies of Iceland’s midnight sun—at its peak during the month of June.

JULY

Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley Guided Tour: Ancient Inca ruins, bustling old-world cities and markets, and a rich Andean culture elevate this walking adventure to new heights! The Andean July is cool here, so you’ll hike in comfort. Afterwards, take an optional extension to scenic Lake Titicaca—traveling in style through the Andes on a luxurious overnight train modeled after the Orient Express. When you arrive, discover Lake Titicaca’s picturesque islands and friendly inhabitants on a full-day’s guided boat tour.

AUGUST

England: The Cotswolds Self-Guided Tour: A summer jaunt in the English countryside, you say? It’s walking at its most sublime. In the tranquil Cotswolds, gently rolling hills, stone villages in hues of honey and cream, meticulous country gardens, and handsome old market towns converge into enchanting landscapes torn from a storybook. Our detailed maps help you experience it all.

SEPTEMBER

Vermont: Fall Foliage Guided Tour: Welcome to our neck of the woods—the ideal place for an autumn ramble. As the hills transform into a blaze of glorious red, orange, and gold, you’ll stroll into postcard villages, follow woodland trails and high ridgelines, and pass historic farms. During this carefully curated adventure, you’ll taste the true Vermont in its stellar craft beers and maple syrup and at an organic dairy farm.

OCTOBER

France & Italy: Nice to Genoa Guided Tour: Discover the grandeur of the Belle Epoque on this opulent walking tour of the French and Italian Riviera. Stroll past historic mansions and pastel-hued homes as you explore France’s Côte d’Azur. Discover Italy’s tranquil Val Nervia and see why it captured the imagination of painters and artists throughout the ages. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sophisticated cuisine, superlative vintages, and breath-taking scenery beyond compare.

NOVEMBER

Israel: Galilee, the Dead Sea & Jerusalem Guided Tour: On this monumental tour, you’ll tread in the paths of the ancients and discover Israeli culture from many perspectives. Explore ancient Roman ruins in the seaside resort town of Caesarea and experience the rhythms of Bedouin daily life in neighboring Jisr az Zarqa. Visit an Israeli moshav and make a pilgrimage to the historic town of Bethlehem on this spectacular walking tour of the Holy Land.

DECEMBER

Chile & Argentina: Patagonia & Torres del Paine National Park Guided Tour: Patagonia boasts a robust character all its own. Witness its scenic drama during the region’s summertime, from the imposing stone sentinels of Torres del Paine and the ever-shifting Perito Moreno Glacier to the vast Argentinian steppes. Throughout, you’ll glimpse guanacos, pink flamingoes, and condors taking wing … and receive a uniquely gaucho welcome.