The best destinations to visit each month in 2026

February 

 

Egypt

Visit Egypt in February for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds when exploring key historic and cultural attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s ancient temples. A visit to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and a cruise down the Nile River are must-dos. Bookings to Egypt by GCC travellers increased 12% in 2025, led by visitors from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting strong regional demand.  

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in February offers warm weather and minimal rainfall. Known for its tea plantations and abundance of elephant population, the island offers a lush, scenic gateway easily accessible from GCC cities. The Indian Ocean destination is also emerging as a new hotspot for UAE tourists, offering cost-effective holidays and a diverse mix of beach, urban and wildlife experiences. 

March

 

Azerbaijan

Another nearby destination is Azerbaijan. Travel in late March to experience the traditional springtime festival, Novruz, and visit attractions including the Heydar Aliyev Centre in the capital of Baku. The country is a visa-free destination for many nations worldwide, and regional operators often offer low-cost deals to Azerbaijan, providing ease of access. UAE national carrier, Etihad, is also set to debut flights to Baku in March 2026.   

 

Jordan 

With close proximity to the GCC countries, Jordan remains a top choice for weekend getaways. March brings cooler temperatures, providing favourable conditions for outdoor excursions to historical sites such as Petra. Meanwhile, a visit to the Dead Sea offers visitors a unique floating experience. 

 

April

 

Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season in April makes it a popular spring destination. Tourists can explore the bustling city life of Tokyo or visit Kyoto for cultural attractions, historic sites and seasonal experiences. City-to-city travel also allows a chance to experience the country’s bullet trains. 

 

Morocco

Morocco offers pleasant weather in April, an ideal time to explore cities such as Marrakech, known for its souks, and picturesque Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-washed buildings. For more adventurous travellers, excursions to the Sahara Desert provide scenic landscapes and activities such as camel rides and overnight desert camping. 

May

 

Greece

May is an optimal month to visit Greece before the peak summer season begins. Visit the capital of Athens for historical sites such as the Parthenon, or head over to the Greek islands of Santorini or Mykonos for a more laid-back, coastal escape. 

 

Türkiye 

Another close Mediterranean destination to visit this time of year is Türkiye, where tourists can enjoy pleasant weather and springtime blooms such as tulips. May is also ideal for experiencing hot air balloon rides in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, a bucket list attraction for many. Meanwhile, Istanbul remains the primary gateway for GCC arrivals in the country, accounting for more than 80% of regional travellers, according to data from the Connecting Travel Insight Report 2025. 

 

June

 

US

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place between 11 and 27 June 2026, the US will see a spike in visitors. Key World Cup host cities including Boston, Dallas, New York and Miami are emerging as fan hotspots, driven by UK and Brazilian supporters travelling for major matches. Expedia data shows searches for group stays in Boston jumped by 1,000% from 30 November to 8 December 2025, while Dallas recorded a 900% increase in both accommodation and flight searches for summer 2026. 

 

Canada

Outside the US, Toronto, Canada and Monterrey, Mexico are also seeing strong traction, with travel interest up more than 200%. Enjoy Canada’s warm weather in July, one of the best times of the year to visit the North American country. Explore city highlights such as Toronto’s CN Tower, or experience natural wonders including Niagara Falls in Ontario and Banff National Park in Alberta. 

 

Banff National Park in Canada

 

Sweden

Visit Sweden in June to experience the midnight sun phenomenon, with 24 hours of daylight, allowing ample time to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife of this Nordic country. A traditional midsummer festival also occurs on June 20 to mark the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 

 

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July

 

Indonesia 

Indonesia is a popular destination for summer holidays, with the dry season providing ideal weather for outdoor activities such as hiking, helicopter tours, ATV rides through rice paddies or surfing on Bali’s beaches. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan considered a must-visit.

 

France 

Visit France’s Provence region in July to experience the lavender fields in full bloom. Down south, the nearby French Riviera offers access to Mediterranean beaches and iconic coastal cities such as Marseille and Nice. Meanwhile, city-seekers can enjoy the bustling streets of Paris, home to renowned attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. France continues to see strong demand from UAE travellers, with bookings in 2025 up 57% compared to the previous year, as per Dnata Travel. 

 

Lavender fields in Provence, France

 

August

 

UK

You don’t have to be a Londoner to love London town. The UK capital remains one of the world’s top five tourist destinations across the most respected industry listings, and with concerted efforts by Visit Britain, arguably one of the world’s most innovative tourism organisations, the country’s wider appeal is gaining traction. Visit Britain’s recent campaign Starring Great Britain, shines a spotlight on the picturesque locations across the UK that have served as backdrops in popular TV and film productions. Get the details here. 

 

Kenya 

Kenya is a top destination in August, as visitors seeking safari experiences can witness the ‘The Great Migration’ of wildlife at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The long dry season also brings moderate temperatures for outdoor activities such as hot-air balloon rides and visits to local Maasai villages. 

 

Peru 

Escape the summer heat to Peru, a renowned destination known for its ancient Incan history. Visitors can trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Vinicunca mountain, also referred to as the ’Rainbow Mountain’. Peru’s Amazon rainforest is also open to nature and adventure enthusiasts. 

 

Macchu Picchu in Peru

 

September 

 

Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular destination in September, as peak summer heat and travel crowds begin to ease. Visitors can enjoy the island’s beaches and Unesco World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Paphos. Its proximity to the GCC region also makes it an attractive option for short-haul trips.

 

Portugal

Beat the busy summer crowds and travel to Portugal in September. The coastal destination offers a mix of city charm and beach escapes. Explore Lisbon aboard the city’s iconic yellow trams or head down south to the Algarve region for sun-soaked Atlantic beaches. 

 

October 

 

South Korea 

Explore South Korea’s Seoul in October, visiting cultural attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Enjoy the city’s vibrant autumn foliage when visiting street markets selling seasonal snacks and traditional crafts. For a more serene experience, head outside the city centre to Bukhansan National Park for mountain views and nature trails. 

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea

 

Italy

Enjoy Italy’s Mediterranean charm in October, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Explore Rome’s historic landmarks, including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Up north, Venice offers a unique canal experience, while down south, the Amalfi Coast features cliffside villages and sea views. Italy remains a top destination for UAE travellers, ranking as the 10th most popular destination in the previous year. 

 

November

 

Thailand 

November marks the start of the dry season in Thailand, making it an optimal time to visit before the holiday season crowds. Explore Bangkok’s bustling streets and floating markets, or visit famous temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew. Away from the city hustle, tourists can island-hop throughout Thailand, visiting key destinations such as Phuket and Krabi, which offer scenic landscapes and pristine beaches. The country also ranked as the third most popular destination for UAE travellers in 2025 and is expected to remain a top choice in the new year.

 

Vietnam

Another East Asian destination to travel to is Vietnam. Visit the Hanoi Old Quarter for streets packed with food stalls, traditional architecture and local goods. Travellers can also explore the country’s history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or take a trip to Halong Bay, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its limestone islands and green waters. 

 

Hanoi Old Quarter in Vietnam

 

December

 

Finland

Finland’s Lapland offers the ultimate festive experience as the holiday season approaches. Best known for its Santa Claus Village and Northern Lights, the destination provides visitors with a range of activities including reindeer rides, snowmobiling and ice fishing. 

 

Austria 

Austria offers a mix of festive attractions and ski-season experiences for travellers in December. Christmas markets are a highlight in Vienna, while the Alps draw winter-sports enthusiasts to resorts in Salzburg and Innsbruck. The country is gaining popularity as GCC tourists look beyond traditional European hotspots.