For savvy travellers, the secret to an affordable holiday isn't just about the destination – it's about the timing. A major new study has pinpointed the cheapest month to visit dozens of popular countries in 2026, revealing that strategic planning could slash hotel costs by as much as £732.
The High Cost of Peak Season Travel
Conducted by safari specialist Go2Africa, the research analysed millions of hotel prices from aggregate booking sites to calculate the average room cost for every month of the year. It confirms what many holidaymakers suspect: travelling during peak demand periods, often aligned with good weather and school holidays, leads to a significant surge in prices for flights and accommodation.
Conversely, the report highlights the substantial savings available during shoulder and low seasons. These periods not only offer cheaper rates but also provide a chance to experience iconic destinations without the overwhelming crowds. The data clearly shows that December is the most expensive month globally, with 38 countries – including Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand – hitting their peak hotel prices, driven by Christmas holidays and extended time off work.
Your 2026 Month-by-Month Travel Planner
To simplify travel planning, here is a curated guide showing the most cost-effective month to visit a selection of sought-after countries in 2026, based on the study's findings:
January: Denmark, Italy, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan.
February: Croatia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, San Marino.
March: Algeria, Bhutan, Indonesia, Spain, Zimbabwe.
April: Georgia, Guatemala, Iceland, Slovakia.
May: Andorra, Japan, Jordan, Nicaragua.
June: Austria, Grenada, Hong Kong, Serbia, South Africa.
July: Australia, Belize, Cambodia, Oman, Namibia, United Arab Emirates.
August: The Bahamas, Botswana, Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia.
September: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Dominican Republic, The Gambia, Mexico, Nepal, The Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.
October: Dominica, Madagascar, Mongolia, Senegal.
November: Bulgaria, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, Jamaica, Kenya, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland.
December: Kazakhstan, Moldova.
Spotlight on Emerging Destinations
The list underscores several destinations gaining prominence with travellers. For instance, Uzbekistan is highlighted for January, with its Silk Road city of Samarkand recently named the best solo travel destination in Asia. Similarly, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan (cheapest in March) continues to captivate eco-conscious visitors as the world's first carbon-negative country.
Other notable inclusions are Georgia's capital Tbilisi for April, Jordan for May – a country currently facing tourism challenges despite its incredible heritage – and the culinary hotspot of Barbados for September.
Ultimately, this research empowers UK travellers to make informed decisions. By aligning trips with a destination's cheapest month, you can unlock better value, enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and potentially save hundreds of pounds for your next adventure.
