Should You Travel Off-Season?

Traveling off-season—those quieter months outside peak tourist periods—promises fewer crowds, lower costs, and a chance to see destinations in a new light.

This is absolutely one of the main tips we included in our Ultimate guide to budget-friendly travelling.

But is it worth trading sunny beach days or festive vibes for potential rain or closed attractions? I tested off-season travel in three destinations—Dubrovnik, Iceland, and Chiang Mai—during shoulder and low seasons to weigh the pros, cons, and realities. This guide dives into my experiences, backed by recent travel trends and practical tips, to help you decide if off-season travel is your ticket to a better trip.

Many travelers consider off-season trips for cost savings and authenticity, but weather and limited activities can complicate plans

What Is Off-Season Travel?

Off-season refers to periods with lower tourist traffic, typically shoulder seasons (spring/fall) or low seasons (winter in some regions). For Europe, this means April-May or September-October; for Asia, May or November; for Iceland, late fall or winter. Off-season varies by destination—Dubrovnik’s quiet in November, while Chiang Mai’s low season hits during the rainy months (June-October). My trips put this to the test.

Fun Fact: Off-season travel can save 20-50% on flights and accommodations.

The Testing Grounds

I chose three destinations with distinct off-season characther with the idea of evaluating them through different criteria: cost, crowds, weather, and experiences:

  • Dubrovnik, Croatia: Visited in November (low season). Known for summer crowds and Game of Thrones fame.
  • Iceland: Visited in March (shoulder season). Famous for northern lights but chilly and unpredictable.*

*Note about Iceland:

We initially thought about travelling there in February, because of personal schedules. However, we asked friends who live there and it turned out it is probably the worst time, weather-wise to travel to Iceland. Roads can be icy, wet, or even completely closed — and if you’re not used to driving in snow, wind, and darkness out in the countryside, it can be dangerous.

Rain, snow, sleet, high winds — February throws it all at you. That’s why locals usually recommend skipping this month unless you’re very experienced with winter conditions. We sticked with March, as we couldn’t postpone it for later months, but, if you’re set on visiting off-season, you may want to go for September or October. The weather is calmer, the landscapes are still stunning, and you’ll avoid both the peak-season crowds and the worst storms.

In general, it is my duty to say that the best time to visit Iceland is late May to mid-September — or, if you’re looking for something magical, New Year’s is a great option – just expect higher prices. And this goes for all locations – season is the busiest period for a reason.

  • Chiang Mai, Thailand: Visited in September (rainy season). A cultural hub with temples and markets.

Each trip tested whether off-season perks outweighed drawbacks like weather or closures.

The Pros: Why Off-Season Travel Shines

1. Lower Costs

Off-season means serious savings. In Dubrovnik, I snagged a 4-star hotel for 80 EUR/night (vs. 200 EUR in July). Flights from London were 50 EUR round-trip on Ryanair, half the summer rate. In Iceland, a March rental car cost 40 EUR/day (vs. 100 EUR in August). Chiang Mai’s guesthouse was 15 EUR/night in September, compared to 40 EUR in January. Meals and tours were 20-30% cheaper across all three, leaving more budget for local experiences like Thai cooking classes.

2. Fewer Crowds

Empty streets and landmarks are a dream. Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a summer zoo, was serene in November—I strolled the city walls without elbowing tourists. Iceland’s Golden Circle had sparse visitors in March, letting me linger at Gullfoss waterfall. What I really liked is that Chiang Mai’s temples, like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, were sooo peaceful in September. There were only locals praying alongside me. No selfie sticks, no queues.

3. Authentic Experiences

Off-season feels like living locally. In Dubrovnik, I chatted with café owners who had time to share stories of Croatia’s history. Iceland’s March northern lights tour included just six people, and our guide taught us Icelandic folklore over hot cocoa. In Chiang Mai, September’s quiet markets let me haggle with vendors and join a temple festival with locals, not tour groups.

4. Unique Seasonal Vibes

Off-season unveils hidden charm. Dubrovnik’s November mist added a medieval vibe to its stone walls. Iceland’s March snow made Thingvellir National Park a winter wonderland, and northern lights danced vividly. Chiang Mai’s rainy season brought lush jungles and fewer tourists to night markets, with vibrant umbrellas adding color to the streets.

5. Easier Bookings

No need to book months ahead. In Dubrovnik, I found same-week hotel deals on Booking.com. Iceland’s March tours had open spots, unlike summer’s sold-out chaos. Chiang Mai’s guesthouses and cooking classes were available last-minute, which gave me some flexibility to change my plans in the last minute.

Personal Impression: Walking Dubrovnik’s walls alone felt like starring in my own movie. Chiang Mai’s rainy markets were a vibrant, uncrowded joy.

The Cons: Off-Season Challenges

1. Unpredictable Weather

Weather can be a gamble. Dubrovnik was chilly in November (8-15°C) and it was raining often, which forced me to skip a planned boat tour to Lokrum Island. Then, in Iceland in March, there were even snowstorms, which delayed a Golden Circle drive by a day. Chiang Mai’s September rains (daily showers) meant carrying an umbrella and skipping outdoor treks. Weather apps like AccuWeather were essential but not foolproof.

2. Limited Activities

You have to be aware that many touristy attractions close off-season. In Dubrovnik, quite a few restaurants and kayak tours shut down in November. Also, in Iceland’s highland roads were closed in March, so we couldn’t access remote sites as we wished. Chiang Mai’s trekking tours scaled back due to muddy trails in September, though temples and markets stayed open.

Travelling off-season can be a great opportunity to relax, enjoy peace and quiet.

3. Quieter Social Scene

Fewer tourists mean less nightlife and less fun maybe, if that’s what you are there for. For instance, Dubrovnik’s bars were (more than) half-empty in November, so there was no summer’s buzz. Iceland’s Reykjavik had lively pubs, but March tours felt less social with smaller groups. Chiang Mai’s night markets were quieter in September, which was great for shopping but less vibrant for partying.

4. Shorter Days

Less daylight can cramp plans. Iceland’s March had ~11 hours of daylight, rushing my Golden Circle itinerary. Dubrovnik’s November sun set by 5 PM, limiting evening walks. Chiang Mai’s rainy season had decent daylight, but storms often forced indoor activities.

5. Mixed Service Quality

Some businesses cut also staff off-season, as it makes no sense to work at full capacity. In Dubrovnik, a café had slow service due to reduced hours. Iceland’s March tours were top-notch, but some restaurants had limited menus. Chiang Mai’s guesthouses were welcoming, but less staff meant occasional delays.

Personal Impression: Iceland’s snowstorms tested my patience, but the northern lights made up for it. Dubrovnik’s closed tours were a bummer, but quiet streets balanced it out.

Real-World Test Results

Dubrovnik, November (Low Season)

  • Cost: 50 EUR flight, 80 EUR/night hotel, 5 EUR meals. Saved ~40% vs. summer.
  • Crowds: Empty Old Town walls; no queues at museums.
  • Weather: 8-15°C, rainy days canceled boat trips.
  • Experience: Strolled Stradun street alone, sipped coffee with locals. Missed kayaking but loved the medieval vibe.
  • Verdict: Cost and calm were worth the rain and closures.

Iceland, March (Shoulder Season)

  • Cost: 100 EUR flight, 40 EUR/day car, 150 EUR/night lodge. Saved 30% vs. peak.
  • Crowds: Sparse Golden Circle; intimate northern lights tour.
  • Weather: 0-5°C, snow delayed drives but enhanced scenery.
  • Experience: Saw northern lights, hiked in snow. Missed highlands but loved quiet trails.
  • Verdict: Magical despite weather; savings and solitude won.

Chiang Mai, September (Rainy Season)

  • Cost: 300 EUR flight, 15 EUR/night guesthouse, 2 EUR meals. Saved 50% vs. winter.
  • Crowds: Quiet temples and markets; locals outnumbered tourists.
  • Weather: 25-30°C, daily showers limited treks but lush scenery.
  • Experience: Joined a temple festival, haggled at markets. Missed jungle hikes but loved the vibe.
  • Verdict: Budget-friendly and authentic; rain was manageable.

Should You Travel Off-Season?

Who Should Go Off-Season

  • Budget Travelers: Save 20-50% on flights, stays, and tours (e.g., 50 EUR Dubrovnik flights vs. 120 EUR in July).
  • Solo or Small Groups: Quiet destinations like Iceland in March feel intimate and personal.
  • Culture Seekers: Connect with locals in Chiang Mai’s markets or Dubrovnik’s cafés without tourist hordes.
  • Flexible Planners: Last-minute bookings are easier, per Booking.com’s 2025 data.

Who Should Stick to Peak Season

  • Weather Chasers: If you need sun for Dubrovnik beaches or dry trails in Chiang Mai, stick to summer.
  • Activity Junkies: Kayaking, highland tours, or trekking need peak season’s full access.
  • Nightlife Lovers: Summer’s buzz in Dubrovnik or Chiang Mai suits party-goers.
  • Families: More daylight and kid-friendly activities in peak season.
For a weather-chaser, travelling off-season doesn’t bring much benefits… It all depends!

Cost vs. Value

  • Savings: Off-season cut my expenses—Dubrovnik: 500 EUR for 5 days vs. 800 EUR peak, Iceland: 700 EUR vs. 1,000 EUR, Chiang Mai: 400 EUR vs. 700 EUR.
  • Trade-Offs: Missed some activities (e.g., Dubrovnik kayaking), but gained unique vibes and local connections.
  • Value: Authenticity and savings outweighed weather and closure drawbacks for me.

Practical Tips for Off-Season Travel

  • Planning:
    • Check seasonal closures on tourism sites (e.g., visitcroatia.hr, tourismthailand.org).
    • Use Skyscanner or Hopper for off-season flight deals (e.g., 20-50% off).
    • Book flexible accommodations via Booking.com for last-minute changes.
  • Packing:
    • Waterproof jacket (30-50 EUR) for rain in Chiang Mai or Dubrovnik;
    • Layered clothing for Iceland’s March chill (base layers, 20 EUR);
    • Foldable bag can be useful (I have the one from Paravel, got it for around 75 EUR, but you can absolutely find a cheaper one) for souvenirs to stay within carry-on limits;
    • Portable charger (Anker, cca 50 EUR – we wrote about how useful this one is in our blog post about travel gadgets) for long days with limited daylight.
  • On the Go:
    • Use weather apps (AccuWeather is the most accurate to my knowledge) to plan outdoor activities;
    • Focus on indoor attractions (museums, temples) during rain or short days;
    • Bargain at markets in Chiang Mai for 10-20% off souvenirs;
    • Join small-group tours (20-50 EUR) for authentic experiences.
  • Safety:
    • Check road conditions in Iceland (road.is) for winter driving;
    • Carry local currency: 1 EUR = ~7 HRK (Croatia), ~150 ISK (Iceland), ~40 THB (Thailand);
    • Emergency numbers: 112 (Europe), 191 (Thailand).
  • Regarding money:
    • Budget 300-700 EUR for a 5-day trip, 30-50% less than during the peak season;
    • Meals: 2-5 EUR (Chiang Mai), 10-20 EUR (Dubrovnik), 10-20 EUR (Iceland);
    • Tours: 20-50 EUR off-season vs. 50-100 EUR during the peak season.

Getting to Your Destination

  • Flights: Ryanair/Wizz Air to Dubrovnik (2.5 hours from London, 50-120 EUR), Iceland (3 hours, 100-200 EUR). Thai Airways to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok, 14 hours, 300-600 EUR); learn how to book cheap flights with hacks.
  • Trains: Europe (e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik, 10 hours, 30-50 EUR via hzpp.hr). Thailand (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, 12 hours, 20-40 EUR via railway.co.th).
  • Local: Buses (1-2 EUR), Bolt taxis (3-7 EUR), or trams (1.50 EUR) for city exploration.

Best Off-Season Months

  • Dubrovnik: November (8-15°C, rainy but quiet). Avoid July-August crowds.
  • Iceland: March (0-5°C, snow but northern lights). Skip June-August for solitude.
  • Chiang Mai: September (25-30°C, rainy but lush). Avoid December-February for fewer tourists.

Criticisms: Off-Season Realities

  • Weather Risks: Rain in Chiang Mai and snow in Iceland disrupted plans. Dubrovnik’s November drizzle limited outdoor time.
  • Closures: Missed Dubrovnik’s boat tours and Chiang Mai’s treks due to off-season schedules.
  • Less Vibrant: Quieter nightlife in Dubrovnik and Chiang Mai felt subdued compared to peak season’s energy.
  • Planning Effort: Checking closures and weather forecasts (e.g., accuweather.com) took extra time.

Personal Impression: Iceland’s snowy March made northern lights unforgettable, but a canceled drive was frustrating. Chiang Mai’s rains were manageable, but I missed trekking.

Why Off-Season Travel (Often) Wins

Off-season travel delivers unmatched value—lower costs, fewer crowds, and authentic moments like chatting with Dubrovnik locals or joining Chiang Mai’s temple festivals. My trips saved 30-50% while offering serene experiences peak season can’t match, like Iceland’s quiet trails or Dubrovnik’s misty walls. Yes, weather and closures are challenges and can make your trip a bit more boring, but with smart planning (layers, indoor activities), the trade-offs fade. If you value budget, calm, and local vibes over perfect weather or endless activities, off-season is a game-changer.

A Personal Reflection

In Dubrovnik, walking the empty city walls felt like owning a piece of history. Keep in mind that it is not a ghost town in autumn and winter, especially as there are some new regulations that forbid certain restaurants to close off-season, so expect that in the future, it will be busy all year-round.

Iceland’s March snow turned hikes into adventures, with northern lights as a bonus.

If you’re planning to rent a car, keep in mind that March still brings tricky weather. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, visibility can drop fast, and the wind can be intense. That said, driving gives you the freedom to explore more remote places — but it’s only recommended if you’re a confident winter driver.

A few tips:

  • Always rent a 4×4 vehicle in winter.
  • All cars come with winter tires in March, but you can request studded tires for extra grip.
  • Be careful when parking — towing isn’t covered by most insurance policies and can cost a lot.
  • Avoid driving in sandy or muddy areas, and always check for road closures or weather alerts before heading out.
  • Watch for hidden road markings, and be aware of flood or avalanche risks in certain areas.

Chiang Mai’s rainy markets were a cultural deep-dive, with vendors teaching me Thai phrases.

In September, everything was lush and green there. The rain helps keep things cool. August and September are the wettest months, so don’t expect too much sunshine. Some days might stay dry, others will be wet from morning to night — but most of the time, rain comes in the evening or overnight. It’s still absolutely worth going.

Just one tip: avoid staying right on or near the river — it can flood quickly.

Off-season wasn’t perfect—rain and closures tested my patience—but the savings and solitude made every trip feel like a secret only I knew.

Final Thoughts

Off-season travel is a smart bet for budget-conscious adventurers who crave authenticity over tourist crowds. Dubrovnik’s quiet November streets, Iceland’s snowy March trails, and Chiang Mai’s greenery and freshness in September proved the rewards outweigh the risks.

Absolutely, the first step is to pack for the weather, plan around closures, and use tools like AccuWeather to maximize your trip.

If you decide to travel off-season, this lets you see the world on your terms. In other words, expect it to be cheaper, calmer (preferrably, prepare for all the conditions possible), and closer to the heart of a place.

Ready to Go Off-Season? Check skyscanner.net for deals, accuweather.com for forecasts, and book flexible stays on booking.com.

Pack light and embrace the quiet.