Climate and Travel

Understanding Better

For travellers, weather and its effects can be a key factor in the success of a trip abroad. While visiting a country at a certain time of year may be ideal for some activities, it may not be for others. This raises two questions: "Where to go? When to go?"

Definitions

Not necessarily common knowledge, everything related to climate and weather—even the basics travellers need—often requires some preliminary explanations...

• Blizzard

• Fog

• Continental climate

• Desert climate

• Mediterranean climate

• Oceanic climate

• Polar climate

• Temperate climate

• Tropical climate

• Equatorial climate

• Cyclones, hurricanes

• El Niño

• Gulf Stream

• Meteorology

• Monsoon

• Precipitation

• Climate change

• Seasons

• Dry and rainy seasons

• Sea surface temperature

• Tornadoes

• Tsunami

• Winds

Travellers should also be aware of the equivalencies between degrees C (Celsius) and F (Fahrenheit).

Seasons and Climate by Destination

To find out about upcoming weather, average temperatures, and the best seasons to visit a country or region, we refer you to:

Country Guides

Each VoyageForum guide includes a chapter dedicated to these topics.

Online Forecasts and Averages

There are countless weather websites online. For travellers, two or three can serve as references:

• Quickcast: 5-day forecasts for thousands of locations worldwide. One of the most comprehensive sites for weather data.

• Météo Consult: Similar but more concise.

• Weatherbase: Monthly averages for temperatures and precipitation in hundreds of cities around the world.

Climate Records

Lowest recorded temperatures

• Worldwide: -89.2 °C at Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1983.

• Africa: -23.9 °C in Ifrane, Morocco in 1935.

• North America: -66.1 °C at Northice, Greenland in 1954.

• South America: -33 °C in Sarmiento, Argentina in 1907.

• Asia: -67.8 °C in Verkhoyansk, Eastern Russia (Siberia) in 1892.

• Europe: -52.6 °C in Vuoggatjalme, Sweden in 1966.

• France: -41 °C in Mouthe (Doubs) in 1985.

• Pacific: -23 °C at Charlotte Pass, Australia in 1994.

Highest recorded temperatures

• Worldwide: 57.7 °C in El Azizia, Libya in 1922.

• Africa: Same.

• North America: 56.7 °C in Death Valley, USA in 1913.

• South America: 48.9 °C in Rivadavia, Argentina in 1905.

• Asia: 53.9 °C in Tirat Zvi, Israel in 1942.

• Europe: 50 °C in Seville, Spain in 1881.

• France: 44.1 °C in Conqueyrac (Gard) in 2003.

• Pacific: 50.7 °C in Oodnadatta, Australia in 1960.

World record for heat duration

43 consecutive days with an average of 48 °C in Death Valley (USA).

Driest place on Earth

Calama (Chile) in the Atacama Desert, where it has never rained.

World records for temperature ranges

Daily in the Sahara (50 °C), annual in Siberia (67 °C).

Natural Risks by Geographic Zone

• See the article in the "Safety and Precautions" guide

An overview of the main climate-related and natural risks in different regions of the world.

What to Do and Where Based on the Current Climate

A few examples based on the time of year and desired activity.

Around Christmas

• Sun, sea, and beach: West Africa (Senegal, Gambia...), Central America, the west coast of India, Thailand.

• Travel and discovery: Saharan regions of West Africa, as well as Florida, Central America, Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia, Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines).

• Skiing: Mainly the Northern Alps in Switzerland and Austria.

In February–March

• Sun, sea, and beach: The same destinations as at Christmas, plus the Caribbean, Rio and southern South America, South Africa, the coasts of Australia, Sri Lanka, and southern India.

• Travel and discovery: The entire northern part of Africa from Senegal to Sudan, including Egypt and Kenya, India, Thailand, Vietnam, southern Australia, and New Zealand.

• Skiing: All of Europe and North America.

In April–May

• Sun, sea, and beach: The coasts of West Africa are still pleasant, as are Florida, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

• Travel and discovery: Southern Spain and North Africa, wildlife reserves in West Africa, Madagascar, the southern USA, central Argentina and Chile, the Middle East (Israel, Jordan), China and Japan, and central Australia.

• Skiing: Still some options in the Northern Alps, but mainly Scandinavia.

From June to Early September

• Sun, sea, and beach: The entire Mediterranean region and the Atlantic coasts of France and Portugal. Tanzania and Kenya, and the islands of the Indian Ocean, California, Indonesia, northern Australia, Hawaii, and Tahiti.

• Travel and discovery: Northern and Central Europe, southern Africa, the western USA, Canada, the Amazon, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Indonesia, Tibet.

• Skiing: Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Autumn

• Sun, sea, and beach: Northern Brazil and the Guianas, the Indian Ocean, New Caledonia.

• Travel and discovery: The east coast of South America, southern China and Hong Kong, Egypt, South Africa.

• Skiing: Some options in the Southern Hemisphere.

For Specific Activities

• Hiking in the Sahara: October is a good month to visit the world’s largest desert. It’s still warm during the day, but nights are mild, and it’s also date harvest season in the palm groves. Watch out for sudden flash floods in wadis, though. In winter, days are pleasant, but nights are quite cold. However, there’s little wind.

• Trekking in the Himalayas: Mid-October to mid-March is the best time—clear skies and daytime temperatures ideal for walking.

• The Amazon: June to October for the southern part to avoid heavy storms.

• Wildlife reserves: In Kenya or Southern Africa, January–February, at the end of the dry season, seems ideal. In India, between January and May, depending on the reserve.