Recommended by Brightsun: 2024 Month by Month Destination Guide

Become inspired for your 2024 holiday with Brightsun Travel’s ultimate New Year’s bucket list

Where to Go in January: Thailand – Koh Samui

Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s largest islands offers pleasant weather in January. Although it’s technically one of the coolest months to visit, temperatures are still warm, hovering at around 27°C, plus there’s hardly any rainfall apart from occasional tropical storms, and the Christmas tourist rush has quieted down.

Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a vibrant nightlife, this southern Thai island has something for everyone, making it a dreamy escape from the January blues. Visit some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, like Chaweng and Lamai, offering exciting water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, and discover glistening temples such as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai).

Where to go in February: Maldives

One of the world's most sought-after travel destinations, the Maldives continues to awe travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty, from crystal-clear waters to dazzling blue lagoons and pristine white sands. The scenic beauty of the Maldives is something that can only be understood once you’re there to see it for yourself, and travelling here in Feb means you get to pull off a sun-kissed look in the middle of winter!

February is an ideal time to visit the Maldives as it’s the island nation’s driest month, offering a near-perfect climate with temperatures around 28°C and an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. Plus, the diving and snorkelling conditions are ideal, with visibility at its peak.

Where to go in March: Caribbean – Antigua  

This charming Caribbean island has it all: historic sites, delicious exotic cuisine, and a dynamic cultural scene. But what really attracts travellers to Antigua is the beauty and versatility of its 365 beaches - one for every day of the year! For history buffs, a visit to Nelson's Dockyard is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the island's maritime heritage.

Antigua's weather in March is exceptional, with little to no rain and pleasantly warm temperatures sitting at around 29°C, as well as a gentle breeze, making it perfect for those seeking an escape from the great British weather which is usually cold and wet in March!  

Where to go in April: New York  

Exploring New York in April is truly a magical experience. The city starts to bloom with the vibrant colours of spring, bringing blossoming trees and milder, more pleasant temperatures reaching around 14°C during the day. The iconic Central Park transforms into a sea of cherry blossoms and daffodils during spring, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities, plus there are less crowds.

Cultural enthusiasts will find a wealth of options in New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art showcase world-class collections, and many theatres host impressive Broadway shows. Foodies can enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene, from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Where to go in May: Turkey – Antalya

The largest city on Turkey's stunning Mediterranean coast, Antalya boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. May marks the beginning of the summer season in Antalya, bringing warm but not scorching temperatures around 24-26°C - perfect for enjoying the beaches and other outdoor attractions, with an average low rainfall.

If you’re interested in the city’s rich history, wander through the charming, cobbled streets of Kaleiçi, the historic centre of Antalya, where you'll discover boutique shops, cosy cafes, and Ottoman-era architecture. You can also take a boat tour along the coastline to explore Antalya’s hidden coves and caves.

Where to go in June: Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, offers sandy beaches, remote mountain-ridge villages, and charming ancient towns. With warm temperatures around 26°C and plenty of sunshine, June is an ideal time to visit Tenerife and its renowned beaches, including Playa de Las Teresitas. With a plethora of outdoor activities and cultural events, Tenerife in June is perfect for a memorable summer getaway.

A must-visit Tenerife attraction, the awe-inspiring Teide National Park is home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, which offers adventures such as hiking, stargazing, and a cable car ride to the summit.

Where to go in July: Canada – Montreal

Head to Montreal for an epic city escape filled with festivities, the arts, and good food. July is when this multi-faceted city truly comes alive with a plethora of world-class events and festivals, including the renowned Montreal Jazz Festival. July is one of the hottest months in Montreal, with daytime temperatures reaching 26°C.

Must-visit Montreal attractions include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Wander through the historic cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, admiring centuries-old architecture, and explore the city’s famed Notre-Dame Basilica.

Where to go in August: Rhodes  

Rhodes is a gorgeous Greek island offering a rich history, impressive medieval architecture, and amazing beaches. August comes with reliably warm, dry, and sunny weather in Rhodes; it’s the hottest month to visit, with average high temperatures of around 29-30°C - perfect for relaxing on the island's pristine beaches, like Lindos and Tsambika.

The medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit, filled with cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and charming cafes. As the sun sets, this Greek island comes alive with beachfront clubs, open-air roof-top bars, and traditional Greek tavernas offering a memorable evening out.

Where to go in September: Bali

One of the most instagrammable travel hotspots, Bali offers pristine beaches, lush tropical jungles, cultural treasures, and thrilling outdoor adventures. The weather here in September is perfect, with average highs of around 28°C, warm waters ideal for swimming, plus a delightful mix of sunshine and occasional rain showers which create beautiful, lush landscapes, as well as fewer crowds.

For beach lovers, Seminyak offers pristine shores, while adventure seekers can hike up Mount Batur or take part in various water sports at Nusa Dua. The world heritage Tellagang Rice Terraces in Ubud is another must-visit Bali attraction.

Where to go in October: India’s Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle in India connects three of the country's most iconic cities: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Visit the Golden Triangle and look forward to admiring landmarks such as Delhi’s Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, and Jaipur’s Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, to name a few.

The temperatures in India average around the comfortable mid 20s this time of year, which is ideal for sightseeing, and the weather is likely to be dry and sunny. Plus, October 2024 brings Diwali – Festival of Light celebrations, so the country will be filled with festivities.

Where to go in November: Iceland

Iceland is a place like no other. November marks the beginning of the aurora borealis season here, offering a chance to witness the northern lights dancing in the dark Arctic skies. While the weather may be brisk, with temperatures averaging between 1-4°C, it’s perfect for exploring Iceland's striking landscapes of waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle, home to landmarks like the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, is a must-visit, and the country’s famous Blue Lagoon is equally enchanting with its warm, mineral-rich waters. Then there’s Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, filled with quirky buildings and attractions.

Where to go in December: Middle East – Ras Al Khaimah

Surrounded by the majestic Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah boasts landscapes of pristine coastlines, sprawling oases, and golden desert dunes. Ras al Khaimah in December has warm temperatures of around 24-30°C during the day, making it an ideal time to explore the city without it being too scorching. December also coincides with Ras al Khaimah’s National Day celebrations, offering a vibrant display of Emirati heritage with parades, fireworks, and traditional performances.

From exploring the historic Dhayah Fort to experiencing the thrilling Jebel Jais Flight - the world's longest zipline, there is so much fun to get up to in Ras al Khaimah.

Brightsun offers a vast choice of holiday packages to each of these sought-after travel destinations, catering for all budgets and preferences, and if you book during the month of January, you’ll receive 10% discount as part of our New Year’s sale. Give Brightsun a call on 0208 819 0531 and let us help you plan an incredible 2024 travel adventure!