What is Shoulder Season and Why it's the Best Time to Travel

Traveling should be an enjoyable experience, without causing financial strain. Knowing the right times to travel can help you go on your dream trips, while saving money. A destination’s specific “shoulder season” may be the best time to purchase plane tickets—here's a closer look at what that means and how to take advantage of it.

What is Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season refers to the months in between, or “shouldering,” a destination’s peak travel seasons. These times of the year differ based on which destination you’re looking to visit.

Locations offer different experiences depending on the time of year, which influences who visits a destination and why. The psychology behind why travelers visit certain destinations at specific times of the year, or causal factors of seasonal tourism, can impact costs and overall stress. That’s where shoulder season can offer some of the lowest prices and most unique, crowd-free experiences.

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Shoulder Seasons for Specific Destinations

Each location’s shoulder season is different, so it's important to research the ideal time to travel. Here are the shoulder seasons for a few of the most popular destinations:

United States:

• ‍New York City: Traveling to New York City in January and February, rather than during the holiday season or peak summer months can help you find cheaper lodging prices (Hotels.com)‍
• West Coast: Travelers can find cheaper prices for West Coast destinations from April to early June and September to October. (TourRadar) 
• ‍New England: Shoulder seasons in New England land between March and May or September and November. (Steppes Travel)‍
• Florida: Central Florida destinations, which include Disney World and Universal Resorts, offer more reasonable prices from March to May and late September to November. Shoulder season for northern and southern Florida typically falls between April and May or September and November. (Florida Tourism, Frommer’s)‍
• Alaska: Find more affordable travel prices to Alaska in between May and September. (Alaska.org)‍
• Hawaii: Shoulder seasons in Hawaii are from April to May, as well as September through November before Thanksgiving. (Hawaii Vacation Guide)

Europe: Rick Steves notes that shoulder season for most European destinations is between April and October. Iceland’s shoulder season, however, is from early March to late May.

Africa: For those looking to go on an African safari, shoulder season falls between May and November.

Australia: Tourism Australia reports that Australia’s shoulder seasons land between March and May, as well as September through November.

CLEAR+ Members get exclusive discounts on Going, where you can set flight price alerts that will notify you when airline ticket prices drop for your intended destination.

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Why You Should Travel During Shoulder Season

Traveling during shoulder season can get you discounts on airfare, lodging, and entertainment. Reservations may be easier to come by during shoulder season, too. Typically, you won’t be competing with as many other travelers for the best tours, restaurants, or upgraded lodging at your desired destination. Lines for activities and experiences are also often shorter, and airports tend to be less crowded.

Your preferred experiences will more likely be available during shoulder season. If you travel during the off-season, for example, restaurants, shops, and tours at some destinations might be closed. During shoulder season, however, these places are more likely to remain open.

Another perk of traveling during shoulder season is enjoying better weather. For instance, traveling to the beach in peak season means that you will likely experience heat, humidity, and possibly even storms. In shoulder season, you'll often encounter lower humidity and more pleasant weather overall, making for an all-around better trip.

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How Your CLEAR+ Membership Can Help You Travel in Shoulder Season

Savvy travelers know that a CLEAR+ Membership can help you make the most of traveling during shoulder season with an airport fast pass, so you can speed through security.

Point.me, another perk for CLEAR+ Members, can also help you plan your trip during shoulder season. This app helps you find, compare, and book flights with points from over 150 airlines and loyalty programs, saving you money when you fly.

Join CLEAR+ today to turn travel days into great days—especially during shoulder season.