If you prefer living in eternal spring, here’s how you can do it while visiting or living in a new destination every month.
I spent my earliest years growing up on a Caribbean island on a lush, tranquil hilltop. During those years, I felt like I lived in a perpetual spring season. The climate was gentle, and the temperatures rarely dipped into the lower 60s.
Whenever the mercury edged below 70, I would begin to shiver, wrap myself in warm blankets, and drink hot chocolate made from my grandmother’s homegrown cocoa beans and well water heated over a wood-burning stove.
In my preteens, my family moved me closer to the island’s sunny coastlines, where I was immersed in humid weather. This experience shaped my appreciation for hot climates.
However, the actual test of my tolerance for climates came when, at 13, I immigrated to Connecticut in the United States—in the freezing temperatures of December. The iciness of my first northern winter was shocking and terrifying, forever fixed in my memory.
Despite having experienced a broad spectrum of weather conditions in my travels around the globe, I have a distinct liking for destinations offering mild, temperate weather. Many travelers share this affinity for gentler climates, especially those of us who enjoy the comfort of a light jacket or a comfy sweater.
Like many travelers, you might gravitate towards certain climates when planning your travels. I crafted this article thinking of those who wish for the perfect balance of mild weather year-round.
This year-round guide offers a blend of urban and natural beauty. I chose each destination for its agreeable climate and promise of comfort and enjoyment. Whether you’re shaking off the bitter cold or escaping the extreme heat, here are my picks for the best temperate climate destinations each month.
January — Explore Santiago, Chile
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Why? It’s ideal Southern Hemisphere summer.
January is an ideal time to visit Santiago. Although it’s summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, temperatures remain mild compared to other regions.
In a valley surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coastal Range, Santiago offers vibrant cultural experiences, lush vineyards outside the city, and stunning natural landscapes.
February—Explore Auckland, New Zealand
Why? End of summer beauty.
Enjoy the tail end of summer in Auckland, where the climate keeps temperatures ideal. Explore the city’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic hills to beautiful beaches, and take ferry trips to nearby picturesque islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto.
March—Explore Charleston, USA
Why? Spring charm and azaleas.
As spring begins, Charleston, South Carolina, is charming with its perfect temperatures and historic beauty. The city’s well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and welcoming southern charm make it an ideal March destination, with blooming azaleas and mild coastal breezes.
April—Explore Kyoto, Japan
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” ~ Miriam Beard
Why? Cherry blossom season.
April in Kyoto is synonymous with cherry blossom season. The weather is comfortably cool, ideal for strolling through centuries-old temples and under the canopy of pink blossoms.
The city’s cultural festivities around hanami (flower viewing) provide a deep dive into the local traditions in a temperate setting.
May—Explore Lisbon, Portugal
Why? Spring warmth and cultural festivals.
As spring turns to summer, Lisbon offers warm, but not yet hot, weather perfect for exploring its colorful streets, historic sites, and nearby Sintra’s palaces and lush forests.
The Atlantic breeze keeps the climate enjoyable, allowing for comfortable walks through its hilly terrain.
June—Explore San Diego, USA
Why? Consistent climate and outdoor life.
San Diego’s climate is famed for being one of the most ideal in the world, with warm but moderate temperatures in June.
Enjoy the extensive beaches, outdoor cafes, and vibrant neighborhoods like La Jolla and North Park, where the weather complements the laid-back Californian lifestyle.
July — Explore Stockholm, Sweden
“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” ~ Asian proverb
Why? Mild summer and extended daylight.
Take advantage of Stockholm’s mild summer, ideal for enjoying its archipelago of over 30,000 islands.
The city thrives in July with endless daylight hours, allowing ample time to explore its museums, historic sites, and outdoor cafes and bars in a temperate climate.
August — Explore Edinburgh, Scotland
Why? Festival season in cool weather.
August in Edinburgh brings mild weather, perfect for enjoying the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The city is vibrant with performances and cultural events, and the mild chill of the Scottish climate makes wandering through its medieval streets and elegant Georgian townhouses all the more pleasant.
September — Explore San Francisco, USA
Why? Indian summer and cultural events.
San Francisco is known for its “Indian summer,” with September often bringing some of the year’s warmest and most temperate days.
Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city’s many parks and museums, enjoying the fog-less skies and gentle ocean air.
October — Explore Seville, Spain
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Why? Autumnal warmth and cultural depth.
October is an excellent time to visit Seville, avoiding the extreme heat of Andalusian summers.
The temperatures cool down enough to comfortably explore the city’s rich Moorish heritage, flamenco culture, and the stunning Alcázar Palace amidst the autumnal hues.
November —Explore Buenos Aires, Argentina
Why? Spring vibrancy and jacarandas.
Experience spring in Buenos Aires, when the jacaranda trees bloom, and the climate is wonderfully mild.
In the pleasant warmth of November, you can fully enjoy the city’s European-style architecture, passionate tango culture, and bustling cafes and markets.
December — Explore Cape Town, South Africa
Why? The start of summer and festivities.
December marks the start of summer in Cape Town, but the weather remains temperate, with the cool Atlantic Sea moderating the temperature.
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods and stunning beaches, and take the cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views in the mild summer weather.
It’s your turn to explore ancient cities or modern landscapes, and let these destinations provide a perfect setting for enjoying weather that’s neither hot nor too cold.
