nature
Manta ray and whale shark season
Best months for big mantas at Hanifaru Bay; whale sharks in South Ari all year.
Festivals and events
Plan your trip around the big events. Dates marked "around" are estimates, so check the official site.
sport
Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
F1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Official sitesport
MotoGP Malaysia (Sepang)
Malaysia's big motor race at Sepang (Formula 1 has not raced in Malaysia since 2017). Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitefestival
Riyadh Season
Months of concerts, shows, boxing and theme zones across Riyadh.
culture
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
South-east Asia's best-known literature festival, in Ubud.
religious
Deepavali light-up in Little India
Serangoon Road is lit up for about a month before the festival of lights.
trade
Canton Fair (autumn session)
China's biggest trade fair, in three phases. Hotels near Pazhou are fully booked - plan months ahead.
Official sitesport
Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026
The first Olympic event ever held in Africa. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official siteculture
Cairo International Film Festival
The Arab world's oldest film festival.
festival
Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland
Lights on Oxford and Regent Streets and the Hyde Park fair.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (November)
Several national holidays in November with parades.
sport
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
The F1 season final on Yas Island. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
F1 night race on the Strip.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
F1 night race at Lusail.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Interlagos)
F1 at Interlagos.
Official sitetrade
Guadalajara International Book Fair
The largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world.
sport
Istanbul Marathon (Europe to Asia)
The only marathon that crosses two continents (the Bosphorus bridge).
culture
Marrakech International Film Festival
Film stars in Marrakech.
trade
World Travel Market (WTM)
Big travel trade fair at ExCeL London.
trade
China International Import Expo (CIIE)
Huge import fair at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.
festival
Diwali (festival of lights)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Tihar (festival of lights)
Five days of lights, flowers and honouring animals.
nature
Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto
Peak maple colours - Kyoto's busiest season after cherry blossoms.
culture
Pushkar Camel Fair
Thousands of camels, traders and pilgrims at the holy lake.
religious
Boun That Luang
The country's biggest Buddhist festival at the golden That Luang stupa.
festival
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dragon-boat races on the Tonle Sap river in front of the Royal Palace.
festival
Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Thanksgiving & holiday season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Christmas markets
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Fiestas de Quito
City festival with music and parades.
culture
AlUla winter season (Winter at Tantora)
Concerts, festivals and the best weather to visit Hegra.
sport
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Run through the Angkor temple park.
festival
December festive season
Concerts and parties - Accra's busiest month for visitors.
nature
Galapagos warm season
Calm seas, warm water and green islands.
culture
International Festival of the Sahara
Camel races and desert music in Douz.
nature
Punta del Este summer season
Beach high season - prices peak in January.
nature
Ski season (Shymbulak)
Skiing 30 minutes from Almaty.
culture
Seb-i Arus - Whirling Dervish festival
Rumi commemoration with whirling dervish ceremonies.
festival
Dubai Shopping Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Victory Day (16 December)
National celebrations and parade.
culture
Qatar National Day (18 December)
Parade on the Corniche and fireworks.
festival
Feria de Cali
Salsa capital's year-end fair.
festival
Victoria Falls Carnival (New Year)
Three-day music festival at the falls.
festival
New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa
World-famous fireworks show - downtown hotels sell out.
festival
New Year's Eve at Copacabana
Millions in white on the beach - one of the biggest parties in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve at the Sky Tower
One of the first big new-year fireworks in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks (Valparaiso)
South America's biggest fireworks over the bay.
festival
New Year's Eve in Times Square
The famous ball drop - Midtown hotels sell out.
festival
New Year's countdown
Fireworks along the Chao Phraya river and at the big malls.
festival
Taipei 101 New Year's Eve fireworks
Fireworks from the Taipei 101 tower.
sport
AFC Asian Cup 2027
Asia's football championship, hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Official sitetrade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
The world's biggest tech show - Las Vegas hotels are very expensive that week.
nature
Calving season (southern Serengeti)
Thousands of wildebeest calves are born - many predators.
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan - also in May and September.
trade
Gulfood
Huge food and drink trade fair.
festival
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Giant lit-up ice buildings - very cold (-20 C).
culture
Havana Jazz Festival
Jazz Plaza festival in Havana.
nature
Humpback whale season (Samana Bay)
Thousands of humpback whales in Samana Bay.
culture
Jaipur Literature Festival
The world's largest free literature festival.
festival
Muscat Nights
Winter festival with lights, food and shows in Muscat's parks.
culture
New Year holidays (1-8 January)
Russia's long new-year holiday - busy and festive.
festival
Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)
The world's longest carnival with candombe drum parades.
religious
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
Pilgrims gather at the rock churches of Lalibela.
festival
Sinulog Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Australian Open tennis
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Ati-Atihan Festival
Street dancing with painted faces - the 'mother of all Philippine festivals', near Boracay.
festival
Chinese New Year in Chinatown
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany)
Colourful processions; Gondar's bath of Fasilides is the highlight.
festival
Dinagyang Festival
Big tribal-dance competition in Iloilo City.
festival
Thaipusam at Batu Caves
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Republic Day parade (26 January)
Military and cultural parade on Kartavya Path.
festival
Venice Carnival
Masks and costumes in St Mark's Square.
festival
Dominican Carnival
Parades every Sunday in February.
festival
Hala February festival
Shopping, concerts and the National and Liberation Days (25-26 February).
culture
Lahore Literary Festival
Talks and music at the Alhamra arts centre.
religious
Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage
Hundreds of thousands walk to the sacred lake.
sport
MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)
World motorcycle racing at Chang International Circuit. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitefestival
Panagbenga Flower Festival
Flower floats and street dancing in the mountain city of Baguio.
festival
Quebec Winter Carnival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Sauti za Busara music festival
African music festival in Stone Town.
culture
Tapati Rapa Nui
Two weeks of island culture and competitions.
religious
Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno)
Thousands of dancers in masks by Lake Titicaca.
festival
Mardi Gras
Parades and parties in the French Quarter.
festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Tet (Lunar New Year)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Panama Carnival
Four days of carnival - big in Las Tablas.
festival
Rio Carnival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Seollal (Korean New Year)
Lunar New Year family holiday - many shops and restaurants close.
festival
Barranquilla Carnival
Colombia's biggest carnival (UNESCO heritage).
festival
Chinese New Year
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Chinese New Year parade & fireworks
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Goa Carnival
Parades and music before Lent.
culture
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Family new-year holiday; many places close for several days.
festival
Ramadan Umrah season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Hari Raya bazaar and light-up
Ramadan bazaar and street lights in Geylang Serai.
festival
Lantern Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Sun Festival at Abu Simbel (22 February)
At sunrise the sun lights the statues deep inside the temple - also on 22 October.
culture
Art Basel Hong Kong
Asia's leading art fair.
sport
Cape Town Cycle Tour
The world's largest timed cycle race.
sport
Dubai World Cup (horse race)
One of the richest horse races in the world at Meydan.
sport
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
F1 at Albert Park.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix
F1 night race at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
F1 at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
F1 at Suzuka, between Nagoya and Osaka.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah)
F1 night race on the Jeddah Corniche.
Official sitesport
Grand Sumo tournament (Osaka)
The spring sumo tournament in Osaka.
sport
Hong Kong Sevens (rugby)
Three-day rugby party at Kai Tak Stadium.
culture
Kuomboka ceremony
The Lozi king moves by royal barge to higher ground.
sport
MotoGP Qatar
MotoGP night race at Lusail.
Official sitereligious
Paro Tshechu
Masked dances at Paro Dzong - flights and hotels sell out.
sport
Safari Rally Kenya (WRC)
World Rally Championship around Lake Naivasha.
sport
Tokyo Marathon
One of the six World Marathon Majors - hotels in central Tokyo fill up.
festival
Vendimia (grape harvest festival)
Wine harvest celebrations in Mendoza.
nature
Victoria Falls at full flow
Biggest spray and roar of the falls.
religious
Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) and mudik
Millions travel home: trains, flights and toll roads are full for about two weeks; many shops and offices close.
religious
Nyepi - Balinese Day of Silence
The whole of Bali stops for 24 hours: the airport closes and guests stay inside the hotel. The night before: giant Ogoh-ogoh parades.
religious
Hari Raya - Istana Nurul Iman open house
The palace opens to visitors for three days after Eid.
religious
Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses
Families and ministers hold open houses; roads out of KL are very busy (balik kampung).
culture
Independence Day (12 March)
National celebrations.
culture
Summer Day (14 March)
Spring festival with ballokume cakes, especially in Elbasan.
festival
Las Fallas
Giant figures, fireworks and bonfires.
culture
Novruz
Five-day spring holiday with bonfires and sweets.
culture
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Two-week national holiday - the whole country travels.
festival
Tulip season (Keukenhof)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Holi (festival of colours)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Processions; many offices close and resorts are full.
culture
Nauryz
Three-day spring holiday with yurts and food in the squares.
culture
Navruz
Spring new year holiday.
culture
Navruz (spring new year)
Spring festival with sumalak, music and fairs.
culture
Nooruz
Spring new year with horse games and feasts.
festival
Cherry blossom season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
nature
Jinhae cherry blossom festival
Korea's biggest cherry-blossom festival.
trade
Arabian Travel Market
The Middle East's leading travel trade fair.
festival
Cherry blossom season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
trade
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (spring)
Huge electronics trade fair at the Convention and Exhibition Centre - also in October.
culture
Hue Festival
Royal culture, music and lights in the old imperial city.
culture
Istanbul Film Festival
Turkey's main film festival.
festival
Istanbul Tulip Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
trade
Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile)
The world's biggest furniture and design fair - Milan hotels triple in price.
culture
Kwibuka - week of remembrance (from 7 April)
Genocide remembrance week - a quiet, respectful time; some activities stop.
festival
Feria de Abril
Flamenco, horses and fair tents two weeks after Easter.
culture
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Family holiday - many shops close for several days.
festival
Songkran Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Khmer New Year
Three days of games and water blessings - Angkor Sankranta at the temples.
culture
Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
Water festival and processions - Luang Prabang is the most beautiful place to see it.
culture
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
Colourful parades and fairs all over Dhaka.
trade
Canton Fair (spring session)
China's biggest trade fair, in three phases. Hotels near Pazhou are fully booked - plan months ahead.
Official siteculture
Golden Week holidays
Japan's busiest holiday week: trains, flights and hotels are full.
culture
Cannes Film Festival
The world's most famous film festival.
culture
Chelsea Flower Show
The world's most famous garden show.
trade
Computex Taipei
One of the world's biggest computer and AI trade shows.
culture
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Spiritual music in the old palaces of Fes.
sport
Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix
F1 on Ile Notre-Dame.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
F1 around the Hard Rock Stadium.
Official sitesport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
culture
Java Jazz Festival
One of the biggest jazz festivals in the world, at JIExpo Kemayoran.
sport
Roland-Garros (French Open tennis)
Grand Slam tennis on clay.
culture
Rosewater festival (Golabgiri)
Rose picking and rosewater making in the villages around Kashan.
trade
THAIFEX - Anuga Asia (food fair)
Asia's large food and drink trade fair at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
festival
Vivid Sydney
Light shows on the Opera House and around the harbour.
festival
Hajj season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
trade
Expo 2027 Belgrade
Specialised World Expo ('Play for Humanity'). Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitereligious
Waisak at Borobudur
Buddhist procession from Mendut to Borobudur temple; the lantern release needs a ticket bought in advance.
culture
Restoration of Independence Day (20 May)
National celebrations in Dili.
religious
Vesak lanterns
Streets decorated with lanterns and free food stalls (dansal).
culture
Independence Day (25 May)
National celebrations and fireworks.
culture
Bali Arts Festival (PKB)
A month of Balinese dance, music and parades at the Taman Werdhi Budaya arts centre.
festival
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Teams from around the world compete over the Han River on several weekends.
nature
Dry-season safari (Kruger)
Best months to see animals.
nature
Dry-season wildlife (Etosha)
Animals gather at the waterholes - best game viewing.
culture
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Free concerts by the sea.
nature
Gorilla trekking dry season
Easiest months for gorilla trekking - permits sell out.
trade
Jakarta Fair (PRJ)
Month-long fair at JIExpo Kemayoran around the city's birthday (22 June): shopping, food and concerts.
nature
Manta ray and whale shark season
Best months for big mantas at Hanifaru Bay; whale sharks in South Ari all year.
festival
Montreal International Jazz Festival
Hundreds of free outdoor concerts.
nature
Pamir Highway season
The only months the high mountain road is easy to travel.
culture
Parintins Folklore Festival
Giant Boi-Bumba show on an Amazon island.
festival
Queenstown Winter Festival
Start of the ski season with street parties.
culture
Rainforest World Music Festival
World music at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching.
festival
White Nights and Scarlet Sails
Almost no darkness; the Scarlet Sails show on the Neva river.
sport
Wimbledon
The oldest tennis Grand Slam.
Official sitereligious
Uganda Martyrs Day (3 June)
Millions of pilgrims walk to Namugongo shrine.
culture
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon-boat races and zongzi rice dumplings.
festival
Dragon boat races (Tuen Ng)
Races in Stanley, Aberdeen and Victoria Harbour.
culture
Sebiba festival
Tuareg drum-and-dance ceremony in the Sahara (UNESCO heritage).
festival
Inti Raymi (festival of the sun)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
sport
FIFA Women's World Cup 2027
First Women's World Cup in South America.
Official siteculture
Matariki (Maori New Year)
Public holiday with Maori light, food and culture events.
culture
Independence Day (26 June)
Parades and fireworks.
festival
Boryeong Mud Festival
Mud games and concerts on Daecheon Beach.
festival
Bula Festival
Week of music, food and rides in Nadi.
festival
Calgary Stampede
Ten days of rodeo and cowboy culture.
culture
Carthage International Festival
Concerts in the Roman theatre of Carthage.
culture
Dieng Culture Festival
Lanterns, jazz above the clouds and the dreadlock-cutting ritual on the Dieng plateau.
festival
EXIT Festival
Big music festival in the Petrovaradin fortress.
sport
Formula 1 British Grand Prix
F1 at Silverstone.
Official siteculture
George Town Festival
Arts, performances and street art in the UNESCO old town.
nature
Great Migration (Serengeti)
River crossings in the northern Serengeti.
nature
Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
Wildebeest river crossings - peak safari season.
culture
Guelaguetza
Indigenous dances from all over Oaxaca state.
nature
Humpback whale season
Whales calve in the channel off Sainte-Marie.
nature
Issyk-Kul summer season
Beach season on the mountain lake.
culture
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
Concerts and theatre in the Roman ruins.
religious
Kandy Esala Perahera
Ten nights of processions with decorated elephants.
nature
Khareef season (Salalah monsoon)
Green mountains and mist while the rest of Arabia is hot - Gulf families fill the hotels.
sport
Mostar bridge diving
Divers jump 24 m from the Old Bridge.
culture
Ohrid Summer Festival
Concerts and theatre by Lake Ohrid.
festival
Santiago Carnival
Cuba's most famous carnival.
sport
Shandur Polo Festival
Polo on the world's highest polo ground (3,700 m).
nature
Turtle nesting season
Green turtles nest on Tortuguero's beaches.
culture
Vardavar water festival
Everyone throws water at everyone - expect to get wet.
culture
Independence Day (5 July)
National celebrations.
festival
San Fermin
Running of the bulls and nonstop street party.
culture
Naadam Festival
Wrestling, horse racing and archery - Mongolia's biggest festival.
festival
Gion Matsuri
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Sultan's Birthday (15 July)
Celebrations and a royal procession in the capital.
religious
Grand Magal of Touba
Millions of pilgrims - roads to Touba are very crowded.
culture
Independence Day (26 July)
Parades and celebrations in Male.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (28-29 July)
National holidays - busy travel time inside Peru.
festival
Boka Night
Decorated boats and fireworks in the Bay of Kotor.
festival
Chale Wote street art festival
Street art and music in Jamestown, Accra.
festival
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Feria de las Flores
Flower parade (silleteros) in Medellin.
religious
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ten days of Ganesh processions - Mumbai's biggest festival.
festival
Guca Trumpet Festival
Brass bands and village party.
festival
Hibiscus Festival
Fiji's big week-long carnival in Suva.
culture
Jember Fashion Carnaval
Giant costume parade along the main street of Jember, East Java.
culture
Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Highland tribes gather in traditional dress (sing-sing).
festival
Notting Hill Carnival
Europe's biggest street carnival (August bank-holiday weekend).
culture
Onam and snake-boat races
Kerala's harvest festival with long snake-boat races.
culture
Sarajevo Film Festival
The Balkans' leading film festival.
culture
Tango BA Festival and World Cup
The world tango championship - free shows.
sport
US Open tennis
Grand Slam tennis in Queens.
festival
Nebuta Matsuri
Giant illuminated paper floats parade through Aomori.
culture
National Day Parade (9 August)
Parade, air show and fireworks over Marina Bay.
festival
Awa Odori dance festival
Japan's biggest dance festival during the Obon holidays.
culture
Independence Day (14 August)
Flags, fireworks and celebrations everywhere.
culture
Merdeka - National Day (31 August)
Parade and fireworks at Dataran Merdeka / Putrajaya.
culture
Busan International Film Festival
Asia's biggest film festival, in Haeundae.
religious
Dashain
Nepal's biggest festival - offices close for about a week, buses are full.
religious
Durga Puja
The city fills with artistic pandals (temporary temples).
sport
Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku)
F1 street race through Baku's old town.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
F1 near Milan.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
The famous F1 night race around Marina Bay. Hotels near the track sell out months ahead.
Official siteculture
Goroka Show
Big highland cultural show around Independence Day (16 September).
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
culture
Independence Day (1 September)
Concerts and fireworks.
culture
Indra Jatra
Masked dances and the living goddess Kumari's chariot in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
culture
Kwita Izina (gorilla naming)
National ceremony naming the newborn mountain gorillas.
culture
Mid-Autumn lanterns
Lanterns and mooncakes in Chinatown and at Gardens by the Bay.
sport
MotoGP Indonesia (Mandalika)
World motorcycle racing on Lombok's south coast. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitereligious
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Nine days of Chinese-Thai processions and vegetarian food in Phuket Town.
culture
Rtveli (grape harvest)
Join the grape harvest and wine making in Kakheti.
religious
Thimphu Tshechu
The biggest masked-dance festival in the capital.
trade
Tokyo Game Show
Video-game trade and public show near Tokyo.
culture
Toronto International Film Festival
One of the world's major film festivals.
nature
Whale season (Hermanus Whale Festival)
Southern right whales close to the shore.
culture
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
Lantern streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter (Hang Ma street) and Hoi An.
culture
Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving)
Three-day family holiday: palaces are free, many shops close, trains are full.
culture
Independence Day (15 September)
Lantern parades and the freedom torch.
culture
Independence Day (15-16 September)
'El Grito' night in the Zocalo and a parade.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (18-19 September)
Chile's national holidays with fondas (fair tents).
festival
La Merce festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Meskel
Huge bonfire in Meskel Square.
religious
Deepavali light-up in Little India
Serangoon Road is lit up for about a month before the festival of lights.
religious
Pchum Ben (ancestors' festival)
Families visit pagodas; the city empties as people go home.
culture
Areni wine festival
Village wine festival in the Vayots Dzor region.
festival
Festival Kreol
Creole music, food and culture week.
sport
Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
F1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix (Austin)
F1 at the Circuit of the Americas.
Official sitetrade
GITEX Global
One of the world's largest technology shows at Dubai World Trade Centre.
culture
Golden Eagle Festival
Kazakh eagle hunters compete in western Mongolia.
culture
Golden Week (National Day, 1-7 October)
China's busiest travel week - famous sights are very crowded.
trade
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (autumn)
Huge electronics trade fair at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
sport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Official sitesport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Official sitesport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Cricket World Cup - most matches in South Africa.
Official sitefestival
MassKara Festival
Smiling-mask street party in Bacolod.
sport
MotoGP Australia (Phillip Island)
MotoGP on the coast near Melbourne.
Official sitesport
MotoGP Malaysia (Sepang)
Malaysia's big motor race at Sepang (Formula 1 has not raced in Malaysia since 2017). Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitefestival
Riyadh Season
Months of concerts, shows, boxing and theme zones across Riyadh.
sport
Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby World Cup in Australia (final in Sydney). Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official siteculture
Tbilisoba (city festival)
Harvest and city festival with wine and food stalls.
trade
Trade Expo Indonesia
The country's biggest export fair for international buyers, at ICE BSD City.
culture
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
South-east Asia's best-known literature festival, in Ubud.
festival
Windhoek Oktoberfest
German-style beer festival.
festival
Boun Ok Phansa boat races
End of Buddhist Lent: candle boats and long-boat races on the Mekong.
trade
Canton Fair (autumn session)
China's biggest trade fair, in three phases. Hotels near Pazhou are fully booked - plan months ahead.
Official siteculture
Sun Festival at Abu Simbel (22 October)
At sunrise the sun lights the statues deep inside the temple.
festival
Diwali (festival of lights)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Tihar (festival of lights)
Five days of lights, flowers and honouring animals.
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Day of the Dead
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Cairo International Film Festival
The Arab world's oldest film festival.
festival
Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland
Lights on Oxford and Regent Streets and the Hyde Park fair.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (November)
Several national holidays in November with parades.
sport
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
The F1 season final on Yas Island. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
F1 night race on the Strip.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
F1 night race at Lusail.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Interlagos)
F1 at Interlagos.
Official sitetrade
Guadalajara International Book Fair
The largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world.
sport
Istanbul Marathon (Europe to Asia)
The only marathon that crosses two continents (the Bosphorus bridge).
culture
Marrakech International Film Festival
Film stars in Marrakech.
trade
World Travel Market (WTM)
Big travel trade fair at ExCeL London.
sport
Melbourne Cup (horse race)
'The race that stops a nation' - public holiday in Melbourne.
trade
China International Import Expo (CIIE)
Huge import fair at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.
culture
Pushkar Camel Fair
Thousands of camels, traders and pilgrims at the holy lake.
nature
Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto
Peak maple colours - Kyoto's busiest season after cherry blossoms.
religious
Boun That Luang
The country's biggest Buddhist festival at the golden That Luang stupa.
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Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dragon-boat races on the Tonle Sap river in front of the Royal Palace.
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Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
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Thanksgiving & holiday season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
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Christmas markets
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
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Fiestas de Quito
City festival with music and parades.
culture
AlUla winter season (Winter at Tantora)
Concerts, festivals and the best weather to visit Hegra.
sport
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Run through the Angkor temple park.
festival
December festive season
Concerts and parties - Accra's busiest month for visitors.
nature
Galapagos warm season
Calm seas, warm water and green islands.
culture
International Festival of the Sahara
Camel races and desert music in Douz.
nature
Punta del Este summer season
Beach high season - prices peak in January.
nature
Ski season (Shymbulak)
Skiing 30 minutes from Almaty.
culture
Seb-i Arus - Whirling Dervish festival
Rumi commemoration with whirling dervish ceremonies.
festival
Dubai Shopping Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Victory Day (16 December)
National celebrations and parade.
culture
Qatar National Day (18 December)
Parade on the Corniche and fireworks.
festival
Feria de Cali
Salsa capital's year-end fair.
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Victoria Falls Carnival (New Year)
Three-day music festival at the falls.
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New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa
World-famous fireworks show - downtown hotels sell out.
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New Year's Eve at Copacabana
Millions in white on the beach - one of the biggest parties in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve at the Sky Tower
One of the first big new-year fireworks in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks (Valparaiso)
South America's biggest fireworks over the bay.
festival
New Year's Eve in Times Square
The famous ball drop - Midtown hotels sell out.
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New Year's countdown
Fireworks along the Chao Phraya river and at the big malls.
festival
Taipei 101 New Year's Eve fireworks
Fireworks from the Taipei 101 tower.
trade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
The world's biggest tech show - Las Vegas hotels are very expensive that week.
nature
Calving season (southern Serengeti)
Thousands of wildebeest calves are born - many predators.
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan - also in May and September.
trade
Gulfood
Huge food and drink trade fair.
festival
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Giant lit-up ice buildings - very cold (-20 C).
culture
Havana Jazz Festival
Jazz Plaza festival in Havana.
nature
Humpback whale season (Samana Bay)
Thousands of humpback whales in Samana Bay.
culture
Jaipur Literature Festival
The world's largest free literature festival.
festival
Muscat Nights
Winter festival with lights, food and shows in Muscat's parks.
culture
New Year holidays (1-8 January)
Russia's long new-year holiday - busy and festive.
festival
Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)
The world's longest carnival with candombe drum parades.
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Chinese New Year in Chinatown
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
Pilgrims gather at the rock churches of Lalibela.
festival
Sinulog Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Australian Open tennis
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Ati-Atihan Festival
Street dancing with painted faces - the 'mother of all Philippine festivals', near Boracay.
religious
Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany)
Colourful processions; Gondar's bath of Fasilides is the highlight.
festival
Dinagyang Festival
Big tribal-dance competition in Iloilo City.
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Tet (Lunar New Year)
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Seollal (Korean New Year)
Lunar New Year family holiday - many shops and restaurants close.
festival
Chinese New Year
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
festival
Chinese New Year parade & fireworks
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Republic Day parade (26 January)
Military and cultural parade on Kartavya Path.
culture
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Family new-year holiday; many places close for several days.
festival
Ramadan Umrah season
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
religious
Hari Raya bazaar and light-up
Ramadan bazaar and street lights in Geylang Serai.
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Dominican Carnival
Parades every Sunday in February.
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Hala February festival
Shopping, concerts and the National and Liberation Days (25-26 February).
culture
Lahore Literary Festival
Talks and music at the Alhamra arts centre.
religious
Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage
Hundreds of thousands walk to the sacred lake.
sport
MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)
World motorcycle racing at Chang International Circuit. Hotels fill up and prices rise - plan early.
Official sitefestival
Panagbenga Flower Festival
Flower floats and street dancing in the mountain city of Baguio.
festival
Quebec Winter Carnival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.
culture
Sauti za Busara music festival
African music festival in Stone Town.
trade
Singapore Airshow
Asia's biggest aerospace show (every two years).
culture
Tapati Rapa Nui
Two weeks of island culture and competitions.
religious
Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno)
Thousands of dancers in masks by Lake Titicaca.
festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.