Best time to travel: where to go each month

How the weather is scored

Each place gets a score for each month, from the average weather of the last five years at that place, and the score is for the kind of trip the place is picked for, because the same weather is good for one and bad for another.

• City trips (walking around): days that are warm but not hot, with few rainy days, score highest.
• Beach trips (a beach trip): warm, sunny days with little rain score highest (the air stands in for the sea, which is not included).
• Ski trips (skiing): cold days with plenty of snow score highest (a coarse weather grid stands in for the mountain, so snow is approximate).
• Desert trips (exploring the desert): mild days score highest, and fierce heat or freezing nights cost points.

A place scores 90 or more for Best and 70 or more for Good. The score does not include crowds or prices, so check those before you book.