Your monthly travel planner
Are you set on your dates but not sure where is best to go? Or, is there a particular activity or experience you're looking to tick off your bucket list but unsure when is best to travel? Luckily, the diversity and variety of Scandinavia and the Nordics means there are plenty of options right throughout the year. Whatever you've got in mind, our monthly travel planner is a great place to start.
Perhaps you're looking to travel the Golden Circle in Iceland but don't wish to waste precious time wading through the high-season crowds, or stuck in your hotel room due to bad weather. Consider travelling during late spring for quieter roads and attractions. Or, maybe you want to see the Northern Lights but can't travel over the winter. Why not travel during the autumn months for milder weather and fewer tourists.
Our specialists have used their expertise to pick their top holidays for each month of the year, giving you the best possible chance of seeing those calving glaciers in Greenland or witnessing the brown bears of Finland. Have a browse below and, if you have any questions or would like to start planning your trip with a member of our friendly team, don't hesitate to get in touch. Remember, all our holidays are tailor-made to suit your individual requirements.
January
With winter in full swing, January is a perfect time to enjoy the Nordics at their snow-covered best. Pick from the likes of a fjord-side break in remote Malangen to a polar night adventure in far-flung Svalbard.
February
The arrival of February signals mid-winter and with it, a wide range of possibilities in the Nordic countries. Why not opt for a half term family adventure in Lapland, or enjoy a romantic valentine's getaway in a rustic log cabin.
March
One of the best months to travel to the Nordics for a true winter experience. With fewer crowds, lower prices, more daylight and often sunnier days, this is the ultimate time to experience the best winter activities north of the Arctic Circle.
April
April signals the arrival of spring across much of the region. In the south, with increased daylight hours, temperatures start to rise and towns and cities come to life, while the snow begins to melt in Norway's fjords. The north offers plenty of snowy activities with the bonus of fewer crowds.
May
With the Nordics now in full bloom, you can enjoy the likes of hiking with warmer temperatures as well as bear watching. This is a great time to travel by rail, ferries and of course self driving. Be prepared for weather to be mixed, with glorious sunny days and cold rainy ones equally as likely.
June
June is an excellent month to visit the Nordics, and marks the beginning of the warm summer weather. Much of the region is bathed in the Midnight Sun, perfect for summer activities late into the night. Enjoy the likes of self-drives, cruises and water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.
July
July is the height of the Nordic summer. It's the perfect time to venture out into the lush mountains, forests and lakes, and enjoy kayaking, hiking and swimming. It is also a popular month for self-drives through Finland's lakes, Norway's fjords or Iceland's ring road.
August
August is the most popular summer month to visit Scandinavia. Early booking is a must, but rewards include a chance to take in Nordic cities at their bustling best, experience outdoor activities and enjoy panoramic train journeys through scenic landscapes.
September
Autumn officially kicks in come September. Enjoy the return of the Northern Lights from Swedish Lapland's unique design hotels or experience Greenland's icebergs & glaciers in its beautiful autumnal glow.
October
Experience the full spectacle of Scandinavia's changing landscapes, with colourful forests and quiet misty lakes revealing one of the region's best kept secrets. This is a great time to experience popular destinations such as the Lofoten Islands or Lapland at their most quiet.
November
By November, there are definite signs of the long winter on the way. Areas in the far north may already have good snow cover which means there may be the possibility snow-bound activities as early as mid-month. Further south, lakes will begin to freeze and snow may come and go.
December
Signalling the start of the winter season, whether you're visiting for the Christmas celebrations or simply the boundless outdoor activities, December pairs adventurous days with cosy evenings, more than making up for the fewer daylight hours of winter.