There’s a mistake too common when planning trips to destinations with extreme hot weather.  It's missing a simple check of the facts; about just how hot it gets in summer, or the fringe of the hot season.

Travelling to a country in winter is one thing; you can add layers and rug up, and revel in winter scenes; cities with snow falls, snowcapped scenery and snug fires to enjoy in your lodgings. But, travelling in the heat of summer extremes, well, there’s only so much you take off to cool down! And, there’s no air conditioning when you’re out exploring on foot.

When is the best time to visit Egypt, or the best time to visit other hot spots like Morocco. What about the vast land of India, what’s the best time to visit India?

Summer, with the heat of the sun can be your deal breaker when it comes to how you’ll enjoy your travels.

It's knowing when it’s (the heat) too hot to handle!

While amazing prices and deals may tempt you to book your trip, there may be a reason why the tour price seems ultra cheap, or a tidy saving compared to travel other times of year.

When some decent savings are waved in front of you, it can be tempting to jump on the deal. But, saving some pennies – is it worth it, when it’s too hot to handle?

Paying mind to ‘the mercury’ of your travel destination could be what saves you from making a grave mistake when it comes to picking price over when you go.

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Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen
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Camel ride to overnight desert camp, Morocco
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Challenges of Travelling in Extreme Heat

Exploring on foot under sweltering conditions can quickly become an unpleasant experience. As you listen to your guide's explanations, all you can think about is escaping the relentless sun and heat, making it challenging to concentrate and absorb what you can learn about the destination.

There’s no arguing the fact that high temperatures drain your energy, cause dehydration, and even pose health risks, especially for those who are not accustomed to such extreme weather. 

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

This is where Google is your friend. Before you lock in your travel plan, check the seasons for your destination   - finding out just how hot it gets in the summer months may quickly steer you in one direction over another.

While avoiding the hottest months is a good start, it's worth considering the fringe of summer…the few weeks leading up to and out of summer can also be uncomfortably hot.

Everyone has a different tolerance to heat – you’ll know where you’re at once you check the facts.

Morocco: Unveiling The Colours Of Morocco

Morocco's vibrant cities, bustling souks, and enchanting landscapes make it a captivating destination. To avoid extreme heat, plan your trip during the spring or autumn seasons, and winter too. From March to earlier May or later in September to November – considered the most comfortable touring months. These months offer pleasant weather for exploring cities like Marrakech, Fez, and the picturesque Atlas Mountains, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this enchanting country. I am equally happy to travel across December and January; just a case of cold winter nights - particularly if you’re visiting the desert. A warm coat will have the evenings sorted.

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Hampi, Karnataka, India
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Wander the street market stalls
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Visit the famous monuments and landmarks
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Stumbling across wedding celebrations, Udaipur
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Temple visits, Rajasthan, India

India: Enjoying The Eye Candy For The Soul In India

India's diverse landscapes, from the bustling cities to serene backwaters and majestic monuments, make it a fascinating country to explore. To avoid the scorching temperatures, plan your visit between October and March. This period offers comfortable touring weather. So much of a visit to India is about walking the streets – life is in the streets, and its eye candy for the soul. The major landmarks too are all taken in with tours on foot – and with little reprieve from the sun when you’re out making local discoveries.

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Incredible Abu Simbel, Egypt
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Top deck, The River Nile cruise, Egypt
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Edfu Temple, Egypt
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Valley of the Queens, Luxor, Egypt

Egypt: Exploring The Wonders Of The Nile And Ancient Landmarks

Egypt offers a rich tapestry of historical wonders, from the Pyramids of Giza to the ancient temples along the Nile. To avoid the intense heat, the best time to visit is during the winter months, from November to February, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for exploring. During this period, you can enjoy the marvels of ancient Egypt without the oppressive heat dampening your experience. Just prior to these months too are generally comfortable.

It's not uncommon to come across seemingly incredible prices to Egypt across the summer months.  It’s when hotels have sparse occupancy and they (the hotels) drop their prices to attract the tourist dollar – it’s when temperatures soar, and in the middle of summer, to a scorching 45 to 50 degrees celsius in major tourist areas along the River Nile.

There’s not describing the feeling of breathing in ghastly hot air when it’s close to 50 degrees celsius – I speak from experience having spent time in Egypt in August – a very different experience to my time spent in November on another trip.

Check Out The Facts

While the allure of amazing prices and deals for destinations with extreme hot weather may be tempting, you may shortchange yourself if you don’t know before you go, just how much heat the summer sun brings to these hot spots.

If half your day is spent avoiding the heat, you could me missing some of the major drawcards of these incredible places. Or so flustered and overheated that even if you’re out and about you simply can’t enjoy it.

There’s a fair chance you’ll only visit once – doing the research and knowing the best times to go (or when not go go), are going to be some of the best spent minutes when it comes to your trip planning.

I think you’ll be glad you opted out of summer touring in the hot spots.

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Discover North India 'Solos Only'

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About the author

Justine Waddington

Justine Waddington is the founder and director of Encounter Travel, a company that creates holiday groups exclusively for solo travellers. As a solo traveller with 60 countries under her belt and 15 years of arranging travel groups, Justine is in the unique position of being able to offer tips and advice from the perspective of an experienced solo traveller and also that of a travel agent.

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