The Best Months to Find Cheap Flights

When trying to nail down the best months to find cheap flights, there are no fast and easy answers. It all depends on where you’re flying from and where you want to go. If you want to bask on Jamaica’s beaches in January (and who doesn’t), the popularity of this tropical island paradise during winter makes it hard to find a cheap flight. But if you bolt for Montego Bay in April when the tourist season is winding down, airlines are scrambling to fill those seats and you can score unbelievably cheap flights.

Off-Season Cheap Flights

Drum roll please! The best time to find cheap flights to any destination is… go there when no one else wants to. Tah-dah! Longing to down a pint of Guinness on the Old Sod of Hawaii’s famed black-sand beaches? Book cheap flights in May, when North America’s weather is in a better mood.

If you really want to save money by traveling in the off-season, be prepared to compromise. Take the Southwestern U.S. for example. The best times to book cheap flights are June and July. However, plan on lots of sunscreen. Rattlesnakes and scorpions might love temperatures over 110 degrees, but your kids might not.

Here is the ideal calendar for cheap flights seekers, complete with the best months to book cheap flights to must-see travel destinations.

January

New York City

San Francisco, CA

Washington, D.C.

Well, because it’s cold, cold, cold. So if you don’t mind a little inclement weather patterns, these cheap flights might mean a few extra days in some unforgettable cities.

February

Ireland

The Netherlands

Dallas, TX

Sure it’s wet and rainy, but who cares when you’re touring the Amsterdam canals. Use the money you saved on your cheap flight to invest in an umbrella. Oh, and Dallas is fun no matter the weather.

March

Los Angeles

Italy

Spain

Actually, the weather isn’t that bad for March, which makes this month a smart choice for cheap flights to these traditionally expensive travel destinations. A touch of grey never hurt anyone.

April

Jamaica

Asheville, NC

Charlotte, NC

Just breaking free from winter’s clutches, cheap flights to these stunning destinations are plentiful.

May

Hawaii

Washington State

Atlanta

Seriously, whether you’re determined to find cheap flights or not, you’ve got to hit these three at least once in your lifetime.