Cheapest month of the year for city breaks and beach holidays revealed
The cheapest months of the year for holidays from the UK have been revealed.
January is the least expensive month to take a city break or beach holiday, according to pricing data from travel comparison site TravelSupermarket.
Holidaymakers prepared to swap peak season for a winter getaway could save up to two-thirds, as holidays are more than 200 per cent pricier in August compared to January.
August is the most expensive month for a European seaside trip, while May is priciest for overseas city breaks.
Those who take a January beach break could pay as little as £83 for seven nights: deals include three-star self-catering accommodation and flights from East Midlands airport to the Algarve, and three-star self-catering accommodation and flights from Luton airport to Malta.
The biggest difference the research uncovered was travel to the Algarve in Portugal, where the median price per night in January was £23.48pp compared to £71.50pp in August – a difference of 204 per cent.
This means travellers could save up to 67 per cent on a trip by booking for the cheapest month instead of the most expensive.
When it comes to city breaks, Lisbon offers the biggest savings for those travelling off peak (up to 63 per cent). The most expensive month to go is September, with the median price per night of £97.64pp up to 169 per cent more expensive than the median price in the cheapest month, January (£36.54pp).
TravelSupermarket found deals for the Portuguese capital from £93pp for two nights staying at the three-star Avenida Parque Hotel (excluding flights).
For those not keen on travelling in January, March is the second cheapest month to bag a beach break from the UK, with the median price per person per night for a seven to 14-night trip working out at £54.71.
Meanwhile, city breaks are also great value in November (£56.54pppn) and February (£57.83pppn).
“People don’t think to go away so close after Christmas; low demand means fantastic prices at the start of the year and the lack of queues at the major attractions and the feeling of being one of the locals, rather than a tourist, make up for any cooler temperatures,” says Emma Coulthurst of TravelSupermarket.
“Yes, the weather can be unpredictable in beach resorts but with prices from as little as £83pp including flights and accommodation for seven nights to the Algarve, it is worth considering as a sightseeing and foodie getaway break.”
Cheapest months for a city break from the UK
January – £53.60pppn
November – £56.54pppn
Most expensive months for a city break from the UK
May – £71pppn
August – £69.70pppn
Cheapest months for a beach break from the UK
January – £51.57pppn
March – 54.71pppn
Most expensive months for a city break from the UK
August – £72.84pppn
December – £71.33pppn
