Best time to visit Frankfurt

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt: A Month-by-Month Guide to Perfect Travel

Introduction

Imagine the city as a chameleon, its mood shifting with the light. Frankfurt, Germany's financial powerhouse, is not a static postcard. It is a living, breathing entity whose soul is revealed differently with each passing season. To visit Frankfurt is to engage with a thrilling duality: the soaring, glass-and-steel skyline of Mainhattan, and the cobblestone heart of the Römerberg, where half-timbered houses stand like storybook illustrations. Timing your journey is the key that unlocks which version of this city you will meet. A good trip becomes unforgettable when you align your rhythm with the city's own seasonal heartbeat. This guide is your compass to that perfect alignment. We have dissected the year through the critical lenses that define any travel experience: the capricious dance of weather, from the crisp bite of a winter morning to the golden haze of an Indian summer; the ebb and flow of crowds, from the serene solitude of a January riverbank to the electric thrum of the Book Fair; the pragmatic reality of price, where a hotel room's cost can double overnight; and the cultural pulse of events that transform streets into stages and squares into celebrations. Whether you seek the vibrant energy of a summer festival, the profound quiet of a winter's museum day, the romantic blush of spring blossoms along the Main, or the fiery spectacle of autumn leaves in the Stadtwald, understanding the best time to visit Frankfurt is your first and most crucial decision. Let us navigate this temporal landscape together, month by nuanced month, to find your ideal moment in this dynamic, dual-natured city.

Frankfurt Weather Overview by Season

Frankfurt's climate is temperate oceanic, characterized by distinct seasons that each paint the city in a unique light. Spring (March-May) is a season of awakening, often unpredictable but full of promise. Temperatures climb from chilly single digits in March to pleasant highs of 18-20°C (64-68°F) by May. Rain is frequent, with April showers a reliable feature, but the humidity is low, and the air feels fresh. Summer (June-August) brings warmth and the most reliable sunshine. Average highs sit comfortably around 24-26°C (75-79°F), though heatwaves can push thermometers past 30°C (86°F). This is also the wettest season in terms of total rainfall, often delivered in short, intense afternoon thunderstorms that clear the humid air. Autumn (September-November) is arguably the most visually stunning transition. September retains summer's warmth, but by November, a crisp chill sets in. Temperatures slide from 20°C (68°F) to a brisk 8°C (46°F). Rainfall increases again, and mornings are often shrouded in picturesque mist along the Main River. Winter (December-February) is cold but rarely extreme. Daytime highs hover around 3-5°C (37-41°F), with nighttime lows often dipping below freezing. Snowfall is possible, creating magical scenes in the Altstadt, but significant accumulation is infrequent. The humidity is high, making the cold feel penetrating, and grey, overcast skies are common, though bright, frosty days are a glorious reward.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Weather Snapshot: High: 4°C (39°F) | Low: -1°C (30°F) | Rain: High probability, often sleet or snow flurries.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Deep off-season. The festive crowds have vanished, leaving the city to locals and business travelers. The atmosphere is quiet, introspective, and authentically local.

Key Events & Festivals: New Year's Day; "Winterliches" (Winter) Frankfurt occasional markets may linger; museum exhibition openings.

Hotel Price Range: $ - $$ (Lowest of the year, except around New Year's).

Best Activities: Cozy museum-hopping (Städel, Senckenberg), warming up with Apfelwein in a traditional Sachsenhausen tavern, brisk walks along the frosty Main River banks, and enjoying the post-holiday sales on the Zeil shopping street.

Perfect for: The frugal urban explorer and culture vulture who prefers empty galleries over crowded squares, and finds beauty in the stark, minimalist winter architecture.

February

Weather Snapshot: High: 6°C (43°F) | Low: 0°C (32°F) | Rain: High probability, grey and damp.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Very low. Similar to January, but with a slight, impatient energy as the city awaits spring. A month for indoor pursuits.

Key Events & Festivals: Fasching (Carnival) celebrations in late February bring colorful, if smaller, parades and costume parties to the city center and suburbs.

Hotel Price Range: $ - $$.

Best Activities: Experiencing German Carnival traditions, visiting the Palmengarten's tropical greenhouses for a dose of humidity and color, exploring the underground vaults of the Frankfurt Cathedral's archaeological garden, and indulging in hearty comfort food.

Perfect for: The traveler seeking absolute quiet and a deep dive into local life, with a quirky dash of pre-Lent festivity.

March

Weather Snapshot: High: 10°C (50°F) | Low: 2°C (36°F) | Rain: Moderate to High, wildly changeable.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Low to moderate. A transitional month. Business travel picks up, and the first brave tourists appear as days lengthen. A sense of anticipation is palpable.

Key Events & Festivals: The Frankfurt Music Fair (Musikmesse) and related events can bring a niche professional crowd. The Düsseldorf Carnival sometimes spills over in spirit.

Hotel Price Range: $$ - $$$.

Best Activities: Witnessing the first cherry blossoms in the Bethmannpark, enjoying the relative quiet before the spring rush, day trips to nearby Rheingau vineyards as they awaken, and visiting the weekly farmers' markets for the first spring produce.

Perfect for: The optimistic traveler who doesn't mind a little mud and chill for the reward of having iconic sites nearly to themselves as nature stirs.

April

Weather Snapshot: High: 15°C (59°F) | Low: 5°C (41°F) | Rain: High – the quintessential "April showers" month.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Moderate and growing. Easter holidays bring a significant spike in families and European tourists. The city shakes off its winter coat.

Key Events & Festivals: Easter Markets and festivities across the city, especially on the Römerberg. The Spring Dippemess, a large folk festival with rides and food, is a major local draw.

Hotel Price Range: $$ - $$$ (Peaks around Easter).

Best Activities: Exploring the festive Easter markets for handcrafted decorations, taking a river cruise on the Main as the banks turn green, visiting the Frankfurt Zoo with its spring-born animals, and packing for "four seasons in one day" adventures.

Perfect for: Families on Easter break and travelers who relish the vibrant energy of traditional festivals and the explosive green of spring.

May

Weather Snapshot: High: 19°C (66°F) | Low: 9°C (48°F) | Rain: Moderate, with increasingly sunny, long days.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: High. This is the true start of the tourist high season. The weather is glorious, outdoor cafés are packed, and a festive, optimistic mood blankets the city.

Key Events & Festivals: Labour Day (May 1st) celebrations; Museumsuferfest preparations begin; "Wäldchestag," a unique local Frankfurt holiday with a fair in the city forest, occurs after Pentecost.

Hotel Price Range: $$$ - $$$$.

Best Activities: Picnicking and cycling along the sun-drenched Main River banks, exploring the apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen's open-air gardens, visiting the Palmengarten in full bloom, and taking scenic day trips to the Rhine Valley or Heidelberg.

Perfect for: The classic tourist who wants the full, vibrant Frankfurt experience with near-guaranteed good weather and a buzzing social scene.

June

Weather Snapshot: High: 23°C (73°F) | Low: 13°C (55°F) | Rain: Moderate, with potential for thunderstorms.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Very High. Peak tourist season is in full swing. The city is alive, crowded, and energetic. Reservations are essential.

Key Events & Festivals: The Frankfurt Triathlon; various open-air concerts and cinema events begin in parks and squares.

Hotel Price Range: $$$ - $$$$ (Premium prices).

Best Activities: Sunset drinks on a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated skyline, leisurely boat tours on the Main, exploring the city's many parks and gardens, and enjoying long, balmy evenings at outdoor restaurants.

Perfect for: The sun-seeker and social butterfly who thrives on energy, loves long days outdoors, and doesn't mind navigating crowds for a perfect summer vibe.

July

Weather Snapshot: High: 26°C (79°F) | Low: 15°C (59°F) | Rain: Moderate, with humid days and occasional heavy storms.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Very High. Continues the peak season trend. The city feels international, bustling, and warm in every sense.

Key Events & Festivals: Sound of Frankfurt open-air music festival; Christopher Street Day (Pride) parade and celebrations, a massive, colorful event.

Hotel Price Range: $$$ - $$$$.

Best Activities: Cooling off with an "Ebbelwoi" (apple wine) in a Sachsenhausen cider pub, attending the vibrant Pride parade, swimming in the outdoor pools like the Niederrad, and taking evening strolls through the warmly lit Römerberg.

Perfect for: The festival-goer and LGBTQ+ traveler, or anyone who wants to experience Frankfurt at its most diverse, open, and celebratory.

August

Weather Snapshot: High: 25°C (77°F) | Low: 14°C (57°F) | Rain: Moderate to High.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: High, but with a twist. Many locals are on holiday, leaving the city to tourists and creating a slightly less frantic, though still busy, atmosphere.

Key Events & Festivals: The Museumsuferfest! One of Europe's largest cultural festivals, transforming the Main riverbanks into a mile-long stage of music, food, art, and fireworks.

Hotel Price Range: $$$ - $$$$ (Extremely high during Museumsuferfest).

Best Activities: Immersing yourself in the incredible Museumsuferfest, exploring museums that stay open late, enjoying riverfront performances, and using Frankfurt as a base for day trips as local traffic eases.

Perfect for: The culture enthusiast and festival lover for whom the Museumsuferfest is the ultimate draw and raison d'être for their visit.

September

Weather Snapshot: High: 20°C (68°F) | Low: 11°C (52°F) | Rain: Moderate, with golden, mild days.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: High to Very High. The tourist season extends with lovely weather, but the defining feature is the business crowd, which returns in force.

Key Events & Festivals: The Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA Mobility) in alternate years draws global attention. Rheingau Wine Festival on the riverside.

Hotel Price Range: $$$$ (Extremely high, often the highest of the year due to business events).

Best Activities: Wine tasting at the Rheingau festival, enjoying the last of the warm weather on terrace cafés, visiting the auto show if applicable, and witnessing the first hints of autumn color in the Stadtwald.

Perfect for: The business traveler and the wine connoisseur, or the tourist who can secure bookings well in advance and doesn't mind premium prices for ideal weather.

October

Weather Snapshot: High: 14°C (57°F) | Low: 6°C (43°F) | Rain: High, misty and atmospheric.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Extremely High, but specialized. This is the pinnacle of Frankfurt's business and cultural calendar, creating a unique, intense global village atmosphere.

Key Events & Festivals: The Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) – the world's largest. Hotels are booked a year in advance, and the city pulses with publishers, authors, and intellectuals.

Hotel Price Range: $$$$ (Astronomical, if you can even find a room).

Best Activities: Attending the Book Fair if you have a professional interest, people-watching in the bustling city center, enjoying autumn foliage in the city's parks, and visiting museums that offer a quiet refuge from the fair crowds.

Perfect for: The publishing professional, literary fanatic, or traveler fascinated by the spectacle of a major global event, with a budget to match.

November

Weather Snapshot: High: 8°C (46°F) | Low: 3°C (37°F) | Rain: Very High, gloomy and damp.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Low to Moderate. A dramatic exodus after October. The city is reclaiming itself, moody and introspective, then suddenly illuminated by the magic of Christmas.

Key Events & Festivals: The Frankfurt Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) opens in late November, one of Germany's oldest and largest, transforming the Römerberg into a winter wonderland.

Hotel Price Range: $$ - $$$ (Rises sharply from mid-November onward).

Best Activities: Experiencing the breathtaking opening of the Christmas Market, sipping mulled wine (Glühwein) under twinkling lights, shopping for unique handicrafts, and visiting cozy indoor venues to escape the chill.

Perfect for: The Christmas romantic who dreams of the quintessential German market experience and embraces the cold as part of the festive charm.

December

Weather Snapshot: High: 5°C (41°F) | Low: 0°C (32°F) | Rain/Snow: High chance of rain or sleet; snow possible, creating magical scenes.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Very High. The Christmas market draws massive crowds of tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere is purely festive, convivial, and sparkling.

Key Events & Festivals: The Christmas Market runs until December 22nd; New Year's Eve (Silvester) celebrations with fireworks at the Main river.

Hotel Price Range: $$$ - $$$$ (High due to festive demand).

Best Activities: Exploring the different themed areas of the sprawling Christmas market, ice-skating with a view of the skyscrapers, attending classical Christmas concerts in historic churches, and ringing in the New Year with fireworks over the river.

Perfect for: The ultimate holiday seeker who wants to be immersed in festive cheer, doesn't mind the cold and crowds, and wishes to end the year in a blaze of light and tradition.

Peak vs. Shoulder vs. Off-Season Analysis

Navigating the best time to visit Frankfurt requires understanding its three distinct travel seasons. Peak Season (May-October, excluding some lulls) is defined by glorious weather and major events. This includes the summer months (June-August) and the business/culture pinnacles of September (Auto Show) and October (Book Fair). Pros: Guaranteed pleasant weather for outdoor activities, everything is open and lively, and you can experience iconic festivals like Museumsuferfest. Cons: Sky-high prices for flights and hotels (especially during events), dense crowds at major attractions, and the need for meticulous advance booking. The city can feel overwhelming and impersonal. Shoulder Season (April, late October/early November, March) offers a compelling compromise. These are the transitional months on the edges of peak season. Pros: Significantly lower prices and thinner crowds than peak months, while still offering decent weather and key attractions like the Easter or early Christmas markets. You get a more relaxed, authentic local feel. Cons: Weather is unpredictable—you might get sunshine or rain. Some seasonal outdoor activities or cafes may not be fully operational. Off-Season (December-February, excluding Christmas market weeks) is the deep winter period after the holidays until early spring. Pros: Rock-bottom prices on accommodation, empty museums and restaurants where you're treated as a guest, and a truly local, serene atmosphere. The winter architecture has a stark, beautiful clarity. Cons: Short, cold, often grey days. Some attractions have reduced hours. Outdoor enjoyment is limited, and the festive glow of December is gone by January. Your choice hinges on priority: flawless weather and events (Peak), value and balance (Shoulder), or budget and authenticity (Off-Season).

Best Time for Specific Traveler Types

Best for Budget Travelers: January and February (excluding New Year's). This is the undisputed champion for savings. Hotel rates plummet, flight deals abound, and you'll have cultural institutions all to yourself. Embrace the cozy, indoor vibe of Frankfurt's museums and taverns.

Best for Honeymooners: Late May or early September. These sweet spots offer the high likelihood of beautiful, warm weather without the intense peak-summer crowds of July/August or the business frenzy of late September. It's ideal for romantic river strolls, wine tasting, and alfresco dining in a more intimate setting.

Best for Families: April (Easter break) or June. April offers the excitement of Easter markets and spring blooms, with manageable temperatures for little ones. June provides reliably sunny weather for zoo visits, river cruises, and park picnics before the height of summer vacation crowds.

Best for Culture Seekers: August or October. Your choice depends on your cultural flavor. August delivers the spectacular, accessible-for-all Museumsuferfest—a massive open-air celebration of art and music. October is for the literary elite, offering access to the planet's most important publishing event, the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Best for Outdoor Adventurers: May or September. These months provide the optimal combination of comfortable temperatures, long daylight hours, and lower rain probability compared to April or October. Perfect for extensive cycling along the Main, hiking in the nearby Taunus mountains, or exploring the city's vast green spaces like the Nidda Valley park.

Money-Saving Timing Strategies

Mastering the timing of your bookings is as crucial as choosing your travel dates. For flights, the golden rule is to avoid last-minute bookings, especially around major events. Set alerts for flights to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and aim to book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel, and 4-6 months ahead for October (Book Fair). Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for better rates. For hotels, the savings landscape is dramatic. In off-peak months (Jan-Feb), you can often book just weeks ahead for great deals. For shoulder seasons, book 1-2 months out. For peak summer or the Book Fair, book 6-12 months in advance to secure any room at a reasonable rate; prices only escalate. Consider staying in neighborhoods slightly outside the immediate center, like Bornheim or Bockenheim, for better value and a local feel. Utilize the Frankfurt Card for unlimited public transport and museum discounts—it pays for itself quickly. Dine where locals do: in the residential districts, you'll find hearty, affordable meals compared to the tourist-focused Römerberg. Finally, remember that many of Frankfurt's best experiences are free: walking across the Eiserner Steg bridge, admiring the skyline from the Main riverbank, exploring the historic Höchst district, or window-shopping in the Kleinmarkthalle. Strategic timing turns Frankfurt from a potentially expensive hub into an accessible European gem.

Festival & Events Calendar

Frankfurt's annual rhythm is punctuated by events that can define—or disrupt—your visit. Spring kicks off with the colorful, family-friendly Spring Dippemess folk festival (April) and the charming Easter Markets. Summer is festival season proper: the electrifying Christopher Street Day (Pride) in July paints the city rainbow, followed by the crown jewel, the Museumsuferfest in late August. This incredible open-air festival floods the museum-lined riverbanks with world music, food stalls, art installations, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Autumn is for the giants. The Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) in alternate Septembers draws a global automotive crowd. Then, in October, the Frankfurt Book Fair transforms the city into the world's literary capital, with immense crowds and prices to match. Winter is dominated by the magical Frankfurt Christmas Market, from late November to December 22nd. One of Germany's oldest and largest, its medieval charm centered on the Römerberg is unforgettable. Planning Impact: During the Book Fair and major festivals, hotel prices triple or quadruple, and availability vanishes months ahead. Restaurants are packed, and public transport is crowded. Conversely, these events offer unique, world-class experiences. If you're not attending, avoid these dates. If you are, book everything—especially accommodation—as early as humanly possible.

Practical Monthly Packing Guides

Packing for Frankfurt is an exercise in layering and preparedness for swift weather shifts. Winter (Dec-Feb): Essentials include a insulated, waterproof coat, warm sweaters, thermal layers, a scarf, gloves, a warm hat, and sturdy, waterproof boots for slush and rain. An umbrella is a must. Spring (Mar-May): The most unpredictable season. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, layers (cardigans, light sweaters), a mix of long and short-sleeve tops, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella. A pashmina is versatile for chilly evenings. Summer (Jun-Aug): Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), shorts, skirts, t-shirts. However, do not forget a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, a compact umbrella or raincoat for sudden thunderstorms, comfortable sandals, and walking shoes. Sunglasses and sunscreen are crucial. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Similar to spring but trending cooler. A medium-weight coat, sweaters, jeans, long-sleeve tops, a warm scarf, and waterproof shoes are key. Layers are your best friend. Year-Round Essentials: A comfortable pair of walking shoes is non-negotiable for cobblestone streets. A power adapter (Type F, 230V). A reusable water bottle. For cultural sites like churches, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated. Finally, always leave a little room in your suitcase for a souvenir stein or a bottle of Apfelwein.

Sample 7-Day Itineraries by Season

Spring Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival & Römerberg Altstadt exploration. Day 2: Städel Museum & scenic walk across Eiserner Steg. Day 3: Day trip to Heidelberg Castle & old town. Day 4: Palmengarten blooms & shopping on Zeil. Day 5: Senckenberg Natural History Museum & Grüneburgpark picnic. Day 6: River cruise on the Main & dinner in Sachsenhausen cider district. Day 7: Visit the Kleinmarkthalle & departure. Summer Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival & evening rooftop drinks. Day 2: Museum district (choose between German Architecture or Film Museum). Day 3: Full day at Museumsuferfest (if in August) or cycling along the Nidda River. Day 4: Day trip to Rhine Valley castles. Day 5: Frankfurt Zoo & relaxing at an outdoor swimming pool. Day 6: Explore the Bornheim district for dinner and local vibe. Day 7: Main Tower panoramic view & departure. Autumn Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival & Christmas Market preview (Nov) or Book Fair visit (Oct). Day 2: Goethe House & Cathedral climb. Day 3: Day trip to Eltville in the Rheingau for wine tasting. Day 4: Forest hike in the Frankfurt City Forest (Stadtwald). Day 5: Explore the Höchst old town & porcelain. Day 6: Cozy museum day (e.g., Schirn Kunsthalle). Day 7: Final market visit & departure. Winter Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival & immersive Christmas Market evening. Day 2: Warm up in the Palmengarten greenhouses & Senckenberg Museum. Day 3: Day trip to medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber (if time allows). Day 4: German Film Museum & hot chocolate in a café. Day 5: Shopping in the cozy Galeria Kaufhof and cozy Apfelwein dinner. Day 6: Explore the underground Cathedral archaeological garden. Day 7: Final stroll along the Main & departure.

Conclusion

So, when is the best time to visit Frankfurt? The answer, as we've seen, is beautifully complex and deeply personal. There is no single perfect month, only the perfect month for you. If your soul yearns for long, sun-drenched days and vibrant festival energy, target the peak of summer, bearing the crowds and costs for that iconic experience. If you dream of gingerbread and glühwein under a thousand twinkling lights, brave the cold for the enchanting embrace of November or December. For the savvy traveler seeking value and authenticity, the shoulder months of April or late March offer a delightful balance of emerging spring and manageable tourism. And for the culture purist or literary pilgrim, October's Book Fair or August's Museumsuferfest present non-negotiable, world-class draws. Consider your non-negotiables: budget, weather tolerance, crowd aversion, or specific events. Frankfurt is a city of compelling contrasts, ready to reveal a different facet of its character each season. Whether you find yourself reflecting in a quiet, frost-kissed square in January or dancing with strangers on the Main riverbank in August, your timing will shape your story. Choose your season, plan with purpose, and prepare to be captivated by this dynamic, dual-hearted metropolis. Your perfect Frankfurt moment awaits.

FAQ - Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

What is the absolute worst time to visit Frankfurt if I hate crowds and high prices?

If crowds and cost are your primary concerns, avoid two specific periods: mid-October during the Frankfurt Book Fair and late August during the Museumsuferfest. These events cause hotel prices to skyrocket and the city center to become exceptionally congested. Also, the weeks immediately preceding Christmas are very crowded at the markets.

Is Frankfurt worth visiting in the winter, outside of the Christmas markets?

Absolutely, but with adjusted expectations. January and February offer a stark, serene, and authentic Frankfurt experience at the lowest possible cost. While days are short and cold, you'll have world-class museums nearly to yourself, can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of traditional Apfelwein taverns, and experience the city as locals do, without the tourist veneer.

When is the weather most reliable for outdoor activities in and around Frankfurt?

The most reliable weather windows are from late May through mid-September. During this period, you have the highest probability of warm, dry days suitable for cycling along the Main, hiking in the Taunus mountains, or enjoying open-air cafes. June and early September are particularly pleasant, often avoiding the peak heat of July/August.

I'm a business traveler with no choice but to come during the Book Fair (October). Any tips?

Book your hotel and flights at least 6-12 months in advance. Consider staying in nearby cities like Mainz or Wiesbaden and commuting via the excellent S-Bahn (20-30 mins), as Frankfurt hotels will be exorbitant. Utilize the fair's shuttle buses, and make restaurant reservations for dinner well ahead of time. Embrace the energy—it's a unique global gathering.

What is the "shoulder season" for Frankfurt, and what are its advantages?

The prime shoulder seasons are April (after Easter if possible) and late October/early November (after the Book Fair ends but before the Christmas Market gets overwhelmingly busy). The advantages are significant: lower accommodation prices than peak summer, fewer tourists, mild (if unpredictable) weather, and the chance to experience seasonal transitions like spring blooms or autumn colors.

Is early May a good time for a first-time visitor?

Early May is an excellent choice for a first-time visitor. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, the city is lush and green, and the high summer crowds have not yet arrived. You'll experience outdoor cafes, river walks, and attractions in full swing, but with more breathing room and slightly better prices than in peak summer.

How far in advance should I book a trip for the Christmas Markets?

For the Christmas Markets (late Nov to Dec 22nd), you should aim to book your accommodation at least 4-6 months in advance, especially for weekends. Hotels in the city center fill quickly for this popular period. Flights should also be booked several months ahead to secure reasonable fares as the holiday season approaches.