May, at the world’s best hotels.

Spring on the lake: gardens in bloom before the summer set arrives.

Between ski and summer: snowmelt waterfalls and the mountains between seasons.

Spring on the Amalfi Coast: lemon blossom, warm days, none of the August crush.

Early-season Aegean: warm light, cool evenings, islands still local.

The Argentario in late spring: sea swims begin, the summer crowd hasn't.

Spring on the Amalfi Coast: lemon blossom, warm days, none of the August crush.

Thermal spas are best before the summer heat arrives.

Spring in the Balearics: warm days, wildflowers, and the island before the season.

Early-summer Adriatic: swimmable seas before the yachts arrive.

Menorca in spring: empty calas and countryside in bloom.

The southwest monsoon barely brushes the high tea country — misty mornings, low rates.

Green-season Angkor: moats full, rice paddies electric green, temples uncrowded.

Off-season Rajasthan: hot afternoons, yes — and palace hotels at half their winter rates.

The monsoon on the Narmada: the river high, the ghats washed clean, the fort quiet.

The southeast trades arrive: cooler, breezier, and far quieter.

The long rains: the Mara empty of vehicles, resident game everywhere, rates at their lowest.

Winelands winter: fireside tastings, green vineyards, and the Cape to yourself.

Summer on the west bank: dawn temple visits, pool afternoons, tombs without the queues.

Early green season: cenotes at their clearest and haciendas at shoulder rates.

Vermont's secret season: sugaring, spring rivers, and the woods waking up.

Between snow and summer in the San Juans: hot springs season, no crowds.

Green season in the rainforest: rivers full, wildlife loud, lodges at their gentlest rates.

The old city between seasons: brief showers, full color, easy reservations.

After the Brazilian summer: warm seas, quiet Quadrado, casas at their calmest.

Wild winter on the Southern Ocean: storm-watching, whales offshore, fires lit.

New Zealand's quiet season: misty river mornings and the lodge at winter rates.