Autumn is often a favourite for experienced travellers. The summer rush has passed, the sea is still warm in the Mediterranean, and cities feel calmer. It is also festival season in India, with Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, and harvest celebrations in many places. Hurricane and typhoon seasons continue into autumn in the Caribbean and East Asia, so check forecasts and consider flexible fares if you are heading there. Autumn colours in Canada, New England and Japan draw many visitors, so book those trips early.
Flying in autumn (fall)
When: September to November in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, much of South America) the seasons are reversed.
After the summer, many routes quieten. It is a good time for city breaks, though Diwali, Thanksgiving and half-terms are busy.
Making the most of the season
- Look for shoulder weeks at the start or end of the season, when the weather is still good and demand is lower.
- Check local holidays at your destination as well as at home; both affect prices.
- Mid-week departures are often easier on the budget than weekends.
- Pack for the weather and check the baggage rules for heavier clothing.
How to compare fares fairly
The first price you see is rarely the whole story. Before you choose, add the extras you actually need, such as a checked bag, a seat together if you are travelling as a family, and any change or cancellation flexibility. A fare that looks lower can end up costing more once those are added, while a slightly higher fare that includes a bag may be the better deal. Compare the total for your whole party, and check the connection time and airport on every itinerary, not just the price.
Flexibility is the most reliable money-saver. If your dates can move by a day or two, use the calendar view in the search results to see how prices change across the week. Flying midweek or at less popular times of day often helps. Setting a price alert and booking once a fare falls inside your budget is calmer, and usually smarter, than checking every few hours.
Before you book: documents and rules
Check that your passport is valid for the whole trip (many countries ask for six months beyond your return date), and look up visa or electronic travel authorisation rules on the official government website of every country you will enter, including any you only connect through. Baggage allowances differ by airline and fare type, so read our baggage rules guide and pack using our travel checklist.
See each month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Frequently asked questions
Is autumn (fall) expensive for flights?
After the summer, many routes quieten. It is a good time for city breaks, though Diwali, Thanksgiving and half-terms are busy.
Are seasons the same everywhere?
No. They are reversed in the southern hemisphere.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Flight times and airport details are approximate and for general planning; schedules, airlines and rules change, so always confirm with the airline, airport or official government sites before you travel. Airline and airport names are used only to describe routes; we are not affiliated with them. See all Live Earth & Space tools and our credits page.