2026: An Avios destination for every month of the year

It's funny how the world keeps reinventing itself. The same city that lights up  under December's fairy lights  can bloom with cherry blossoms by March, and a  beach that feels sleepy in the winters might turn electric by midsummer. Travel is the gift that keeps on giving while the seasons change little by little. Each month comes with a fresh  excuse to pack a bag and see somewhere you thought you already knew, only to realise it's completely changed.

With British Airways Avios, the calendar becomes  a travel planner in disguise. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can book flights with Avios and turn those carefully collected points into a  view that takes your breath away (and maybe your Wi-Fi signal too).

In this blog, we've  handpicked twelve destinations,   one for every month, to inspire your next reward seat booking. You'll also find out just  how many Avios for flights you'll need to get there, with a bit of help from  the Reward Flight Finder (RFF)  and a few smart tips on how to spend Avios wisely. By the time you're done reading, you'll have a year's worth of  adventures mapped out.

January: Thailand 

There's no better way to bring some warmth to your January than starting the year  with The Land of a Thousand Smiles. Here's why January is the perfect month for Thailand:

Weather: January brings Thailand’s best weather of the year. Skies are clear, humidity is low, and temperatures sit comfortably between 25 – 30°C, ideal for beach days,  temple visits, and wandering local markets.

Lots to Do: You can head north  to Chiang Ma i for mountain air, golden temples, and local festivals, or south to the  islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta for turquoise water and long, lazy days by the sea. Join the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival near Chiang Mai,  take a Thai cooking class,   explore ornate temples, or spend the  afternoon snorkelling off the coast.

Food: This is  prime time for street food. Pad thai, green curry, grilled prawns, and mango sticky rice are at their freshest, and often served for just a few pounds at open-air markets. 

Great Value: Thailand is easy on the wallet in January,  even for luxury stays.  Boutique resorts, beachside massages, and five-star meals all come at prices that make extending your holiday very tempting.  

How to get there with Avios:

Off-peak return flights from London cost 100,000 Avios plus £405 in Premium Economy or 200,000 Avios plus £575 in Business.  Check the Reward Flight Finder (RFF)  for reward seat space to use your Avios for flights.

February: Rio de Janeiro

With more beachfront than any other city in the world, there's no place  like Rio. Here's why February is the perfect month to visit:

Height of Summer: February brings Rio’s warmest days, with temperatures hovering around 28 – 32°C. It’s perfect weather for lazy hours  on Copacabana or Ipanema, and cooling swims in the Atlantic between strolls on the mosaic promenade.

Carnival Season: The world’s biggest street party reaches its peak in February. Even if you skip the Sambadrome parades, every corner of the city is  full of colour, samba sounds, and spontaneous blocos that spill through the streets from dawn till dark.

Nature: Warm days make it ideal for climbing up to Christ the Redeemer or taking the  cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the bay. Just beyond the beaches, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls and forest trails  in Tijuca National Park.

Beach Culture: The beach is a  way of life in Rio. February afternoons are a swirl of volleyball games, futevôlei, chilled mate tea, and golden sunsets from Arpoador Rock. It’s the best place to feel like a local.

Food, Music, and Nightlife: You’ll  eat well in Brazil without even trying. Plates of smoky churrasco come straight off the grill, piled high with cuts of beef, chicken, and sausage, usually shared with friends and plenty of farofa on the side. Fresh fruit juice bars are everywhere, serving mango, guava, or passionfruit straight from the blender, and caipirinhas flow as easily as conversation. Samba spills out of  neighbourhood bars, clubs thrum late into the night, and there’s always music somewhere.

How to Get There Using Avios:
BA reward seats to Rio de Janeiro cost 100,000 Avios plus £405 for an off-peak return in Premium Economy, or 200,000 Avios plus £575 in Business Class.

March: Tokyo

If your  image of Tokyo comes from a bearded Tom Cruise waiting for the cherry blossoms in  The Last Samurai, March is the perfect month to experience it. The air turns crisp and clear, spring festivals begin, and the city feels festive and full of anticipation. Here’s why March is the perfect month  for Tokyo:

Cherry Blossom Season: Yes, watching the Cherry blossom season in full swing is a thing, and it's totally worth it. March marks the arrival of sakura, the soft pink cherry blossoms  that transform Tokyo into a living postcard.  Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi are the city’s best spots for hanami picnics to celebrate spring.

Pleasant Weather: With temperatures around 10 – 15°C, the weather is ideal for exploring on foot. Clear skies and cool breezes make temple-hopping, garden walks, and neighbourhood strolls more inviting.

Culture and Festivals: The Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) brings colourful displays to homes and shrines on March 3rd, while areas  like Yanaka and Asakusa showcase Japan’s timeless craftsmanship and culture without the summer crowds.

Food at Its Best: Spring brings lighter dishes and fresh catches from the coast, along with sakura-inspired sweets that fill every café window. Ramen shops stay busy as people linger over steaming bowls, while sushi counters serve the season’s best fish at its peak.  Outdoor markets come alive too, filled with yakitori skewers, takoyaki, and warm snacks you can enjoy without battling the usual crowds.

Shopping: Spring collections hit the stores in style hubs  like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Or head to Akihabara for gadgets, gaming, and anime culture for a more futuristic touch that Tokyo is known for.

How to Get There Using Avios:
BA reward seats to Tokyo cost 100,000 Avios plus £405 for an off-peak return in Premium Economy, or 200,000 Avios plus £575 in Business Class.

April: Morocco 

Morocco is the perfect place for you to  experience the Sahara Desert without the fear of getting lost. And April is just the right time when it’s neither too hot nor too cold (yes, nights in the desert do bite) to channel your Lawrence of Arabia and ride a camel beneath a sky full of stars. Here's why April is the perfect month for Morocco:

Perfect Weather: The temperature in April stays between 20 – 27°C. It’s ideal for wandering the medinas  of Marrakech and Fes, coastal escapes to Essaouira, or even a  trek through the Atlas Mountains in comfort.

Explore the Sahara Desert Comfortably: This is the month for desert adventures.  Camel rides, stargazing, and sleeping under vast desert skies are all more enjoyable when the days are warm and the nights pleasantly cool. Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga are at their most magical.

Culture and History: The crowds haven’t yet descended, so you can truly lose yourself in  Morocco’s medinas and monuments.  Discover Marrakech’s Bahia Palace, Fes’s tanneries, and the winding souks Morocco is known for.

Springtime in the Countryside: Spring changes everything  in Morocco. The  Atlas Mountains fill with wildflowers, and valleys like Ourika and Dades turn a deep, unexpected green. The blue-washed lanes of Chefchaouen glow even brighter in the soft spring light, turning it into a photographer’s dream.

Food and Festivals: April brings Morocco’s comforting classics: fragrant tagines, fluffy couscous, and syrupy pastries, often served alfresco. Depending on where you go, you might  stumble upon local music or flower festivals celebrating the season.

How to Get There Using Avios:

BA reward seats to Morocco start from 27,500 Avios plus £1 for an off-peak return in Economy, or 48,500 Avios plus £25 for a Business Class return.

May: Florence

If there’s a perfect month to fall in  love with Florence, it’s May. The city looks beautiful in warm spring light, the crowds are still manageable, and every piazza and garden fills with the scent of blooming wisteria. Here’s why May is the perfect month for Florence:

Perfect Weather: It stays between 18 – 25°C, throughout May  in Florence, making it perfect for long walks and open-air dining. Clear skies make it the ideal time to  visit the Duomo, wander across the Ponte Vecchio, or take in  panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo without the summer haze.

World-Class Art and Architecture: Florence’s treasures are easier to enjoy before the high season hits.  Explore the Uffizi Gallery, check out at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia, and admire the golden glow of the city’s Renaissance facades, all with a little more breathing room.

Blooming Gardens and Scenery:  The Boboli and Bardini Gardens are at their most beautiful at this time. Just beyond the city, Tuscany’s rolling hills turn lush, making it a great time for vineyard visits or day trips  to Siena and San Gimignano. 

Food and Wine at Their Best:  Florentine cuisine includes fresh artichokes, asparagus, and strawberries on the menu in spring. Enjoy alfresco dining at a trattoria, pairing your meal with a glass of Chianti or Brunello as the evening light spills across the piazza.

Festivals and Cultural Events: May is when Europe takes the party outside. Cities fill with  open-air concerts, art fairs, and street performances that turn ordinary evenings into something festive. You might stumble onto a classical concert in a public square or find yourself caught up in a local parade, no tickets required.

How to get there with Avios:

An Italian Renaissance-inspired trip to Florence from London  on BA reward seats costs 23,500 Avios plus £1 for off-peak return Economy seats from London to Florence. For Business Class, the cost is 40,000 Avios plus £25.

June: Canada

While the rest of the world searches for shade, you could be walking on a glacier in the heart of  the Canadian Rockies, or sipping craft beer on a sun-drenched patio in Jasper. June is the perfect time to see Banff and Jasper at their most breathtaking, before the midsummer crowds arrive. Here’s why June is ideal:

Natural Landscapes: The  mountains are at their most photogenic, with mirror-like lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake reflecting snow-dusted peaks. Wildflowers begin to bloom in the valleys, turning the trails and meadows colourful.

Perfect Weather for Outdoor Activities: With temperatures between 15 – 22°C, the days are comfortably warm and evenings refreshingly cool. The snow has cleared, so roads like the Icefields Parkway and popular lookouts are fully open. 

Hiking, Wildlife, and Adventure: You’ll get the best mix of  adventure and wildlife spotting. Bears, elk, and deer are active after winter, and trails range from relaxed lakeside walks to  summit-level treks with spectacular views.

Glacial and Water Activities: By June, the ice has melted, opening up the lakes for kayaking, canoeing, or gentle paddleboarding. Waterfalls and rivers are at full strength from snowmelt –  you’ll see dramatic photo opportunities everywhere you look.

Extended Daylight: With up to 18 hours of daylight, there’s plenty of time to explore, hike, or simply watch the light change over the mountains. Early risers and photographers are rewarded with sunrises and sunsets that set  the Rockies glowing pink and gold.

How to get there with Avios:

BA reward seats cost 95,000 Avios plus £355 for off-peak return Premium Economy seats from London to Vancouver. For Business Class, the cost is 180,000 Avios plus £475.

From Vancouver, you'll either need to take a  2-day road trip to Banff, seeing other sights along the way, or a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Calgary International Airport.  Check the Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for reward seats early, as this is one of Canada's most popular summer seasons. If you're wondering  how to spend Avios, consider flying into one city and out of the other to stretch your  Avios for flights.

July: Crete

Despite being Greece’s largest island,  Crete always gets overshadowed by its smaller, flashier siblings  Mykonos and Santorini (if you're getting the vibe that we're picking the oft-overlooked, diamond-in-the-rough destinations, you're bang on).  Crete packs more things to do than the sunscreen you brought for the whole trip. Here’s why July is the perfect time to visit:

Beach Weather: The average temperatures stay around 28 – 33°C, and the days are made for the beach. Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel in hidden coves, or unwind on  Crete’s most famous stretches of sand: Elafonissi, Balos, and Vai.

Historic Sites: Step back in time at the Palace of Knossos, wander ancient Minoan ruins, or explore Venetian harbours in Chania and Rethymno. You’ll still find the heart of old Crete in whitewashed houses, traditional music, and local craftsmanship.

Outdoor Life: Hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge or take a jeep safari through the island’s rugged interior. July is also festival season, with open-air concerts, folk dances, and lively markets filling the warm nights.

Cretan Cuisine and Wine: The island is full of fresh seafood, sun-ripened tomatoes, local cheeses, and golden olive oil. Dine outdoors in a seaside taverna with a glass of Cretan wine or raki as the sun dips into the Aegean.

Long Days and Stunning Sunsets: With nearly 14 hours of daylight, there’s enough time to tick off all the things on your bucket list. The sunsets paint the sea in gold and rose every evening, especially on the western coast.

How to get there with Avios:

A trip from London to Crete will cost you 27,500 Avios plus £1 for off-peak return Economy seats from London to Crete. If you're flying on Business Class, the cost will be 48,500 Avios plus £25.

August: Oslo

Compared with the postcard drama of Norway's west coast, Oslo might seem "flat." But, once your calves start screaming as you climb stunning hilltop after stunning hilltop, you realise that looks can be deceiving. Here's why August is the perfect month for Oslo:

Perfect Weather: The temperature hovers between 17 – 22°C, comfortably warm without ever being too hot. The days are long, bright, and perfect for sightseeing, fjord cruising, or hiking without the chill of early spring or autumn rain.

Fjord Exploration at Its Best: This is peak season for exploring Norway’s most famous fjords, such as Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Sognefjord, all open for cruising or road-tripping. 

Cultural Highlights: Back in the capital, you can visit the Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, and the striking Opera House by the waterfront. 

Midnight Sun and Long Days: While the midnight sun fades from southern Norway by August, daylight still stretches late into the evening. The soft golden glow makes for perfect photography, scenic drives, and long, unhurried summer nights.

Outdoor Adventures: The trails are clear, the air is crisp, and the long daylight hours make it easy to stay out exploring. Kayakers can glide through glassy fjords, cyclists will find plenty of mountain roads, and hikers can take on bucket-list climbs like Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock. 

How to get there with Avios:

BA reward seats cost 23,500 Avios plus £1 for off-peak return Economy seats from London to Oslo. For Business Class, you’re looking at 40,000 Avios plus £25. 

September: Kenya

Raise your hands if you've grown up watching classics such as The Jungle Book, The Lion King, and Tarzan. If that hand is still raised, it's time to use those digits to book a trip to Kenya. September puts the Masai Mara on full display with the Great Migration in full swing. Here’s why you should visit in September:

Wildlife Viewing at Its Best: With limited water sources at the tail end of the dry season, animals gather around rivers and watering holes in huge numbers. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, and leopards are easier to spot, especially during the cooler morning and evening game drives.

Great Weather: Days are warm (20 – 28°C) and evenings are comfortably cool. The rain stays away, meaning the park roads are in good shape, and visibility is excellent.

Masai Mara and Migration Season: September falls right in the middle of the Great Migration, when wildebeest herds move across the Mara plains. Even if you miss the river crossings, the sheer volume of animals and predator activity makes this one of nature’s most unforgettable shows.

Fewer Tourists: The crowds thin after the August rush, but the wildlife remains, giving you a more intimate safari experience. Camps and lodges are easier to book, and rangers have more time to share stories and insights.

Scenic Landscapes: The light is pure gold this time of year. You’ll see long shadows, clear skies, and endless savannah stretching toward the horizon. Take your fill of photographs of elephants under Mount Kilimanjaro or flamingos at Lake Nakuru, as long as you don’t run out of phone memory.

How to get there with Avios:

BA reward seats from London to Nairobi cost 95,000 Avios plus £355 for off-peak return Premium Economy seats and 180,000 Avios plus £475 in Business Class.

October: The Maldives

There are only a handful of times when a visitor’s imagination falls short of the actual beauty of a place. The Maldives is one of them. With warm seas, fewer visitors, and great travel deals, October is one of the best times to enjoy paradise without the crowds. Here’s why October is worth the trip:

Warm Tropical Weather: Not that there’s ever a bad day to be in the Maldives, but in October, the temperature is just perfect, staying between 27 – 31°C. You may get the occasional afternoon shower, but they’re short-lived and followed by bright sunshine.

Clear Waters: The seas are calm, and visibility is excellent for snorkelling and diving. Coral gardens are usually full of life, and this is one of the best months to spot manta rays and whale sharks gliding through the atolls.

Lower Prices: Since October is considered shoulder season, you’ll find quieter resorts and lower rates. That means overwater villas, spa packages, and private dinners on the sand often come at a fraction of high-season prices.

Perfect for Relaxation: Every resort sits on its own private island, surrounded by calm lagoons and silence that feels almost unreal. Even if a few tropical showers roll through, you can watch the sun rise over the water, book a long spa session, or walk along the beach with only the sound of waves for company.

How to get there with Avios:

Off-peak return flights from London to the Maldives cost 95,000 Avios plus £355 in Premium Economy and 180,000 Avios plus £475 in Business Class.

​​November: Mexico

If you thought Cancun was only for spring breakers and honeymooners, you've probably also written off Mexico as a place not worth visiting. Big mistake. Here's why November is the perfect month for Mexico:

Perfect Weather: Days average 20 – 25°C in Mexico City with crisp, cool evenings, ideal for exploring without the summer heat. Down on the Caribbean coast, you’ll experience dry, sunny days and bath-warm seas around 27 – 28°C, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Cultural Experiences: This is a great time to explore the capital’s history and art scene, such as the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the National Museum of Anthropology. 

Day of the Dead Celebrations: You've seen the movie; now experience Day of the Dead (Oct 31 – Nov 2), which transforms plazas and cemeteries into candle-lit, marigold-strewn celebrations with parades, altars, and all-night vigils.

Culinary Highlights: What’s a trip to Mexico without having authentic tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole? Mexico City’s street food is reason enough to visit this time of year. Don’t forget to taste seasonal treats like pan de muerto while there.

Beaches and Ancient Wonders: Clear weather makes exploring easy in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá, swim in emerald cenotes, or unwind at eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há. 

Fewer Crowds Means Better Deals: November sits just before the high season, so you’ll find great offers on resorts and tours.

How to get there with Avios:

Use British Airways Avios to book flights from London to Mexico. Off-peak returns from London typically start at around 95,000 Avios plus £355 in Premium Economy and 180,000 Avios plus £475 in Business Class

December: Austria

We'll be honest: we saved the best for last. Nothing says winter like bright lights, sleighs, and memorable music. And you can't say music without mentioning Vienna, the city that practically invented the waltz. Add Salzburg just down the tracks and you've got the Austrian double bill of your festive dreams. Here's why December is the perfect month for Vienna:

Christmas Markets: Vienna and Salzburg take holiday spirit seriously. Both cities light up with fairy lights, and the smell of mulled wine drifts through the air. The Christmas markets are the heart of it all: rows of wooden stalls filled with handmade ornaments, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and steaming mugs of Glühwein. Vienna’s grand Rathausplatz market feels like a celebration on a royal scale, while Salzburg’s Old Town brings it down to something more intimate.

Music and Culture: Vienna is the home of classical music, and you’ll find classical concerts featuring Mozart and Strauss around every corner, performed in gilded halls like the Musikverein and the State Opera. Salzburg is Mozart’s birthplace, so expect to see lots of concerts, choirs, and fortress performances.

Winter Charm: Winter in Austria feels like walking through a film set. Baroque streets are dusted with snow, candles glow behind tall windows, and the air smells faintly of cinnamon and roasted nuts. The courtyards at Schönbrunn Palace come alive with lights and music, while the climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress rewards you with sweeping views of rooftops turned white and still.

Seasonal Culinary Delights: Warm up with a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel in a cosy Viennese café, or settle in for heartier fare, Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, or roast goose paired with a glass of Glühwein. 

Festive Atmosphere, Fewer Crowds: December brings the magic of high season without the rush of summer. Streets are lively but not packed, and every square is full of lights and laughter. 

How to get there with Avios:

You can travel from London to Austria with 18,500 Avios plus £1 for off-peak return Economy flights and 30,000 Avios plus £25 for Business Class flights.

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