Pros & cons
of the Mediterranean
cruise seasons

The best time depends on your personal priorities. Read the pros & cons below.

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Peak season

June to August

Pros: Least rain. Most itineraries. Period dovetails with school vacations.

Cons: Ports and popular attractions are packed with tourists. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot. Cruise and air rates are their highest. Ship, itinerary and cabin availability are usually scarce or non-existent (unless you book early).

Best time: June.

Worst time: August. Ports are jammed with tourists (most Europeans go on vacations in August). The sun is usually at its hottest.

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Spring or fall season

Mid-April to May

September to mid-October

Pros: Uncrowded ports and attractions. Lower cruise and air rates. Less competition for bookings. Comfortable temperatures.

Cons: Conflict for families with school-age children.

Best time: Mid- to late-September. Next best is late-May to early-June.

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Winter season

Mid-October to mid-April

Pros: Temperatures are comfortable for visiting Madeira, Canary Islands, Morocco, and Egypt.

Cons: Chilly or frigid in northern Mediterranean ports.

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For more when to go tips, click

Best time to go - PAGE TWO

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