nature
Manta ray and whale shark season
South Ari has whale sharks through the whole year. Hanifaru Bay has the best months for big mantas.
Festivals and events
Plan your trip around the big events. Dates marked "around" are estimates, so check the official site.
sport
Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is where the F1 race is held.
Official sitesport
MotoGP Malaysia (Sepang)
Sepang hosts the big motor race of Malaysia, whereas Formula 1 has not raced there since 2017. Hotels get full and prices go up, so plan ahead.
Official sitefestival
Riyadh Season
For months, Riyadh has theme zones, boxing, shows and concerts.
culture
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
South-east Asia's most widely known literature festival is held in Ubud.
religious
Deepavali light-up in Little India
Lights decorate Serangoon Road for roughly a month leading up to the festival of lights.
trade
Canton Fair (autumn session)
Three phases make up the largest trade fair in China. Pazhou hotels are fully booked, so planning should begin months ahead.
Official sitesport
Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026
Africa has never before hosted an Olympic event. Expect hotels to fill and prices to climb, so plan early.
Official siteculture
Cairo International Film Festival
No film festival in the Arab world is older.
festival
Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park holds a fair, while lights decorate Oxford and Regent Streets.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (November)
Parades accompany several national holidays that fall in November.
sport
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
Yas Island hosts the final race of the F1 season. With hotels filling up and prices rising, early planning is advisable.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
An F1 race is run on the Strip at night.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
Lusail is the venue for an F1 race run at night.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Interlagos)
Interlagos is the venue of the F1 race.
Official sitetrade
Guadalajara International Book Fair
This book fair is larger than any other across the Spanish-speaking world.
sport
Istanbul Marathon (Europe to Asia)
This is the sole marathon covering two continents, with the Bosphorus bridge as the link.
culture
Marrakech International Film Festival
Marrakech welcomes film stars.
trade
World Travel Market (WTM)
ExCeL London is the venue of a large travel trade fair.
trade
China International Import Expo (CIIE)
A very large import fair is held at the National Exhibition & Convention Center.
festival
Diwali (festival of lights)
One of the biggest events the country hosts each year; prices rise and hotels fill up, so plan early.
festival
Tihar (festival of lights)
Over five days, lights and flowers are used, and animals are honoured.
nature
Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto
Kyoto's busiest season, second only to cherry blossoms, is when the maples reach peak colour.
culture
Pushkar Camel Fair
The holy lake draws camels, traders and pilgrims in their thousands.
religious
Boun That Luang
That Luang stupa, which is golden, hosts the biggest Buddhist festival in the country.
festival
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dragon-boat races run on the Tonle Sap river facing the Royal Palace.
festival
Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival
Hotels book out and prices climb for this event, one of the largest the country holds annually, so plan early.
festival
Thanksgiving & holiday season
Every year this is among the largest events in the country. Prices go higher and hotels fill up, so plan early.
festival
Christmas markets
One of the largest annual events in the country, it leads to full hotels and higher prices, so plan early.
festival
Fiestas de Quito
Music and parades feature in this festival of the city.
culture
AlUla winter season (Winter at Tantora)
Concerts and festivals take place, and the weather is at its best for visiting Hegra.
sport
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Participants run within the temple park of Angkor.
festival
December festive season
Accra's visitor numbers peak in this month, with concerts and parties.
nature
Galapagos warm season
Islands are green, the water is warm and the seas are calm.
culture
International Festival of the Sahara
Douz hosts desert music and races of camels.
nature
Punta del Este summer season
Prices reach their peak in January, during the high season for beaches.
nature
Ski season (Shymbulak)
You can ski 30 minutes away from Almaty.
culture
Seb-i Arus - Whirling Dervish festival
Whirling dervish ceremonies mark the commemoration of Rumi.
festival
Dubai Shopping Festival
Hotels become full and prices rise for this event, one of the country's largest in a year, so plan early.
culture
Victory Day (16 December)
A parade and celebrations at national level take place.
culture
Qatar National Day (18 December)
Fireworks and a parade take place on the Corniche.
festival
Feria de Cali
A fair at the year's end in the salsa capital.
festival
Victoria Falls Carnival (New Year)
Music festival lasting three days, held at the falls.
festival
New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa
These fireworks are famous worldwide, and hotels in the downtown area sell out.
festival
New Year's Eve at Copacabana
Dressed in white, millions fill the beach at one of the largest parties in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve at the Sky Tower
Among the first major new-year fireworks anywhere on the planet.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks
This is among the country's largest events in any year. Hotels get full and prices go up, so plan early.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks (Valparaiso)
The fireworks above the bay are South America's biggest.
festival
New Year's Eve in Times Square
Hotels in Midtown sell out for the well-known ball drop.
festival
New Year's countdown
Fireworks light up the Chao Phraya river as well as large shopping malls.
festival
Taipei 101 New Year's Eve fireworks
The tower called Taipei 101 is the launch point of the fireworks.
sport
AFC Asian Cup 2027
Saudi Arabia hosts the football championship of Asia.
Official sitetrade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Las Vegas hotels cost a great deal that week; the tech show is the biggest in the world.
nature
Calving season (southern Serengeti)
Births of wildebeest calves run into the thousands, and many predators are about.
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
Held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the tournament lasts 15 days and recurs in May and September.
trade
Gulfood
A very large trade fair covering food and drink.
festival
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Huge ice buildings glow with lights, and the weather is very cold (-20 C).
culture
Havana Jazz Festival
Havana hosts the Jazz Plaza festival.
nature
Humpback whale season (Samana Bay)
Samana Bay holds humpback whales in their thousands.
culture
Jaipur Literature Festival
Among free literature festivals, none anywhere is larger.
festival
Muscat Nights
In Muscat's parks, this winter festival offers lights, shows and food.
culture
New Year holidays (1-8 January)
In Russia, the new-year holiday is a long one, and it is both busy and festive.
festival
Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)
Candombe drum parades feature in what is the longest carnival in the world.
religious
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
Lalibela's rock churches are where pilgrims gather.
festival
Sinulog Festival
Expect higher prices and hotels filling up at one of the country's biggest annual events; plan early.
festival
Australian Open tennis
Plan early, since prices rise and hotels fill up for this event, one of the biggest in the country every year.
festival
Ati-Atihan Festival
Near Boracay, dancers with painted faces fill the streets at a festival nicknamed 'mother of all Philippine festivals'.
festival
Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Hotels get filled and prices go up for this event, one of the country's biggest each year, so plan early.
religious
Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany)
The highlight is Gondar's bath of Fasilides, and the processions are colourful.
festival
Dinagyang Festival
Iloilo City hosts a large competition of tribal dancing.
festival
Thaipusam at Batu Caves
Among the country's largest yearly happenings, this event pushes prices up and fills hotels, so plan early.
culture
Republic Day parade (26 January)
A parade with both military and cultural elements is held on Kartavya Path.
festival
Venice Carnival
St Mark's Square is filled with masks and costumes.
festival
Dominican Carnival
In February, parades take place each Sunday.
festival
Hala February festival
Alongside shopping and concerts, the festival includes National and Liberation Days on 25-26 February.
culture
Lahore Literary Festival
The Alhamra arts centre is the setting for music and talks.
religious
Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage
On foot, hundreds of thousands head for the sacred lake.
sport
MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)
Chang International Circuit stages world motorcycle racing. Prices climb and hotels fill up, so plan ahead.
Official sitefestival
Panagbenga Flower Festival
Baguio, a city in the mountains, stages street dancing and floats made of flowers.
festival
Quebec Winter Carnival
This is one of the country's largest events each year. Higher prices and fuller hotels come with it, so plan early.
culture
Sauti za Busara music festival
Stone Town hosts a festival of African music.
culture
Tapati Rapa Nui
Competitions and the culture of the island take up two weeks.
religious
Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno)
Masked dancers in their thousands gather beside Lake Titicaca.
festival
Mardi Gras
The French Quarter fills with parties and parades.
festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
Prices go up and hotels fill up around one of the biggest events the country sees every year, so planning ahead matters.
festival
Tet (Lunar New Year)
Anyone attending should plan early, as this is among the country's biggest events each year, with hotels filling and prices rising.
festival
Panama Carnival
Carnival runs four days, with Las Tablas a big centre of it.
festival
Rio Carnival
This annual event is among the biggest in the country, filling hotels and pushing prices up, so plan early.
culture
Seollal (Korean New Year)
Falling on the Lunar New Year, this family holiday sees numerous shops and restaurants shut.
festival
Barranquilla Carnival
This is the biggest carnival in Colombia and has UNESCO heritage status.
festival
Chinese New Year
With rising prices and filling hotels, early planning is wise for this event, one of the biggest the country holds yearly.
festival
Chinese New Year parade & fireworks
This event is among the country's biggest each year. Hotels fill up, and prices go higher, which makes early planning worthwhile.
festival
Goa Carnival
Lent is preceded by music and parades.
culture
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Many places stay shut for several days during this family holiday for the new year.
festival
Ramadan Umrah season
Planning early is advisable for this event, which ranks among the country's biggest each year; hotels fill and prices rise.
religious
Hari Raya bazaar and light-up
Street lights and a Ramadan bazaar are found in Geylang Serai.
festival
Lantern Festival
The country has few yearly events bigger than this. Prices go higher and hotels get full, so early planning pays.
culture
Sun Festival at Abu Simbel (22 February)
Sunlight at dawn reaches the statues deep within the temple. This also happens on 22 October.
culture
Art Basel Hong Kong
This art fair is the leading one in Asia.
sport
Cape Town Cycle Tour
No timed cycle race in the world is larger.
sport
Dubai World Cup (horse race)
Meydan hosts a horse race that ranks among the richest anywhere.
sport
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Albert Park hosts the F1 race.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix
At Bahrain International Circuit, an F1 race is run after dark.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
Shanghai International Circuit is where the F1 race takes place.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
Osaka and Nagoya are the cities on either side of Suzuka, the home of this F1 race.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah)
The Jeddah Corniche is the setting for an F1 race held at night.
Official sitesport
Grand Sumo tournament (Osaka)
Osaka hosts the sumo tournament held in spring.
sport
Hong Kong Sevens (rugby)
Kai Tak Stadium hosts a rugby party spread over three days.
culture
Kuomboka ceremony
A royal barge carries the Lozi king to higher ground.
sport
MotoGP Qatar
A MotoGP race is run at night at Lusail.
Official sitereligious
Paro Tshechu
Paro Dzong holds masked dances, and hotels as well as flights get sold out.
sport
Safari Rally Kenya (WRC)
Lake Naivasha is the area where the World Rally Championship takes place.
sport
Tokyo Marathon
Central Tokyo's hotels fill up for this race, one of six World Marathon Majors.
festival
Vendimia (grape harvest festival)
In Mendoza, the wine harvest is celebrated.
nature
Victoria Falls at full flow
The falls produce their largest spray and loudest roar.
religious
Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) and mudik
Millions head home. Toll roads, trains and flights stay packed for about two weeks, and many shops and offices shut.
religious
Nyepi - Balinese Day of Silence
Everything on Bali halts for 24 hours. The airport is shut and visitors remain inside their hotels. On the night before, huge Ogoh-ogoh parades take place.
religious
Hari Raya - Istana Nurul Iman open house
Visitors can enter the palace during the three days that follow Eid.
religious
Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses
Open houses are held by families and ministers. Traffic on roads out of KL is extremely heavy (balik kampung).
culture
Independence Day (12 March)
The nation marks the day with celebrations.
culture
Summer Day (14 March)
Ballokume cakes feature in this spring festival, above all in Elbasan.
festival
Las Fallas
Huge figures are accompanied by fireworks and bonfires.
culture
Novruz
Bonfires and sweets are part of this spring holiday of five days.
culture
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Everyone in the country travels during this national holiday, which lasts two weeks.
festival
Tulip season (Keukenhof)
Visitors should plan early. Among the country's largest yearly events, it brings fuller hotels and higher prices.
festival
Holi (festival of colours)
Hotels fill up, prices rise and the country sees one of its biggest events of the year, so planning early is advisable.
religious
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Resorts are full and many offices shut, while processions take place.
culture
Nauryz
Squares hold yurts and food during this spring holiday lasting three days.
culture
Navruz
A holiday that marks the new year in spring.
culture
Navruz (spring new year)
Music, fairs and sumalak go along with this spring festival.
culture
Nooruz
Feasts and horse games go with the spring new year.
festival
Cherry blossom season
Early planning is sensible, since this is among the country's largest annual events, with hotels filling up and prices rising.
nature
Jinhae cherry blossom festival
This is the largest cherry-blossom festival in Korea.
trade
Arabian Travel Market
In the Middle East's travel industry, this is the leading trade fair.
festival
Cherry blossom season
Plan early. This is one of the largest events in the country each year, and hotels fill up as prices rise.
trade
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (spring)
A very large electronics trade fair is held in the Convention and Exhibition Centre, repeated in October.
culture
Hue Festival
Royal culture is celebrated alongside music and lights inside the former imperial city.
culture
Istanbul Film Festival
This is the main film festival in Turkey.
festival
Istanbul Tulip Festival
This event ranks among the country's largest each year, which fills hotels and raises prices; it is best to plan early.
trade
Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile)
Milan's hotels triple in price during this fair, the world's biggest for furniture and design.
culture
Kwibuka - week of remembrance (from 7 April)
Some activities stop in this week of genocide remembrance, a quiet and respectful time.
festival
Feria de Abril
Fair tents, horses and flamenco appear two weeks after Easter.
culture
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Over several days, many shops stay closed during this holiday for families.
festival
Songkran Festival
Among the largest events held in the country each year. Expect full hotels and rising prices, so plan early.
culture
Khmer New Year
At the temples, Angkor Sankranta brings three days of play and blessings with water.
culture
Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
Luang Prabang offers the nicest setting to watch the water festival and processions.
culture
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
Across Dhaka, bright parades and fairs are held.
trade
Canton Fair (spring session)
The largest trade fair in China runs in three phases. Hotels around Pazhou are all booked up, so plan months in advance.
Official siteculture
Golden Week holidays
Hotels, flights and trains fill up during Japan's busiest holiday week.
culture
Cannes Film Festival
No film festival is better known around the world.
culture
Chelsea Flower Show
No other garden show is as widely known around the world.
trade
Computex Taipei
A trade show for computers and AI that ranks among the biggest in the world.
culture
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Old palaces in Fes are the setting for spiritual music.
sport
Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix
Ile Notre-Dame hosts the F1 race.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
The F1 race is run around Hard Rock Stadium.
Official sitesport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
Sumo is held for 15 days in the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
culture
Java Jazz Festival
Among the largest jazz festivals anywhere, this event takes place at JIExpo Kemayoran.
sport
Roland-Garros (French Open tennis)
Tennis played on clay, as a Grand Slam event.
culture
Rosewater festival (Golabgiri)
Villages around Kashan are where roses are picked and turned into rosewater.
trade
THAIFEX - Anuga Asia (food fair)
IMPACT Muang Thong Thani houses a large Asian trade fair for food and drink.
festival
Vivid Sydney
The Opera House and the harbour area are lit up with light shows.
festival
Hajj season
In the country's yearly calendar this is one of the biggest events. Hotels fill up, prices rise, and early planning is recommended.
trade
Expo 2027 Belgrade
This specialised World Expo is titled 'Play for Humanity'. Prices rise and hotels fill up, so plan early.
Official sitereligious
Waisak at Borobudur
A Buddhist procession walks from Mendut to the Borobudur temple. To join the lantern release, a ticket must be bought beforehand.
culture
Restoration of Independence Day (20 May)
Dili hosts national-level celebrations.
religious
Vesak lanterns
Streets are hung with lanterns, and dansal stalls hand out food for free.
culture
Independence Day (25 May)
Fireworks go with the celebrations held across the nation.
culture
Bali Arts Festival (PKB)
For one month, Taman Werdhi Budaya, an arts centre, stages parades, music and Balinese dance.
festival
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Over several weekends, international teams take part in a competition above the Han River.
nature
Dry-season safari (Kruger)
These are the best months for seeing animals.
nature
Dry-season wildlife (Etosha)
Game viewing is at its best, with animals gathering at the waterholes.
culture
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Concerts take place beside the sea, free to attend.
nature
Gorilla trekking dry season
Permits sell out in the months when gorilla trekking is easiest.
trade
Jakarta Fair (PRJ)
Shopping, food and concerts fill a month at JIExpo Kemayoran, timed with the city's birthday on 22 June.
nature
Manta ray and whale shark season
South Ari has whale sharks through the whole year. Hanifaru Bay has the best months for big mantas.
festival
Montreal International Jazz Festival
Concerts held outdoors, free of charge, number in the hundreds.
nature
Pamir Highway season
The high mountain road can be travelled easily only in these months.
culture
Parintins Folklore Festival
An island in the Amazon stages a giant Boi-Bumba show.
festival
Queenstown Winter Festival
Street parties open the ski season.
culture
Rainforest World Music Festival
Close to Kuching, the Sarawak Cultural Village is the venue for world music.
festival
White Nights and Scarlet Sails
Darkness is nearly absent, and the Scarlet Sails show takes place over the Neva river.
sport
Wimbledon
No tennis Grand Slam is older.
Official sitereligious
Uganda Martyrs Day (3 June)
Pilgrims in their millions travel on foot to the Namugongo shrine.
culture
Dragon Boat Festival
Zongzi rice dumplings accompany the dragon-boat races.
festival
Dragon boat races (Tuen Ng)
Victoria Harbour, Aberdeen and Stanley are the places where races take place.
culture
Sebiba festival
Drumming and dancing ceremony of the Tuareg in the Sahara, with UNESCO heritage status.
festival
Inti Raymi (festival of the sun)
Hotels fill and prices climb for one of the largest annual events in the country; early planning is recommended.
sport
FIFA Women's World Cup 2027
South America hosts the Women's World Cup for the first time.
Official siteculture
Matariki (Maori New Year)
A public holiday marked by Maori light shows, food and cultural events.
culture
Independence Day (26 June)
Fireworks and parades mark the day.
festival
Boryeong Mud Festival
Daecheon Beach holds mud games and concerts.
festival
Bula Festival
Rides, music and food fill a week in Nadi.
festival
Calgary Stampede
Cowboy culture and rodeo take up ten days.
culture
Carthage International Festival
Carthage's Roman theatre is the venue for concerts.
culture
Dieng Culture Festival
Lanterns, jazz played above the clouds and a ritual of cutting dreadlocks take place on the Dieng plateau.
festival
EXIT Festival
The Petrovaradin fortress hosts a large music festival.
sport
Formula 1 British Grand Prix
Silverstone is the venue of the F1 race.
Official siteculture
George Town Festival
Performances, street art and the wider arts scene fill the old town, which has UNESCO status.
nature
Great Migration (Serengeti)
Crossings of rivers happen in the north of the Serengeti.
nature
Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
Peak safari season comes with wildebeest crossing rivers.
culture
Guelaguetza
Indigenous dances come from every part of the state of Oaxaca.
nature
Humpback whale season
Off Sainte-Marie, whales give birth in the channel.
nature
Issyk-Kul summer season
This mountain lake has its beach season.
culture
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
Roman ruins are the setting for theatre and concerts.
religious
Kandy Esala Perahera
Processions featuring decorated elephants are held for ten nights.
nature
Khareef season (Salalah monsoon)
The mountains are green and misty while Arabia elsewhere is hot, and the hotels are full of Gulf families.
sport
Mostar bridge diving
Divers leap off the Old Bridge from a height of 24 m.
culture
Ohrid Summer Festival
Lake Ohrid is the setting for theatre and concerts.
festival
Santiago Carnival
No carnival in Cuba is better known.
sport
Shandur Polo Festival
Polo is played at 3,700 m, on the highest ground for the sport in the world.
nature
Turtle nesting season
Tortuguero's beaches are where green turtles nest.
culture
Vardavar water festival
Water is thrown by everyone at everyone else, so be ready to get wet.
culture
Independence Day (5 July)
Celebrations are held nationwide.
festival
San Fermin
A street party that never stops goes with the running of the bulls.
culture
Naadam Festival
This is Mongolia's biggest festival, with archery, horse racing and wrestling.
festival
Gion Matsuri
Each year this ranks among the biggest events in the country. Hotels fill up while prices go up, so plan early.
culture
Sultan's Birthday (15 July)
A royal procession and celebrations are held in the capital.
religious
Grand Magal of Touba
With millions of pilgrims present, roads to Touba get very crowded.
culture
Independence Day (26 July)
Male is the site of parades and celebrations.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (28-29 July)
Travel within Peru is busy during these national holidays.
festival
Boka Night
The Bay of Kotor is the scene of fireworks and decorated boats.
festival
Chale Wote street art festival
Music and street art fill Jamestown, Accra.
festival
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
As one of the largest annual happenings in the country, it leaves hotels full and prices higher, so plan early.
festival
Feria de las Flores
Medellin hosts a flower parade featuring silleteros.
religious
Ganesh Chaturthi
Mumbai's biggest festival lasts ten days and is filled with processions for Ganesh.
festival
Guca Trumpet Festival
A party in the village, with brass bands.
festival
Hibiscus Festival
Fiji's major carnival, a full week of festivities in Suva.
culture
Jember Fashion Carnaval
Jember, in East Java, stages a parade of giant costumes along its main street.
culture
Mount Hagen Cultural Show
Tribes from the highlands meet in traditional dress, in what is called sing-sing.
festival
Notting Hill Carnival
This street carnival, held on the August bank-holiday weekend, is the biggest in Europe.
culture
Onam and snake-boat races
This harvest festival of Kerala includes races of long snake boats.
culture
Sarajevo Film Festival
Among the Balkans' film festivals, this is the leading one.
culture
Tango BA Festival and World Cup
Free shows accompany the tango championship of the world.
sport
US Open tennis
Queens is where this Grand Slam tennis event takes place.
festival
Nebuta Matsuri
Aomori is the scene of a parade of huge illuminated paper floats.
culture
National Day Parade (9 August)
Marina Bay hosts a parade along with an air show, and fireworks light the sky above.
festival
Awa Odori dance festival
During the Obon holidays, this is the largest dance festival in Japan.
culture
Independence Day (14 August)
Celebrations take place all around, with flags and fireworks.
culture
Merdeka - National Day (31 August)
A parade and fireworks take place at Dataran Merdeka or Putrajaya.
culture
Busan International Film Festival
The largest film festival in Asia takes place in Haeundae.
religious
Dashain
During Nepal's biggest festival, buses fill up and offices stay shut for roughly a week.
religious
Durga Puja
Across the city, artistic pandals appear; these are temporary temples.
sport
Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku)
Baku's old town is the route of an F1 race run on the streets.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
The F1 race is held close to Milan.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
A well-known F1 night race circles Marina Bay. Hotels close to the track are sold out months in advance.
Official siteculture
Goroka Show
A large cultural show of the highlands is held near Independence Day on 16 September.
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
Ryogoku Kokugikan is the venue for a 15-day sumo tournament.
culture
Independence Day (1 September)
Fireworks and concerts take place.
culture
Indra Jatra
Kathmandu Durbar Square hosts masked dances and Kumari's chariot; Kumari is the living goddess.
culture
Kwita Izina (gorilla naming)
Newborn mountain gorillas receive their names at a national ceremony.
culture
Mid-Autumn lanterns
Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay both feature lanterns and mooncakes.
sport
MotoGP Indonesia (Mandalika)
World-level motorcycle racing takes place on Lombok's south coast. Hotels get full and prices rise, so plan early.
Official sitereligious
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
In Phuket Town, nine days bring Chinese-Thai processions along with vegetarian food.
culture
Rtveli (grape harvest)
Visitors in Kakheti can take part in the harvest of grapes and in making wine.
religious
Thimphu Tshechu
In the capital, this is the biggest festival of masked dance.
trade
Tokyo Game Show
Near Tokyo, a video-game trade show is also open to the public.
culture
Toronto International Film Festival
This film festival counts among the major ones worldwide.
nature
Whale season (Hermanus Whale Festival)
Near the shore are southern right whales.
culture
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
In Hoi An and Hanoi's Old Quarter, notably Hang Ma street, streets are lined with lanterns.
culture
Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving)
This three-day family holiday means free palaces, full trains and many closed shops.
culture
Independence Day (15 September)
Parades with lanterns take place, along with the freedom torch.
culture
Independence Day (15-16 September)
The night of 'El Grito' in the Zocalo, plus a parade.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (18-19 September)
National holidays in Chile include fondas, which are fair tents.
festival
La Merce festival
Higher prices and filled hotels come with this event, which is among the biggest the country holds each year; plan early.
religious
Meskel
Meskel Square is the site of a huge bonfire.
religious
Deepavali light-up in Little India
Lights decorate Serangoon Road for roughly a month leading up to the festival of lights.
religious
Pchum Ben (ancestors' festival)
As people head home, the city empties, and families visit pagodas.
culture
Areni wine festival
This wine festival takes place in a village, in the region of Vayots Dzor.
festival
Festival Kreol
Creole culture, music and food fill a week.
sport
Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is where the F1 race is held.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix (Austin)
Circuit of the Americas is the venue for the F1 race.
Official sitetrade
GITEX Global
Dubai World Trade Centre hosts a technology show that ranks among the largest in the world.
culture
Golden Eagle Festival
Western Mongolia is where Kazakh eagle hunters take part in a competition.
culture
Golden Week (National Day, 1-7 October)
Famous sights get very crowded in what is the busiest travel week in China.
trade
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (autumn)
A very large trade fair for electronics is held at Hong Kong's Convention and Exhibition Centre.
sport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa share the hosting.
Official sitesport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia host the tournament together.
Official sitesport
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
South Africa stages most of the matches in the Cricket World Cup.
Official sitefestival
MassKara Festival
Bacolod hosts a street party where people wear smiling masks.
sport
MotoGP Australia (Phillip Island)
A MotoGP race held on the coast close to Melbourne.
Official sitesport
MotoGP Malaysia (Sepang)
Sepang hosts the big motor race of Malaysia, whereas Formula 1 has not raced there since 2017. Hotels get full and prices go up, so plan ahead.
Official sitefestival
Riyadh Season
For months, Riyadh has theme zones, boxing, shows and concerts.
sport
Rugby World Cup 2027
Australia hosts the Rugby World Cup, with the final held in Sydney. Plan early, as hotels fill up and prices go up.
Official siteculture
Tbilisoba (city festival)
This festival celebrates the harvest and the city, with stalls selling wine and food.
trade
Trade Expo Indonesia
ICE BSD City hosts the country's largest export fair, aimed at international buyers.
culture
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
South-east Asia's most widely known literature festival is held in Ubud.
festival
Windhoek Oktoberfest
A festival of beer, German in style.
festival
Boun Ok Phansa boat races
As Buddhist Lent comes to an end, the Mekong sees long-boat races and boats carrying candles.
trade
Canton Fair (autumn session)
Three phases make up the largest trade fair in China. Pazhou hotels are fully booked, so planning should begin months ahead.
Official siteculture
Sun Festival at Abu Simbel (22 October)
Deep within the temple, the rising sun lights up the statues.
festival
Diwali (festival of lights)
One of the biggest events the country hosts each year; prices rise and hotels fill up, so plan early.
festival
Tihar (festival of lights)
Over five days, lights and flowers are used, and animals are honoured.
festival
Day of the Dead
Full hotels and higher prices come with this event, one of the country's biggest each year, so plan early.
culture
Cairo International Film Festival
No film festival in the Arab world is older.
festival
Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park holds a fair, while lights decorate Oxford and Regent Streets.
culture
Fiestas Patrias (November)
Parades accompany several national holidays that fall in November.
sport
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
Yas Island hosts the final race of the F1 season. With hotels filling up and prices rising, early planning is advisable.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
An F1 race is run on the Strip at night.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
Lusail is the venue for an F1 race run at night.
Official sitesport
Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Interlagos)
Interlagos is the venue of the F1 race.
Official sitetrade
Guadalajara International Book Fair
This book fair is larger than any other across the Spanish-speaking world.
sport
Istanbul Marathon (Europe to Asia)
This is the sole marathon covering two continents, with the Bosphorus bridge as the link.
culture
Marrakech International Film Festival
Marrakech welcomes film stars.
trade
World Travel Market (WTM)
ExCeL London is the venue of a large travel trade fair.
sport
Melbourne Cup (horse race)
Melbourne has a public holiday for this race, whose nickname says it brings a nation to a halt.
trade
China International Import Expo (CIIE)
A very large import fair is held at the National Exhibition & Convention Center.
culture
Pushkar Camel Fair
The holy lake draws camels, traders and pilgrims in their thousands.
nature
Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto
Kyoto's busiest season, second only to cherry blossoms, is when the maples reach peak colour.
religious
Boun That Luang
That Luang stupa, which is golden, hosts the biggest Buddhist festival in the country.
festival
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dragon-boat races run on the Tonle Sap river facing the Royal Palace.
festival
Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival
Hotels book out and prices climb for this event, one of the largest the country holds annually, so plan early.
festival
Thanksgiving & holiday season
Every year this is among the largest events in the country. Prices go higher and hotels fill up, so plan early.
festival
Christmas markets
One of the largest annual events in the country, it leads to full hotels and higher prices, so plan early.
festival
Fiestas de Quito
Music and parades feature in this festival of the city.
culture
AlUla winter season (Winter at Tantora)
Concerts and festivals take place, and the weather is at its best for visiting Hegra.
sport
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Participants run within the temple park of Angkor.
festival
December festive season
Accra's visitor numbers peak in this month, with concerts and parties.
nature
Galapagos warm season
Islands are green, the water is warm and the seas are calm.
culture
International Festival of the Sahara
Douz hosts desert music and races of camels.
nature
Punta del Este summer season
Prices reach their peak in January, during the high season for beaches.
nature
Ski season (Shymbulak)
You can ski 30 minutes away from Almaty.
culture
Seb-i Arus - Whirling Dervish festival
Whirling dervish ceremonies mark the commemoration of Rumi.
festival
Dubai Shopping Festival
Hotels become full and prices rise for this event, one of the country's largest in a year, so plan early.
culture
Victory Day (16 December)
A parade and celebrations at national level take place.
culture
Qatar National Day (18 December)
Fireworks and a parade take place on the Corniche.
festival
Feria de Cali
A fair at the year's end in the salsa capital.
festival
Victoria Falls Carnival (New Year)
Music festival lasting three days, held at the falls.
festival
New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa
These fireworks are famous worldwide, and hotels in the downtown area sell out.
festival
New Year's Eve at Copacabana
Dressed in white, millions fill the beach at one of the largest parties in the world.
festival
New Year's Eve at the Sky Tower
Among the first major new-year fireworks anywhere on the planet.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks
This is among the country's largest events in any year. Hotels get full and prices go up, so plan early.
festival
New Year's Eve fireworks (Valparaiso)
The fireworks above the bay are South America's biggest.
festival
New Year's Eve in Times Square
Hotels in Midtown sell out for the well-known ball drop.
festival
New Year's countdown
Fireworks light up the Chao Phraya river as well as large shopping malls.
festival
Taipei 101 New Year's Eve fireworks
The tower called Taipei 101 is the launch point of the fireworks.
trade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Las Vegas hotels cost a great deal that week; the tech show is the biggest in the world.
nature
Calving season (southern Serengeti)
Births of wildebeest calves run into the thousands, and many predators are about.
sport
Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)
Held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the tournament lasts 15 days and recurs in May and September.
trade
Gulfood
A very large trade fair covering food and drink.
festival
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Huge ice buildings glow with lights, and the weather is very cold (-20 C).
culture
Havana Jazz Festival
Havana hosts the Jazz Plaza festival.
nature
Humpback whale season (Samana Bay)
Samana Bay holds humpback whales in their thousands.
culture
Jaipur Literature Festival
Among free literature festivals, none anywhere is larger.
festival
Muscat Nights
In Muscat's parks, this winter festival offers lights, shows and food.
culture
New Year holidays (1-8 January)
In Russia, the new-year holiday is a long one, and it is both busy and festive.
festival
Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)
Candombe drum parades feature in what is the longest carnival in the world.
festival
Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Hotels get filled and prices go up for this event, one of the country's biggest each year, so plan early.
religious
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
Lalibela's rock churches are where pilgrims gather.
festival
Sinulog Festival
Expect higher prices and hotels filling up at one of the country's biggest annual events; plan early.
festival
Australian Open tennis
Plan early, since prices rise and hotels fill up for this event, one of the biggest in the country every year.
festival
Ati-Atihan Festival
Near Boracay, dancers with painted faces fill the streets at a festival nicknamed 'mother of all Philippine festivals'.
religious
Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany)
The highlight is Gondar's bath of Fasilides, and the processions are colourful.
festival
Dinagyang Festival
Iloilo City hosts a large competition of tribal dancing.
festival
Tet (Lunar New Year)
Anyone attending should plan early, as this is among the country's biggest events each year, with hotels filling and prices rising.
culture
Seollal (Korean New Year)
Falling on the Lunar New Year, this family holiday sees numerous shops and restaurants shut.
festival
Chinese New Year
With rising prices and filling hotels, early planning is wise for this event, one of the biggest the country holds yearly.
festival
Chinese New Year parade & fireworks
This event is among the country's biggest each year. Hotels fill up, and prices go higher, which makes early planning worthwhile.
culture
Republic Day parade (26 January)
A parade with both military and cultural elements is held on Kartavya Path.
culture
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Many places stay shut for several days during this family holiday for the new year.
festival
Ramadan Umrah season
Planning early is advisable for this event, which ranks among the country's biggest each year; hotels fill and prices rise.
religious
Hari Raya bazaar and light-up
Street lights and a Ramadan bazaar are found in Geylang Serai.
festival
Dominican Carnival
In February, parades take place each Sunday.
festival
Hala February festival
Alongside shopping and concerts, the festival includes National and Liberation Days on 25-26 February.
culture
Lahore Literary Festival
The Alhamra arts centre is the setting for music and talks.
religious
Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage
On foot, hundreds of thousands head for the sacred lake.
sport
MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)
Chang International Circuit stages world motorcycle racing. Prices climb and hotels fill up, so plan ahead.
Official sitefestival
Panagbenga Flower Festival
Baguio, a city in the mountains, stages street dancing and floats made of flowers.
festival
Quebec Winter Carnival
This is one of the country's largest events each year. Higher prices and fuller hotels come with it, so plan early.
culture
Sauti za Busara music festival
Stone Town hosts a festival of African music.
trade
Singapore Airshow
This aerospace show, held every two years, is the largest in Asia.
culture
Tapati Rapa Nui
Competitions and the culture of the island take up two weeks.
religious
Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno)
Masked dancers in their thousands gather beside Lake Titicaca.
festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
Prices go up and hotels fill up around one of the biggest events the country sees every year, so planning ahead matters.