Why you should visit Asia in the Green Season

Yes, this time is also called the monsoon season, but this can sound worse than it actually is, depending on where you go and when. We can't deny you're very likely to get rained on, but often this rain is only a short, heavy downpour that doesn't last long, maybe an hour or so, and usually it's clear for the rest of the day.

Often the rain comes in the late afternoon, with clear mornings and early afternoons. So unlike places like Europe where the rain can disrupt your whole day, you'll still have plenty of time for exploring.

Our Green Season itineraries are planned around the higher chance of rain and so your tour leader will always have a Plan B for when the rain comes.

Visit Asia outside of the peak season and you can get lucky with quieter cultural sites and tourist hotspots, making exploring even more enjoyable. You'll benefit from sites like Cambodia's Angkor Wat being less crowded, giving you much more space to take in the vast temple complex.

In Japan, visitor numbers are lower in February or late November, which makes a big difference to the very tourist-heavy peak season.

In India, the popular Golden Triangle is unsurprisingly bustling during the peak season, so visit in July to see more of the sites without the crowds.

With fewer tourists around, this means there are even more opportunities to mingle with the locals! Going at a quieter time can mean that locals are more relaxed and open to engaging with you. You may be more likely to stumble across a local festival or event or get the chance to taste some tasty local food, with quieter markets and eateries. You could even get hands-on with a traditional craft or cookery lesson, too. All in all, this makes for a more authentic experience.

Bonus tip: Check out our registered charity, the Explore Foundation, where your donations support projects in the countries we visit.

If you're into photography, imagine the landscapes you'll capture. Dramatic clouds and misty mountains in contrast to the blue skies and vibrant colours at other times of the day, giving you variety and interest. The midday sun is less harsh at this times of year making capturing photos easier. And with all the green landscapes, the saturation will be off the charts.