Ah, the shoulder season. That magical time of year that falls right between the peak and off-peak travel times. I’m sure you’ve heard the term tossed around, but what does it really mean? The shoulder season refers to the the period between the ‘head’ or the peak season, and the ‘feet’ or the off-peak season.
Well, for starters, it’s a seasoned traveler’s best-kept secret. Imagine fewer crowds, lower prices, and more authentic experiences. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?
Why Is It Called Shoulder Season?
In terms of travel terminology, ‘Shoulder Season’ piques the interest of many. Dating back to its origin, the term mirrors the attribute of a human shoulder, which again represents the time between the head period, being the peak season, and the feet, being the off season for travelers. It’s the absolute best time to travel. Just as a shoulder connects the head and the arms of the human body, the shoulder season links the high and low travel periods. This time typically features undulating travel demands, much like the sloping shape of a human shoulder.
Seasoned travelers may already notice this pattern. When the peak season ends, there isn’t an immediate drop to off-peak numbers. Instead, there’s a transitional phase – the shoulder season – where tourism gradually decreases. For example, after the summer tourism boom, many popular tropical destinations experience a shoulder season in the early autumn months. During this period, the weather remains relatively warm, but tourism slowly tapers off as children return to school.
However, it’s crucial to note that shoulder seasons vary across different regions, largely dependent upon weather conditions, local events, and school schedules. For instance, a ski resort may see its shoulder season in late spring, while a beach resort’s could be in early fall.
In essence, ‘shoulder season,’ a term anatomically inspired, and metaphorically applied, signifies the transitional period in the travel industry bridging the peak and off-peak seasons. It’s consistently favored by savvy travelers looking for less hustle and more value.
When Is Shoulder Season in the United States?
Continuing from the previous information, let’s now discuss the shoulder season in the United States specifically.
Shoulder Season in the North East Region
In the North East region of the United States, known for colorful fall foliage and warm summers, the shoulder seasons typically fall in late spring, specifically May, and late fall, spanning from late October to November.
Shoulder Season in the Southern Region
Moving southward, the shoulder season is markedly different. The southern region of the United States tends to experience shoulder seasons in the early spring from February to April and then again in the fall from September to November.
The Shoulder Season in the Western Region
Out west, the shoulder season stretches from April to June in the spring and from September to November in the fall, due to the region’s diverse climate and topography.
Shoulder Season in the Midwestern Region
Finally, the Midwestern United States sees its shoulder season in late spring from April to June and early fall from September to October.
By understanding the variations of shoulder seasons across different regions within the United States, travelers can plan their trips accordingly for less crowded, more value-driven, and authentic travel experiences.
What Are Shoulder Months?
So, we’ve taken a good look at shoulder seasons and how they can transform our travel experiences. It’s clear that these in-between times, not too hot nor too cold, not too crowded nor too deserted, offer a unique opportunity to explore the United States in a whole new light. With the right planning, you and I can take advantage of these shoulder months to enjoy the best of both peak and off-peak seasons. We’ll have the chance to experience the authentic culture of different regions, all while saving some cash. And who doesn’t love that? So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to consider the shoulder season. It just might be the best time you’ve never traveled.
What is the shoulder season in travel?
The shoulder season in travel signifies the transitional phase between peak and off-peak travel times. It offers benefits like fewer crowds, lower prices, and more authentic experiences.
When is the shoulder season in the North East region of the United States?
The North East region of the United States experiences the shoulder season in late spring and late fall.
When does the shoulder season happen in the Southern region?
The Southern region experiences the shoulder season in travel in early spring and fall.
What are the shoulder season months for the Western region?
For the Western region, the shoulder season occurs from April to June and again from September to November.
When can I experience the shoulder season in the Midwestern region?
In the Midwestern region, the shoulder season is in late spring and early fall.
Why should I consider traveling during the shoulder season?
Traveling during the shoulder season allows for less crowded, more value-driven, and authentic travel experiences. Plus, there are often lower prices for accommodation and activities.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
