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Career projects abroad

Winter or summer exchange: when to depart for each destination

written by
Natasha Machado
10/7/2025
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5 min
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The right timing affects everything from travel costs to job opportunities, climate, and available cultural events. Understanding the seasons at each destination is critical to making the most of your international journey and ensuring that it is exactly as you've always dreamed.

Northern Hemisphere: best seasons for each country

Canada: strategic planning by season

Canada offers completely different experiences depending on the season chosen. For those seeking Public College in Canada, it is essential to consider both the academic calendar and the weather conditions.

Winter (December to March):

  • Temperatures between -10°C and -30°C in the main cities
  • Ideal period for winter sports and unique festivals
  • Lower competition for part-time jobs
  • Lower accommodation costs

Summer (June to September):

  • Pleasant climate between 15°C and 25°C
  • More job opportunities in the tourism area
  • Period of festivals and cultural events
  • Higher demand for student accommodation

Be Easy tip: For programs such as Private College in Canada - Co-op, the beginning in September allows for gradual adaptation to the climate before the harsh winter.

United States: climate diversity by region

The United States has extreme climatic variations depending on the region chosen. For University abroad, consider these differences:

East Coast (New York, Boston):

  • Winter: -5°C to 5°C, ideal for urban cultural experience
  • Summer: 20°C to 30°C, perfect for outdoor activities

West Coast (California):

  • Mild climate all year round (15°C to 25°C)
  • Any season is favorable for exchange

Southern Region (Florida, Texas):

  • Mild winter (10°C to 20°C), excellent for escaping the cold
  • Hot and humid summer (25°C to 35°C)

Europe: strategies by destination

For Study and Work in Germany, the choice of season directly influences your experience:

Germany:

  • Winter: Unique Christmas markets, but short and cold days
  • Summer: Ideal weather, summer festivals and more hours of sunlight
  • Spring/Fall: Mild temperatures and lower tourist flow

Ireland: For Study and Work in Ireland:

  • Winter: Milder humid climate (5°C to 10°C)
  • Summer: Pleasant temperature (15°C to 20°C) and long days

Spain: For Study and Work in Spain:

  • Winter: Mild climate in the south, cooler in the north
  • Summer: Intense heat but vibrant nightlife

Southern Hemisphere: perfect timing for every experience

Australia: inverted seasons, multiplied opportunities

For Study and Work in Australia, inverted stations offer unique advantages:

Australian summer (December to March):

  • Temperatures between 20°C and 30°C
  • Local school vacation period
  • More opportunities in tourism and hospitality
  • Beaches and water activities in Alta

Australian winter (June to September):

  • Mild climate between 10°C and 20°C
  • Lower competition for jobs
  • Lower living costs
  • Ideal for focusing on studies

New Zealand: quality of life in any season

For Study and Work in New Zealand:

New Zealand summer (December to March):

  • Perfect weather for outdoor activities
  • High tourist season
  • More seasonal work opportunities

New Zealand winter (June to September):

  • Mild temperatures (5°C to 15°C)
  • Snowy landscapes in the mountains
  • Ideal period for intensive studies

Tropical countries: climate consistency with seasonal variations

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates: year-round destinations

For Study and Work in the United Arab Emirates:

Ideal period (October to April):

  • Temperatures between 20°C and 30°C
  • Lower humidity
  • Ideal for outdoor activities

Least favorable period (May to September):

  • Extreme heat (35°C to 45°C)
  • High humidity
  • Greater dependence on air conditioning

Malta: Mediterranean with its own personality

For Study and Work in Malta:

Summer (June to September):

  • Ideal temperatures (25°C to 30°C)
  • Intense nightlife
  • More opportunities in tourism

Winter (December to March):

  • Mild climate (10°C to 18°C)
  • Fewer tourists, more focus on studies
  • Reduced costs

Comparison table: best season by destination

Destino
Melhor época geral
Vantagens do inverno
Vantagens do verão
Canadá
Setembro-novembro
Menor competição por trabalho
Clima agradável, mais eventos
EUA
Março-maio
Custos menores
Oportunidades de trabalho
Alemanha
Maio-setembro
Mercados natalinos
Festivais e vida ao ar livre
Irlanda
Maio-setembro
Menos turistas
Dias longos, clima ameno
Espanha
Março-junho
Menos calor
Vida noturna vibrante
Austrália
Março-novembro
Foco nos estudos
Praias e atividades outdoor
Nova Zelândia
Fevereiro-abril
Paisagens nevadas
Turismo e trabalho sazonal
Malta
Setembro-novembro
Menos turistas
Vida mediterrânea plena

Decisive factors other than climate

Academic calendar and costs

Start of classes:

  • Northern Hemisphere: September (main) and January
  • Southern Hemisphere: February/March (main) and July

Cost variation:

  • High season: 20-40% more expensive in accommodation
  • Low season: Significant discounts and more options

Seasonal job opportunities

Summer (each hemisphere):

  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Outdoor work
  • Festivals and events

Winter (each hemisphere):

  • Retail (Christmas season in the Northern Hemisphere)
  • Indoor work
  • Less competition

Special programs and ideal timing

High School: Essential Advance Planning

For High School, timing is crucial:

Northern Hemisphere:

  • Start in August/September
  • Application by March of the previous year

Southern Hemisphere:

  • Start in January/February
  • Application by September of the previous year

Language programs: total flexibility

For Learning a language abroad:

  • Start almost any season
  • Minimum duration of 2 weeks
  • Adaptation according to personal objectives

Practical tips for choosing your ideal season

Consider your priority objectives

Academic focus:

  • Choose times with less tourist traffic
  • Avoid high season if possible

Full cultural experience:

  • Prefer festival season and local events
  • Consider regional holidays and traditions

Job opportunities:

  • High season = more places, more competition
  • Low season = fewer places, lower competition

Strategic financial planning

Maximum savings:

  • Traveling in the local low season
  • Avoid long holidays
  • Consider the exchange rate favorable

Justified investment:

  • High season may count for the full experience
  • One-time events can offset higher costs

Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that choosing the ideal time for your exchange is as important as choosing the destination. Our expert team reviews your objectives, budget, and preferences to recommend the perfect timing for your international experience. We offer full planning support, from choosing the season to all necessary preparations. Contact us and transform your exchange dream into the perfect experience, at the ideal time for you!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy