When to Go

During July, August, and the first part of September, temperatures are hot, beach towns are crowded, and hotels are typically more packed and expensive. April through June and October, the weather is delightful—easily warm enough to enjoy the beaches (although, depending on your tolerence level, it may be too cold to swim)—and most coastal resorts are pleasantly empty. If you don't want to swim or sunbathe, you can sightsee from November to March (and even then the weather can be quite warm). The relatively cool period lasts from around early December through the end of February, when temperatures on the coast can drop to 4°C–6°C (39°F–43°F).