The big season planner 2026: When and where motorcycle trips are the most beautiful

When in Germany the frost still lies on the helmets, the motorcycle season south of the Mediterranean is already running at full speed. Spring is the time of departure and nowhere is it felt more clearly than in the regions where dust, sun, and fresh colors meet at the same time.

Here are the best destinations from March to May. Where the asphalt is warm, the air clear and the roads empty.

Morocco - Atlas, Sahara, and Atlantic in perfection

Between the last snowfields of the High Atlas and the first warm winds from the Sahara lies now the most beautiful season of Morocco.
During the day, temperatures rise to 23 - 30 °C, at night it cools pleasantly. With 8 - 10 hours of sunshine daily and hardly more than 10 mm of rain, the climate is ideal for long stages over passes, desert tracks, and coastal roads.

The valleys around Kalaat M’Gouna bloom, in the Sahara the sand is firm and visibility crystal clear. Here, spring means: less heat, more colors, best light.

Tip: May brings the Rose Festival in the Dades Valley. One of the most atmospheric stops of the year.

Namibia - clear air and wide horizons

While in Europe spring is just beginning, in Namibia the dry season starts. From April the rain drops to almost zero, and the country shows itself from its most beautiful side:
25 - 30 °C during the day, cool nights, and endless visibility.

Inland, the air is dry and clear, at the Atlantic coast the Benguela Current ensures fresh breezes and morning fog. Ideal for switching from the cool coastal light to the warm savanna.

Driving tip: In May all tracks are well navigable. Hard surface, little dust, hardly any wind.

Thailand (North) - curves, culture, and tropical sun

Northern Thailand, around Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, is one of the most exciting routes in Asia in spring.
During the day 28 - 34 °C, mild at night, with 9 - 10 hours of sunshine. Until mid-May, dry season conditions still prevail before the monsoon sets in.

However, it is important to note: In March the so-called “Burning Season” reaches its peak. Those who avoid this time, for example by traveling from the end of April, will experience perfect air, empty streets, and tropical green.

Riding feel: Endless curves, jungle scent, temples between the mountains, and a climate that works almost all year round.

Tunisia - oases, salt lakes, and mild Sahara

In Douz, Tozeur or around the Chott el Jerid, perfect conditions prevail in spring: 20 - 26 °C, dry air, around 9 hours of sunshine daily.
The desert is cool enough to enjoy, and the wind carries hardly any dust.

Those who travel north experience blooming olive groves and coastal roads without traffic. In the south, the gate to the Sahara awaits.

In short: North Africa feeling without heat and stress.

Spain (Andalusia) - Europe’s early season start

For all who do not want to travel so far, Southern Spain offers real motorcycle route feeling from March: 20 - 28 °C, dry and sunny.
The Sierra Nevada often still has snow, while at the coast summer mood prevails.

Winding country roads, olive groves, and Moorish architecture accompany every stage. Between Granada, Ronda, and Almería, Andalusia shows itself in spring from its most beautiful side: green, clear, and deserted.

Peru (Andes) - beginning of the dry season and clear peaks

From May, the highlands around Cusco and Arequipa transforms into a paradise for long-distance travelers: 18 - 23 °C during the day, cold, dry nights, and hardly any rain.
The passes of the Andes are open again, the air is crystal clear, perfect for adventures along the Pan-American Highway or through the Sacred Valley.

Note: It can be frosty in the morning, but the sun dries quickly. The best time for long stages at high altitude.

Conclusion Spring

Spring stands for departure, sun, and dust - and for countries where riding a motorcycle is not just transportation, but a feeling of life.
From Morocco’s desert valleys to Namibia’s horizons to the mountains of Northern Thailand - now begins the time when the world picks up speed again.

The summer is the season of long days, clear views, and pure riding sensation.
Now the world opens up in all directions - from the passes of the Alps over the fjords of Norway to the steppes of Central Asia.
Here are the best destinations for the warm season, where the air remains cool, the light does not end, and the horizon becomes infinite.

The Alps - the heart of the European summer

Whether Switzerland, Italy, or France: The Alps are the epicenter of the motorcycle summer from June to August.
Between valleys with 30 °C and passes with 15 °C, every curve is waiting for you. High mountain roads like the Stelvio, the Col de l'Iseran, or the Timmelsjoch are now free of snow and breathtakingly beautiful.

With 8-10 hours of sunshine per day and only isolated afternoon thunderstorms, the climate is nearly perfect.
The light is clear, the asphalt grippy, the air clean.

Tip: An early start is worth it: Clouds often pile up over the passes around noon, in the evening the roads empty out again.

Norway & Sweden - Riding under the Midnight Sun

When the sun no longer hides behind the horizon, the great wonder begins in Scandinavia.
From June to August, it is 18-22 °C here, the air is fresh, the light endless.
The fjords reflect the evening glow until midnight, the roads are dry and empty.

With up to 20 hours of daylight, there is time for everything - curves, breaks, and photos, without looking at the clock.
Although it may rain briefly, the changes between sun, fog, and clouds make every ride unique.

Riding sensation: Vast, quiet, almost meditative, like riding a motorcycle in the time lapse of nature.

Kyrgyzstan - Summer at 3,000 meters

In Central Asia, summer is not a reason to hide - here it is perfect.
Between 22 and 30 °C during the day, cool nights, and dry climate lies the ideal conditions for adventure on two wheels.

The passes of the Tien Shan and the plains around the Song-Kul Lake are now snow-free. Rivers carry little water, the ground is firm, visibility limitless.
No tourists, no prohibitions. Just you, your bike, and a country that feels as if it was made only for motorcyclists.

Note: In the evenings, it can cool down significantly at higher altitudes: Sleeping bag & layering clothing are mandatory.

Iceland - Light, Lava, and Endless Freedom

Between geysers, waterfalls, and gravel roads, Iceland is in its full magic in summer.
With 12-18 °C and up to 21 hours of daylight, June to August is the only time when the highlands are accessible.

The so-called F-Roads are now passable, rivers are shallow, and the sky is clear.
Wind and weather change quickly, but exactly that is what makes it appealing: sun, fog, storm, sun again, sometimes all in one hour.

Tip: Carefully plan your choice of tires. The terrain ranges from volcanic ash to gravel.

Balkans - Warm, Wild, and Largely Undiscovered

Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania offer in summer what many seek in Southern Europe - just without the crowds.
22-32 °C, little rain, 9-11 hours of sunshine, and roads that hardly anyone knows.

In the mountains, it remains pleasantly cool, and a mild breeze blows at the coast.
A day can start with gravel passes in the Durmitor National Park and end at the sea.

In short: The Balkans are the Southern Europe of the 90s - authentic, warm, free.

Mongolia - the Land Without Borders

In the steppe of Mongolia, there is a clarity in summer that you won't find anywhere else.
25-35 °C, dry air, little rain, few people.

The ground is firm, the horizons endless.
Here, there are no roads in the classical sense, only directions.

Riding sensation: Absolute freedom. No fences, no signs, just you and your way.

Conclusion Summer

The summer belongs to the riders who want to go high. Into the mountains, to the sea, or right into the steppe.
While Europe heats up, it remains pleasantly rideable in the heights and in the north.
From the passes of the Alps over the fjords of Norway to the steppes of Kyrgyzstan:
Now is the time when the days do not end, and every curve smells of adventure.

Summer is retreating, but for motorcyclists, one of the most beautiful times of the year begins now.
Autumn brings clear air, warm light, and countries that are currently in their peak season, from the golden Atlas over the jungle of Northern Thailand to the passes of the Andes.
Those who love dust but avoid heat are now just right on the road.

Morocco - The golden season between Atlas and Sahara

When Europe cools down, Morocco is at its best. Between September and November, 25 to 30 °C during the day, 10 to 16 °C at night, and almost 9 hours of sunshine daily.
The air is dry, the sky is deep blue, the wind is calm. Perfect conditions for long stages through Atlas, oases, and desert.

In the valleys, the palm groves turn autumnal, the sand dunes glow in the evening light, and there is still no snow on the passes.

Riding sensation: Warm during the day, cool in the evening, clear visibility to the horizon. Morocco in autumn is pure balance.

Thailand & Vietnam - Asia's dry season starts now

As the monsoon in Southeast Asia subsides, the best season begins for motorcycle travelers.
From end of September to November, the climate is stable, warm, and dry:
In Northern Thailand around 28-30 °C, in Northern Vietnam 25-29 °C. With significantly lower humidity and around 8 hours of sunshine daily.

The mountains around Chiang Mai, Ha Giang, or Sapa are now green, visibility is clear, and the roads are clean.
Winding routes, waterfalls, and cultural highlights make every stage an experience.

Tip: Particularly beautiful: The “Mae Hong Son Loop” in Thailand and the “Ha Giang Pass” in Vietnam. Spectacular, quiet, and photogenic.

Andes region South America - The end of the dry season

In the highlands of Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Chile, the clear season begins now.
The dry period is ending, but rain is still rare:
20-25 °C during the day, 5-10 °C at night, with 8-10 hours of sunshine. Perfect conditions for wide trails.

The view over the Andes is phenomenal, the passes are clear, the sky of intense clarity.
Dust settles, colors deepen, the air is thin and clean.

Riding sensation: These weeks offer perhaps the most impressive expanse of the South American season, from the Altiplano to the Atacama.

Turkey & Georgia - mild transition between summer and winter

Cappadocia, the Caucasus, or the Black Sea coast now show their calmest side.
At 20-26 °C and 8-9 hours of sunshine per day, the roads are clear, the light is soft, the landscape colorful.

Less traffic, golden fields, open mountain passes, and in Georgia a mix of grape harvest, culture, and curves.

Tip: The connection between Eastern Turkey and Georgia is particularly rewarding in autumn. Clear visibility, little rain, almost no tourism.

Tunisia & Libya - mild deserts, clear horizons

In October and November, tranquility returns to North Africa.
25-30 °C, dry air, and 8-9 hours of sun per day - desert conditions without heat.
No wind, little dust, no tourist influx.

Whether around Douz, in the Chott el Jerid, or in the Libyan Sahara: Autumn brings perfect lighting conditions and compacted ground - ideal conditions for desert rides.

In short: Autumn in the Sahara is quiet, vast, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Balkans – The last chapter of the European summer

Southeast Europe is slowly bidding farewell to summer, but not yet to riding.
In Montenegro, Albania, or North Macedonia, it remains warm until the end of October: 20-28 °C during the day, little rain, and little traffic.

The landscape turns golden, the sea is still warm, the roads are empty.

Riding sensation: Autumn colors in the mountains, Mediterranean light at the coast - an underrated but unforgettable season.

Conclusion Autumn

Autumn is the season of clarity: less heat, fewer people, more expansiveness.
While Europe settles into calm, new horizons open - from Morocco's golden Sahara to Asia's fresh mountain curves and the Andes under a blue sky.

For motorcycle travelers, autumn is not a low season.
It is the time when the world slows down - and riding becomes more conscious again.

When Europe is in hibernation, the great driving begins south of the equator.
Winter is the time for sun, dust, and limitless horizons - whether on the Garden Route, along the Pan-American Highway, or through the red plains of Namibia.
Now is the season of warm days, clear nights, and long stages.

South Africa - Summer, light, and perfect roads

While ice lies on the roads in Germany, it is midsummer at the Western Cape.
25 - 32 °C during the day, 15 - 20 °C at night, plus up to 11 hours of sunshine - it hardly gets any better.
The air is dry and clear, the roads are grippy, the landscape shines in lush green after the winter rains.

Whether along the Garden Route, over the passes of the Karoo, or through the wine regions near Stellenbosch - South Africa is now pure riding pleasure.

Tip: Start in the morning - in the afternoon the “Cape Doctor” picks up - perfect for arriving at the sea in golden evening light.

Vietnam (South) - Dry season with tropical feeling

From December to April, the best travel weather prevails in southern Vietnam: 26 - 31 °C, pure sun, and hardly any rain.
The Mekong Delta sparkles, the coastal roads are dry, the visibility is clear.
The humidity drops - ideal for long daytime stages in light clothing.

Between Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the islands of Phu Quoc, it is now high season for motorcycle travel.

Riding feeling: Tropical heat, palm trees, salt in the air - and endless little roads through the flat land.

Chile & Argentina - Patagonian high summer

In South America, it is now summer.
Patagonia presents itself at its best: 20 - 25 °C, long days, and clear visibility up to the snow-covered peaks of the Andes.

The legendary Carretera Austral and the Ruta 40 are open, rivers are low, the sky is deep blue.
Only the wind is a constant companion - strong but part of the experience.

Note: Windproof clothing = mandatory. For that, there’s the most spectacular light of the year.

Namibia - Hot, vast, and still perfectly drivable

In December, summer begins in Namibia.
Inland it can get hot (30 - 35 °C), along the coast it remains pleasantly mild.
The west remains dry, in the center there are occasional thunderstorms that bind the dust and improve visibility.

The combination of warm days, clear air, and empty roads makes these months ideal for long distances through deserts, savannas, and coastlines.

Tip: Start early, avoid midday heat - and use the evening hours for the most beautiful light in Africa.

Thailand (South) - Sun, sea, and smooth asphalt

While the north rests, the south of Thailand is in top form.
28 - 32 °C, dry air, and hardly any clouds: ideal conditions for coastal routes along the Andaman Sea.
The roads are empty, the bays calm, the sea turquoise blue.

Anyone riding between Krabi, Trang, and Koh Lanta experiences Southeast Asia in postcard mode - with perfect asphalt and tropical breeze.

Riding feeling: Saltwater in the air, sun on the skin, and curves that lead directly to the sea.

East Africa - Savanna instead of snow

From December to February, it is great dry season in Kenya and Uganda - the country appears in warm gold.
22 - 28 °C, clear air, dry tracks.

From Nairobi through the Rift Valley or around Lake Victoria: The light is soft, the air dust-free, the wildlife is active.

Tip: Those who love off-road find stable paths and endless horizons here.

Conclusion Winter

Winter is not a break - it is the second summer for motorcycle travelers.
While Europe stands still, endless routes open up south of the equator under a blue sky.
From the Garden Route over the Mekong Delta to Patagonia:
Here, they ride when others wait.

Warm, dry, limitless - winter is the best excuse not to stay at home.

• In short: First the time window, then the climate, then the terrain – and only afterwards come route, bike setup, paperwork. This is how to plan safely and stress-free.

  1) Fix the time window (±2 weeks)

  • Decide first when you can realistically ride (vacation, family, budget).

  • Set a flexible span (e.g., week of May 2–3). This increases the chance of good weather & cheap flights.

  2) Climate hits with the matrix

  • Use the annual matrix: Choose 2–3 target regions that are optimal or good in your window.

  • Check daylight (hours), temperature day/night, precipitation/wind and humidity.

  • Rule of thumb: For long daily stages, dry conditions, <30 °C and low wind are ideal.

  3) Match terrain & riding style

  • Asphalt & curves: Alps, Balkans, Turkey (summer/autumn).

  • Gravel & passes: Kyrgyzstan/Mongolia (summer), Andes (dry season).

  • Sand & desert: Morocco/Tunisia (spring/autumn), Namibia (dry season).

  • Ask yourself: Do you want flow (asphalt), exploration (mixed), or expedition (off-road/desert)?

  4) Realistic stages & buffers

  • Daily distances:

    • Asphalt good: 250–400 km

    • Mixed (gravel/pass): 150–250 km

    • Off-road/sand: 80–180 km

  • Time buffer: Plan +20 % extra (weather, photo stops, tires/fuel).

  • Rest days: every 4–6 riding days 1 easy day or break (altitude/heat!).

  5) Bike setup & tire choice (according to climate & terrain)

  • Cool, dry climate: Allroad tires, medium studs, layering for clothing.

  • Hot & dusty: Off-road or 50/50 tires, check dust filter, ventilation in clothing important.

  • Sand/desert: pronounced studs, low tire pressure (situational), large air filter stock.

  • Wet/soft ground: coarse studs, rain setting, glove spare pair.

  • Pack light: total weight down, low center of gravity.

  6) Range, navigation & fuel

  • Calculate range: longest section × 1.3 safety factor.

  • Reserve canister for desert/Andes; water: at least 4 L per person/day (heat).

  • Navigation: main track + two alternatives (closures/bridges/flooding). Save GPX offline.

  7) Paperwork & rules (start early)

  • Passport, visa, vaccination & health certificates, if necessary, international driver's license.

  • Vehicle documents (registration, green insurance card), insurances (travel, foreign health, luggage).

  • Border formalities (temporary import), off-road legality (e.g., EU countries with off-road restrictions).

  • Holidays/Ramadan times & monsoon/hurricane windows check (opening hours, availability).

  8) Safety & health

  • Altitude: from 2,500 m increase slowly, sleeping altitude moderate; headache = go down.

  • Heat: start early, siesta at noon, electrolytes; protect skin/neck from sun.

  • Wildlife/dusk: in the morning/evening slow down (animals, poor visibility).

  • First aid: compact kit + basics (bandage, disinfection, pain/electrolytes).

  9) Budget & booking order

  1. Fix flights/time window.

  2. Secure bike/transport or rental (on site).

  3. Key accommodations (bottlenecks: passes, desert, hotspots) book.

  4. Finalize insurances & visas.

  5. Rest spontaneous – especially in regions with many options.

  10) Plan B & live adjustment

  • Alternative route per bad weather risk (e.g. "too much wind in Patagonia → shift inland").

  • Define stop-loss rules (e.g., "no long stages at >60 km/h gusts").

  • Daily briefing: weather, fuel, route status, check-in time.

No matter if sand, snow or serpentines – for motorcycle travelers there is no break, only the wrong moment.
Whoever plans their season thoughtfully can ride all year round:
Spring in Morocco, summer in the Alps, autumn in the Andes, winter at the Cape of Good Hope.

With the Overcross climate matrix you now have a tool that shows you month by month, where is currently the best time to ride – and why.
Combined with the seasonal tips you will not only find the right destination, but also the perfect rhythm between climate, route and adventure.

In short: Those who plan their season experience it twice – first in the head, then on the road.