DaddySkins conducted a study on 30 cities to develop a ranking of top off-season travel destinations. The methodology included:

1. Identifying Peak Seasons: Each city’s peak tourist season was analyzed to ensure that the recommendations are for the off-season.
2. Evaluating Key Factors: Data on average temperatures during peak and off-peak seasons, differences in hotel prices from Booking.com, and visitor density per square kilometer were collected.
3. Scoring and Ranking: Each city was scored based on the evaluated factors and then ranked to determine the best off-season travel destinations.

Findings summed up

Cities	Visitors per year	Area, km²	Visitors per km2	Peak Season	Average summer temperature	Average autumn temperature	Hotel prices in Autumn booking.com	Hotel prices in Summer booking.com	Score
Chicago	48,900,000.00	600	81,500	Summer	26.5°	17°	198.9	280.9	2.24
Los Angeles	50,300,000.00	1,210	41,570	Summer	28°	26°	147.3	216.8	2.19
Riga	200,000.00	307	651	Summer	22°	11°	78.6	90.9	2.13
Warsaw	426,840.00	517	825	Summer	23°	13°	86.3	86.5	2.04
Amsterdam	15,700,000.00	219	71,558	Summer	21°	15°	190	250.5	1.96
Lisbon	1,900,000.00	100	19,000	Summer	27°	24°	150.7	168.0	1.84
Bern	4,390,000.00	51	85,044	Summer	24°	14°	149.8	192.1	1.75
Zagreb	1,100,000.00	641	1,716	Summer	27°	16°	111.5	125.9	1.65
London	30,000,000.00	1,570	19,108	Summer	22.5°	16°	179.1	185.3	1.56
Athens	6,400,000.00	2,928	2,185	Summer	31°	24°	115.4	115.5	1.5

Chicago takes the top spot of the off-season travel destinations with a comprehensive score of 2.24. This assessment is based on several factors: as the city transitions into cooler weather with an average temperature of 17°C, hotel rates notably decrease, dropping from a peak season high of $280.85 to a more affordable $198.85. This significant reduction in price, coupled with fewer tourists, enhances the city’s appeal and accessibility during the off-peak period, making it an ideal time for visitors to enjoy Chicago.

Los Angeles ranks second with a score of 2.19. In autumn, the temperature is a comfortable 26°C, cooler than summer. Hotel prices also drop from $216.75 to $147.25, offering savings for a quieter, sunny vacation. 

Riga is ranked third with a score of 2.13. In autumn, temperatures cool to about 11°C, a significant drop from summer. Hotel rates decrease from $90.90 to $78.60, making it more affordable. With the lowest visitor density and hotel prices during the off-peak season, Riga is an excellent, budget-friendly choice for travelers.

Warsaw is in fourth place with a score of 2.04. The city’s hotel prices stay nearly the same throughout the year, with only a $0.25 difference between peak and off-peak seasons.

Amsterdam ranks fifth with a score of 1.96. In autumn, the temperature is a comfortable 15°C. Hotel rates decrease from $250.45 to $190.00, making visits to the city more enjoyable and affordable.

Lisbon comes in 6th with a score of 1.84. The temperature in autumn stays warm at 24°C, just slightly cooler than summer. Hotel rates decrease from $168.00 in summer to $150.65, making the city more accessible in the less crowded season.

Scoring 1.75, Bern is 7th on the list of destinations to visit during the off-peak season. During autumn, temperatures cool to 14°C and hotel rates drop from $192.05 to $149.80. This allows travelers to enjoy the Swiss atmosphere without the peak season prices as Bern is the most visited city per km2 on the list.

Zagreb is ranked 8th with a score of 1.65. With the reduced hotel prices from $125.90 in summer to $111.50, Zagreb offers a calm and cost-effective alternative for exploring its cultural and historical sites.

9th on the list of destinations to visit during the off-peak season, London scores 1.56. Autumn temperatures average a mild 16°C, with hotel rates slightly reducing from $185.30 in the summer to $179.05. This slight decrease, coupled with fewer tourists, makes it an optimal time to visit the city.

Rounding out the top ten Athens scores 1.50, maintaining a comfortable 24°C in autumn. Hotel rates are minimally reduced, but the decrease in tourists and summer heat makes the city more enjoyable to explore.