The Cheapest Months to Fly from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, Dallas, and Atlanta

Across most U.S. departure cities, the cheapest months to fly are January (after the first week), February, early March, late August, September, and early November. The most expensive periods are the late-December holidays, spring break in March and April, June through mid-August, and Thanksgiving week.

International routes follow the destination's season too. Europe is cheapest from November to March, excluding the holidays. The Caribbean and Mexico are cheapest from late April to mid-December, outside of Thanksgiving. Asia varies by country, but Japan is usually cheapest in January, February, and early summer.

Miami is the main gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, so its prices are shaped by those destinations. Flights south are most expensive in winter and over the holidays, when everyone wants sunshine. They get noticeably cheaper from late April through June and again from September to mid-November.

Good value routes to compare: Miami to Cancun, Miami to Bogota, Miami to San Juan, and Miami to New York. For Europe, Miami to Madrid is often cheapest in November and February.

New York has more competition than almost any other U.S. market, which keeps prices sharp. Transatlantic fares are lowest from November to March, excluding the holidays, and climb steeply from May to August. Caribbean fares peak during February break and the holidays.

Routes to watch: New York to London, New York to Paris, New York to Rome, and New York to Punta Cana. Domestically, New York to Miami is cheapest in late summer and early fall, when Florida is hot and quiet.

Los Angeles is the main U.S. gateway to Asia and the Pacific. Hawaii fares are lowest from mid-April to early June and from September to mid-December. Asia routes are often cheapest in January to March, outside Lunar New Year, and in early autumn.

Routes to compare: Los Angeles to Honolulu, Los Angeles to Tokyo, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and Los Angeles to Los Cabos.

Chicago is a major hub with nonstop service almost everywhere, which means good fares are available year-round if you avoid peak weeks. Winter sun trips are the most expensive, because so many travelers leave the cold at once. Late spring and fall are the best value for both domestic and European routes.

Routes to watch: Chicago to Orlando, Chicago to Cancun, Chicago to Dublin, and Chicago to Denver.

Tampa is a leisure-heavy airport, and its prices peak in winter, when snowbirds and vacationers arrive. Outbound flights are usually best value from late August through October and again in early December before the holiday rush.

Routes to compare: Tampa to New York, Tampa to Cancun, Tampa to Chicago, and Tampa to London.

As a major hub, Dallas/Fort Worth has strong year-round competition. Mexico and the Caribbean are cheapest outside spring break and the holidays. Summer is expensive for Europe but often reasonable for domestic beach destinations, because Texas families also travel within the state.

Routes to watch: Dallas to Cancun, Dallas to Las Vegas, Dallas to London, and Dallas to Mexico City.

Atlanta is the world's busiest airport, so there are nonstop options almost everywhere and plenty of fare competition. The cheapest months tend to be late January, February, September, and early November. Spring break and summer are the busiest and most expensive.

Routes to compare: Atlanta to Cancun, Atlanta to Paris, Atlanta to Punta Cana, and Atlanta to Los Angeles.

Start with the month chart on the flight page for your route. Identify the two or three cheapest months that still fit the trip you want, then use the search box on that page to check live prices for specific dates. If one week is much cheaper than its neighbors, it is usually because it avoids a holiday or school break.

If you need to travel during a peak period, book earlier than usual and consider flying on the holiday itself, which is often quieter and cheaper than the days around it.