shoulder season

Meaning

'Shoulder season' refers to the travel period between the peak (high) season and the off-peak (low) season. During this time, the weather is usually still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists and prices for flights and hotels are lower.

Examples

• Traveling during the shoulder season is the best way to avoid crowds.

  Traveling during the shoulder season is the best way to avoid crowds.

• We booked our trip to Italy in October, which is the shoulder season.

  We booked our trip to Italy in October, which is the shoulder season.

• Hotel rates drop significantly during the shoulder season.

  Hotel rates drop significantly during the shoulder season.

• I prefer the shoulder season because the popular spots aren't as busy.

  I prefer the shoulder season because the popular spots aren't as busy.

• Is spring considered shoulder season in this part of Europe?

  Is spring considered shoulder season in this part of Europe?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We went there in the middle season.

  ✓ We went there in the shoulder season.

  While 'middle' makes logical sense, the correct travel industry term used by English speakers is 'shoulder season'.

• ✗ I like traveling during shoulders season.

  ✓ I like traveling during shoulder season.

  The word 'shoulder' must be singular when used as an adjective modifying 'season'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want cheaper flights, try booking during the ___________.

  💡 The period between high and low travel seasons.

  Show answer

  shoulder season

• September is a great ___________ to visit Greece because it's still warm but less crowded.

  💡 Not peak, not low, but in between.

  Show answer

  shoulder season