These are terrific maps and suggestions. And I love the idea of a five-part series. I'm already eager for the next installment.
We usually go to Medellin and Bogota in February or March to escape the allergy season in Madrid and to see family. I don't see Medellin on your list, the city of eternal spring, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it either. It's fun with lovely weather, good food and music, worthwhile museums, ever better speciality coffee shops, and zillions of beautiful tropical plants but it's not for the faint of heart.
Speaking of unpredictability, this year we escaped allergy season by going to New Zealand and Australia perhaps shoulder season and when we returned to Madrid, pollen hadn't even erupted. The climate change induced rains postponed the trees waking up until April, just as we arrived home.
Thanks Andrea! Very interesting about Medellin - Colombia is definitely on our travel wish list. And I would love to check out the city. But I don't know that it would fit our wish list for an extended stay. Bogota, however, looks fantastic for a long term stay. Of course, we won't head there without checking with you and Fabio first.... maybe even overlapping our travels one day! And that's crazy about Madrid's pollen season. This year in SMA the weather is bonkers - just had a hail storm last week! Almost looked like a coating of snow in the zocalo.
We better have a talk before you make Bogota plans in case we can overlap and as important whether it's the place for a long term stay. Neither of us like Bogota so don't visit for more time that to see family, friends, and just as important the dentist. But you're so good at finding the best places and activities, you may be able to change our minds.
Thank you for this informative but enjoyable post. As a former weather forecaster I love posts like this.
A short while ago I wrote an article about why I visited Florida in February. I am no longer sure it’s a reliable guide.
My wife and I have visited the UAE twelve to fifteen times over the past fifteen years. We usually go in October/ November and/or January/ February/ March. We used to be able to predict the weather. Now we can’t. The last few years it’s been hotter, colder, dryer, wetter seemingly without any logic.
Some of the locals blame it on cloud seeding but I’m not so sure the cause is so easily attributable.
Thanks so much, Graham! I am really enjoying putting this series of posts together. But I am struggling with how to account for such drastic weather changes. This is the rainiest rainy season we've experienced in the last 4 years of summers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - we even had a massive hail storm this week. We are loving it, but hard to tell people who want to visit what to wear (it gets into the 50s at night and 80s-90s during the day) or guarantee that they will not get soaked at some point. Staying flexible is so key! And I am fascinated by your UAE travels - that is an area of the world we have yet to visit but it is high on the list!
These are terrific maps and suggestions. And I love the idea of a five-part series. I'm already eager for the next installment.
We usually go to Medellin and Bogota in February or March to escape the allergy season in Madrid and to see family. I don't see Medellin on your list, the city of eternal spring, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it either. It's fun with lovely weather, good food and music, worthwhile museums, ever better speciality coffee shops, and zillions of beautiful tropical plants but it's not for the faint of heart.
Speaking of unpredictability, this year we escaped allergy season by going to New Zealand and Australia perhaps shoulder season and when we returned to Madrid, pollen hadn't even erupted. The climate change induced rains postponed the trees waking up until April, just as we arrived home.
Another great post! Thanks.
Thanks Andrea! Very interesting about Medellin - Colombia is definitely on our travel wish list. And I would love to check out the city. But I don't know that it would fit our wish list for an extended stay. Bogota, however, looks fantastic for a long term stay. Of course, we won't head there without checking with you and Fabio first.... maybe even overlapping our travels one day! And that's crazy about Madrid's pollen season. This year in SMA the weather is bonkers - just had a hail storm last week! Almost looked like a coating of snow in the zocalo.
We better have a talk before you make Bogota plans in case we can overlap and as important whether it's the place for a long term stay. Neither of us like Bogota so don't visit for more time that to see family, friends, and just as important the dentist. But you're so good at finding the best places and activities, you may be able to change our minds.
Very weird about SMA weather. Hail! What a world.
The map visuals help gauge the ideal travel times a lot. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Daniel! I love these maps - I wish I could find someone making updated ones. If I ever do, I will gladly share!
Thank you for this informative but enjoyable post. As a former weather forecaster I love posts like this.
A short while ago I wrote an article about why I visited Florida in February. I am no longer sure it’s a reliable guide.
My wife and I have visited the UAE twelve to fifteen times over the past fifteen years. We usually go in October/ November and/or January/ February/ March. We used to be able to predict the weather. Now we can’t. The last few years it’s been hotter, colder, dryer, wetter seemingly without any logic.
Some of the locals blame it on cloud seeding but I’m not so sure the cause is so easily attributable.
Thanks so much, Graham! I am really enjoying putting this series of posts together. But I am struggling with how to account for such drastic weather changes. This is the rainiest rainy season we've experienced in the last 4 years of summers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - we even had a massive hail storm this week. We are loving it, but hard to tell people who want to visit what to wear (it gets into the 50s at night and 80s-90s during the day) or guarantee that they will not get soaked at some point. Staying flexible is so key! And I am fascinated by your UAE travels - that is an area of the world we have yet to visit but it is high on the list!
Amazing list!
Thanks so much, Michael!
Love the picture of you guys! ..and white socks were definitely a thing 🫣🤗
😂😂😂