GOLF TRAVEL · TIMING

Travel time planning - when is senior season?

March, April, October, and November are the ideal seasons for the Southern European senior golf travel market: 18–25°C, empty courses, fair prices. What the optimal travel times per destination are and which three factors determine senior choices.

MTravel planning has been reduced to two fixed slots over the years: the first half of April (Algarve) and the second half of October (Costa del Sol). Both are outside the main season, both are 22-25°C, and both are attractively priced. Once you discover the senior season, it's hard to go back.

The optimal travel time for senior golf has three characteristics: playable weather (18–25 °C), manageable courses (no crowds), and fair prices (outside of peak season surcharges). Three travel time windows cover most European senior destinations.

Three Senior Travel Time Windows

Window 1 — Spring (March–April)

✓ Post-Winter Experience.

March/April in Southern Europe: 18-23 °C, quiet locations, moderate prices. Ideal for senior golfers looking to end the German winter and start the new golf season. Costa del Sol, Algarve, Turkey are particularly attractive.

Window 2 — Autumn (September–November)

✓ INDIAN SUMMER CHARM.

September through November offers stable weather, often with temperatures of 20–25 °C in Southern Europe. Destinations are quieter than during peak season, and prices are 20–30 % cheaper than in May. Mallorca, Sicily, and Tunisia are particularly good choices during this time.

Window 3 — Winter (December–February)

✓ FERN DEALS.

Real winter escape to distant destinations: Florida, Caribbean, Mauritius, South Africa, Thailand. 25-30 °C, long journey, higher costs — but unbeatable senior golf experience in German winter.

April/October

the two most important senior travel months in Southern Europe

DRV Travel Seasonality Analysis 2024

20-25 °C, fair prices, empty seats — three factors that work together.

Three destination-specific travel time recommendations

Costa del Sol — March to May + September to November

✓ TWO MAIN WINDOWS.

Costa del Sol has two optimal senior windows: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). July/August is too hot (35°C+), December/January is too cool (15°C). Reservation recommendation: 8+ weeks in advance.

Algarve — October to April

✓ LONG SEASON.

The Algarve has the longest senior season in Europe: October to April. Even in November/December, temperatures are often 18-22°C. No extreme summer (max 28-30°C), but tourist crowds in July/August. Ideal for seniors outside of school holidays.

Turkey Belek — February to May + September to November

✓ TWO WINDOWS, VERY AFFORDABLE.

Turkey has a clear double season: spring and autumn. May/June and September/October are optimal. Mid-summer (July/August) is too hot (35-40°C), winter (January/February) is cool but playable. Very affordable prices.

The window between high tourist season and golf season is the senior golfer’s sweet spot. Most facilities are calmer, prices are better, and the weather is perfect.

— Markus Reisen, Managing Director Olimar Reisen

Three factors for choosing travel time.

Climate Preference

Some senior golfers may like 25°C+, while others prefer 20°C. Travel time is the most important climate decision.

Avoid mass tourism

School holidays (July/August, October break) should be avoided. Places are overcrowded, green fees are more expensive.

Take advantage of travel flexibility

Retired senior golfers can travel flexibly — the biggest savings and comfort lever in the golf travel market.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Senior Travel Time Windows

02 Three destination recommendations

03 What travel time cannot replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

April + October

the two peak summer months in Southern Europe.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What travel time cannot replace

The right travel time is an important comfort lever — but it doesn't replace choosing the destination. If you stay at the wrong resort, you won't have a good trip even in the best season. Destination first, then travel time.

THREE FIRST STEPS