What is the Best Time of Year to Volunteer Abroad?

If you’re planning your volunteering journey, one of the first questions you might ask is: When’s the best time to travel abroad? 

Spring and summer are ideal times to enjoy glorious sunshine and avoid the majority of worrying weather warnings, but that’s not to say you can’t volunteer in the winter and fall, either. Each season has its pros and cons for volunteers, which we’ll look at today to help you make the decision that’s right for you. 

Volunteering in Summer (June – August)

Most people assume summer would be the ideal time to make the most of the sunshine and utilise breaks between school semesters - but this isn’t always the case. Some countries are simply too hot or busy with tourists during the summer months, and the influx of people applying to volunteer means that you might not get your dream placement. 

However, there are plenty of amazing opportunities to volunteer in cooler climates, so if this is the only time you can spend some time away from daily life to volunteer in another country, don’t worry. 

Here are some of the top volunteer summer destinations to consider: 

• Ireland:

If you want to volunteer somewhere where the sun is a little cooler, Ireland is a great place to start. An average high temperature in Ireland is 70°F (21°C), so you’ll be able to get plenty of helpful work done without the heat becoming an issue! With so many projects to jump on, Ireland is the perfect place to spend your summer before school starts back up. Help with teaching, art projects and community development before exploring this small island in all its glory. 

• Tanzania:

While Tanzania is known for its hot and humid summers that can reach 68 to 86°F (20s to low 30°Cs), most volunteers can work through the heat comfortably. This area is wonderful if you want to experience the height of summer in Africa, when wildlife are most active and easily spotted. Volunteer to help with conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching and more! 

• Costa Rica: 

Summers in Costa Rica are divine. High temperatures reach 82°F (28°C) during the green season, but high humidity and plenty of sea breeze make it more bearable for volunteers. Help out at an animal rescue centre, volunteer on a turtle and sloth conservation project, or teach children how to speak English - the choice is yours, and the white-sand beaches are waiting for your downtime. 

Volunteering in Fall (September – November)

Fall is a great time to volunteer if it works around your schedule, especially in countries that need extra help getting ready for the upcoming winter. Tourist rates tend to drop during this time of year, so you can benefit from a more relaxed environment while still making the most of the warm weather. 

However, some countries begin experiencing extreme weather conditions around fall, including cyclones, droughts and hurricanes. Make sure you research the area you want to volunteer in to avoid them during peak extreme weather seasons. 

Some of the best countries to volunteer in fall include:

• Portugal: 

Fall in Portugal is considered the ‘golden season’, where temperatures cool off slightly to make a more pleasant volunteering experience. Weather tends to be a little unpredictable, but with so much to do, you’ll hardly notice a quick rain spell or windy day. Volunteering opportunities in Portugal include animal care, youth support, and sustainable agriculture - plenty for you to sink your teeth into before the days shorten. 

• India:

India reaches incredibly high temperatures during the summer and fall, but if you want to experience volunteering here and the rich culture that comes along with it, the latter is your best bet. Temperatures fall to around 77 to 93°F (25 and 34°C), making your experience much more enjoyable and relaxing without losing the glorious sunshine. Teaching and women’s empowerment are prevalent opportunities to grab if you’re looking to volunteer in the fall. 

• South Africa:

Fall in most countries is South Africa’s spring, with temperatures reaching around 77°F (25°C). Make the most of this beautiful country before the summer weather hits by volunteering between September and November. Programs here tend to focus on animal rescue, teaching and township, sports development and medicine. 

Volunteering in Winter (December – February)

Winter is often the time of year where interest in volunteering declines. It’s cold, wet, and you might not want to miss out on the festive period with friends and family. However, there are plenty of opportunities and benefits to volunteering in winter.

There’s less interest, so you’re more likely to get the placement you want, it’s quieter and more peaceful, flights may be cheaper - to name a few! Plus, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, where the weather is glorious and ideal for experiencing a warm Christmas. 

The best places to volunteer abroad this winter are: 

• Thailand:

Thailand has wonderfully warm weather even during the winter, so this is the perfect time to make the most of your winter break and volunteer! Lend a hand with conservation at an elephant care centre, learning how to take care of animals and protect their environment, as well as much more. Thailand is known for its endless beaches, so say goodbye to cold weather and hello to a winter tan with this opportunity. 

• Bali:

Bali is a popular destination all year round, but winter comes with a gentle peacefulness that you won’t find during the other seasons. In Bali, you can actively work to restore the coral reef and host awareness campaigns for local communities. There’s the possibility of completing an advanced scuba diving course once you’re in Bali, too, and you can use this skill for many years to come. 

• Australia: 

Australasia’s summer is the rest of the world’s winter, so you’ll technically be outrunning the frosty weather while making a meaningful difference in the world. The volunteering opportunities in this area are mostly to do with conservation for endangered animals, so you’ll be responsible for caring for them and teaching local communities about their needs. Winter is the perfect time to volunteer if you’re passionate about helping animals thrive in the wild. 

Volunteering in Spring (March – May)

Spring is a glorious time all-round: flowers are blooming, frost is fading, and the volunteering opportunities are endless. The longer days also make exploring a new country more exciting and appealing, so you can make the most of your downtime. There are plenty of conservation opportunities, like planting and cleanups, to get ready for the summer ahead. 

However, spring tends to be our busiest time of the year in general, with school and work responsibilities ramping up and leaving us without much time to volunteer. Spring also carries a higher risk of extreme weather in many parts of the world, including thunderstorms, floods, and tornadoes. 

If you’re interested in volunteering in this season, here are some of the top spring break volunteer destinations to look into: 

• Nepal:

Nepal offers plenty of amazing opportunities for you to contribute to women’s empowerment, childcare and teaching programs, and renovation projects. Monsoons are common in Nepal between June to September, so volunteering in spring is a good way to avoid the extreme weather and heat. 

• Peru: 

Exploring Peru in the springtime is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in its culture and rich heritage. During your stay in the capital city of Cusco, you’ll be near some of the best tourist hotspots to explore in between program responsibilities. Weather in Peru’s fall (March to May) is dry and pleasantly mild, and the Amazon rainforest will be less rainy - perfect for exploring with your new friends or volunteering group! 

• Cambodia

Cambodia is another amazing place to visit during spring break, when temperatures sit around 77°F (25°C). Monsoons are common in May, so we’d recommend volunteering towards the start of the new season. If you’re there at the end of April, you can experience Khmer New Year, which is a major holiday with plenty of festivities. So, during a break from volunteering with children or medical programs, you can soak in the incredible culture a public holiday has to offer.

Things to consider when choosing the best time to volunteer

The time you choose to spend abroad volunteering will depend on a number of personal factors. Only you know when the best time to set off is, so consider the following when planning your journey:

1. Do you prefer hot or cold weather? 

If you’re a lover of the sun and spend most of the year waiting for longer days and warmer nights, then chasing the sun while volunteering is a good idea. Visit warmer places in winter or even hotter climates in summer! 

However, if you prefer snow, rain, and cloudy days, you might not get on so well with summer volunteering programs. You want to be comfortable throughout the trip, and don’t forget, you’ll be working in the heat. People who find themselves agitated and stressed in high temperatures might want to consider volunteering in the spring or winter.

2. What’s your schedule look like?

Summer is a popular time to volunteer because of school and work breaks. However, the more people who sign up for volunteering, the less room there is on the most popular programs - meaning you might not get accepted onto your first-choice opportunity. So, if possible, volunteering in the ‘off-season’ can be more beneficial for you. 

3. What’s your budget?

While the price of volunteering doesn’t change depending on the season for most organizations, other expenses often do. Things like plane tickets, local transportation and visa fees may increase during the summer and autumn seasons when they’re most popular. If you’re volunteering on a budget, choosing winter or springtime could help lower your costs. 

4. Do you have a dream bucket list destination? 

If you’ve always dreamed of snorkelling in Bali or petting safari animals in Kenya, it might be worth choosing a travel date that best coincides with your bucket list destination. After all, volunteering is usually a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you may as well make the most of it and tailor it to exactly what you want. 

Ready to book your volunteering experience? 

No matter what time of year you’re looking to volunteer, there are plenty of amazing opportunities out there. Programs like women’s empowerment, conservation and medicine always need volunteers regardless of the season or weather, so Volunteering Solutions has an opportunity for everyone! 

Check out our year-round volunteering opportunities today.