shoulder season

American  

noun

1. a travel season between peak and off-peak seasons, especially spring and fall, when fares tend to be relatively low.

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Etymology

Origin of shoulder season

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

U.S. natural gas futures ended the session little changed as the market enters the spring shoulder season when heating demand falls off and cooling demand has yet to pick up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

My ideal vacation is renting a villa in the Mediterranean during shoulder season when it’s cool and breezy, eating elaborate meals and driving to offbeat museums and hidden beaches.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

During the so-called shoulder season, which he says is now, that percentage changes to 65% to 35%, while in the offseason months of January and February it flips to 60% locals and 40% tourists.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2023

Changes in flexible working conditions, as well as pent-up demand from the pandemic, could also be contributing to the rise of shoulder season travel.

From Washington Times • Sep. 26, 2023

“This year, the average price of an airline ticket to Europe between May and August is $1,247, while flights to Europe during the fall shoulder season average almost $334 less,” CheapAir.com points out.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023