shoulder season

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoulder season¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

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

“This might mean traveling somewhere during the off-season or shoulder season. Or driving instead of flying. Or taking an early flight or a late flight or a connecting flight.”

From Salon

Another solution is to encourage people to avoid peak season travel and come in the “shoulder season”.

From BBC

She said she had been advised to travel during the shoulder season, but couldn’t because her children were in school.

From Seattle Times

And if you can score a deal — such as a stay booked on points or during shoulder season — an all-inclusive can leave a far bigger mark in your memory than your bank account.

From Seattle Times