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

This time, I visited in the fall shoulder season, when summer crowds thin out and prices dip.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 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

Hotel rates, particularly in touristy areas, tend to slip during the shoulder season.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

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