Why shiver at home? With beautiful beaches, bioluminescent bays, steamy forests, and a rich history that's perfect for enjoying in the sun, Puerto Rico is a snowbird's picture-perfect haven.

Fall is hot, tropical, and quiet—a calm breathing space before sun-seekers flood in for the busy winter season. For most fall visitors, the risk of tropical storms is trumped by the peace and quiet on the beaches.No holiday time till the spring? Don't worry; the rest of the year is a good time to visit Puerto Rico too. The busy festival calendar means there's always something happening on the island, and Puerto Rico's salsa beats and lip-smacking cuisine are ever-present; the scent of slow-roasted pork fills the air throughout the year.

It never gets cold here, but it's worth paying attention to weather forecasts during the June to November hurricane season. As elsewhere in the Caribbean, the actual risk of a hurricane passing overhead is very real, and tropical storms often come with the territory. Here’s our guide to helping you decide the best time to visit Puerto Rico.

Shoulder season (September to mid-December and mid-April to May) is the best time to avoid crowds.

Everyone wants to travel during peak summer or over the holidays, and airlines know it. That's why savvy travellers avoid the busiest travel times and save hundreds by instead travelling right now: Just after the summer. Or maybe shortly before. It's called shoulder season, and it's one of the best ways to save on travel. Instead of booking a summer trip in July, when everyone, their mom, and their grandmother are trying to fly, aim for May or early June, or maybe September or early October instead. With that small shift, you can pay half the price of peak summer airfare.

The savings go beyond flights, as hotels and accommodations are almost always cheaper when you avoid the busiest travel periods. And it's not just about dollar signs, either. When you travel during shoulder season, you're less likely to encounter longer lines and big crowds at airports or attractions, and you'll miss the worst of the worst when it comes to flight delays and cancellations.