Best Time to Book Cheap Flights to Africa

When is the Best Time to Book Flights to Africa?

Africa remains one of the best value long haul destinations for UK travellers, but prices can vary by hundreds of pounds depending on when you book and when you fly. Whether you are visiting family in Lagos, exploring the safaris of Kenya, or travelling for business across the continent, understanding seasonal pricing patterns can save you a significant amount of money.

Cheapest Months to Fly to Africa

Generally, the cheapest months to fly from the UK to Africa fall outside of the main school holiday periods, when demand from UK travellers is lower and airlines often reduce fares to fill seats.

• January to March - quiet period after the festive rush, often the cheapest fares of the year
• May and June - between Easter and summer holidays
• September and October - after the school summer holidays end

If your travel dates are flexible, targeting these windows can result in savings of one hundred to two hundred pounds per ticket compared to peak periods.

Most Expensive Months

July, August and December are consistently the most expensive months to fly to Africa from the UK. These coincide with UK school summer holidays and the Christmas and New Year period, when demand from the diaspora community travelling to visit family is at its highest. Easter also sees a smaller price spike. If you must travel during these periods, booking as early as possible is essential.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

• Standard travel periods - book six to eight weeks ahead
• Peak periods (Christmas, Easter, summer) - book three to four months ahead
• Last minute (under two weeks) - usually the most expensive, though Dream Fare can sometimes find good last minute deals through airline relationships not available to the public

Day of the Week Matters

Flights departing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are often slightly cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures, as these are less popular travel days. If your schedule allows, consider shifting your departure by a day or two to see if it reduces the fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest month to fly to Africa from the UK?

January, February, May and October are typically the cheapest months, as they fall outside of school holidays and major travel periods.

How early should I book my Africa flight?

For standard travel, six to eight weeks ahead is ideal. For peak periods such as Christmas or Easter, aim for three to four months in advance.

Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?

Yes, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday departures are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights.

Can Dream Fare find deals not available online?

Yes, as Africa flight specialists we have access to fares and allocations through airline relationships that are not published on comparison websites.

Why Book Through Dream Fare

As Africa flight specialists, Dream Fare monitors pricing across all major airlines serving the continent on a daily basis. We know which routes have hidden deals, which connections offer the best value, and which times of year to avoid for each specific destination. Call us on 020 8264 0018 or request a free quote and let us find you the best possible price for your trip.