Seasonal Swings in the Short-Term Rental Market: What Every Owner Needs to Know
How Weather and Local Activities Shape Short-Term Rental Demand
The Natural Rhythm of Short-Term Rentals
If you’ve owned a vacation rental for more than a year, you’ve probably noticed that bookings rise and fall in a predictable pattern. These seasonal swings are driven largely by weather conditions and local activities that attract travelers during certain times of the year.
Let’s explore what seasonality looks like in different regions and why it matters for your investment.
Southwest: The Springtime Surge
In the Southwest — including Arizona, Nevada, and parts of Southern California — the peak season usually arrives in March and April. The weather is warm but comfortable, attracting visitors escaping colder states. Seasonal draws like Spring Training baseball, golf tournaments, and music festivals fill calendars fast.
The slow season is no surprise: June, July, and August, when the heat can soar above 110°F. Travelers often choose cooler destinations during these months.
Northeast: The Summer Boom
The Northeast works in reverse. Here, the busy season is June, July, and August — prime beach days, summer festivals, and perfect hiking weather. Cities empty out as families flock to lake houses, cottages, and coastal towns.
Winter is slower unless the property is near a ski resort or winter attraction.
The Double Season Advantage
Some properties enjoy two peak seasons, which can lead to higher annual earnings.
For example:
A Vermont cabin near a ski mountain attracts guests in winter for snow sports and in summer for hiking and lakeside activities.
A Colorado home close to both ski slopes and summer trailheads sees high demand year-round.
This “double season” setup lets owners capitalize on multiple tourism waves.
How OurStay Vacations Keeps Occupancy High Year-Round
At OurStay Vacations, we understand these patterns — and more importantly, we know how to keep occupancy high even in slower months. Seasonality might influence how much we can earn in a given month, but it doesn’t mean empty nights when using our services. We maintain consistently high occupancy by:
Using dynamic pricing to stay competitive
Targeting off-season guest types, like business travelers, long-term stays, and staycations
For our owners, this means steady cash flow even in the so-called “slow” season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Swings in Short-Term Rentals
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Seasonal swings are predictable high and low demand periods based on weather, events, and traveler habits. They vary by region — for example, the Southwest peaks in spring, while the Northeast peaks in summer.
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Extreme summer heat makes outdoor activities less appealing, so many travelers choose cooler destinations during June, July, and August.
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Strategies include adjusting pricing, marketing to different guest segments (like business travelers), and offering special promotions. OurStay Vacations specializes in maintaining high occupancy year-round.
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A property with two peak seasons — for example, a ski resort home that also attracts summer hikers — allowing for higher overall annual earnings.
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While nightly rates can change by season, our approach keeps occupancy strong all year, ensuring steady cash flow for property owners.
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Yes. Targeting travelers for local festivals, sports tournaments, or conventions can boost bookings outside your normal high season.