January – February: Winter Hikes & Cozy Escapes
Demand: Low to moderate. The Annual Winter Hike (running since 1967) drives a January spike. February sees Valentine’s couples getaways.
Stock: Extra firewood and fire-starting supplies, hot cocoa, heavy blankets, ice scraper, salt for walkways. Ensure heat is reliable.
Price: 30–50% below peak rates. Consider weekly or monthly discounts to attract remote workers seeking a winter workspace. Drop minimum nights to 1 for midweek.
Prep: Winterize pipes if not already done (heat tape, insulation). Check that the hot tub cover is properly insulated and that the tub heats to temperature in cold weather. Salt all walkways and steps before every arrival. Monitor propane levels closely.
Market: “Winter wonderland,” frozen waterfall photography, cozy cabin by the fire imagery. Promote hot tub photos with snow on the surrounding deck.
March: Early Spring Transition
Demand: Low but growing. Spring break travelers start appearing mid-month.
Stock: Transition from winter supplies. Add umbrellas, rain boots for guest use.
Price: Begin raising from winter lows. Price spring break week at shoulder-season rates.
Prep: Full post-winter deep clean: power wash deck, clean windows inside and out, check gutters, inspect for winter damage to deck and exterior. Schedule septic inspection if due.
April – May: Wildflower Season
Demand: Moderate and growing. Spring wildflowers (trillium, larkspur, Virginia bluebells, wild geranium) draw nature enthusiasts. Waterfall flow is at its peak from spring rains.
Stock: Wildflower and bird identification guides, binoculars, rain ponchos. Switch from winter to spring bathroom and kitchen restocking schedule.
Price: Shoulder-season rates, 10–20% below summer. May weekends approaching summer pricing.
Prep: Check for carpenter bees and wasp nests — treat before they become guest complaints. Open seasonal outdoor amenities. Verify A/C is functional. Schedule hot tub drain-and-refill.
Market: Waterfalls at peak flow, wildflower walks, morel mushroom season, spring ephemeral photography. Great time to update listing photos with green, lush scenery.
June – August: Peak Summer
Demand: High. Family vacations, couples getaways, and weekend warriors drive steady bookings.
Stock: Bug spray, citronella candles, sunscreen, extra towels (hot tub + pool if applicable). Outdoor dining supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid, paper plates for grill). Increase consumables budget 20–30%.
Price: Full summer rates. 2-night minimum on weekends. Midweek rates slightly lower to capture Monday–Thursday travelers.
Prep: Turnovers will be at maximum frequency. Ensure cleaning team can handle same-day turnovers (checkout 11 AM, check-in 4 PM). Mow and maintain outdoor spaces weekly. Check A/C performance and clean filters.
September: The Calm Before the Storm
Demand: Moderate, building toward October. Early foliage may begin appearing by late September in some years.
Stock: Begin transitioning to fall supplies. Hot cider packets, autumn decor touches.
Price: Start raising rates toward peak. September weekends should be at or near summer rates. Price the last weekend of September at early-October rates — savvy guests book September to avoid October premiums.
Prep: Start leaf clearing routines. Begin stocking firewood heavily. Update listing photos with any early foliage shots.
October: Peak Season
Demand: Highest of the year. Fall foliage drives maximum demand. Many properties book out weeks or months in advance.
Stock: Maximum firewood supply, fall decor, apple cider, pumpkins on the porch. Extra cleaning supplies for high turnover.
Price: Premium rates — 30–50% above summer baseline. 2–3 night minimums. This is where dynamic pricing tools earn their keep. Do not underprice October.
Prep: Leaf clearing becomes daily. Hot tub maintenance frequency increases. Cleaning team needs to be at peak performance. Every turnover matters — there’s no slack in the schedule.
Market: Fall foliage hero imagery. This is the month to update your cover photo if you get a golden-hour shot with peak colors.
November: Post-Peak Shoulder
Demand: Drops after the first two weeks. Thanksgiving week brings a spike.
Stock: Transition toward winter. Begin winterization supplies.
Price: Drop from October highs. Price Thanksgiving week at a premium. Rest of November at shoulder rates.
Prep: Final outdoor deep clean before winter. Wrap outdoor pipes, check heat tape. Service the hot tub. Winterize any seasonal water features.
December: Holiday Getaways
Demand: Moderate. Christmas and New Year’s weeks drive demand. Weekdays between holidays are quiet.
Stock: Holiday touches (tasteful, non-denominational: string lights, pinecones, hot cocoa station). Extra firewood. Winter emergency kit (flashlights, extra blankets in case of power outage).
Price: Christmas and New Year’s weeks at shoulder-to-summer rates. Require 3–4 night minimums for holidays. Rest of December at winter rates with potential weekly discounts.
Prep: Confirm heat is working reliably. Salt walkways aggressively. Monitor propane levels weekly. Verify hot tub is performing in cold temperatures.
Year-round principle: The best hosts don’t just react to seasons — they market ahead of them. Update your listing title and cover photo seasonally. Post fall foliage imagery in September (when guests are booking for October). Post cozy winter cabin shots in October (when guests are booking holiday stays). Always be marketing one season ahead.
Ready to Start Hosting?
Join thousands of Hocking Hills hosts earning income on Airbnb.
Create Your Airbnb Account →