Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month
If you are planning your honeymoon, congratulations!! I hope you have the absolute best time. But choosing where to go can feel very overwhelming because most of us only get one honeymoon. How do you pick the best destination for your budget, timing, and desired experiences?
To make it simple, I’ve rounded up the best destinations by month, with two suggestions for each:
A relaxing, romantic escape
An adventurous, experience-driven trip
Whether you imagine a honeymoon of overwater villas, safari sunsets, European history, or Arctic skies, I’ve got you.
January Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Maldives
We actually spent our honeymoon in the Maldives, and it was amazing, but we went in June (it was the only time we had), and it rained all the time. January, however, is peak dry season, meaning crystal-clear water, calm seas, and postcard-perfect beach days. Overwater villas, private plunge pools, and some of the best snorkeling in the world make this classic honeymoon destination classic for a reason.
Adventurous: Lapland, Finland
A real-life winter wonderland. If you don’t mind braving the cold, you can spend your honeymoon in glass igloos, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the Northern Lights. Cozy and very romantic.
February Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Paris, France
Fewer crowds, cozy cafés, and Valentine’s Day make February an incredibly romantic time in Paris. It will definitely be a little cold, but you’ll be able to stroll along the Seine, linger over wine, and embrace the slower pace after the craziness of wedding planning.
Adventurous: Brazil (Carnival Season)
Carnival in Brazil brings unmatched energy — samba, parades, music, and vibrant culture. We went in 2017 and had the best time. If you have time, extend your trip to Rio de Janeiro with a visit to Iguazu Falls and either Buenos Aires or a trip into the Amazon.
March Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Costa Rica
December to April is Costa Rica’s dry season, best for bright days and good wildlife viewing. I would recommend spend some time in La Fortuna for volcanoes, Monteverde for cloud forests, and Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste for beaches and wildlife.
Adventurous: Morocco
Morocco’s spring runs from March to May, and this is the best season for exploring Marrakech, wandering the souks, and spending a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert. I would also recommend visiting Morocco in the Autumn (September to November).
April Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is so underrated as a city. Bike rides along canals and spring flowers make it the city so romantic to walk around in. April is also tulip season, which makes for wonderful, vibrant backgrounds in the city and neighboring fields.
Adventurous: Japan (Cherry Blossom Season)
Japan’s cherry blossoms are notoriously difficult to time, but if you manage to catch them, they are the most romantic backdrop. I recommend Japan in April over March because peak season tends to be early March, but it seems to be moving a bit earlier every year, so March is also a great time to come. Alternatively, Momiji season (the Autumn) is really nice in Japan (mid-November to early December).
If you do plan a trip to Japan, here’s my 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary.
May Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Warm but not yet peak summer, spring is my favorite season to visit the Amalfi Coast. The region’s stunning coastal views, delicious Italian food and vibrant seaside towns make this an excellent romantic getaway.
If you choose the Amalfi Coast, here’s my free 1-week Itinerary, or my 100-page Amalfi Coast Travel Guide.
Adventurous: Bali, Indonesia
Dry season starts in April but in May, it’s in full swing in Bali. This honeymoon is one with a backdrop of lush green rice terraces, temple visits, and private villas. You can also keep it super active with pilates, swimming, and hiking all over the island.
June Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
June in Bora Bora is perfect: sunny skies, low humidity, and ideal conditions for lagoon snorkeling and paddleboarding (we went in December and it was so stormy). Stay in an overwater bungalow, wake up to Mount Otemanu views, and spend your days drifting between turquoise water and spa treatments. There’s really not much to do in Bora Bora, so it’s perfect for a fully relaxed honeymoon. If you go, I’d also recommend a stop in Moorea, the main island, where you can spend a day exploring via ATV.
Adventurous: Iceland
Iceland’s “Midnight Sun” means roughly 19 - 21 hours of daylight in June, giving you seemingly endless time to exploring waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs. Drive the Ring Road, hike dramatic landscapes, and soak in the Blue Lagoon after a day of adventure. Be prepared, though — Iceland is infamous for its wind chill and can be very cold despite “warm” temperatures.
July Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Lake Como, Italy
If you’re looking for an honeymoon with European elegance, great food, and dramatic alpine scenery, this is your place. Spend your days boating between Bellagio and Varenna, lingering over long lunches, and strolling cobblestone streets at golden hour, gelato in hand. Book this early, though, as there aren’t many great accommodation options in the area. And if you don’t like crowds, maybe skip because July is definitely peak season. And if you want something a little more adventurous, you can always rent a car and drive into the Dolomites, or catch a train to Rome for more of a European city feel.
Adventurous: Provence, France
Lavender fields are in full bloom (especially later in the month), filling this region with color and fragrance. Rent a car and drive around one of the most scenic regions in the world, exploring charming hilltop villages, vibrant local markets, and sun-soaked vineyards.
If you end up in Provence, here’s my 1-Week Itinerary for Provence.
August Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Maui, Hawaii
Consistently warm weather and incredible beaches make August ideal for Maui. Alternate lazy beach days with snorkeling at Molokini, a sunrise at Haleakalā, or a scenic drive along the Road to Hana. It’s the perfect balance of tropical relaxation and light adventure, and far enough to be a getaway, but not so far it takes 30 hours to get to.
Adventurous: Tanzania (Serengeti + Zanzibar)
Safaris are my favorite type of trip, and if you haven’t been on one, you absolutely must. In August, you can go on safari and witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Then you can either fly to Zanzibar to unwind on powdery white-sand beaches with turquoise waters, or continue the adventure gorilla trekking trip in Uganda or Rwanda. Either way, this is a trip you’ll never stop talking about.
If you go, here’s what to pack for Tanzania, and what to expect Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
September Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is one of my favorite places on earth. Harvest season in this region means wine festivals, fewer tourists, and hours of golden light. You can spend your days just relaxing in a castle-turned-hotel, or you can spend it driving the countryside, touring vineyards, and wandering medieval hill towns. Tuscany in September feels intimate, romantic, and wonderfully unhurried.
Find my 4-Day Tuscany Itinerary here.
Adventurous: Croatia
Croatia is another super underrated country. Warm seas, mild weather, and fewer summer crowds make September ideal to visit this beautiful place. If you like cities, start in Zagreb, then go to Plitvice Lakes National Park, then head to the coast, where you can sail between islands, swim in hidden coves, and explore historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split. If you’re extra adventurous, make the short trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik.
October Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Santorini, Greece
After the insanity of the summer, Santorini calms down in October. It’s still warm, but much quieter and has cooler evenings. Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets from dinner overlooking the caldera, cliffside infinity pools, or a whitewashed house’s porch. If you get tired of Santorini, take a ferry and island hop around the Greek Islands.
Adventurous: Seychelles
October is one of the best times to visit the Seychelles, as it’s dry season and has consistent temperatures from 25 - 28°C. This honeymoon would feature a lot of snorkeling coral reefs, hiking jungle-covered granite hills, and relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. If you want to make this trip even more adventurous, tack on a trip to Madagascar, where you can see newborn lemurs in October.
November Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Thailand
I couldn’t believe how easy it was to spend 10 days in Bangkok, but you could just as easily spend it in Phuket or Koh Samoi. It’s dry season in November, so you can see the islands with sunny skies. Spend your days on boats threading through Phang Nga Bay, your evenings eating world-class street food (including mango sticky rice), and your afternoons trading beach time for spa time.
Adventurous: Patagonia (Chile or Argentina)
November is Patagonia’s sweet spot—spring is in full swing, wildflowers are blooming, and the trails haven’t yet clogged up with peak-summer crowds. Fly into Punta Arenas or El Calafate, then base yourselves in Torres del Paine (Chile) or El Chaltén (Argentina). This is a trip for couples who want to hike until their legs ache, horseback ride between mountains and boat right up to glaciers. If you don’t hike, the area is still gorgeous everywhere you look, but you’ll definitely get a little less out of it.
December Honeymoon Destinations
Relaxing: Tulum, Mexico
The same time zone as the East Coast, with warm Caribbean weather, Tulum is perfect if you want something without much jet lag, with good food, and a chic yet laid-back atmosphere. We spent a month here in 2021 and had some truly amazing food. Spend your days lounging on white sand beaches, swimming in cenotes, and enjoying beachfront dining.
Adventurous: New Zealand
December is early summer in New Zealand, which means the weather is warm, the lupines are blooming, and the options for activities are endless. Rent a car and drive around the South Island, where you’ll wind through vineyards in Marlborough, past turquoise lakes in Wanaka, and straight toward the drama of Milford Sound. You might need a vacation afterward, but you won’t regret a minute of it.
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Of this list, the only places I have not personally been to are Lapland (going in March), Iceland (going in July), Lake Como (going in October), Seychelles, and New Zealand (going in December), so I can personally recommend most of these places!
Other, Once-in-a-Lifetime, Honeymoon Bucket List Trips
If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable for a honeymoon, here are a few other recommendations:
Antarctica
You can either fly to the continent and stay there, or you can take an Expedition Cruise Ship and boat there (we did this with Seabourn last year and it was phenomenal). If you are looking to book a cruise, please message me and I can see if I can upgrade you.
Arctic
We are going on an Arctic Cruise with Silversea in July, and expect to have the best time. If you are interested in booking with Silversea, please message me and I can see if I can upgrade you.
Siberian Safari
As I mentioned above, safaris are my favorite type of trip, so imagine my delight when I discovered a Siberian Safari! I’m not sure I would recommend going to Russia right now, but maybe in a few years. This is on my personal bucket list.
Galápagos Islands
Another item on my personal bucket list. We have been looking to cruise the Galápagos Islands for a few years now, but haven’t done it yet. If you have recommendations for it, please let me know!
These are the kinds of trips you talk about for the rest of your life.
Final Thoughts
A few other places you might consider if you’ve done it all: Bhutan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, or Papua New Guinea. Very off the beaten path with amazing things to offer, these locations are not for first-time travelers, but offer something unique and deeply cultural.
