A major concern of most honeymooners is weather, especially for those traveling to warm climates - the beach isn’t as much fun when it’s pouring rain. If you pay attention to weather from the onset, you will decrease the odds of "weather disappointment." If your heart is set on a particular destination, plan your honeymoon during the time of the year when the weather is best, even if it means delaying your travel dates. Alternatively, start with your travel dates and choose your destination based on where the weather is good. The rest of this article provides an overview of where to go when, hopefully sparking some ideas for what can work for your honeymoon (note to our Aussie, Kiwi and South African friends: we’ve referenced the seasons found north of the equator – thanks for understanding!).

WINTER WARMTH
For those taking a winter honeymoon, there are many solid possibilities. If you are in the market for a beach experience, the Caribbean (particularly the north and central islands) and coastal Mexico are wonderful from January through April. Because this time of the year is considered "high season", hotel rates are near their peak (but so are your odds of great weather). For a more exotic winter beach option, check out the Maldives!

If the beach is not your thing, wintertime presents a number of alternatives. The weather in Thailand is as good as it gets (only slightly hot and humid). It’s also the best time to visit New Zealand (remember, it’s summer down under). For a diverse jungle-beach adventure, January through April is ideal for a honeymoon to either Costa Rica or Panama. Finally, if you are skiers or snowboarders, this is the time of year to check into a cozy lodge in the Rockies (US or Canada) or the Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy or Austria).

SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Spring is one of the best times of the year to take a honeymoon, due to the wide variety of destinations with great weather. Those in search of a pristine beach will find just what the doctor ordered in Hawaii, Fiji and the Caribbean (particularly the central and southern islands).

European countries become an option as spring weather brings warmer temperatures, more sunshine and blossoming foliage. Italy, France, England, Spain and Greece are outstanding choices for those desiring a bit of Old World charm. Late spring (May-June) is the ideal time to honeymoon in these countries.

Which exotic locations are worth considering in the spring? Bali, Egypt, Turkey and Morocco all hit their stride during these months. If your dream is track wild game, late spring is an excellent time to take a safari in much of Southern Africa.

SUMMER LOVIN’
As the summer heats up, your honeymoon options change a little. For starters, the Caribbean "hurricane season" kicks in mid-July, so it’s best to avoid the region from then until the end of October. However, if you must go, head to the far southern islands (like Aruba) which are rarely affected by hurricanes. Fortunately, there are many other fine summer beach choices, ranging from popular destinations like Hawaii and French Polynesia to the distant Seychelles.

Europe can work in the summer if you select your destinations and dates carefully. In general, it’s best to plan your trip for early July or mid-to-late September. This way you will avoid the height of summertime heat and humidity (particularly in the south). You will also avoid the disappointment of visiting tourist facilities that often close during European summer holidays.

For those in search of something different, this is a good time to visit the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. Other possibilities include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Bali (late summer).

FALL FANTASIES
Fall honeymoon options change as the season progresses. In early fall, the best beach weather tends to be found in French Polynesia and Hawaii. The Caribbean and Mexico start to come back into play around mid-November, after the hurricane season passes.

If you are planning a fall honeymoon and have your eye on Europe, it’s best to go in October. In general, temperatures are still pleasant with average amounts of precipitation. The further you get into the season, the more winter-like it gets.

Finally, the fall is a fantastic time to visit Sydney, Australia since it’s spring down under—temps are perfect and the air is fresh! The weather is wonderful in nearby New Zealand as the calendar approaches November and December. Other fantastic fall destinations include Bali, Egypt, Turkey and Thailand.

WEATHER RESOURCES
There is only one thing that is certain about the weather - there are no guarantees, so try to plan your trip based on when the odds are in your favor. There are a number of excellent online sources for weather information. One of the best is the Washington Post’s "Weather Post." And to see if a hurricane may be on the radar, visit the National Hurricane Center.

 

Back to Honeymoon Planning Tools | Explore Moonrings' Honeymoons | Forward to Trip Types