The Best Honeymoon Weather by Wedding Month

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Picking your paradise may seem overwhelming at first. After all, there are so many beautiful places on earth. But narrowing down a honeymoon destination by month is the most logical first step couples should take when planning options. Depending on your priorities, timeline and budget, a destination's high season typically involves great weather and optimal local experiences. However, rates for rooms and the number of tourists will rise together. The off-season, on the other hand, means local businesses (attractions, transportation and restaurants) may cease to operate on a steady cadence and weather won't be optimal for activities you enjoy.

If high-season perks are exactly what you're after during your honeymoon getaway, here's when you'll find the best weather. It's important to note that you'll want to consider more than just when to go for the best weather—there are be some places you should actively avoid during certain months, due to bad and even dangerous weather, like locations in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico during Atlantic hurricane season.

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A destination's high season usually coincides with its best weather, but it can also be determined by demand in places that have favorable conditions year-round. High season in Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean, where the weather doesn't change that dramatically, runs from January to April simply because people from colder climates flock to sunny beaches to flee the winter chill. Conversely, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is packed in the summer despite the soaring temps since kids are out of school. Once you get going, start crossing off locations in the middle of hurricane or monsoon seasons, skipping out on their absolute hottest or coldest months.

In This Article:

• The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month
• The Best Weather Months for a Honeymoon by Destination

The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month

For the best honeymoon conditions per location, our monthly guide will tell you exactly where to go. While some anomalies occur per region, this list details which locations traditionally experience sunny (or snowy) weather. The months immediately preceding and succeeding a destination's prime time are often called "shoulder" seasons, and usually have good weather (and lower hotel rates) as well. Other destinations, such as the Caribbean and Hawaii, are temperate year-round, but particularly incredible at the times listed below.

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Best Honeymoon Destinations in January

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, the Florida Keys, USA (ski destinations), United Arab Emirates

Best Honeymoon Destinations in February

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, the Florida Keys, US (ski destinations), United Arab Emirates

Best Honeymoon Destinations in March

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, the Florida Keys, US (ski destinations, Southeast, Southwest), United Arab Emirates

Best Honeymoon Destinations in April

Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Italy, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, the Florida Keys, US (Hawaii, Mid-Atlantic), United Arab Emirates

Best Honeymoon Destinations in May

Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, the Florida Keys, US (Hawaii, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in June

Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, US (Alaska, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast US)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in July

Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Ireland, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Seychelles, Thailand, US (Alaska, Northeast)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in August

Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Ireland, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Seychelles, Thailand, US (Alaska, Northeast)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in September

Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, US

Best Honeymoon Destinations in October

Australia, Bali, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Central & South Africa, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Seychelles, Spain, US (Hawaii)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in November

Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Central & South Africa, Egypt, French Polynesia, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Seychelles, Spain, US (ski destinations, Southeast, Southwest, Hawaii)

Best Honeymoon Destinations in December

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, the Florida Keys, US (ski destinations)

The Best Weather Months for a Honeymoon by Destination

You're more than welcome to head to London or Paris in January if that's where the heart leads you. Bear in mind, however, that your destination of choice won't be so aspirational during hurricane season or in the unbearable dead of winter (unless hitting slopes is your ideal romantic getaway). Below, we review some of the most popular honeymoon destinations according to the most and least desirable times to visit. Again, your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you deserve to go when weather conditions are optimal.

The Caribbean and the Islands

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Half Moon Bay

The Best Time to Visit the Bahamas

With white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and the electric blue colors of the ocean, the archipelago of 700 coral islands is a paradise for newlyweds. However, hurricane season and tropical storms pose a risk—especially if the goal is to explore the wondrous coral reefs and shipwrecks off the coast.

Best Months: December to April
Worst Months: June to November

The Best Time to Visit Bermuda

In the North Atlantic, picturesque Bermuda is especially alluring to tourists from May through September when the beaches are favorable for tanning and swimming. Starting in October, the rainy season arrives and ocean temperatures plunge along the Atlantic in the winter months too.

Best Months: May to September
Worst Months: October; January to February

The Best Time to Visit the Caribbean Islands

High-altitude and coastal spots are cooled by trade winds year-round (a good salve during the hotter and more humid summer months). Tourists are especially keen on visiting the Caribbean between December to May, when the area is coolest and enjoys the most wind. Average temperatures year-round hover between 78 and 88 degrees.

Some Caribbean islands are impacted by hurricane season, especially those bordering the Eastern Corridor. Official hurricane season runs between June to November, the worst being August, September and October. The islands near South America—Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago—are outside the hurricane danger zone.

Best Months: December to May
Worst Months: June to November

Central America

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The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica and Belize

From Belize to Costa Rica, the lush and rugged climate of Central America is among the most diverse in the world. For example, one minute it'll be raining in a cloud rainforest and the next, you'll be enjoying the sunshine along the coast. If you plan to hike Mayan sites and white sand beaches, there are a few months to avoid due to humidity and hurricane season.

Best Months: December to April
Worst Months: June to October

The Best Time to Visit Mexico

Coastal playgrounds and low-lying sections of the country are hotter than higher-altitude destinations such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and the heartland "Silver Cities." Rainy season (which stirs up seaweed up and down the Riviera Maya) runs June through September, but usually only involves a short daily dousing. It's also hotter during the summer months.

Best Months: October to May
Worst Months: June to September

Europe

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The Best Time to Visit Northern Europe

From Iceland to Norway, the landscape of natural beauty of Northern Europe is best enjoyed in warmer conditions. However, couples will want to plan around peak seasons to view the Northern Lights. If that's a priority to you, your chances grow in the winter months.

Best Months: May through September or October
Worst Months: December to February

The Best Time to Visit the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean sun beats hard, but nothing beats it during the glorious summer months across Santorini, Mykonos, the South of France or Croatia. Without humidity, the weather has locals and international tourists flocking to the region in swarms. However, many properties in ancient cities like Rome or Athens (the Greeks and Romans understand), as well as tourist-heavy Paris, lack air conditioning. If you're in the midst of a heat wave, reconsider where you're staying (and whether there's proximity to a pool).

Best Months: June to October
Worst Months: January to April

The Middle East

Platinum Heritage Safari

The Best Time to Visit Morocco

There's magic in the desert, but couples will certainly want to avoid the extreme temperatures that soar during the summer months. Ideal honeymoon weather conditions fall between September through November or in March and April.

Best Months: September to November; March to April
Worst Months: June through August

The Best Time to Visit the UAE

With cities like Dubai emerging as one of the top honeymoon destinations from the US, couples will want to avoid the ultra-hot summer months that are unbearable–even if they're poolside. Instead, opt for favorable (and still hot) climates during the winter months in the continental US.

Best Months: October to April
Worst Months: June to September

Africa (Southern)

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The Best Time to Visit South Africa

If you've dreamt about hiking Cape Town, embarking on an adventurous African safari, or visiting Kruger National Park during the honeymoon, there is a time to enjoy all that this splendid region of the world has to offer.

Best Months: May to September
Worst Months: November to February

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Off the coast of Tanzania is the archipelago of Zanzibar, a true tropical paradise for couples who want an incredibly lush and exotic experience. The rainy season is intense in Zanzibar, so much so that there are two periods per year to avoid the region. The dry season, which doubles as peak tourist season, falls between July to September.

Best Months: July to September
Worst Months: November; March to May

The Best Time to Visit Botswana

You're likely looking to this Southern African country with the hopes of a "Big Five" sighting—the African elephant, buffalo, lions, rhinoceros and leopards—across the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. Newlyweds on safari will want to book their honeymoons between June to August. The "Green Season" is muggy, but couples who enjoy birding will want to spectate these creatures in full swing.

Best Months: May to October
Worst Months: December to March

Asia

Niyama Private Islands

The Best Time to Visit the Maldives

Overwater bungalows dotting the Indian Ocean in the Maldives have solidified their reputation as a bucket-list, honeymoon accommodation. However, it's not exactly a dream come true if you land in the Maldives to face a daily downpour during the rainy season from May to November. Newlyweds will enjoy dry and sunny weather, optimal for romance, from December to April. If you want to save money, talk to your resort first about options and optimal conditions depending on the month of the year.

Best Months: December to April
Worst Months: May to November

The Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia

Close to the equator but geographically stunning, Southeast Asia is home to honeymoon countries like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. However, monsoon season really is quite miserable with frequent downpours and humidity. To avoid this time, couples should consider embarking to this region of the world from November to February.

Best Months: November to February
Worst Months: Hottest between April and May; Rainy season from June to October

The Best Time to Visit Northeast Asia

With culture, food and a mix of city and seaside escapes, South Korea and Japan are perfect honeymoon spots for couples who want to experience it all. However, monsoon season peaks in July, and it is regrettably hot and humid. The winter months, on the other hand, are frosty and cold.

Best Months: March to May; September to November
Worst Months: June to August; December to February

The South Pacific

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The Best Time to Visit French Polynesia

Imagine snorkeling and taking in the sights of beautiful Bora Bora or Moorea. Tahiti lies well outside the Pacific cyclone zone, but the rainy season exists from November to April. The best time to visit the South Pacific, in fact, are the brief shoulder seasons, which offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. The high season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells.

Best Months: May to October
Worst Months: December to February (hot, humid, and rainy)

The Best Time to Visit Australia

Adventurous couples will deeply appreciate the natural beauty and rugged vibes of the land of avocado toast. From Sydney to Bondi Bay, there's much to see, explore and embrace about this far-flung honeymoon spot—worth it especially if you want to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

Best Months: September to November
Worst Months: March to May

The Best Time to Visit New Zealand

As opposed to the US equivalent of summer and winter months, the worst time to visit New Zealand is during its cold season from June to August. December to March offer favorable conditions for visitors, making it a perfect time to enjoy the acclaimed landscape featured in Lord of the Rings.

Best Months: December to March
Worst Months: June to August

The Best Time to Visit Fiji

Beautiful and relaxed Fiji is exceptionally idyllic during warm weather months. However, cyclone season falls between October to April when the temperature also rises.

Best Months: May to September
Worst Months: October to April

The US

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The Best Time to Visit California

Sunny California is optimal for beach lovers from May to October with the latter portion fo the season being especially lovely as the crowds disperse and temperatures dip too. Despite it being peak season, the summer months are sweltering so couples will want to keep the weather–and crowds–in mind. If you enjoy outdoor activities, the winter months will offer better active conditions. For the outdoorsy types, Yosemite National Park is especially gorgeous from May to early June (before school lets out), especially if a road trip honeymoon involving multiple national parks is your perfect trip.

Best Months: May to October
Worst Months: December to March

The Best Time to Visit Florida

The Florida Keys typically experience temperate, Caribbean-like weather year-round. However, there is a rainy season along the coast, especially in Miami Beach, as Florida is often hit by Atlantic hurricanes that stir up from the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Best Months: March to April; October to November
Worst Months: May to September

The Best Time to Visit Hawaii

There's a reason why US couples flock to Hawaii for their honeymoons and general romantic getaways. If there's rain, it passes quickly and nearly guarantees a rainbow sighting to round out a perfect honeymoon. In general, every island's northern shore gets more rain than the southern region. Far from horrible, December and January are the coolest (the average afternoon temperature is 75 degrees) and also optimal for whale watching. August and September are the hottest months (the average is 92 degrees). The wettest months fall between November to March.

Best Months: March to June; September to November
Worst Months: December to January

The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas

Hot desert weather is expected in Sin City, making July and August absolute scorchers. For the brave, at least it's a "dry" heat as Vegas humidity is very low year-round. A pro tip is to check with the hotel before booking to see if there are air filters in the room.

Best Months: March, April, October, November
Worst Months: June to September; December to February