Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month (and How to Choose the Perfect Hotel)
The best honeymoon destinations for every month of the year, for couples from the UK, US and Australia, plus how to choose a romantic hotel, honeymoon perks and budget tips.
Key takeaways
- Match the destination to your wedding month: weather varies hugely through the year.
- The Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Caribbean are classic beach honeymoons; Italy and Greece suit summer.
- Tell the hotel you are on honeymoon; many offer small perks, and some have honeymoon packages.
- Consider adults-only resorts and two-centre trips.
In this guide
Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so choosing the right destination for your wedding month matters. Here are our top honeymoon picks for each month, plus tips on choosing the perfect romantic hotel.
Honeymoon destinations by month
| Month | Top picks | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Maldives, Thailand, Caribbean | Dry season, sunshine |
| February | Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mexico | Warm, dry |
| March | Dubai, Caribbean, Japan (late March) | Pleasant heat, cherry blossoms |
| April | Maldives, Jordan, Morocco | Warm, sightseeing weather |
| May | Greece, Italy, Bali | Before peak crowds |
| June | Bali, Amalfi Coast, Croatia | Dry season, summer |
| July | Greece, Seychelles, Canada | Summer, mild seas |
| August | Bali, Sicily, Iceland | Dry season, long days |
| September | Italy, Croatia, Mallorca | Warm seas, fewer crowds |
| October | Oman, Japan, Portugal | Autumn colours, warm sunshine |
| November | Dubai, Mexico, New Zealand | Pleasant weather |
| December | Maldives, Caribbean, Sri Lanka | Peak season sunshine |
Classic beach honeymoons
Maldives
Overwater villas, turquoise lagoons and some of the world's best snorkelling. The dry season runs roughly December to April. For value tips, see Maldives on a budget.
Mauritius and Seychelles
Lush islands with luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. Great for couples from the UK.
Caribbean
St Lucia, Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica offer romantic resorts, many adults-only. Best December to April.
Bali
Romantic villas, rice terraces, temples and beaches. Great value, and very popular with Australian couples. See where to stay in Bali.
European romance
Italy
The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Tuscany and Venice. Best May to September. See where to stay in Rome.
Greece
Santorini's sunsets and quieter islands like Milos and Naxos. Best May to October.
Portugal and Spain
The Algarve, Douro Valley, Mallorca and Andalusia offer romance with good value.
Adventure and culture
- Japan: cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, ryokan stays.
- New Zealand: road trips, wine regions and dramatic scenery (best November to April).
- Iceland: Northern Lights in winter, midnight sun in summer.
- South Africa: safari plus Cape Town and the winelands.
Choosing a romantic hotel
- Adults-only resorts for peace and quiet.
- Private plunge pools or villas for privacy.
- Room location: sea view, away from lifts and kids' clubs.
- Dining: romantic restaurants and in-room dining.
- Spa: couples' treatments.
Honeymoon perks
Tell the hotel you are on honeymoon when booking. Many offer: - Welcome drinks or cake. - Room decoration. - Upgrades if available. - Spa or dining discounts.
Some resorts require proof of marriage within a set number of months. See how to get a hotel upgrade.
Two-centre honeymoons
Combine destinations for variety, such as: - Dubai + Maldives - Bali + Gili Islands - Rome + Amalfi Coast - Tokyo + Kyoto - Cape Town + safari
Budget tips
- Splurge on one special hotel and save elsewhere.
- Consider shoulder season for lower prices.
- Compare packages with separate bookings.
- Use wedding gift registries for honeymoon experiences.
- Book refundable rates and watch for price drops.
Honeymoon destinations by travel style
| Style | Best picks | Ideal length |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot luxury | Maldives, Seychelles, Bora Bora | 7–10 nights |
| Beach and culture | Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand | 10–14 nights |
| European romance | Amalfi Coast, Santorini, Lake Como | 7–10 nights |
| Adventure | New Zealand, Costa Rica, Iceland | 10–16 nights |
| Safari and beach | Kenya or Tanzania + Zanzibar, South Africa + Mauritius | 10–14 nights |
| Food and cities | Japan, Italy, Paris | 7–14 nights |
Ideas by home country
UK couples: The Maldives, Mauritius, the Caribbean and Italy are long-standing favourites. Packages from UK tour operators often include honeymoon extras and financial protection.
US couples: Mexico's Riviera Maya, Hawaii, the Caribbean (St Lucia, Turks and Caicos) and Italy are popular, with many adults-only all-inclusive resorts within a short flight.
Australian couples: Bali, Fiji, the Maldives, Japan and New Zealand are top choices. A two-centre trip via Singapore or Dubai is common for longer honeymoons.
Planning timeline
- 9–12 months before: decide destination and budget; book flights and the main resort if travelling in peak season.
- 6 months before: book experiences, such as a sunset cruise or private dinner.
- 3 months before: check passports, visas and vaccinations.
- 1 month before: confirm honeymoon perks with the hotel and reconfirm transfers.
Questions to ask your honeymoon hotel
- Do you offer honeymoon perks or packages?
- What proof of marriage is required?
- Are there adults-only areas or quiet zones?
- Can we book a private dinner or couples' spa treatment?
- Which room categories have the best views or privacy?
The bottom line
Choose a destination that fits your wedding month and your style: beaches, culture, adventure or a mix. Tell your hotel it is your honeymoon, and you might find a few extra surprises waiting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best honeymoon destination?
It depends on your month, budget and style. The Maldives, Bali, Mauritius, the Caribbean, Italy, Greece and Japan are among the most popular.
Do hotels give honeymoon perks?
Many do, such as a welcome drink, cake, room decoration or an upgrade if available. Some require proof of marriage within a set time. Mention it when booking.
How much should we budget for a honeymoon?
There is no standard figure. Decide your total budget first, then choose a destination where your money gives you the experience you want. Many couples splurge on one special hotel and save elsewhere.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
