While couples tend to put endless thought into deciding what time of year they get married, the date of the honeymoon is typically dictated by the date of the wedding.
This could mean that you might be jetting off for your romantic honeymoon just as your dream tropical island enters its temperamental monsoon season.
While being bedroom-bound by a wild tropical storm can certainly offer its own kind of romance, a week of heavy rain probably isn’t what you’re envisioning for your first week of nuptial bliss.
So, for those who smugly locked in their summer wedding date without considering that the Mediterranean isles they have been dreaming about are actually in the depths of winter, we’ve got you covered.
Below, find the best honeymoon destinations for every month of the year.
January
Start the year off in style with a luxurious honeymoon in the Maldives, where the dreamy Indian ocean isles are in the middle of their dry season with warm days, low chance of rain and clear waters for snorkelling.
For those on a tighter budget, nearby Sri Lanka is also safe from wild weather at this time of year with similarly clear water and palm-tree lined beaches.
January is however, also a good time of year for a honeymoon closer to home. Adventure enthusiasts can make the most of New Zealand’s beautiful sunny weather, while those who want to skip the flights altogether will find plenty of rest and romance in Australia’s southern states, from Byron Bay to Tasmania.
Our accommodation pick: JOALI Maldives
February
In February, the Caribbean Islands, including Jamaica, St Lucia and Barbados, are experiencing warm days and balmy nights.
In South East Asia, Thailand’s Phi Phi islands are also experiencing their lowest rainfall of the year, making it the perfect time to for island hopping and eating your fill of Pad Thai.
Further north, the Middle East is in their gentler winter season, making it a peak time for those desiring the magical desert skies of Egypt, Oman and Morocco.
Our accommodation pick: Napasai, A Belmond Hotel in Koh Samui
March
March is known as South Africa’s ‘goldilocks’ season for not being too hot or too cold. The intense heat of summer finally dies down but you’re still left with warm days and more than 12 hours of daylight.
Those dreaming of a safari stay will find Kruger National Park at its peak with the big cats starting to come out in the day, and plenty of wine to sample as the romantic Winelands region turns golden in the autumn sun.
Our accommodation pick: Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge In South Africa
April
April is an ideal time to jet across to the Northern Hemisphere, which has officially defrosted and enjoying the start of warm Spring weather.
There’s nothing more romantic than Paris in the Spring, where are patisseries and chocolatiers are bursting with Easter treats and its actually possible to soak in the culture without the crowds.
Likewise, Amsterdam’s tulip season is in full bloom and Japan is covered in cherry blossoms.
Our accommodation pick: Maison Souquet in Paris
May
In May, you can experience the best of the Indian Ocean Islands of Seychelles and Mauritius.
As the time of year between blustery trade wind seasons, the islands are warm, dry and without much chance of rainfall—perfect for spending the week sipping cocktails and lounging under the palm trees.
Our accommodation pick: Six Senses Zil Pasyon In Seychelles
June
For those dreaming of a summer honeymoon on a Mediterranean isle, like Greece, Italy or Croatia, consider travelling in early June.
While the hot weather has officially arrived, you’re not going to swelter in the intense heat and crowds that July and August bring.
June is also when French Polynesia enters their dry season, for those wanting more Pina coladas than Negronis.
Our accommodation pick: Aqua House on Milos
July
As the heat and crowds take over Europe, July is a beautiful time to experience the seaside charm of the US’s Cape Cod.
With the region’s Hydrangea’s in full bloom, rent a little seaside cottage in Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket and spend your honeymoon enjoying lobster rolls, jazz music and evenings in the sand.
Our accommodation pick: Breathtaking Waterfront Rental in Provincetown
August
Bali is not only a dreamy honeymoon destination but a very affordable one if you’re travelling from Australia.
August is in the middle of Bali’s dry season, which means you can expect warm days and a low chance of rain for your days spent holding hands by the pool.
However, if Safari calls then African destinations like Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, and Namibia are also warm and dry.
Our accommodation pick: The Kanyon Jungle Resort in Ubud
September
As the summer ends in the Northern Hemisphere and hasn’t yet begun in the Southern, September can be a tricky time to honeymoon for those wanting a hot honeymoon.
Luckily, its also a beautiful time of year to visit the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tonga, which are all experiencing dry, warm weather.
Our accommodation pick: Tokoriki Island Resort Adults-Only in Fiji
October
October’s changing leaves and autumn light make it a particularly romantic time of year to explore Europe’s capital cities, like Rome, Prague and Vienna—without the crowds or high prices.
In the Southern Hemisphere, India’s monsoon season ends, making it an ideal time honeymoon like maharajas in one of Rajasthan’s historic palace hotels.
October is also ideal for honeymooning in Northern Queensland’s pristine Whitsundays or Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef.
Our accommodation pick: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur
November
In November, Central and South America are offering beautiful weather, which means you can spend the month on a beach in Costa Rica or a remote Patagonian mountain lodge.
Hawaii is also still hot for those dreaming of a honeymoon with big waves, palm trees and acai bowls.
Our accommodation pick: Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in Costa Rica
December
Those desiring a wintry honeymoon will find romance in the snowy villages, Christmas lights and mulled wine of the Swiss Alps and Canada’s Lake Louise.
Alternatively, Monarch butterflies and whales are returning to Mexico’s coast, where’s there’s a low chance of rain and a high chance of sunshine and margaritas.
Our accommodation pick: Hotel GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ in The Swiss Alps
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
