The best honeymoon destinations by month: A planning guide

Your honeymoon isn’t just another vacation. It's the beginning of your new life together. Picking the perfect location matters, but so does the timing. This guide helps you find the destinations where everything aligns.

And while the ideas in this guide are a great place to begin, planning it all yourself (on top of your wedding checklists and guest lists) can get overwhelming quickly. One of the best reasons to use a travel agent is that they'll take all of the research and logistics off your plate.

Your month-by-month guide to unforgettable honeymoons

Best honeymoon destinations in May: Mediterranean and island romance

Santorini‍

In May, Santorini brings warm, sunny days and the soft glow of golden hour over whitewashed cliffside towns. Picture sailing along the caldera on a private catamaran, enjoying fresh seafood with a view, and slipping into your own infinity pool overlooking the Aegean from your luxury hotel.

The Maldives‍

May in the Maldives signals in the start of the southwest monsoon, bringing a mix of sunny spells and occasional showers, but it also means fewer crowds and often better deals on dreamy overwater bungalows. Snorkeling with manta rays is a highlight, and sunset beach dinners and spa treatments for two are still very much on the menu

Mauritius‍

Mauritius is always a hidden treasure with its rolling volcanic peaks and isolated beaches. Make Mauritius your own by hiring a catamaran to sail to the uninhabited islets, walk around the botanical gardens, or kitesurf in the lagoon before relaxing back into your five-star haven.

The Amalfi Coast‍

Ideal for scenic drives, cold limoncello, and seafood lunch on the terrace, May is a wonderful month to visit the Amalfi Coast. Jump between Positano and Ravello, tour pastel-colored cliffside towns, and indulge in "la dolce vita" at a romantic cliff-top hotel.

Fiji‍

Fiji's warm, dry month of May is paradise for a little island-hopping, reef diving, and sunset traditional kava ceremonies. Add to that a two-person private beachfront spa experience, and you have the ultimate island romance.

Best honeymoon destinations in June: Europe and island bliss

Seychelles‍

With secluded beaches and otherworldly granite boulders, the Seychelles in June is truly a paradise. Based on your interests, you can hop between islands by private boat, snorkel protected coral reefs, and bike past lush vanilla plantations.

Iceland‍

Iceland’s unique midnight sun, majestic glaciers, and black sand beaches make it ideal for a honeymoon. Imagine soaking in hot springs after a private glacier hike or venturing into ice caves.

Bali, Indonesia‍

June is when Bali’s weather shows off, making it an ideal time for exploring temples, relaxing in spa retreats, or watching the sunset from a cliffside villa. From the many rice terraces near Ubud to Seminyak's trendy beach clubs, there's always something for every couple.

Croatia‍

It’s easy to imagine beach honeymoon destinations in Croatia: think yacht charters, historic cobblestone streets, and clear blue waters. Start your trip in Dubrovnik, with its ancient alleyways and seaside fortresses, then take the ferry over to Hvar for sun-soaked days, chic beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife.

Portugal‍

Algarve's golden beaches and Douro Valley's vineyard estates make for a perfectly balanced honeymoon. Sip port in the sun, stroll tile-lined streets, and indulge in a private tasting menu paired with local wines.

Best honeymoon destinations in July: Wildlife and heritage

Kenya‍

July sends safari season into full swing as the Great Migration kicks off. Stay in luxury tented camps, spot the Big Five, and learn the stories of the Maasai, all while taking in the dramatic savannah backdrops.

The Scottish Highlands‍

For a romantic road trip full of old-world charm, head to Scotland’s Highlands. Taste the famous single malt whiskies, hike to hidden glens, and stay in historic estates wrapped in heather-covered hills.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil‍

For those in the know, this tiny archipelago has become Brazil's best-kept secret. You can snorkel with sea turtles, explore protected marine reserves, and unwind in barefoot-luxury eco-lodges with ocean views to enjoy some serious seclusion.

Best honeymoon destinations in August: Adventure and refined escapes

Tanzania‍

Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or go down into the lush Ngorongoro Crater on a private game drive. Tanzania offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife, luxury lodges, and breathtaking landscapes that you won’t forget.

Banff, Rockies & Whistler‍

Don’t sleep on Canada as a honeymoon destination in August. The cool mountain air, dramatic peaks, and turquoise glacier lakes set the scene. Paddle on Lake Louise, unwind in a spa resort, or bike through alpine meadows in Whistler.

Ireland‍

Late summers in Ireland are hard to beat. In particular, August is a dream for long, scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way. Round out your trip by enjoying warm Irish hospitality in the local pubs, exploring ancient castles, and indulging in artisan cheeses and whiskey by the coast.

Best honeymoon destinations in September: Urban flair and coastal beauty

France‍

France is never a bad idea for a honeymoon in Europe. Lean into the start of fall with wine tastings throughout the Loire Valley, beach days on the Côte d'Azur, and sunset strolls past the Eiffel Tower. Whether you’re seeking countryside or couture, France in September always delivers.

Australia‍

As Australia enters spring, you get a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds: city life and nature. Sailing the Whitsundays, dining in celebrated harborside restaurants, and then retreating to luxury eco-lodges make Australia one of the best honeymoon destinations in September.

Best honeymoon destinations in October: Culture and desert dreams

Kyoto‍

In Kyoto, an October honeymoon gives you the chance to take in colorful fall foliage and romantic visits to temple gardens. During your visit, you can share a tea ceremony, dine on exquisite kaiseki, and stroll lantern-lit streets in historic districts like Gion.

The Maldives‍

As the monsoon season burns off, October becomes a peaceful window for enjoying a little island seclusion. Imagine starlit romantic dinners, floating breakfasts in private pools, and snorkeling with a group of manta rays, all without the crowds.

Marrakech, Morocco‍

Let yourselves get lost in the color and spice of the medina. Marrakech can easily be one of the best places to honeymoon in October. Explore lavish riads, sip mint tea in secluded courtyards, and relax with traditional hammam rituals. (Plus, a desert glamping escape under the stars? Absolutely.)

Best honeymoon destinations in November: Serenity and endless sun

The Maldives‍

Yes, the Maldives shows up again. November offers pristine weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for honeymooners who want to relax in total luxury as your every need is anticipated.

New Zealand‍

As the States cool down, take advantage of springtime in New Zealand with its dramatic landscapes and romantic adventure. Helicopter over fjords, sip a famed Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, and hike to hidden waterfalls before eventually cozying up in your lakeside lodge.

Best honeymoon destinations in December: Desert luxury and tropical shores

Dubai‍

Luxe glamour meets timeless tradition in December's perfect Dubai weather. Soar above the desert in a hot air balloon, dine under the stars at a Bedouin camp, or indulge in world-class shopping and spa experiences. This can also be one of the best times for desert excursions, since it's so much cooler than in the summer.

Thailand‍

Trade the typical holiday chaos for Thailand’s turquoise bays and temples. Island hop in the Andaman Sea, tour Chiang Mai's ancient temples, and savor spicy street food in Bangkok, all with a luxurious, romantic twist.

Beyond the guide: Your dream honeymoon starts with TravelJoy

The best honeymoon destinations can be so many different places, depending on your interests, travel style, and even the time of year.

This guide can act as a starting point, but planning your honeymoon shouldn’t have to be another task on your full wedding to-do list. A travel advisor on TravelJoy can take the research and logistics off your plate. They will help you choose the perfect spot by factoring in seasonal weather, local festivals, and popularity levels you might not even know you need to research.

With your planner handling all of the arrangements, you can simply show up, relax, and take it all in.