Anyone who ended up in a hurricane on their honeymoon, will attest to fact that every couple should do their due diligence when planning their big post-wedding trip. While some places have their merits year-round - hello Italy and France! - others have more extreme seasonal rain/storm/snow/heat that you might be wise to avoid. That's where our 'Where to Go When' month by month guide to the best honeymoon destinations comes in, a honeymoon calendar filled with ideas for romantic trips, year-round. (Best of all, you can use it for non wedding-related getaways too!).
Where to Go on Honeymoon in January
Grey and cold weather means (with a few exceptions) Europe is best avoided in January. For the sun, the Caribbean, or Australia is your go to. Celebrate the new year in Rio or if the sun doesn't suit, hit the slopes of the Alps or gaze at the Northern Lights in Norway. Closer to home the Shetland Islands and Scotland host the biggest fire festival in Europe which never fails to get positive reviews.
Best places to go:
Mexico (Puerto Escondido for something lively, Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Zipolite for something a quieter), Brazil, Ethiopia, Scotland, Norway, Australia, France, Switzerland, Austria, The West Indies and the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, South Africa
To be avoided:
Indonesia, the Seychelles and Polynesia where it's still the rainy season and Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius (where there's a high risk of cyclones.)
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in January
Where to Go on Honeymoon in February
In the month for romance Paris is always a good option, just be wary of queues and higher prices than usual. Now is the time to go to Asia with Burma, Northern India and the Philippines typhoon free. If you're a thrill-seeker, trekking in Nepal will be amazing with plenty of sunshine. For a high end honeymoon at a great price, Buenos Aires offers fab deals in February. Hawaii is also perfect for a sun escape; there's also great surfing at this time of year. South Africa and Egypt are very doable before the temperatures begin to soar.
Best places to go:
Buenos Aires, Argentina, Africa, Egypt, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Hawaii
To be avoided:
Indonesia, the Seychelles and Polynesia - it's rainy season, and Madagascar, the Reunion and Mauritius where there's still a high risk of cyclones. If you're thinking of a skiing honeymoon, the Alps are perfect but be warned they may very crowded.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in February
Where to Go on Honeymoon in March
This month Europe is improving weather wise and Italy should be pleasantly warm and not very busy in the typical tourist spots. Asia is still good, so why not try India before the monsoon season? If that's not your thing, go for the American dream: Florida is in high season with hot, dry weather, New York is also a good bet before the sticky summer, and a California road trip is always a good idea. In South America it's an excellent time to visit Cuba where it's dry season. In Argentina, Patagonia has pleasant weather but be careful of some very high winds at altitude. My choice? The Maldives where it's dry and temperatures are sitting between 25-30°C, ideal!
Best places to go...
Italy, Asia, America, Cuba, Argentina, The Maldives, Barbados
To be avoided...
Going on safari in Kenya is a no go as it's almost invisible under heavy rains and Canada where you'll be left with the aftermath of melting winter slush and annoyed by mosquitoes waking up for springtime and Miami where Spring Break is in full swing (unless you're in the mood for a non-stop party).
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in March
Where to Go on Honeymoon in April
Crete, Malta and the Balearic Islands are all warm and sunny or further afield Bora Bora is blissful this time of year. In Amsterdam, it's tulip season so a trip to the tulip fields would be amazing. The US is still a great option so why not go all out and road trip it. California, Nevada and Las Vegas, Louisiana, Washington and Florida are all perfect choices - as it's off-peak you should be able to grab some good deals. For a solid tanning (and cultural experience) book Marrakech or Namibia - all hot and dry and a real experience. And of course, in Japan, it's cherry blossom season.
Best places to go:
Crete, Malta, Baleric Islands, Africa, Amsterdam, America, Turkey, the Philippines, Japan and Australia.
To be avoided:
The majority of South East Asian countries are unpleasantly hot at this time. This is the heavy rainy season in Zanzibar and Tunisia. The same goes for South America, which is at its peak of high humidity.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in April
Where to Go on Honeymoon in May
Much of Europe is in its prime, with Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Portugal are all good safe options for sun and France, Italy or Spain for culture and wine tasting! For a classic romantic break the Philippines or the Bahamas are a a paradise of sun, white sand and turquoise seas. For something a little different, a city break in Prague is to be recommended. All the flowers and trees are in full bloom and the Prague Spring Music Festival is on for three weeks with symphony, opera and chamber concerts.
Best places to go:
Europe, China (depending on the area), the Philippines, the Bahamas, Mexico and Australia
To be avoided:
Asia in general which is entering its low season. Egypt starts to suffer heatwaves. India and Sri Lanka enter their monsoon season - very hot and humid - and Zanzibar is still in the middle of its rainy season.
Read our guide: Cool Honeymoon Destinations Off the Beaten Track
Where to Go on Honeymoon in June
Europe is still the perfect in midsummer. In the north, Sweden, Norway and Finland promise days without an end as they enter white nights, when the sun barely sets and it's warm for hours. Ireland is at peak attractiveness, so why not check out one of our 15 Romantic Hideaways. The Greek islands are also rather beautiful. Brazil is pretty much dry and temperatures are at a lovely 25°C. In Canada not only is the weather lovely but it's also Canada Day and the time of year for The Montreal Film and International Jazz Festivals.
Best places to go:
Europe, Namibia, Brazil, The Caribbean, Canada and Cuba.
To be avoided:
Watch out for heat waves that occur in various areas throughout the world, especially Central Africa and the Middle East at this time. The monsoons bring crippling heat and heavy rains to India, to be avoided at all costs! New York heads into summer so it gets exceptionally hot and muggy.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in June
Where to Go on Honeymoon in July
Once again Europe is popular, but watch out for severe heatwaves across Spain, Italy and Greece. For something different head to Indonesia, with an equatorial climate you know it will be hot and you can benefit from the cool sea breezes. In Peru and Bolivia the rains stop, giving way to lovely sunny days, it can be still a little chilly though, so not the best choice if you're looking for heat. If you like the great outdoors, then head to the National Parks in America like Yosemite, where you can climb, even to high altitudes, without worrying about really cold temperatures.
Best places to go:
Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Peru, Bolivia and America
To be avoided:
Louisiana and New York are very hot and humid, Senegal, where the heat waves are accompanied by heavy downpours, just about guaranteed to spoil your stay. Parts of Asia should also to be avoided at this time as it's still the monsoon season.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in July
Where to Go on Honeymoon in August
You can't go wrong with the Mediterranean coasts of Europe in August with sunny days and beaches aplenty. Croatia is glorious and if you're into music there's a wealth of music festivals to choose from in historic settings. South Africa beckons for the adventurous and Peru and Tibet are both great for hiking (or pure relaxation).
Best places to go:
Europe, South Africa, Peru and Tibet
To be avoided:
Asia is at the height of its monsoon season with the exceptions of Kerala or Tamil Nadu in India, Bali and the southern islands of Indonesia. Northern America can also be extremely hot. Hurricane season will get underway in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Read our guide: The Best Places for a Safari Honeymoon
Where to Go on Honeymoon in September
Europe is cooler but if you still want sun close to home, then Portugal, Greece and Croatia are good bets - it's the perfect time for a city break too, in London, Paris, Berlin, Dublin or Amsterdam. In Africa, Zimbabwe is in its dry season offering ideal temperatures of around 27°C with cooler nights. Namibia is also in its winter period and is therefore dry and sunny. It's a good time to visit northern Africa where the temperatures are not too hot - an amazing option for wildlife and scenery. America is once again a good option with the extreme heat gone as well as the majority of tourists. New England is gorgeous in early fall. Likewise it's a great time to visit the Middle East, China and Japan.
Best places to go:
Portugal, Croatia, Africa, America, Jordan, China and Japan.
To be avoided:
The Caribbean, Central America and parts Asia are often prone to hurricanes at this time of year. There may be flooding in Cambodia and Laos.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in September
Where to Go on Honeymoon in October
Africa, Egypt, Madagascar and South Africa are all experience pleasant climates at this time of year. In America, visit the southern states or New England, where the temperatures are pleasant and the pace of life relaxed. Argentina has hot, dry weather right now and it's a great time to see the wildlife. For guaranteed sun that won't break the budget, try Turkey or Cyprus. Venice will be much less crowded than the summer yet still nice and warm. Japan is amazing at this time of year with pleasant weather and gorgeous autumn foliage.
Best places to go:
India, Turkey, Cyprus, Africa, Egypt, South Africa, America, Argentina, Japan and Venice.
To be avoided:
Certain areas of Thailand will be in typhoon season which can be quite violent. It is also not a good time to travel to some of the South Pacific countries such as Fiji, New Guinea and the north of Australia.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in October
Where to Go on Honeymoon in November
Time for Thanksgiving in America, so for a proper cultural experience and with a charming winter chill head to New York (but be warned America at this time can be hectic and opening hours will vary). Germany is the place to go for the Christmas markets. Our picks would be Nuremberg, Munich or for a slightly different angle, Berlin. To embrace winter, get your skis out and head for Aspen. For guaranteed sunshine head to Hawaii or Morocco where temperatures are in the high 20s. In Hong Kong November is "Wine & Dine Month", with ample foodie events and offers. Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand start to cool down.
Best places to go:
New Zealand, Hawaii, Aspen, Germany, America, South America, Morocco, Belize, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand
To be avoided:
Bermuda, where it will be cold and windy with not a whole lot to do.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in November
Where to Go on Honeymoon in December
Naturally skiing at this time of year is popular, Colorado in the US or the Pyrenees and the Alps in Europe are all good picks. Don't forget Lapland or Scandinavia for festive romance, as well as the Christmas markets again in Germany. For an unforgettable hot vacay head to Belize, explore unspoiled Caribbean islands, reefs and tropical rainforests with world-class scuba diving, sailing, fishing, hiking, great Mayan history and the most understated slick resorts.
Best places to go:
Mexico, Belize, skiing destinations (check the season dates), Germany, Lapland, the Caribbean, South East Asia, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.
To be avoided:
Malaysia is mid-monsoon season and all of Eastern Europe where the climate is severe and not best suited to a holiday.
Read our guide: The Best Places to go on Honeymoon in December
Looking for more honeymoon ideas? We've got a whole section dedicated to all things honeymoons or watch our Virtual Wedding Series where we chat to Honeymoon and Wedding Wellness experts below!
