A Year of Romance: The Best Honeymoon Island for Every Month

There is no “bad” time for a honeymoon, but there is definitely a bad time for certain islands. You don’t want to be in the Caribbean during a hurricane or in the Maldives during a monsoon.

Here is your 2026 cheat sheet to finding the perfect weather for your romantic escape, no matter when you tie the knot.

January: The Maldives

  • Why: It is peak dry season. The water is glass-calm, the sky is cloudless, and the humidity is low.
  • The Vibe: Ultimate luxury. Overwater villas, underwater restaurants, and total privacy.
  • Runner Up: Phuket, Thailand (Great weather, vibrant culture).

February: Palawan, Philippines

  • Why: The dry season is firmly established. The limestone lagoons of El Nido and Coron sparkle in the sun.
  • The Vibe: Adventure romance. Island hopping by private boat, hidden beaches, and rustic-chic luxury.
  • Runner Up: Saint Lucia (The Caribbean is perfect in Feb).

March: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

  • Why: The water is warmest (great for snorkeling), and the seas are calm. The wildlife is active (mating season for many birds).
  • The Vibe: Nature lovers’ paradise. Small ship cruises and unique wildlife encounters.
  • Runner Up: Turks & Caicos (Whale watching season).

April: Bora Bora, French Polynesia

  • Why: The shoulder season. The heavy rains have stopped, but the peak summer prices haven’t hit yet.
  • The Vibe: The bucket list. Mount Otemanu rising from the turquoise lagoon is the most romantic view on earth.
  • Runner Up: Maui, Hawaii (Whales are still around, weather is great).

May: Seychelles

  • Why: The transition month between trade winds. The sea is calm, and it is warm but not too windy.
  • The Vibe: Prehistoric beauty. Massive granite boulders, giant tortoises, and lush jungles.
  • Runner Up: Crete, Greece (Wildflowers are blooming, water is getting warm).

June: Bali, Indonesia

  • Why: The dry season begins. The humidity drops, and the evenings are cool.
  • The Vibe: Spiritual luxury. Private pool villas in the Ubud jungle or cliffside resorts in Uluwatu.
  • Runner Up: Fiji (The dry season in the South Pacific).

July: Zanzibar, Tanzania

  • Why: It is cool and dry (winter in the southern hemisphere). Perfect for combining with a Serengeti safari.
  • The Vibe: Exotic spice. Stone Town’s history meets Nungwi’s white beaches.
  • Runner Up: Azores, Portugal (Hydrangeas are blooming, whales are migrating).

August: The Cook Islands

  • Why: Perfect tropical weather without the humidity. It feels like Hawaii 50 years ago.
  • The Vibe: Laid-back Polynesian hospitality. Aitutaki lagoon is a rival to Bora Bora.
  • Runner Up: Vancouver Island, Canada (For an adventurous, non-tropical honeymoon).

September: Santorini, Greece

  • Why: The summer crowds are thinning, the sea is at its warmest, and the sunsets are still spectacular.
  • The Vibe: Iconic romance. White suites, infinity pools, and caldera views.
  • Runner Up: Sicily, Italy (The harvest season, great food and wine).

October: Mauritius

  • Why: It is getting warmer and drier before the humid summer hits.
  • The Vibe: “All-in-One.” Great beaches, mountains, golf, and colonial history.
  • Runner Up: Madagascar (Baby lemur season!).

November: Jamaica

  • Why: Hurricane season is ending, prices are low, and the weather is generally sunny.
  • The Vibe: Reggae and relaxation. Great all-inclusive resorts in Negril or Ocho Rios.
  • Runner Up: Tenerife, Spain (Winter sun in Europe).

December: St. Barts

  • Why: It is the place to be seen. The weather is perfect, and the yachts are in town for New Year’s Eve.
  • The Vibe: Glitz and glamour. French cuisine, designer shopping, and beautiful people.
  • Runner Up: Tasmania, Australia (Summer down under, lavender fields).

Honeymoon Planning Tips

  1. Tell Everyone: Mention it’s your honeymoon on every booking. You might get free champagne, a room upgrade, or at least a nice card.
  2. Down Time: Don’t overplan. You will be tired from the wedding. Schedule days to do absolutely nothing.
  3. Honeymoon Registry: Instead of a toaster, ask guests to contribute to your “Swim with Dolphins” fund. Experiences last longer than appliances.

Honeymoon Budget Hacks

Weddings are expensive. Your honeymoon doesn’t have to break the bank.

  1. Mini-Moons: If your budget is tight, take a short “mini-moon” to a nearby island (like Mallorca or Cozumel) immediately after the wedding, and save up for the big Maldives trip for your 1st anniversary.
  2. Travel Agents: Surprisingly, travel agents often have better rates for luxury honeymoons than Booking.com because they have direct relationships with the resorts and access to “Honeymoon Packages” (free dinners/spa treatments).
  3. Points and Miles: Use the spending from your wedding to rack up credit card points. Paying the caterer and venue on a travel card could pay for your flights to Tahiti.

The “Do Nothing” Rule

The biggest mistake couples make is treating the honeymoon like a sightseeing tour.

  • The Rule: Plan one activity for every three days.
  • Why: You will be exhausted from the wedding stress. You need time to just sleep, swim, and be bored together. Being bored is where the romance happens.

Congratulations! Now go book that flight.