The Best Honeymoon Destinations
in May

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May is one of the best times of the year to plan a honeymoon. Not only are you likely to enjoy good weather almost anywhere you decide to visit, but it’s also part of the ‘shoulder’ season for tourism in most countries, which means you’ll be able to enjoy lower prices as well as far fewer crowds of other travellers.

After all the excitement and preparation of planning a spring wedding, you and your partner might be ready to escape to a remote part of the world and put your feet up after so many months of planning. You might be keen to experience exciting new experiences together, or just want to enjoy a holiday with more to offer than a conventional honeymoon. Whatever you both have in mind, this list of the best honeymoon destinations in May is a great place to start.

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Best for Romance

Hawaii

Hawaii is an archipelago in the USA that offers a great range of beautiful islands that are perfect for a romantic honeymoon. You can decide to spend your trip getting to know one of the main islands, or you can enjoy all that this unique state has to offer by embarking on a Hawaiian island-hopping tour during your visit.

There are plenty of holiday resorts found across Hawaii that cater specifically to couples on their honeymoon and can provide brilliant package deals that ensure romance is on the agenda for the entirety of your trip. All of the islands have a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere which is ideal for newlyweds who just want to enjoy the quality time together, whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying the sunset with a cocktail.

The island of Hawaii is the largest in the archipelago and one of the most popular places to visit on holiday, with opportunities for hiking, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as simple relaxation. Maui is the ideal spot for couples who want to enjoy water sports like surfing on their honeymoon, or Kauai has a really laid-back vibe that is perfect if you want to chill out and dedicate quality time to your new spouse.

Japan

It might not be the most conventional of romantic honeymoon destinations, but a visit to Japan in May will be filled with beauty, peace and experiences that will leave you and your partner feeling loved-up. The country is one of the best places to travel for a honeymoon in May because temperatures in places like Tokyo are warm without being humid, and much of the island’s greenery is in full bloom.

Japan is also a brilliant part of the world to spend a romantic honeymoon because there are plenty of chances to indulge in luxury that will leave you both feeling pampered and special. A stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan is the perfect way to enjoy a uniquely romantic stay in a classic inn where you will be served delicious meals in your room and can enjoy gorgeous rural scenery, particularly if the inn has its own private onsen (hot spring).

Whilst you will probably have missed the peak of the country’s famous cherry blossom season, when visiting Japan in May you can enjoy many other examples of greenery in full bloom across the parks, gardens and green spaces. Combine a romantic walk with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and you’ve got an itinerary for the perfect day with the person you love.

Best for Adventure

New Zealand

New Zealand has long been considered one of the best places in the world for an adventurous holiday, making it a fantastic destination for a honeymoon filled with new and exciting experiences. You won’t get scorching temperatures during your visit in May, but the cooler weather that the two islands see is perfect for long walks through the landscape and other energetic outdoor pursuits.

There is a wealth of different terrain to explore in New Zealand, from fjords to beaches, mountains and forests. A particularly popular pastime for visitors to the country at this time of year is a cruise down the spectacular Milford Sound in Fiordland for breathtaking views and chances for spotting a wide range of wildlife.

Although it can get chilly in New Zealand in May, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying many of the country’s popular activities like hiking, cycling, and even bungee jumping. For couples planning on a longer trip around the country, you can always enjoy a road trip around the north or south island for the ultimate adventurous holiday.

Zambia

A classic idea for an adventurous honeymoon is a safari holiday, and Zambia is one of the best African destinations to enjoy just that in May. It’s the start of the dry season in the country which means that it will be warm, dry and not too humid; perfect weather for exploring game reserves and spotting famous wildlife.

The national parks in Zambia cover almost one-third of the whole country’s landscape, meaning that you have plenty of options for where you want to spend your honeymoon. Walking safaris are particularly popular in Zambia for newlyweds who want even more of a thrilling adventure and the chance to get closer to some of Africa’s most iconic creatures.

As well as spending time in a game reserve, honeymooners in Zambia can also visit the thrilling Victoria Falls and see one of the largest waterfalls in the world. At the border where Zimbabwe meets Zambia, the Zambezi River falls for over 100 meters and is one of the best sightseeing spots in the whole country.

South Africa

If you’re looking for adventure on a honeymoon to Africa in May but don’t fancy a classic safari, South Africa offers the perfect alternate destination. The range of cities and expanses of wild landscape make this one of the best places on the African continent for travellers looking for new experiences, and it’s a great place for an active honeymoon.

The weather in South Africa’s Winelands is at its best around May, so head to this part of the country if you’re after sun-soaked days and clear blue skies. Places like Durban in the north will also be hot during the day which is ideal if you want to enjoy swimming and time at the beach, although temperatures do tend to drop a lot in the evenings.

South Africa is very geared up for tourism, so there are plenty of adventurous holiday packages and tours available for couples who don’t want to spend too much time planning the trip themselves. With hundreds of different activities on offer, from sailing to cycling and stand up paddleboarding to whale watching, there’s more than enough to fill your honeymoon itinerary here.

Best for Relaxation

Mauritius

The island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is one of the best tropical honeymoon destinations in May thanks to its weather. The oppressive humidity of the earlier months has disappeared but the extreme winds that arrive in June are still far off, providing the ideal climate for swimming or sunbathing.

There are plenty of luxury hotels and resorts in Mauritius that are perfect for couples who want nothing more than to move from the breakfast table to the beach, their balcony and then back to bed on their honeymoon. With a range of options for all budgets, you and your new spouse can simply sit back and watch the world go by to the gentle sound of waves in the distance.

If you want slightly more to do on your relaxing honeymoon, Mauritius is also a brilliant place for activities like golf, watersports, catamaran trips and visits to animal parks. There are also several UNESCO world heritage sites for history fans and plenty of forests and wild beaches to explore with your partner.

Saint Lucia

For many people, peak relaxation looks like a Caribbean island in the sunshine with nothing to do except top up your tan and enjoy the good weather. Saint Lucia offers all of that and more, and is another of the best beach honeymoon destinations in May for honeymooners looking to unwind after all the preparations needed for their big day.

Best known for the iconic Piton mountains, Saint Lucia is known as being one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, making it an ideal place for a honeymoon. Travellers have their pick of everything from beaches to exclusive holiday resorts, with beautiful scenery everywhere you go as well as lots of exciting island towns.

If all you want from your relaxing May honeymoon is the chance to destress and spend quality time with the person you love, you can certainly enjoy that here. For those looking for slightly more to fill their days, the island is well equipped for a range of holiday activities like snorkelling, surfing, hiking and more, along with a pretty lively nightlife scene if that’s you and your partner’s kind of thing.

Best for Something Different

Canada

May is one of the best times of the year to visit Canada if you’re after warm and sunny weather but want to avoid the crush of tourists that arrive in the summer months. From cities to national parks and even a wine country, Canada has a lot to offer honeymooners that fancy something a bit different for their special trip.

If you like to get out and about when visiting a new country on your holidays, Canada is a veritable playground filled with beaches, mountains, forests and lakes. If you’re less keen on exploring the great outdoors, there are lots of different brilliant cities like Vancouver and Toronto that are perfect for an urban trip spent enjoying restaurants and top-rated cultural attractions.

One of the best honeymoon locations in Canada for couples looking for an alternate romantic break is the small town of Tofino on Vancouver Island that is perfect for a quiet few days in a coastal cabin watching the waves and enjoying bracing beach walks. Banff National Park is also a wonderful spot for a honeymoon filled with stunning views and experiences like hiking and outdoor bathing in natural hot springs, or Prince Edward Island offers a less rural experience of the country that is just as beautiful.

Borneo

If you’re the kind of couple who like to reject tradition and do your own thing, a honeymoon in the rainforests of Borneo might be right up your street. It’s one of the best honeymoon destinations in May because it’s the dry season in this part of the world and monsoons are very unlikely, as well as also being the off-season for tourism.

Borneo’s rainforests are some of the wildest in the world, home to a huge population of orangutans. There are plenty of guided tours of these forests available to travellers, and this time of the year is a great time to spot the native monkeys in the forest canopy above you as they climb towards the sunshine.

If you don’t want to spend your entire honeymoon on a rainforest adventure, several smaller tropical islands around Borneo are perfect for a few days of relaxation and sunbathing beside the sea. It’s a brilliant country to combine a week of adventure with a week spent unwinding in a tropical paradise, so you and your new spouse can enjoy the best of both worlds on your honeymoon.

Mozambique

Mozambique is an up and coming holiday destination that is perfect for couples who are looking for a honeymoon to somewhere a bit different. This southern African country is found on the coast of the continent and is known for its brilliant beaches and spectacular views, offering a great alternative to classic tropical beach honeymoons.

With average daily temperatures of just under 30°C but relatively low humidity, May is a great time of the year to visit Mozambique and find out more about why this part of the world is starting to get so popular. As well as beach resorts and private coastal villas, you can also visit several cities filled with classic colonial architecture and national parks that are home to some of Africa’s best wildlife.

Just off the coast of Mozambique, couples also have the chance to visit the Quirimbas archipelago for an incredible island experience that will feel as though you and your new spouse are the first to discover this part of the world. There’s a huge range of experiences on offer in this fantastic honeymoon location, and you’ll be able to tell people that you visited the country before it was truly discovered by tourism.

Summary

Everyone has different ideas for what they’d like to do on their honeymoon; some couples want the ultimate romantic getaways, some just want to relax after the hassle of wedding planning, and some want to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a totally unique holiday experience. May is a pretty popular time for holidays beside the sea as many countries see temperatures start to climb as the summer approaches, but it’s also a great time of the year for outdoor adventure or sightseeing holidays that embrace the history and culture of other countries.

Wherever you decide to spend your honeymoon, we hope this list has helped inspire you and your partner to start planning the perfect trip together.

For more recommendations of where to go on a spring honeymoon, check out our guides to the best honeymoon destinations in March and April.

We also have a guide on Where to Go in May if you’re looking for more travel inspiration.