We have news for you – May might just be the perfect month to honeymoon. Caribbean beachside escapes, city breaks in Europe, and exotic tropical destinations are just a few of your choices to kick off the summer travel season.
Spring has sprung, summer is just around the corner, and May is the perfect time to book a honeymoon. You can still find affordable deals on flights, and many places around the world are beginning to warm up.
Whether you’re planning to grab a lounge chair on the beach or want to take to the hiking trails in the mountains, it’s the best time to visit the vibrant city of Chicago or peaceful nature reserves like Port Douglas.
Get ready to take off on your dream vacation with this list of the best destinations in May for honeymoons.
May Honeymoon Destinations
Barbados
Best For: All-Inclusive Honeymoon
If you’re planning a Caribbean honeymoon, Barbados is the perfect location to choose in May. Why? You’ll still get many of those trademark tropical afternoons, with warm mornings making way to trade wind breezes, providing just enough of a romantic chill at night.
While some of our favorite islands are creeping into hurricane season, the location of Barbados mostly locks you into dry weather. Swimming at the pristine Dover Beach, exploring the subterranean pool at Harrison’s Cave, and hitting the links at Sandy Lane are all in peak form.
Cap that off with one of the best all-inclusive Sandals Resorts, and you have all the makings of a perfect vacation.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 7-10 Days
Suggested Stay: Sandals Barbados
Namib Desert, Namibia
Best For: Desert Chic Honeymoon
Sandswept landscapes might not seem like a great location for a Safari honeymoon, but hear us out. The Namib Desert is full of wildlife, including elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. True story.
Staying at Damaraland Camp gives you an up-close look at the majestic dunes and the mesmerizing plants and animals hiding behind each rolling hill.
Stargazing here is also a must. The Namib Desert is home to one of only a few Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserves anywhere in the world, so bring your telescope.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 2 Weeks
Suggested Stay: Damaraland Camp
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Best For: Medieval Castle Suites
Whether you’re staying in one or have a first-rate view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle from your room, the capital city of Scotland charms visitors with its palaces dating back to the 12th century.
We think you’ll feel like royalty with a King Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, with a spacious living room with castle views and an oversized washroom with dual vanities and Carrera marble from floor to ceiling.
Looking for things to do? Explore the historic landmarks, modern restaurants, and trendy shops along Princes Street before settling into your romantic honeymoon suite on your UK honeymoon.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 3-5 Days
Suggested Stay: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Best For: City Break Honeymoon
If you’re looking for an urban USA honeymoon location, don’t overlook the Windy City.
Chicago is a very walkable city, and there’s no better time for a stroll than right before summer break.
Ready for a reward after your urban hike? Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier overlooking Lake Michigan or share an iconic Chicago-style deep dish at Pequod’s Pizza or Italian Beef at Al’s.
If you’re looking to check out America’s pastime, baseball is back, so visiting Wrigley Field is a must.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 3 Days
Suggested Stay: Thompson Chicago
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Best For: Honeymoon Yoga Retreat
For couples who want a more structured honeymoon in paradise, the Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud, Indonesia, is a great way to jump-start your marriage.
The 5-day festival at the Yoga Barn and Puri Padi Hotel in early May embraces song, dance, and yoga through performances and demonstrations by some of the best in the business. Of course, you can come and go to the event as you please, and there’s a lot more to do in Ubud in May.
You’ll enjoy the driest weather of the year, which makes day trips to the Hindu temple Tanah Lot or relaxing at Finns Beach Club all the more enjoyable.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 7 Days
Suggested Stay: Tanah Gajah, Resort by Hadiprana
Osaka, Japan
Best For: Urban Honeymoon
Couples who want to experience the best of a Japan honeymoon will love the architecture, food, and overall vibe in Osaka.
Feeling tired after a long flight? Friendly locals and brilliant street food (like the crispy, savory pork pancake okonomiyaki) will help ease the jet lag.
Visiting the five-leveled pagoda of Shitennoji Temple, taking in the beauty of azaleas blooming all throughout town, and partying in the nightlife capital of Dotonbori District are all great ideas when visiting the vibrant port city.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 1 Week
Suggested Stay: St. Regis Osaka
Mexico City, Mexico
Best For: Honeymoon for Foodies
Mexico City is a city that would take a lifetime to explore. Foodies will love this challenge, with some of the most amazing markets, street food, and fine dining spots anywhere in the world.
Of course, you can’t sleep on the architecture at places like the Art Deco Palacio de Bellas Artes or the incredible history at Aztec sites like Templo Mayor and nearby pyramids at Teotihuacan – but you can dedicate an entire itinerary to the food.
Don’t miss street tacos at Los Cocuyos, tostadas at Coyoacan Market, and the mole at the famed Pujol. Trust us, we’ve tried them all.
But honestly, you can just get lost in areas like Roma Norte, San Ángel, and Juárez and likely find some of the best food you’ll ever have in spots we haven’t even heard of.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 5-7 Days
Suggested Stay: Nima Local House
Yosemite, USA
Best For: Honeymoon Camping
Couples looking for affordable honeymoon destinations in May can grab their backpacking gear and tents and head into the scenic valleys below the granite peaks of the famed Yosemite National Park in California.
Early to mid-May is an excellent time to hit the hiking trails to see the iconic Yosemite Falls or apply for a permit to trek the curved granite peak of Half Dome before the summer rush moves into full go.
Deciding where to stay? You can choose to stay at a luxury hotel or save some money by planning a romantic camping trip in Northern California.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 3-5 Days
Suggested Stay: The Ahwahanee
Port Douglas, Australia
Best For: Nature and Wildlife Honeymoon
If you’re planning an Australia Honeymoon, May is a perfect month. While the crowds are starting to pick up a bit, the weather is generally beautiful in many of the most popular destinations.
Port Douglas is a well-kept secret amongst many honeymooners, so planning a week at the beaches and rainforests has all the makings of a laid-back vacation in paradise.
Bird watching, waterfalls and gardens, and a coconut odyssey are a few dream-like images you can make a reality when traveling to northeastern Australia after walking down the aisle.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 7 Days
Suggested Stay: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Athens, Greece
Best For: History Lovers
There are a lot of places where a photo can only get so far towards describing the beauty. Athens has at least a dozen of said places.
Archeological fanatics and casual historians alike will love visiting the almost perfectly preserved Parthenon, admiring artifacts like the incredible statue of Alexander the Great at the Acropolis Museum, and stepping into the iconic Olympic venue Panathenaic Stadium, which is made entirely of marble.
May is a wonderful time to visit and your last chance to see the most famous landmarks before the summer crowds get unbearably large.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 7-10 Days
Suggested Stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne
Los Angeles, California, USA
Best For: Sun and Fun
If you’re planning a California honeymoon, don’t overlook Los Angeles.
Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the laid-back beaches in San Diego or romantic neighborhoods and views in San Francisco, but an LA honeymoon in May is nothing short of perfect.
The weather is beginning to heat up, days are getting longer, and there’s a ton to do, night or day.
We love the idea of visiting the iconic pier at Santa Monica State Beach, sampling food at Grand Central Market, and hiking up to the Hollywood sign. You can do all of this before the summer crowds are in full force, making it a wonderful time to visit.
Need extra motivation to go? Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on International Harry Potter Day (May 2) if the mythical village of Hogwarts is your idea of paradise.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 5 Days
Suggested Stay: Shutters on the Beach
Mauritius
Best For: Idyllic Island Honeymoon
Immaculate beaches, expansive wildlife reserves, and a vibrant capital city make Mauritius the perfect place for couples to vacation.
May is one of the first months when temperatures begin to cool down and provide the best weather for a variety of activities on land and in the sea.
Honeymooners can adventure in Black River Gorges National Park, shop in Port Louis, and spend a day on a private island at Ile aux Cerfs. Add in the pristine beaches at Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, and you have all the makings of a wonderful Africa honeymoon.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 10 Days
Suggested Stay: Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best For: Coastal Views
If you’ve been dreaming of the Mediterranean Sea all winter long, booking a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast might be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Imagine dramatic coastal views, gardens with bougainvillea climbing up storied cliffside estates in towns like Positano and Sorrento, and romantic dinners with fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and artisanal limoncello to cap it off.
There are few places as romantic as this stretch of Southern Italy, and getting there just before the summer tourism season makes it feel like it’s still somewhat of a secret.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 7-10 Days
Suggested Stay: Casa Teodora – Positano
Lake District, England
Best For: Poetic Countryside Honeymoon
Few places match the romantic setting full of green rolling hills, deep blue lakes, and charming cottages belonging to literary greats like William Wordsworth than the Lake District in England.
Famed for its laid-back attitude and charming scenery, there’s nothing better than taking a stroll around the beautiful national park in the UK.
Take a hike up the challenging 3,244 ft Scafell Pike or visit Loughrigg Terrace in May, and you just might see the bluebell wildflowers that somehow enhance the beauty of the already picturesque scene.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 5 Days
Suggested Stay: Stockghyll Cottage
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Best For: Luxury Honeymoon
Sentosa Island translates to “peace and tranquility,” so you know it’s an idyllic location for a honeymoon retreat. But the island also boasts some of the most luxurious hotels in Asia, and many are near the white sand beaches.
Sandwiched between Palawan and Siloso Beach, The Barracks Hotel offers couples gorgeous rooms and suites with romantic hardwood interiors and antique furniture throughout.
May is a great month to visit, as temperatures hover between 80°F and 90°F, and it’s mostly dry – giving honeymooners the perfect weather for the beaches and pools.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 5 Days
Suggested Stay: The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality
Porto, Portugal
Best For: Honeymoon Wine Tasting
Looking for a honeymoon in Portugal? Head to the laid-back city of Porto on the Duoro River.
Cosmopolitan couples will love sampling dishes at Rui Paula’s fine dining classic DOP and admiring the beautiful architecture, like the famous Baroque Clerigos Church or the blue and white tile azulejos spread throughout town.
But wine tasting is also a must when you’re in Porto, and we think May is the best time to do it before summer crowds start filling up restaurant and tasting room seats.
If you Stay at The Yeatman, you’ll have an opportunity to relax and take in the views of Porto across the river at this 5-star property featuring a decanter-shaped pool (really) and a 30000 bottle wine cellar almost exclusively stocked with Portuguese wine. Cheers.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration:10 Days
Suggested Stay: The Yeatman
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Best For: Fun in the Sun
If your dream honeymoon involves endless stretches of white sands (Grand Cayman is home to the gorgeous 7-mile beach), crystal clear waters, and marine life like stingrays and sea turtles, then this Caribbean Island is where you’ll want to plan your tropical honeymoon.
Stay at the 5-diamond Ritz-Carlton and enjoy excellent dining options, a large outdoor pool, and some of the most luxurious rooms and suites on the island.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 5-7 Days
Suggested Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Best For: Honeymoon Views
Rio de Janeiro is arguably the most photogenic city in South America, and maybe the world.
From the views atop Sugarloaf Mountain of Christ the Redeemer to the pristine beaches in places like Ipanema and Copacabana, Rio is as beautiful as you’d expect from the pictures in real life.
The weather in May is excellent for long days on the Atlantic Coast or unforgettable nights partying at iconic spots like Rio Scenarium in Lapa.
Highs are around 80°F, and it never gets much cooler than 70°F, so pack your favorite sundress and beachwear; this will be a trip for the books.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 10 Days
Suggested Stay: Arena Ipanema Hotel
Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park, Canada
Best For: Whale Watching
If you can think of anything more romantic than an afternoon cruising along the coast looking for not one but about a dozen different whales, let us know.
Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park is gorgeous any time of year, but May marks the beginning of peak whale-watching season, making it an ideal time to visit.
Look for belugas, humpbacks, and blue whales, the latter of which begins to show up around this time of year. You also might see trumpeter swans, harbour seals, and porpoises.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 3-5 Days
Suggested Stay: Hotel Tadoussac
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Best For: Tropical Honeymoon
Kauai is one of the most lush, green, and chill locations you can find for your Hawaii honeymoon. In fact, if we had to choose an image for paradise, Kauai is the first thing that comes to mind.
From the rolling green coastal bluffs of the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park to the picturesque beaches in Hanalei Bay, Kaui is an unforgettable honeymoon locale.
The island is notoriously rainy for many months of the year, but May has plenty of sunshine and longer breaks from the periodic storms.
Suggested Honeymoon Duration: 10 Days
Suggested Stay: Princeville Mauna Kai 9
Practical Tips for Planning Your May Honeymoon
Take Advantage of Shoulder Season
You can still take advantage of shoulder season in many of the best honeymoon destinations in May. Shop around for deals on flights, accommodations, and event tickets when planning your big trip.
Memorial Day Weekend
If you’re vacationing in North America, remember that the last Monday in May is always Memorial Day in the USA. Americans typically travel during this time locally and sometimes internationally, so you may want to avoid this holiday if you’re looking for deals.
Pack Layers
You’ll find beautiful weather in many locations around the world, but some locations in Europe and the USA are just beginning to warm up.
Pack a lightweight, waterproof coat and layers to prepare for unexpected weather in places like Canada, the United States, and Western Europe.
Plan a Destination Wedding
Wildflowers, lower hotel rates, and warm weather are just a few reasons why we think May is an excellent time for a destination wedding and honeymoon combo.
Best Places to Honeymoon in May: Map
More May Honeymoon Ideas
- Here’s How to Plan the Perfect Barbados Honeymoon
- Japan is a Fantastic Honeymoon Destination – Here’s Why
- Bali is a Dreamy Honeymoon Escape
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