Whether you’re trying to escape the cold or love the snow, here are some winter honeymoon destinations that will inspire you and your partner. Winter is one of the very best times to take off on your honeymoon, and we’re sharing the best destinations to go to.
From November to February, many destinations around the world offer some fantastic weather. You could be looking for a break in the snow, a week on the beach, or a city getaway that does not rain, winter brings the perfect conditions from some epic destinations around the world for honeymooners.
Why A Winter Honeymoon?
While many European and North American couples opt for a summer wedding and honeymoon, it’s not the best time to travel to many popular honeymoon destinations. Not only is summer often a more expensive time to travel, but some resorts are packed with kids in July and August, while many regions are in the height of rainy or hurricane seasons well into September.
Choosing a winter honeymoon is ideal for many reasons due to many months being low season. While it might be harder to shop for a bikini in London or New York in December, once you getaway, these destinations offer amazing experiences, ideal weather conditions, and phenomenal accommodation.
Plus, even if you’re not having a fall or winter wedding, delaying a honeymoon after a summer bash will give you both time to save up your spending money, and something to look forward to after your big day.
Still not sure if holding out for a winter honeymoon is right for you? Check out ten of our favorite destinations to visit between November and February.
Top Winter Honeymoon Destinations
1. Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Cabo is making a comeback. The Sea of Cortez offers dives with whale sharks, dolphins, rays and more. Mexican wine country is as chic as can be. And Pueblo Magicos like Todos Santos – are becoming more accessible & luxe thanks to hip boutique hotels. There’s never been a better time to visit Mexico’s Baja California & Baja California Sur.
Surfers & free-spirits looking to escape the crowds for something more unique can drive an hour up the Pacific Coast to Todos Santos. The tiny town on the Pacific is oozing with charm. A great jumping-off point for all Baja adventures, the area provides privacy, chill vibes, epic ocean views for whale watching and excellent food
Wine lovers, particularly those already in Socal, will love how easy it is to escape to Mexico’s burgeoning wine region: Valle de Guadalupe. Just an hour or so drive across the border from San Diego, this arid desert valley is one of the world’s up-and-coming destinations for wine lovers and foodies alike. You’ll be spoiled with riches with unique Mexican wines & farm-to-table cuisine.
2. Hawaii, USA
Those looking for an escape from their Northern winter can count on the Hawaiian Islands’ near-perfect weather all winter long.
With eight major islands to choose from, Hawaii has a unique destination for every type of couple. Looking for lush rainforests & luxe villas? Visit Kauai. Thinking of all-inclusive beach time? Try Maui. Want to feel like you’re the only couple on your own tropical paradise island? Consider Molokini.
Or if you’re a serious outdoors adventurer look no further than The Big Island of Hawaii. Offering active volcanos, black sand beaches, deserts, ranch lands, sacred valleys, sky-high waterfalls & plenty of space to romp about, the Big Island is a rugged adventurer’s paradise.
3. The Caribbean
The islands of the Caribbean offer endless options for a romantic break. There are so many destinations to choose from like Barbados and Antigua paired with the likes of St. Lucia, Mustique, St John, or bigger islands like Jamaica, Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, you can choose a single or multi-destination winter break with guaranteed sunshine.
Boasting world-class resorts, breathtaking beaches, and the friendliest people, a holiday in the Caribbean is about more than just lounging by the pool. Water sports, wildlife, nightlife and great food make this a truly memorable place to visit, and winter is the prime time to do it.
4. Utah, USA
The American West has never beckoned louder for domestic travel. Not only can US couples travel to some of the world’s most geologically unique & stunning destinations by car but anyone who ventures to Utah & the many wild states around it can get “lost” thanks to expansive, empty National Parks, landmarks & the open road.
For a winter honeymoon, we’re thinking perhaps one of the many lavish spa resorts in Utah’s Park City. Imagine skiing to your luxury honeymoon suite & spending cozy evenings with your honey by the fireplace.
5. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Some couples want a winter honeymoon that takes them away from the cold weather, but for others, it’s all about getting to the heart of it. And there’s nowhere quite as splendid as Switzerland for taking in the atmosphere in a honeymoon-worthy setting.
While skiing and snowboarding are the most popular things to do in the Alps come wintertime, for honeymooners just looking to relax there are thermal spas, idyllic villages and lake cruises. If all fails, put your feet up by the fire with a rich hot chocolate, and your new spouse.
6. The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands offer Europeans and other cold winter countries, a sunny beachside haven to escape the winter cold.
From December to March, the European islands off the coast of Morocco average a pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius. But, which Canary Island is best? While Tenerife, the largest and most populated island, boasts the most sophisticated hotels, it would be a shame not to at least visit one or two other smaller islands. La Palma celebrates nature, harboring natural preserves and peace and tranquility for travelers. Bask in the sun on Fuerteventura’s beloved beaches or plan a diverse trip filled with a variety of adventures on Gran Canaria.
7. Southern Thailand
Banyan Tree Samui in Koh Samui
Southern Thailand is another one of those classic destinations for a winter break, but that doesn’t mean your honeymoon has to be anything close to classic. Whether you’re looking for a plush hotel or an island beach hut, this region has got it all.
Rugged cliffsides on the Andaman Sea offer iconic scenery off Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, while the Gulf of Thailand to the east, lays out white sand beaches and great diving on Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.
The entire region boasts incredible food and fun nightlife, but if it’s a slice of serenity, privacy, and romance you’re after, while it can be hard to find in this popular part of the world, it’s certainly not impossible.
8. Tanzanian Serengeti
One of the best places to visit during the colder months is the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Before Christmas will see a million wildebeest start their Great Migration south through the Serengeti, a sight that will truly take your breath away. With calving taking place in the shorter grass in late January and early February, this is a good time to spot some predator action.
Along with the wildlife, the landscape is lush and green, and the rains tend to be short in winter, making for an all-around more enjoyable safari experience.
Be sure to splash out on a hot air balloon over the Ngorongoro Crater, if you want a truly magical experience.
9. Lapland, Finland
If it’s a wonderland you’re after for your winter honeymoon, look no further than the Lapland region of Northern Finland (Lapland itself stretches into Sweden and Norway too).
With unique igloo hotels, tree houses over snow fells, and cool cocktail bars made from ice, Lapland has a fun adult side, but add in husky tours, reindeer sleigh rides, backcountry skiing and ice-swimming, it’s got lots of adventure to offer too.
With the Northern Lights visible almost every other clear night from September to March, it’s also the ideal time of year to take in one of the most beautiful sights on the planet.
The polar night, or Kaamos lasts for about a month over December and January, where it stays mostly dark over the entire period, a unique thing to experience, but definitely something to keep in mind, if you’re visiting during this time.
10. Indian Ocean Islands
One of the most popular hotspots for winter sun, the islands of the Indian Ocean offer sheer bliss if you’re after the kind of honeymoon that’s all about relaxation.
With world-class 5-star resorts and fantastic seafood, this region shows us how to do the beach life in style. You can pick from many activities such as sunset cruises, seaplane trips, diving, snorkeling, fishing and whale-watching.
Mauritius, the Maldives, and Seychelles are the most renowned island destinations, but the Zanzibar Archipelago and Reunion are also well worth checking out.
Plan a Winter Honeymoon
Now that you’ve looked at our list of winter honeymoon destinations, the next step would be to plan it! Having that gap between your wedding and honeymoon is not a bad thing. As mentioned, it’ll give you time to save and it’ll give you something to look forward to when the weather takes a turn!
