Seasonal travel planner
Where to travel in spring
For more reasons than we can count, spring is one of our absolute favorite times of year to travel. Considered the shoulder season for a lot of destinations, spring brings wonderful conditions such as the blossoming of wild flowers, the welcome lushness of greener fields, and milder, more comfortable weather.
Belize
The springtime months of March to May mark the dry season in glorious Belize, which can be hit by monsoons or heatwaves at other times of year. This is one of the best times to become immersed in the rainforests, reefs and ruins of this Caribbean nation, without the weather having too much sway.
Spring is also one of the best times to dive the second largest barrier reef in the world, as the underwater life is at its most visible. The famous Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve really shine, with turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays and vibrant coral on display. It’s also when wildlife above ground is most active – on tours of Belize’s wildlife reserves, there’s the potential for sightings of howler monkeys, jaguars, tapirs and more.
Aside from the flora and fauna, Easter is a grand time to get under the skin of local Belize culture. In April, there are food markets, carnivals and agricultural trade shows galore – so plenty of chances to sample some of the best in locally homegrown flavors.
Indonesia
Though not deemed spring in the western sense, the months of March to May mark the tail end of the rainy season in Indonesia, meaning sunnier weather, drier days, and dazzling emerald rice fields across islands like Bali and Java.
For iconic Indonesian wildlife, head to Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) and Tanjung Puting National Park, where orangutans roam. Though tricky to spot, they’re more active during fruiting season. Further towards the island of Flores, Komodo National Park is home to the legendary dragons, and is best visited from April when the dry season kicks in.
Hikes are easier during spring, with more chances of clear views at the summit – Mount Bromo in Java or Mount Agung in Bali are both relatively accessible if you’re active and eager for sensational views. Overall, you’ll get a glorious Indonesian experience in spring, without the crowds of peak time.
Georgia
Eastern Europe’s ‘bread basket’, Georgia, is at its most divine in the spring. If you’re here to hike, the snow still gleams on the peaks of the Caucasus, while in the foreground, wildflower meadows bloom as nature comes to life.
The classic hike from Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) to Gergeti Church will have fewer tourists and gorgeous mountain views; or try Chaukhi Mountain if you’re particularly adventurous. In the lower altitudes, the Svaneti region is wonderful – the trails around Mestia promise medieval stone towers and views of glaciers, with flowers in abundance between April and May. Bring boots, as some trails may be muddy.
Don’t forget Georgia’s spring grape harvests. As the birthplace of wine, Kakheti offers unique wine tastings with traditional qvevri wines – which are fermented in clay vessels for a rich, earthy flavor. Get ready for crisp Rkatsiteli whites and deep Saperavi reds.
The Netherlands
Aside from windmills, fields of swaying tulips may be the first image that comes to mind when you think of the Netherlands, and spring is when they make their regal appearance.
As tulip season occurs from late March to May, venture to regions like Lisse to witness endless rows of red, pink, yellow, and purple flowers, speckling the fields ready to be harvested. While the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens can get overcrowded, a good tip is to rent a bike and cycle the trails in the surrounding fields. With a backdrop of bright stripes of color and the odd wooden windmill, it’s a freeing way to feel truly Dutch.
Another spring highlight is King’s Day which falls in late April, when the streets fill with music, flea markets and boat parties, and buildings are adorned in orange decorations (the national color) to celebrate the king’s birthday.
Malaysia
From March to May, Malaysia feels refreshingly open; the clouds dissipate after the rainy season, beaches are calmer and crowds are fewer. March brings the Chingay Parade in foodie capital Penang, a multicultural celebration of the Malaysian communities such as Chinese, Malay, Indian and more.
You can wander George Town’s alleys adorned with street art, indulge in a bowl of laksa from local food stalls, then watch the parades – where enormous flags are twirled through the streets, acrobats perform, and traditional Chinese lions dance.
Meanwhile in April, the vast archipelago of Langkawi holds its annual water festival. Alongside sun-worshipping and letting the idyllic beach life ease your limbs, you can take part in the jubilant street parties and water fights; similar to Thailand’s Songkran.
New Zealand
The months of March to May in New Zealand have the usually green hills awash with golden, rust-colored and bright yellow hues as the poplars, willows and birches transform with the advent of fall. With the gradual cooling of temperatures, you can enjoy everything the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ has to offer.
The early fall is still warm, so outdoor activities are inviting without being overwhelming – think hiking and cycling; or even watersports and beach days in the North Island. By April, the fall foliage is truly stunning in the South Island, especially in regions like Queenstown and Central Otago, perfect for scenic drives or wine tastings in the vineyards (this area is home to one of the world’s southernmost wine regions, producing delicious Pinot Noir).
The United Kingdom
Ah, springtime in the UK. It’s a time where life stirs once more after a long, cozy winter and the days get longer once again. In spring, you’ll find fewer tourists than the peak summer months alongside more affordable prices, and you’ll experience the wonder of leaves unfurling, flowers emerging, and birds singing – not to mention baby farm animals in the fields.
If you’re sticking to London, there’s plenty to enjoy come rain or shine; but to fully immerse yourself in England’s green glory, the Cotswolds has nature in spades. Explore quintessential villages with honey-colored cottages, sip local cider that’ll put hairs on your chest, and wander wild gardens as they start to bloom.
Up north in Scotland, Edinburgh’s historic streets start to come to life as people drink and dine al fresco again; while in Glasgow, cherry blossoms line the parks, like Kelvingrove, for an atmospheric walk.
Argentina
While not technically the spring in Argentina (that falls between September and November), the months of March to May mark the fall months – a wonderful time to take an Argentina trip. After a fiery hot summer, temperatures become cooler from March onwards, meaning hiking and city exploration in big hitters like Buenos Aires, Salta and Córdoba are comfortable and pleasant, with fewer crowds.
Argentina is known for its delectable wines – and March is peak wine season in Mendoza, which means divine Malbec samples and vineyard tours as the grape harvest is in full swing. But if you’re more of an adventure-seeker than a slow-sipper, Argentina’s mountain wilderness, Patagonia, is lacquered in gold come fall, as quieter hiking trails come alive with warm-colored foliage.
China
Japan gets all the attention when it comes to springtime cherry blossoms, but parts of China bloom into life from late March to May, and it’s a delightful time to visit the country. The cherry and peach blossoms paint effervescent cities like Beijing, Hangzhou and Wuhan in soft pinks and whites – but if you venture out to the countryside to places such as Wuyuan, you’ll be rewarded with blankets of rapeseed flower fields and wondrous green scenery.
The Qingming Festival also falls in spring on April 4th or 5th – a traditional nationwide event where people pay their respects to loved ones who have passed. Locals fly kites, have gatherings in parks, burn incense and leave flowers for their ancestors, while celebrating the spring’s sense of mindfulness and renewal.
Croatia
The spring months are less crowded, more affordable, and see pleasantly warm temperatures in Croatia; compared to the peak summer season when tourists flock to the most popular spots of Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb. The Croatian spring gifts visitors the perfect conditions to take a dip in clear waters, take in the pebble beaches, and even board a sail boat between its glorious Mediterranean isles such as Hvar, Korčula and Brač.
A noteworthy event is the Light Festival in Zagreb, which sees the capital’s streets and famous landmarks adorned with endless twinkling light installations creating a kitsch and magical atmosphere usually reserved for Christmas. The festival usually falls in March but dates vary – ask our local travel experts if you’re keen to catch the lights during a spring trip to Croatia.
Botswana
March to May marks the end of the wet season in Botswana, meaning nature is watered, nourished, and in its most vitalized state – but the rains have eased off. Fields are lush and green, foliage bursts into life, the Okavango Delta is thriving and in turn, the animals come out to play in full view – making for brilliant wildlife-spotting.
Botswana’s wildlife jewel is really the Okavango Delta, whose filled water channels are perfect for mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris. Nothing compares to the in-the-wild sensation of gliding along the water to the peaceful sounds of birds and wildlife as you pass crocodiles, hippos, elephants and even cheetahs, if you’re lucky.
As it’s considered the shoulder season, there are fewer tourists in the lodges, meaning these dugout canoe tours and game-drive safaris will feel that bit extra-special.
Thailand
Sun worshippers, get ready – it’s the hot season in Thailand, making it ideal for days on tropical idyll-style beaches and drifting in the heavenly Pacific Ocean. Inland it can be uncomfortable to be outside for most of the day, so you’ll likely want to limit your time in urban cities such as Bangkok and head straight to the islands and coastal areas like Phuket, and Koh Samui; or sleepier, lesser-known spots like Koh Lanta or the Trang islands.
April also marks Songkran, the Thai New Year and one of Thailand’s most celebrated occasions. With the weather as it is, you’ll welcome the water fights in the street, traditional rituals, and high-spirited parties that take place all over the country. What’s more, the tourists really start arriving in Thailand between November and February (the dry season) so in spring, you’ll avoid the crowds that this Southeast Asian gem is known for.
Jordan
Avoiding the sizzling summer months in the Middle East is the best way to truly enjoy its sublime desert gifts – so spring time is ideal for a trip to Jordan. Both the spring and fall months are considered Jordan’s peak season, as the cooler temperatures allow more comfortable exploration.
Wander through the bustling souks of Amman, where spices, textiles, and handicrafts fill the air with color and fragrance. Marvel at the rose-red façades of Petra, where the cooler weather allows for long hikes up to the Monastery without overheating. Venture into the Wadi Rum desert, where jeep tours and star-covered nights are brilliant and memorable in the milder temperatures. Even the Dead Sea is far more pleasant for floating and relaxation during spring, avoiding the extreme summer heat.
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