Where to Travel in Spring

Spring is an uplifting season that marks a fresh new start. It brings the comfort of warming sunshine and the excitement of bold new colours after chilly winters. Many places around the globe are particularly special at this time of year, so we’ve asked our experts to curate a list of their favourite places to travel to in the spring. Bear in mind that we’ve recommended places in both hemispheres, spanning the months of March to May in the north and September to November in the south.

On your adventures in spring you can discover cherry blossom in Japan and tulip fields in the Netherlands. Go exploring on tiger safaris in India and wander the souks of Morocco. Taste and sip your way around the vineyards, valleys and captivating cities of Portugal and France. And, enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking and kayaking across the spring landscapes of Argentina and New Zealand.

Every spring, usually between late March and mid-April (later in the north), Japan is covered in cherry blossoms. The timing and duration of the blooms can vary across cities, but if you visit in spring you are almost certain to catch a glimpse of the pink flowers. In Osaka, Osaka Castle is especially striking, surrounded by a moat and a park filled with plum, peach and cherry trees. This castle’s fascinating history and architecture is worth exploring at any time of year, but there is something particularly rewarding about visiting during the spring.

Kyoto‘s shrines, palaces, traditional machiya townhouses and ornate gardens all look remarkable with sakura (cherry blossom) in bloom. Ryoanji rock garden, with its minimalist design and raked gravel contrasts beautifully with the soft blossom on the cherry trees, while the Silver and Golden Pavilion are especially atmospheric, as the Golden Pavilion’s pond reflects the blossoms around it. There are numerous green spaces within the metropolis of Tokyo to enjoy cherry blossoms. Stop for a peaceful moment to enjoy the spring foliage at the gardens of the Imperial Palace, Hamarikyu Garden, Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen.

Need to know: We particularly recommend visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park, where cherry blossoms frame Mount Fuji. Spring travel here often requires planning well in advance and we suggest booking around a year ahead. Temperatures can still drop, so packing layers is a good idea.

Spring weather in the Netherlands is mild but changeable. The average maximum daytime temperature rises from 9 °C (48 °F) in March through 14 °C (57 °F) in April to 17 °C (63 °F) in May. Rainfall is fairly common, though usually light, and sunny spells often alternate with brief showers, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and a raincoat.

From late March through May, peak tulip season arrives in the country. Just south of Amsterdam, the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are a highlight, where tulips bloom in carefully designed displays. Each year, more than seven million bulbs are planted in autumn (September to November), and over 800 tulip varieties fill the gardens in spring – the scale is truly unimaginable. The gardens are also family-friendly, with themed horticultural displays, art installations and events that change annually. With 15 kilometres of walking trails, it’s an inspiring place for strolls and a true seasonal spectacle to enjoy from March to May.

Need to know: We recommend combining the Netherlands and Belgium in one journey. You can travel by luxury river cruise sailing between the two countries or by rail, a great option for families.

Morocco is a diverse country of incredible mountains, vast deserts and cities alive with busy medinas. And spring, March to May, is the best time to experience this variety of landscapes. Temperatures are generally comfortable, averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F) in many regions, though hotter in the desert as summer (June to August) approaches.

In these cool temperatures you can explore the souks of Marrakesh, finding everything from fragrant spices to Berber carpets. In Fes you’ll notice the smaller details of daily life in the ancient central medina and at the enormous outdoor Chouara tannery by exploring guided walking tours. The High Atlas mountains are colourful in spring as the wildflowers here typically begin to show in late winter, meaning they are in full bloom by March.

Need to know: We love the spectacular drive to the Atlas Mountains, where you can take short nature walks and stay overnight in a converted kasbah (fortress), such as Kasbah Tamadot.

In Portugal, spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit with lush landscapes and temperatures at around 16–22 °C ( 60–72 °F). It’s a great time to go sightseeing in Lisbon as walking tours, punctuated with alfresco petiscos (small plates) tastings, feel pleasant in the mild weather. We also love walks in the rugged mountains to the east, where the Côa Valley’s prehistoric rock art sites sit on hills bright with spring blossoms. The hiking paths are clear and dry in spring although the occasional light rain shower is still possible, particularly at the start of the season in March.

The Douro Valley’s microclimate means vineyards burst with fresh greenery early in the spring season, making walks among the vines especially beautiful. As the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, it’s a particularly rewarding location for food and wine experiences, with the added highlight of delicious seasonal spring produce to pair with a luscious glass of dry red or rosé wine.

Need to know: We recommend staying at Six Senses Douro Valley, a hotel in our Positive Impact Collection, for its hillside setting above the river and close proximity to the vineyards and walking trails.

A diverse country that is impossible to summarise in one statement, India is an especially good place to visit in spring (February to April). In the national parks, wildlife sightings increase as water sources shrink and vegetation thins, making animals easier to spot. March also brings the arrival of Holi, one of the most renowned festivals in India.

Holi is the festival of spring, marking the end of winter and the onset of new life and renewal. Often called the Festival of Colours, it also signifies the victory of good over evil and is imbued with cultural themes of love and harvest. Typically lasting two days, the Holi festival is celebrated with the throwing of brightly coloured powders and with music, dance and sweet treats in the streets.

Need to know: We recommend pairing a spring safari in Ranthambore with cultural highlights in Jaipur, so you can experience India’s incredible wildlife alongside its rich culture.

When it comes to France, we love Paris in spring (March to May) because temperatures are mild and perfect for sightseeing. It’s also an ideal season to explore the countryside. Just a few hours’ drive from the capital, the Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Home to breathtaking châteaux, the valley is best visited in May, when flowers are at their peak across its woodlands, meadows and rolling hills and orchards are covered in blossom.

This romantic region has rightly been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the ‘Garden of France’ thanks to its fertile farmland, the Loire Valley is equally celebrated for its viticulture. It’s a real treat if you enjoy fine food and wine, with vineyards producing everything from sauvignon blanc to pinot noir.

Need to know: We recommend a stay at Château de Noizay for its blooming gardens, proximity to cycling paths through the vineyards and the opportunity to savour fresh, seasonal spring ingredients used in the renowned cuisine.

The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, with spring falling between September and November. It’s one of the best times to visit because you can enjoy activities in mild weather and see blooming landscapes at a relaxed pace before the peak season. In Buenos Aires, jacaranda trees bloom from late October into November, making it a beautiful time to wander through different neighbourhoods visiting cafés and galleries. We particularly love Palermo for its treelined boulevards.

At Iguazu Falls, spring means drier paths for comfortable walks, while the cascades still thunder with impressive volume. Patagonia is another highlight in spring with the Lake District in the north of the region carpeted in wildflowers and melting snow feeding crystal clear lakes and rivers. Around El Calafate, October through December is the best time for birdwatching opportunities, with migratory species arriving and resident birds actively breeding.

Need to know: We recommend kayaking in the Lake District during spring – one of the best things to do in Argentina – when the waters are clear, the rivers are swollen and fast moving and the surrounding scenery is at its most vibrant.

A country that beckons any lover of the outdoors, New Zealand is a naturally stunning country and spring (September to November) is one of the best times to visit. Fresh green forests and waterfalls fed by snowmelt transform the landscapes, while towards late spring, blooming tulips appear around lakes and valleys.

At this time the spectacular mountains, glaciers, fjords, which are the backdrop to some of the worlds best hiking trails, remote luxury lodges and fascinating wildlife, experience excellent weather conditions. With mild temperatures and crisp blue skies, it’s the perfect season for hiking and outdoor exploration before the heat and crowds of summer (December to February) arrive. Trails are quieter too, so you can enjoy mountain ridgelines, valleys and lakes at your own pace.

Need to know: We recommend combining both the North Island and South Island on your trip to New Zealand. Remember the weather conditions are little different with northern areas in spring often reaching 20°C (68°F) and the south remaining cooler at around 16°C (61°F).