Spring sun holiday destinations

Spring is a magical time to getaway. If you're trying to decide where to go, don't miss our pick of the best destinations by month or try our spring holiday destination finder that lets you search for places based on your specific criteria.

Did you know? Our spring holiday finder is based on the northern hemisphere when spring runs from March to May, while the southern hemisphere's spring season is between September and November.

Spring holiday ideas

Our bespoke spring holiday finder, above, lets you search for destinations based on your preferred weather, how far you want to travel and the type of holiday you're looking for.

Best spring sun destinations by month

Deciding where to go can be a real head-scratcher, which is why using the weather as a critical factor is an excellent way of narrowing down your search. Even then, creating a list of finalists is tricky - trust us, we know!

We've paired our detailed weather data and expert knowledge of destinations to create an eclectic selection of places for March, April and May that promises to offer something for everyone.

Playa Macao, the most northerly of Punta Cana's beaches
Playa Macao, the most northerly of Punta Cana's beaches © Ted Murphy - Flickr CC BY 2.0

The one thing you can count on is sunshine! Every place listed offers an average of at least six hours of sunshine per day, if not more.

Top spring holidays in March 2024/2025

  1. Miami, Florida, USA
  2. Maldives
  3. Dominican Republic
  4. Luxor, Egypt
  5. Sri Lanka
  6. Malta
  7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
  8. Cyprus
  9. Montego Bay, Jamaica
  10. Antigua

You heard it here first: March is the month to go to Miami, and that's not just us saying it. Locals will tell you March is a favourite for endless rays of sunshine paired with warm-but-not-too-hot temperatures that make any holiday to this part of the Sunshine State a real winner.

The Atlantic is warm enough for swimming and watersports, while temperatures are ideal for making the most of the many attractions in and around Miami. From its beach to neighbourhoods such as Little Havana and Brickell, ensure there's plenty to do for all ages.

Art deco architecture on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Art deco architecture on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach - photo courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Both the Dominican Republic and the Maldives continue to bathe in wonderful weather in February, although both see a minor increase in heat and humidity, which makes them feel that little bit more sticky than in previous months.

Notably, across those two destinations there are holidays and travel deals for every budget, ensuring the beach is well within reach whether you're after an affordable winter sun escape or something truly magazine-worthy-indulgent.

Staying in the Caribbean, Jamaica and Antigua see quite similar conditions as they welcome the beginning of the end of their dry winter seasons. Things start to heat up quite substantially after March, which makes this an excellent time to go.

In Europe, the history-filled rocky archipelago of Malta in the Med is a sunny option for anyone after some culture-vulturing. Although there's some top sunshine on offer, it's definitely not one for heat-seekers, which will no doubt tick the box perfectly for many.

Similarly, Cyprus is the place to feel some warming rays but not necessarily where to go for the ultimate winter beach break. Tackle walks in the Troodos Mountains, sample tasty seafood and check out the museums of Paphos and Larnaca.

For marginally higher temperatures and a reliable dose of sunshine, you can't beat our old favourites, the Canary Islands, which continue to deliver blue skies with plenty to see and do.

About March weather >>

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Top spring holidays in April 2024/2025

  1. Florida, USA
  2. Caribbean Coast, Mexico
  3. Seychelles
  4. Dubai, UAE
  5. Cyprus
  6. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
  7. Cuba
  8. Barbados
  9. Arizona, USA
  10. Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain

April is another popular time for families and couples to get away for some spring sunshine. Places in the eastern Mediterranean are thinking about warming up, which means you don't have to travel quite as far as in previous months to experience a beachy break.

That said, Miami remains pleasantly warm and sunny in April before the humidity creeps in and starts to spoil the fun. Therefore, it's another good month to head to Florida if you're looking further afield.

Cancun, and the wider Yucatan Peninsula, is a little more humid than Florida but overall still very sunny and hot with slightly warmer seas to boot.

April is the last month that Dubai is safe enough weatherwise for an all-out beach break before the strength and heat of the summer sun start to kick in. It is incredibly sunny with long, hot and hazy days, perfect for some springtime R&R.

Sunny day in April on Nissi Beach, Cyprus
Sunny day in April on Nissi Beach, Cyprus © Kirill Makarov - Dreamstime.com

If staying within the bounds of Europe is more your cup of tea, then look east to the far corner of the Mediterranean, where Cyprus is showing signs of getting ready for summer with longer days and steadily increasing temperatures, although the sea is still a little chilly at this time.

A destination with a difference is Arizona in the good old US-of-A, where 12 hours of sunshine per day are waiting to greet you at this time.

As a land-locked state, the attraction here is the great outdoors, including the Grand Canyon National Park among others. Temperatures are high but it's not humid, making it a brilliant time to strap on those walking boots.

If, however, you see April as the last hurrah before the hotter, busier approaching summer months, and really want to make the most of a gorgeous beach, then the Caribbean is still full of fantastic options.

The platinum shores and clear waters of Cuba's Cayo Coco are as sunny as Cyprus in April but considerably hotter, both in the sea and out of it. Likewise, Barbados, which is in the middle of its dry season, offers beautiful weather in April.

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Top spring holidays in May 2024/2025

  1. Miami, Florida, USA
  2. Montego Bay, Jamaica
  3. Seville, Spain
  4. Mexico's Caribbean Coast
  5. Cape Verde
  6. Cyprus
  7. Antalya coast, Turkey
  8. Kos, Greece
  9. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
  10. Malta

May appeals to different people in different ways. For families, there are lots of deals to be had in exciting, child-friendly locations during the half term break.

For those without kids, it's a tactical time to get away before the school holidays, beating the crowds and taking advantage of the many offers available at the start of the season.

Whichever camp you're in, you can rest assured there's plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where to go for your early summer holiday that promises delightful weather.

Our pick of the top 10 summer holiday destinations for May includes a delicious selection of places that tick so many boxes. Take Miami: it's sitting pretty in spot number one not only for its hot and sunny weather but its variety of things to do.

Be it splashing about in the warm sea water, checking out the street art in the uber-cool Wynwood district, visiting intriguing museums such as HistoryMiami, or dining on some of the most exciting cuisine in the USA (go to Little Havana for a flavour fest!), it's a full-on urban seaside retreat.

May is the ideal month to explore Seville in Spain
May is the ideal month to explore Seville in Spain © Nikokvfrmoto - Fotolia.com

Stunning Seville in Andalucia, southern Spain, is another city that offers lashings of sunshine and warm temperatures.

Throw in the historic architecture, museums, and renowned tapas and you have a real hit on your hands. Crucially, May is the ideal time to go before it gets too hot and too busy.

If it's one seriously hot beach break you're looking for in May, Mexico's Caribbean coast is the place to be. There's so much sunshine and average highs in the low thirties, not to mention delightfully warm water for swimming or water sports.

Closer to home, the eastern Mediterranean is where you want to look for a warm and sunny beach break this early in the summer season.

Turkey's Antalya coast, Greece's Kos and Cyprus all guarantee similarly pleasant conditions with lots of sunshine.

About May weather >>

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Whatever type of weather or pre-summer holiday you're looking for, hopefully, our spring holiday finder and pick of the top 10 destinations based on the weather by month have given you lots of tempting options to choose from.

Ready to book? Don't miss our selection of travel deals and discounts on springtime breaks from the biggest names in the business. Search and book holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and so much more.

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