The best destinations to visit in spring

The Land of the Rising Sun should be at the top of every spring holiday bucket list. Not only does the time between cool winters and hot summers bring Japan’s best weather, but the nation becomes its most picturesque when the iconic cherry blossoms cover trees across the landscape. City parks and countryside woodlands are made even more beautiful by the arrival of these delicate pink flowers. In some districts, special illuminations are installed to create enchanting sakura scenes, even after sunset.

Meanwhile, on the Asian mainland, China’s Chengdu also bursts into life at this time of year. This city in the Sichuan province, known for its extra-spicy cuisine, is the best place in the world to see giant pandas. Spring, when these adorable creatures are most active, is one of the best times to see them. March to May is also a great time to visit almost everywhere in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an, where the Terracotta Army is found. Exploring the whole country on a China tour in spring is an incredible experience.

Only slightly smaller than the Atlantic but significantly warmer, the Indian Ocean is home to some of the world’s most beautiful island destinations. In the north, closer to India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka enjoy their best weather between November and April, with fewer crowds in the later weeks. Spring in both countries is hot enough for relaxing but cool enough for exploring, making it an ideal time to visit. Choose an all-inclusive Maldives resort which offers watersports, tennis courts, and whale-watching cruises to make the most of the milder days, or enjoy a city, culture, scenery and safari tour in Sri Lanka’s most comfortable temperatures.

Further south, April is the start of the most pleasant weather in the Seychelles and Mauritius. While both these destinations can be visited all year, the combination of days just under 30°C and minimal rain make these Indian Ocean islands perfect spring break destinations. The Seychelles is a castaway escape with spectacular diving, exquisite dining, and tropical landscapes from mangroves and rainforests to coral reef lagoons. Mauritius hosts all-inclusive trips of every kind, from wellness retreats or golf and spa breaks to active family holidays and unforgettable honeymoons.

From scorching deserts to ski resorts, the weather across North America is as diverse as the geography, but everywhere in the USA is beautiful in springtime. The nation’s capital, Washington, DC, bursts into bloom with cherry blossom trees echoing Japan’s cherry blossoms across the city, making for fantastic photographs. Wine tour season is just beginning in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys, offering a chance to explore in fresh comfort before the heat of summer arrives. Further south, cooler temperatures make spring the perfect time for a road trip from LA’s beaches to the glittering city of Las Vegas.

As nature wakes after winter, spring is an excellent time to visit America’s national parks. Spot baby critters as you hike among wildflowers on the slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Try white water rafting in waterways swollen by melting snow at New River Gorge. See bright flowers emerge among the valleys and dunes of Joshua Tree. Or witness the energetic displays of courting alligators in Florida’s Everglades. Speaking of Florida, Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most popular places to go in the Easter holidays, a world of thrills, fun and excitement. And if you can visit a few weeks earlier, you’ll take advantage of shorter queues in all of Orlando’s parks.

Two of Asia’s best destinations for a city break, Hong Kong and Singapore, are at their most walkable between the colder nights of winter and the humidity of summer. Stroll from the bustling Hong Kong Ladies’ Market past the shops and restaurants of Nathan Road to enjoy sunset on the Kowloon harbourside before a Symphony of Lights cruise. Take a break from shopping in Causeway Bay with coffee and cake in the peace of Victoria Park. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, skip the Peak Tram queues and work your way up the winding slopes of Victoria Peak for spectacular city views.

In Singapore, spring is a fantastic time to enjoy the contrasting but equally breathtaking flora of the 165-year-old Botanic Gardens and the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. Explore historic Chinatown on foot, cruise along the Singapore River to Marina Bay, or spend family days among Sentosa’s theme parks and beaches. Turn your Asia city break into a multi-centre holiday by adding Hong Kong or Singapore to a beach stay in Thailand. Or fly south for an Easter adventure Down Under.

When it’s spring in the UK, it’s autumn in Australia and a wonderful time to visit. From north to south and east to west, Australia experiences pleasant temperatures throughout. Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef are a joy to explore as the mercury dips from the summer highs, while Uluru and Alice Springs hit the sweet spot when days are under 30° and nights stay above 10°. Leafy Tasmania transforms into hues of red and brown, making it a beautiful time to tour Australia’s island state.

In South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, the months between summer and winter cause attention to turn to entertainment and events. Adelaide hosts the world’s second-biggest performing arts festival between February and March. Melbourne holds its globally renowned comedy festival from March to April, just after F1 comes to town for the Melbourne Grand Prix. If you arrive closer to the end of the season, just on the brink of the Australian winter (our summer), you’ll find Sydney illuminated as the Vivid light festival takes over the harbour for three weeks each May and June.

Looking for somewhere closer to home? Fly less than seven hours direct and arrive in the UAE at the very best time of year. Average temperatures hover between 20° at night and 30° during the day, with almost no rainfall, making spring perfect whether you’re lazing on the beach, sampling the city, or riding 4x4s over giant dunes in the desert. From the icons of Dubai to the picturesque waterfront of Abu Dhabi or the family-friendly all-inclusive resorts of Ras Al Khaimah, there’s something for everyone on a UAE spring holiday.

Away from the luxurious glamour of the UAE, Oman offers a window into authentic Arabia in Muscat or blissful escapes at sensational resorts among the mountains. Qatar blends old and new with traditional souks, serving rich coffees as falcon traders showcase magnificent birds while architectural wonders of glass and steel rise around the bay. If history is what you’re looking for, there are few destinations more spellbinding than the ancient carved city of Petra in Jordan, sitting midway between the uniquely enchanting Dead Sea and the spectacular diving of the Red Sea.