Spring is a short, spectacular window in a lot of the world's best destinations — blooms that last a matter of weeks, mild weather before the summer crowds and heat arrive, and landscapes that look completely different than they do the rest of the year. Here are six places where spring is the best possible time to visit.
Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom season (sakura), typically peaking in late March to early April, transforms Kyoto's temples, canals, and gardens into some of the most photographed scenery on earth. The Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove are all spectacular under a canopy of pink blossoms, and the timing is short enough that locals track bloom forecasts the way others follow weather reports. Browse Kyoto spring tours on Viator.
Namaqualand, South Africa
For a few weeks each year, usually August through October in the Southern Hemisphere's spring, the semi-desert region of Namaqualand erupts into one of the most extraordinary wildflower displays on the planet — millions of daisies and succulents carpeting the landscape in orange, purple, and white. It's a genuinely rare natural spectacle that few travelers outside South Africa know to look for. Browse Namaqualand tours on Viator.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech's brutal summer heat makes spring the ideal window to visit — warm, dry days without the triple-digit temperatures that arrive by June. The gardens of the Jardin Majorelle and the Menara Gardens are at their greenest, and exploring the medina's souks and riads is far more comfortable than in peak summer. Browse Marrakech tours on Viator.
Texas Hill Country, USA
Every spring, usually peaking in late March and April, the Texas Hill Country around Fredericksburg and Austin turns blue and purple with bluebonnets and other wildflowers along the region's back roads. Wildflower drives, wineries, and small-town charm make this one of the best low-key spring road trips in the country. Browse Texas Hill Country tours on Viator.
Bhutan
Spring in Bhutan brings blooming rhododendron forests across the Himalayan foothills and some of the country's most important religious festivals (tshechus), with masked dances performed in dzong courtyards. Clear mountain views of peaks like Jomolhari are also more likely in spring than during the summer monsoon. Browse Bhutan tours on Viator.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal's terraced wine country along the Douro River comes alive in spring, with vineyards turning bright green against the region's dramatic river gorges. It's an ideal time for river cruises and vineyard visits before the summer heat sets in, with none of the harvest-season crowds of autumn. Browse Douro Valley tours on Viator.
What to Pack for Spring Travel
Spring travel means gardens, markets, and a lot of walking in mild, changeable weather. The VacationGrabs Leather Sling Bag is perfect for a day spent wandering temple grounds or wildflower fields hands-free. For exploring on foot with a bit more capacity, the VacationGrabs Vintage Leather Backpack handles a full day of sightseeing in style.
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