Best Places to Visit in Spring 2026 (Top 7 Global Destinations)

Best Places to Visit in Spring 2026 (Top 7 Global Destinations)

Spring 2026 is one of the best times to travel if you want mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer. From cherry blossoms in Japan to tulip fields in Europe and water festivals in Thailand, the season is full of special experiences that only happen once a year.

In this guide, you will discover the best places to visit in spring 2026, with clear advice on when to go, what to see, and quick tips that help you plan faster.

If you are planning where to travel next year, here are the best places to visit in spring 2026 for weather, festivals, and beautiful scenery.

Quick Overview: Top Spring 2026 Destinations

If you want a fast shortlist, start with these seven:

• Kyoto, Japan – Iconic cherry blossoms and temples
• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Tulips, canals, and King’s Day
• Washington, D.C., USA – Monuments and cherry blossom festival
• Marrakech, Morocco – Warm sunshine, souks, and Atlas Mountains
• Petra, Jordan – Ancient city in ideal hiking weather
• Machu Picchu, Peru – Green mountains and fewer crowds
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – Songkran water festival and culture

Below you will find a short, skimmable section for each destination.

1. Kyoto, Japan – Classic Cherry Blossom Experience

Why go in spring 2026:
Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in spring 2026 if you want the classic cherry blossom experience. Temples, rivers, and parks turn pink for a few magical weeks.

Best time to go:

• Late March to early April 2026
• Aim for the first week of April for the highest chance of full bloom

Do not miss:

• Walking the Philosopher’s Path under rows of cherry trees
• Maruyama Park and Heian Shrine for blossom viewing and evening illuminations
• Iconic temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) framed by spring colors

Travel tips:

• Book hotels and trains well in advance. Cherry blossom season sells out.
• Visit popular spots early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• Pack layers: light clothing for the day and a thin jacket for cool evenings.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Tulips and Canal-Side Charm

Why go in spring 2026:
Amsterdam in April feels like a postcard. Flower markets reopen, locals sit at canal cafés, and tulip fields outside the city hit peak color. Among the best places to visit in spring 2026, Amsterdam stands out for its tulip fields and canal-side festivals.

Best time to go:

• Mid to late April 2026
• This timing is ideal for tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens

Do not miss:

• A day trip to Keukenhof to see millions of tulips and other spring flowers
• Renting a bike and riding through the tulip fields around Lisse
• A classic canal cruise to see Amsterdam’s narrow houses and bridges
• King’s Day (27 April) if you enjoy street parties and a bright orange dress code

Travel tips:

• Buy Keukenhof and transport tickets in advance.
• Expect mixed weather: sunny one day, showers the next. Bring a light rain jacket.
• Choose accommodation near the centre so you can walk or cycle everywhere.

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3. Washington, D.C., USA – Monuments and Cherry Blossoms

Why go in spring 2026:
During spring, Washington, D.C. combines national monuments with pink cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. In 2026, the city is extra festive because of the United States 250th anniversary events.

Best time to go:

• Late March to early April 2026
• Aim for the last days of March or first week of April for peak bloom

Do not miss:

• Walking the Tidal Basin loop to see blossoms around the Jefferson Memorial
• The National Cherry Blossom Festival events and parades
• Free Smithsonian museums along the National Mall
• Neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Capitol Hill with historic row houses and spring flowers

Travel tips:

• Visit the Tidal Basin very early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds and tour buses.
• Use the Metro rather than driving; parking near the Mall is difficult.
• Pack comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot between monuments and museums.
• For accurate bloom forecasts, check the National Park Service:

4. Marrakech, Morocco – Warm Sun and Exotic Souks

Why go in spring 2026:
If you want reliable sunshine and warm days without extreme heat, Marrakech in April is a strong choice. The city is busy but not overwhelming, and you can easily combine culture with nature trips.

Best time to go:

• April 2026
• Early to mid-April gives the best balance of pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds

Do not miss:

• Evening food stalls and street performers on Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Wandering the colorful souks for spices, lanterns, and textiles
• The peaceful Majorelle Garden and Bahia Palace
• Day trips to the Atlas Mountains or overnight excursions to the Sahara Desert

Travel tips:

• Dress in light but modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect for local culture.
• The sun is strong, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• If you plan a Sahara trip, pack a warm layer for cooler desert nights.

5. Petra, Jordan – Ancient City in Perfect Hiking Weather

Why go in spring 2026:
Petra is breathtaking at any time, but April offers ideal walking conditions. It is warm, mostly dry, and the desert landscapes have a short green season after winter rains. Petra is also one of the best places to visit in spring 2026 because the warm days, clear skies, and comfortable hiking conditions make exploring the ancient city much easier than in summer.

Best time to go:

• April 2026, especially mid-April
• Spend at least two full days in Petra

Do not miss:

• The dramatic walk through the Siq to the famous Treasury
• Hiking up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) for huge views over the mountains
• Exploring the Royal Tombs and high viewpoints in the late afternoon light
• A night under the stars in nearby Wadi Rum desert

Travel tips:

• Consider buying the Jordan Pass, which can include your visa and Petra entry.
• Wear proper walking shoes; Petra is large and involves hills, stairs, and uneven paths.
• Start early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer tour groups.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru – Green Andes With Fewer Crowds

Why go in spring 2026:
For South America, late April and May are perfect for Machu Picchu. The heavy rains of the earlier months are over, so the skies clear, but the mountains remain lush and green. Machu Picchu is easily one of the best places to visit in spring 2026 because the weather is calm, the trails are open, and the views are at their clearest. Machu Picchu is easily one of the best places to visit in spring 2026 because the weather is calm, the trails are open, and the views are at their clearest. If you enjoy history, nature, and trekking,

Best time to go:

• Late April to May 2026
• This period is a sweet spot before the heavy June–August tourist season

Do not miss:

• Exploring the main ruins of Machu Picchu with a guide for context
• Hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for panoramic views over the site
• A day or two in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, Maras salt terraces)
• Time in Cusco to explore colonial streets and nearby Inca ruins
• Machu Picchu ranks among the best places to visit in spring 2026 thanks to its mild weather and green mountain scenery.

Travel tips:

• Book Machu Picchu tickets and any special hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) well in advance.
• Spend at least one night in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize to altitude before visiting Machu Picchu.
• Pack layers and a light rain jacket; mornings can be cool and misty, afternoons mild and sunny.

7. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Songkran Water Festival and Temples

Why go in spring 2026:
If you prefer culture and energy over cool temperatures, Chiang Mai is one of the most exciting places to visit in spring 2026. The city is the centre of Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival.

Best time to go:

• Mid-April 2026, especially 13–15 April
• Arrive a day or two earlier and stay a few days after if possible

Do not miss:

• Joining the Songkran water fights around the Old City moat
• Watching processions and traditional ceremonies at Wat Phra Singh and other temples
• Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the hill above the city for sunrise or sunset views
• Night markets such as the Sunday Walking Street for street food and local crafts

Travel tips:

• April is very hot, so plan outdoor activities for morning and evening, and rest or go indoors during the middle of the day.
• Wear light, quick-drying clothes and use a waterproof pouch for your phone and money during Songkran.
• Book accommodation early, as Chiang Mai is extremely popular during Thai New Year.

If you like hotel hacks, read:
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How to Choose the Best Spring 2026 Destination for You

To decide where to go, match your travel style to the destination:

Choosing the best places to visit in spring 2026 depends on your travel style, budget, and how far you want to fly.

• Flower and photography lovers: Kyoto, Amsterdam, Washington, D.C.
• Culture plus warm sun: Marrakech, Chiang Mai
• History and hiking: Petra, Machu Picchu
• Cooler, mild weather: Kyoto, Amsterdam, Washington, D.C., Petra, Machu Picchu
• Festival energy: Songkran in Chiang Mai, King’s Day in Amsterdam, Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.

Think about:

• How far you want to fly
• Your ideal temperature range
• Whether you want big festivals or quieter sightseeing
• Your budget for flights and hotels

Final Thoughts

Spring 2026 is a very strong season for travel. The best places to visit in spring 2026 offer a mix of blossom-filled cities, desert adventures, ancient ruins, and lively cultural festivals. Whether you dream of walking under cherry trees in Kyoto, biking past tulip fields in Amsterdam, or getting soaked during Songkran in Chiang Mai, there is a destination that fits your style. Whether you prefer cities, culture, nature, or festivals, the best places to visit in spring 2026 offer something for every type of traveler.

Plan early, book smart, and pack for layered weather. With a clear idea of what you want from your trip, you can turn spring 2026 into a travel season you remember for years.

All these destinations qualify as the best places to visit in spring 2026 because they offer unique experiences only available during March to May.