10 Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad to Avoid Crowds

Spring is a wonderful time to travel and explore the world. Many destinations offer milder weather and beautiful landscapes without huge crowds. You can admire ancient architecture, wander in and out of museums, and explore cobblestone streets without having to shoulder past tons of tour groups and a sea of selfie sticks.

Here are 10 of the best spring travel destinations abroad you can enjoy without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season!

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Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re short on time, click the links below to jump ahead to one of the best spring travel destinations abroad:

  1. Vancouver Island, Canada
  2. Montreal, Canada
  3. Lisbon, Portugal
  4. Dublin, Ireland
  5. Stockholm, Sweden
  6. Zadar, Croatia
  7. Nice, France
  8. St. Lucia
  9. Belize
  10. Oaxaca, Mexico

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How to Travel in Spring Without the Crowds or Peak Prices

Many places offer incredible sights and plenty of activities to do without the busy crowds of winter and summer. Of course, there are a few dates you want to watch out for, like Spring Break and Easter. But overall, you can enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists at each of the following destinations I’ll list.

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When choosing exactly where to travel in spring and what to do there, look at what fellow travelers have to say. Steller is an excellent place to get inspired by actual day-to-day itineraries. Or schedule a consultation with me for one-on-one guidance! Then, look for the best deals and book your chosen experiences on Viator or GetYourGuide.

10 Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad to Avoid Crowds

Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island, Canada

Spring on Vancouver Island is a spectacular display of nature’s awakening from winter, with blooming flowers and sunny rain showers. For fewer crowds, visit in late March to mid-April, before the summer tourist season begins.

It has the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and local experiences. Explore the blooming Butchart Gardens, go on whale-watching tours to spot migrating gray whales, or have fun surfing in Tofino. The nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a great place to see animals emerging from winter hibernation. Vancouver Island is also a great place to enjoy various wineries and go wine tasting.

Spring temperatures range from 38°F (3°C) to 66°F (19°C), with more rainfall in March and April. Accommodation prices range from $100 to $200, generally increasing towards late spring as tourism picks up closer to summer.

Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Montreal, Canada

Montreal, Canada

Montreal is an excellent destination any time of year, but in spring, it offers sunny days, milder temperatures, and blooming flowers. Although, they can get a late bout of snow at times. Mid-March to early April is the ideal time for fewer crowds.

Check out the blooming Botanical Garden while you’re there, or visit the museums and galleries as they launch new exhibitions. The Montreal International Jazz Festival takes place in late April, but be prepared for more crowds at that time. Many outdoor cafes and terraces reopen in spring and are great spots to enjoy the outdoors. And, of course, hiking in Mount Royal Park is a popular activity on sunny days!

Montreal typically experiences cool temperatures averaging between 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C) in spring, with a mix of sunny and rainy days. Late March to late April is particularly chilly. Hotels in Montreal cost around $50 to $300+ per night, with a range of budget and luxury options available.

Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has mild weather and fewer crowds in spring, which makes it perfect for exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods and enjoying its vibrant culture. Late March to early April and mid-May are ideal for these reasons.

Wander through historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto and enjoy scenic views from Miradouro viewpoints. Participate in the Lisbon Fish & Flavours festival in late April and explore the many museums and galleries around the city. If you have time, take day trips to nearby Sintra or Cascais to see even more of Portugal.

Average temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), with pleasant, mild days perfect for exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Budget hostels cost around $20-$60 per night, while mid-range hotels average $100-$200, and luxury accommodations start at $250.

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Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Spring in Dublin brings a lively atmosphere as the city shakes off the gloomier days of winter, making it more enjoyable for cultural events and outdoor activities. Mid-March to mid-April is a great time to visit Dublin, although Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations draw bigger crowds.

Explore Dublin Castle and its gardens and enjoy outdoor events at Phoenix Park. Take literary tours to celebrate Dublin’s rich literary heritage, like the Book of Kells and Trinity College. Try some local brews at the Guinness Storehouse and other historic breweries across the city, including the iconic Temple Bar pub and neighborhood.

Expect cool temperatures around 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C), with a mix of sunny and rainy weather throughout March to May. Accommodations average from $50-$100 per night for budget options, $120-$250 for mid-range, and $300+ for luxury hotels.

Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Spring in Stockholm offers a magical experience as the city emerges from winter, with longer days and the beautiful archipelago coming to life. It’s better to visit after March, with longer days and thinner crowds from mid-April through early May.

Spend time exploring the city’s many parks as they blossom, especially Djurgården, and take boat tours around the archipelago as services resume after winter. Visit the Skansen Open-Air Museum and explore the Old Town (Gamla Stan) without summer crowds. There’s also a Spring Festival in May where you can enjoy local food and drink and admire the blooming foliage.

Temperatures range from cool to mild, 32°F to 54°F (0°C to 12°C). Late April to May is the best time for pleasant weather. In springtime, hotels around Stockholm range from $60 to $350+.

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Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Zadar, Croatia

Zadar, Croatia

Spring in Zadar offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and natural beauty, with fewer tourists and pleasant Mediterranean weather. Visit from mid-April to early June for fewer crowds. April is better, but expect unpredictable weather.

Explore the Roman Forum and other historical sites and enjoy the unique Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations. Take boat trips to nearby islands and tour national parks, such as hiking and nature walks in Paklenica National Park. Zadar is a great base to explore the rest of Croatia from, as well.

Average temperatures in spring range between 50°F and 68°F (10°C and 20°C), with beautiful sunny days. Budget stays start at $40, mid-range hotels average around $100-$150, and luxury options are typically above $200.

Vieux Ville, Old Town, travel to Nice, France

Nice, France

Spring in Nice offers a delightful Mediterranean experience with mild weather, blooming gardens, and a vibrant cultural scene without the summer crowds. Late March to mid-April is the ideal time for fewer crowds in Nice. It’s much easier to enjoy the seaside and culture at a leisurely pace.

Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice), and visit the Matisse Museum and other art galleries. The Nice Carnival starts in February but extends into early March, so you can catch the end if you time your trip right. Nice is also a great place to take day trips to nearby Monaco or Cannes, which are pricier locations to stay in.

The spring weather in Nice is mild and pleasant, averaging 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), with more sunny days as spring progresses. Budget accommodations in Nice start at about $50, while mid-range hotels typically range from $120-$250, and luxury hotels start at $300+.

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Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: St. Lucia

St. Lucia

Visiting St. Lucia from mid-April to early June means the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring this lush Caribbean paradise. Be sure to check Spring Break dates if you plan on visiting in March or early April.

Hike the iconic Piton mountains and visit the Sulphur Springs Park and mud baths with their healing properties. Snorkel at Anse Chastanet beach or explore the lush botanical gardens around the island. The St. Lucia Jazz Festival typically takes place in May and is a great way to experience the local culture and music.

In spring, temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) to 86°F (30°C). Rain is infrequent, and the weather is generally warm and sunny, great for the abundance of outdoor activities. Pricing in spring typically runs from $150 to $400, with potential price drops in later spring months.

Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Belize

Belize

For the best experience in Belize, plan your visit after Easter when the local holiday crowds disappear, to enjoy more relaxation as well as adventure. This lasts until around early to mid-May when the early summer crowds start to visit.

There’s plenty of diving and snorkeling along the incredible Belize Barrier Reef! If you prefer to explore on land, check out the Mayan ruins like Xunantunich or Lamanai and go ziplining through the jungle canopy. Feeling more adventurous? Go caving in the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, which has hidden chambers and geological formations. You can even go rafting through some caverns.

Spring temperatures generally fall between 70°F (21°C) and 88°F (31°C). The weather is warm and humid, becoming slightly drier as summer approaches. Expect accommodations to range from $60 to $300 per night, with potential price increases in tourist-heavy areas during spring break.

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Best Spring Travel Destinations Abroad: Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

April and May are ideal months to visit Oaxaca, offering a perfect blend of pleasant weather and fewer tourists to experience the rich cultural heritage of this Mexican gem. Be aware that crowds will increase before and during Semana Santa, the Holy Week around Easter.

Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Albán. Participate in cooking workshops for a special taste of local Oaxacan cuisine and go on Mezcal tasting tours in the surrounding valleys. The Copalitilla Magical Waterfalls are a beautiful place to visit and swim in the crystalline waters.

Spring temperatures typically range from 55°F (13°C) to 85°F (29°C). The climate is dry, and the weather is mostly sunny with occasional light rains. Spring accommodation prices generally fluctuate between $50 and $150, with potential increases during major cultural celebrations.

Where do you think the best spring travel destinations are?

These 10 spots are the best places abroad to travel in spring! They each offer a unique opportunity to experience their beauty and culture without the crowds of winter and summer. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a peaceful getaway, these are the perfect spring destinations for your next adventure!

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