In May, temperatures start heating up in the Northern Hemisphere, and some of the best tourist destinations swing into life. While it’s not a traditional vacation month, it’s one of the best times of the year to get an exceptional deal. During May, some of the most popular destinations in Europe and North America are ridiculously cheap and wonderfully uncrowded. So why not join the small band of savvy travelers and plan an early summer vacation during May?
Over the course of this guide, we’ll look at the best May holiday destinations across Europe and North America. We’ve also thrown in a couple of exotic locations for good measure. The result is a splendid list of 10 excellent destinations to visit during May.
Dubrovnik in Croatia is one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, this walled city has become increasingly popular. Its red roof tiles have given the city an iconic status, which has attracted the rich, famous, and influential. The city’s profile has been further raised by its inclusion in the popular TV show Game of Thrones as the location for Kings Landing.
The city is home to many boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore and find the many hidden gems amongst its countless backstreets. Walking around the city on the city walls provides a different vantage point and offers incredible photo opportunities. The surrounding areas include pretty hills, beaches, and, slightly further afield, beautiful islands such as Hvar and Brac. It all adds up to make an excellent place for a long weekend or even an extended trip.
Dubrovnik’s popularity means it’s a busy location. However, a visit in May ensures you avoid the worst of the crowds that come during the peak summer months.
Temp high: 76°F / 24°C
Temp low: 63°F / 17°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
What is there to say about Venice that hasn’t already been said? This magical city of canals is one of the most unique places on earth. Situated in the northeast of Italy, it’s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Home to countless fine buildings, museums, and galleries, the city is best explored on foot and by water taxi via its canals. You can quickly lose yourself for hours wandering through it’s winding alleyways and canals, which eventually open into beautiful piazzas. The standout attraction in Venice is undoubtedly one of these piazzas – Piazza San Marco, home to St Mark’s Basilica. Located just off the end of the Grand Canal, this is Venice and Italy at its absolute finest.
Venice’s canal setting and wow factor have long caused issues for the city. Huge numbers of tourists flock here in summer, especially from the vast cruise ships that dock nearby. In the summer, the heat can make the canals discolored and very smelly, while the city is prone to flooding in the winter. This makes May an ideal month to visit. The weather is fine, the city smells great and it’s outside the main tourist season, meaning you can enjoy this iconic destination in relative harmony.
Temp high: 75°F / 24°C
Temp low: 54°F / 12°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
There’s never a bad time to visit New York, given its status as one of the world’s great cities. The city’s distinctive seasons and varied weather mean each season offers something different. Arguably, the best time to visit is during May, which falls into the late spring period. During this time, you’ll find warm sunny days and relatively mild evenings, making it a great time to explore the city on foot and enjoy the outside spaces in Central Park and elsewhere. If you visit over the summer, the mercury rises significantly, and the city can become intolerably hot and sweaty. Visit during the winter, and it can be bitterly cold.
May is also a relatively quiet time to visit so you can make the most of New York’s endless attractions without the queues or the crowds. You might also find our New York Long Weekend Guide helpful if you want to see the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
Temp high: 72°F / 22°C
Temp low: 54°F / 12°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Yellowstone National Park is one of the great parks in the USA. Situated in Wyoming in the Midwest, its attractions draw visitors throughout the year. The only downsides to this beautiful park are the bitterly cold weather conditions and the sheer number of visitors that flock to the park in summer. Fortunately, the month of May is a panacea to these twin issues. The warmer weather begins to return in May, but its return does not attract large crowds. Visitor numbers tend to increase exponentially through June, July, and August. This means you can enjoy sights such as Old Faithful, the giant geyser, and the Grand Prismatic Spring in relative solitude. The weather is also warm enough to make camping a viable option, although you’ll need to pack your thermals!
Temp high: 58°F / 14°C
Temp low: 29°F / -2°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Another excellent place to visit in May is the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. Situated off the east coast of Tanzania, this semi-autonomous tropical island is a seldom-visited gem. A visit during May is particularly rewarding as the island is in full bloom and the wet season has ended.
For those intrepid travelers that make the trip, you’ll find an endless supply of white sand beaches. The seas and surrounding coral reefs are teaming with marine life, while the national parks on land are rich in flora and fauna. The capital city of Stonetown is a fascinating mix of old colonial buildings, and wandering around its old streets is an atmospheric experience. While there’s plenty to see and do in Zanzibar, the truth is most people come to do just one thing. Relax.
Temp high: 86°F / 30°C
Temp low: 75°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
The month of May marks the start of Bali’s dry season and it’s an excellent time to visit the island. Bali is located south of Singapore in the centre of the Indonesian Archipelago, close to the equator. Undoubtedly, Bali is an island that packs a punch.
Bali has attracted tourists since the 1960’s with it’s combination of fine beaches, warm hospitality and spirituality. Present day it’s a lot more developed but much of the original charm and reasons to visit remain. So whether you’re looking for surf, beaches, diving, yoga retreats, or a mix of all of the above, Bali is an excellent option for you to consider. The island is small enough to get around in a few days but big enough to keep you busy for two weeks or more. The neighboring islands of Lombok and the Gili Islands are also popular destinations and are often included in visitors’ itineraries. Both have beautiful beaches and are worth exploring if you have the time.
Temp high: 88°F / 31°C
Temp low: 76°F / 25°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
China’s capital city, Beijing, is a classic example of old meets new. The city’s ultra-modern skyline has changed beyond recognition over the past 30 years. However, the heart of the city remains in the famous historic quarter. This area is the principal reason people visit Beijing: to see the vast Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. Of course, just outside of Beijing is the incredible Great Wall of China, one of the seven wonders of the world . The wall extends for thousands of kilometers to the west and further to the east. In addition to all this history are the trappings of modern-day China: fine dining, enormous shopping malls, and towering skyscrapers.
May is a great time to visit Beijing and China. The days are warm and pleasant, the crowds are minimal, and the parks are full of spring colors. If you’re considering visiting Beijing, it’s well worth making it a dual center trip and taking in Xian or one of the other surrounding cities.
Temp high: 81°F / 27°C
Temp low: 57°F / 14°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Egypt’s warm climate ensures it’s a great year-round holiday destination, but May is possibly the best month to visit. A visit during this time falls outside the main European and North American holiday seasons, meaning beach resorts and attractions are quiet and largely crowd-free. The weather is also exceptional during this time, with long, warm days but without the oppressive heat of the summer months.
Those who choose to visit Egypt in May are in for a treat. With Cairo as your starting point, you can visit the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum and explore the capital. From here, you should head south by your choice of transport – boat, plane, bus, or train to see the treasures of Luxor. After sampling the temples of Luxor and Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, it’s time to head on. From Luxor, you should head east to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, with its magnificent beaches and diving. This can be done in as little as a week, but it’s much better to take your time and do this mini itinerary over ten days to two weeks. For a longer, more detailed guide, why not take a look at our Alexandria to Aswan trip guide?
Temp high: 93°F / 34°C
Temp low: 70°F / 21°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 11
A visit to Nepal is a slightly different choice for a vacation. While there are many reasons to come to Nepal, undoubtedly the main one is its world-class hiking and trekking. The entire country is situated along the Himalayas or in the surrounding foothills. This means a wealth of different hikes and treks can be undertaken with an established infrastructure of guesthouses to stay in along the way. One of the finest and most popular treks is the Annapurna circuit, which is close to the city of Pokhara. This wonderful hike takes between 10 to 14 days to complete. The trail rises from the foothills around Pokhara to the 5416 m high pass at Thorong La. It’s both a spiritual and adventure traveler’s dream trip.
May is a great time to visit Nepal. At the lower altitudes, it’s warm and dry, while at the higher altitudes, temperatures are still mild. Notably, there’s no rain on the trekking routes, and the mountains at altitude are still covered in snow. This means you’ll get beautiful clear days to enjoy the incredible vistas that Nepal is famous for.
Temp high: 77°F / 25°C
Temp low: 64°F / 18°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
The south of England is one of the UK’s most picturesque and interesting areas. From the quaint villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the stunning and dramatic Jurassic Coast in Dorset, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful landscapes here. There are also fine historic cities to explore, including Exeter, Salisbury, and Winchester. Then there’s the Neolithic monument of Stonehenge, one of the most fascinating archaeological sights in the world. This site attracts rumor and intrigue in equal measure, and more questions remain unanswered about this wonderful sight. Lastly, and as with any region of the UK, you’ll find countless stately homes, castles, and historic buildings.
May is a fine time to visit this area of the UK. The beautiful English countryside is in full bloom, the weather is warming up, and the crowds have not yet arrived. The days are often long and bright, making it the perfect time to explore this scenic and pretty area.
Temp high: 63°F / 17°C
Temp low: 45°F / 7°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
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