10 Best Places to Visit in May

Why we picked it:

• Secluded spots like Castro Marim
• Plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, golfing, whale watching)
• Great sea viewpoints
• Festivals like the Madeira Flower Festival & Festa da Mala

Climate Range: 14°C to 22°C (Lisbon, Azores, Algarve, Porto), 8°C to 14°C (Madeira). For a detailed insight into the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Portugal.

In May, Portugal progresses from the blooming spring to the warm summer season with fewer chances of rain. Easter celebrations have just waned off, and so have the crowds. It’s the best time of the year to visit the Douro Valley region, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world; winding, terraced landscapes, delicious wine, and unmatched serenity are ideal for laid-back vacations.

With day temperatures averaging 20°C in most parts and pleasant sunshine, there’s hardly any region you can’t explore on your Portugal tour in May. Walk through the hilled streets of Lisbon, take a Portugal beach tour and explore the glorious beaches of the Algarve region, get charmed by the volcanic landscape of the Azores, or admire the old-world architecture of Porto. Portugal is your oyster in May!

Planning a trip to Portugal in May? Head to our Portugal travel guide for more travel tips and insights.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Portugal in May

Why we picked it:

• Amazing beaches
• Cruises
• Festivals like the Grenada Chocolate Festival and Antigua Sailing Week

Climate Range: 25°C to 30°C on all islands

Looking for something tropical? From Antigua to Bermuda to the British Virgin Islands, May is the last month of the dry season in the Caribbean before the wet weather sets in, and an ideal shoulder season for a beach break. May in the Caribbean offers great bargains on accommodation and flights, with fewer crowds. Spring break has just ended and school is in session, a perfect in-between time.

From admiring the stunning coastal beauty and exploring lush rainforests in serenity—May is one of the best months to tour the Caribbean. Along with the spots below, we recommend Dominica in May for those who want to get off the beaten path, Barbados for incredible beaches, and Grenada for the Grenada Chocolate Festival in May.

Rains do start to increase though, so be prepared. The short-lived showers affect the tropical climate only slightly and you can expect plenty of sunshine and clear skies on most days.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in the Caribbean in May

Why we picked it:

• Stunning National Parks and rugged landscapes
• Great wildlife spotting

Climate Range: 22°C to 28°C during the day and 10°C at night. Read our guide on the best time to visit Namibia for an in-depth insight into the weather.

Want to see Africa’s wildlife on a budget? A Namibia trip in May is your best bet! May is the first month of the drier, cooler winter season which will last until September. The rains have completely stopped and the animals congregate at scarcer waterholes making safaris pleasant and worthwhile in the popular Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert.

With fewer crowds in this shoulder season, Namibia’s unique experiences like the eerie Skeleton Coast and Deadvlie can be experienced in peace and on a budget. With hotels, tour agents, and lodges attracting limited tourists, you can get cheaper travel packages this month, making Namibia one of the best countries to go to in May.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Namibia in May

Why we picked it:

• Shopping markets like Leh Main Bazaar and Tibetan Market
• Variety of places to visit from Kerala backwaters to Goa beaches to cool mountainous Leh-Ladakh
• Bike and hike tours

Climate Range: 27°C to 40°C in lower regions, 11°C to 25°C in mountain regions, 4°C to 17°C in Leh-Ladakh. For a comprehensive insight, head to our guide on the best time to visit India.

With a range of diverse cultures, climes, and landscapes, India is one of the best places to visit in May. The mountainous regions of Leh-Ladakh, Ooty, Mussoorie, Shimla, and Munnar see comfortable weather and day temperatures of 24°C for a pleasant exploration, while the lower regions can get quite hot. The beachside escapes of the south like Goa, Kerala, and Gokaran can be humid but the hot weather makes it ideal for beach bumming.

One popular activity in India in May is hiking through the hills of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Experienced hikers should try the Kheerganga trek known for its impressive views of the surrounding valleys and beginners can opt for the Triund trek taking you through dense rainforests and alpine meadows, making for an indelible memory. Make sure to go through our India travel guide for travel tips and insights.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in India in May

Why we picked it:

• Vibrant streets and nightlife
• Historical temples, art and architecture
• Bali!

Climate Range: 24°C to 31°C (overall average), 23°C to 28°C (Bali, Nusa Penida), 30°C (Sumatra). Read our guide on the best time to visit Indonesia for a deeper insight into the weather.

Hike up Mount Batur for a twinkling sunrise, wander the vibrant streets of Jakarta, chase waterfalls in Sumatra, and see what the hype is around paradisical Bali on your Indonesia trip in May! The agreeable weather with low chances of rain, day temperatures averaging 28°C, and blue skies further make these top activities fun.

May is also when the Bahari Badung Festival takes place in Bali. With an exceptional lineup of events like fishing tournaments, thrilling watersports, art carnivals, fashion shows, and more, it surely guarantees a good time.

Planning a trip to Indonesia in May? Read our travel guide for travel-related information such as places to visit in Indonesia, how long to stay, things to do on your trip to Indonesia and much more.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Indonesia in May

Why we picked it:

• The Genussfestival culinary fair
• Sightseeing, especially in Vienna
• Art and historical tours

Climate Range: 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. For a detailed guide into the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Austria.

Austria may not be the first place to come to mind for a European vacation, but its historic cities, azure lakes, and alpine charm are gaining traction in the tourism world. And it is one of the best countries to visit in May! The month is sandwiched between spring and summer and just before the peak tourist season, allowing you to take advantage of shoulder season prices and steal deals.

The capital Vienna, Mozart’s birth town Salzburg, the charming village Hallstatt, and the lesser-known Graz and St.Gilgen all hover between 10°C to 20°C to make sightseeing comfortable without the jam-packed crowds on your Austria tour in May.

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Austria in May

Why we picked it:

• Jungles and wildlife
• Adventures like trekking and watersports
• Beaches

Climate Range: 27°C to 32°C year-round in the lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and coastal areas)

Asia’s largest island is also among the best places to visit in May. Shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, the island of Borneo is divided by governments but united by unmatched natural beauty and biodiversity. It’s one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, is one of the only two places where you can spot orangutans, and is home to Southeast Asia’s highest mountain range: Mount Kinabalu.

Nature reserves come to life for visitors in May when agreeable temperatures (28°C) and low chances of rain (Borneo’s least rainfall month) make it easier to trek the jungles, stay by the rugged beaches, admire the beauty of caves, and spot wildlife in natural habitats. Recommended destinations on a Borneo trip? Semenggoh Wildlife Center, the Orangutan Sanctuary, and the Danum Valley Conservation Area are best for animal and nature lovers, but check out what we’ve listed below too!

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Borneo in May

Why we picked it:

• National Parks, like Black River Gorges
• Majestic waterfalls
• Crystal-clear reefs and lagoons

Climate Range: 19°C to 26°C

May marks the beginning of the dry season in Mauritius. Hotels and activities are opening up and with great bargains, Mauritius can be the perfect country to visit with family in May. Precipitation is lower than in the previous months, but you can still expect 6 to 10 days of rainfall. Humidity is also lower and with winds from the ocean, daytime weather feels mild and pleasant.

On a Mauritius tour, there’s something for all kinds of travelers. Relax on the beach, sign up for thrilling water activities, see nature’s marvels in geo-parks, or shop in waterfront promenades, a versatility of experiences is what makes this small island nation a popular destination!

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Mauritius in May

Why we picked it:

• Buzzing bazaars, mosques and art galleries
• Ancient ruins and landmarks
• Sunbathing on the beaches

Climate Range: 9°C to 12°C (Istanbul), 15°C to 21°C (Antalya), 3°C to 11°C (Cappadocia). For an in-depth insight into the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Turkey.

Turkey offers some of the best things to do in May, be it hot air balloons flying over the craggy landscapes of Cappadocia, the scenic blue mosque of Istanbul, the vibrant streets of Grand Bazaar, or the pristine coastal side of Antalya lined with upscale resorts. May is a great time to experience it all.

Turkey is one of the best places to visit in May for its ideal weather, balmy temperatures, minimal rain, and snuggly nights pave the way for enjoyable sightseeing! Temperatures hover around 20°C throughout May and the cool winds with plenty of sunshine make a tour to Turkey in May comfortable and fun.

Thinking about traveling to Turkey in May? Our Turkey travel guide has all the latest information on the best places to visit in Turkey, things to do in Turkey and many more!

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Turkey in May

Why we picked it:

• Warmer spring weather
• Pristine natural beauty
• City-based springtime festivals

Climate Range: 9°C to 16°C (Vancouver), 7°C to 14°C (Canadian Rockies), 8°C to 19°C in East Canada (Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto). Head to our guide on the best time to visit Canada for a deeper insight into the weather.

Canada in May has emerged from winter, with sunny days and blooming flowers warming up the southern and coastal areas. While temperatures rise, the Rocky Mountain areas like Banff and Jasper National Park may still have unpredictable weather, ranging from sun to rain and even snow!

If you’re visiting Canada in May, we recommend exploring cities like Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, Victoria, and the underrated gem Winnipeg. Or go adventurous and try the east coast like Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, while catching the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival near Halifax; May is perfect for a maritime road trip! It’s also the month of the Ottawa Tulip Festival where over 1 million tulips are displayed for tourists. Yes, you don’t have to go all the way to Amsterdam, a Canadian tour in May will do the job!

Make sure to read our Canada travel guide for travel-related information such as things to do in Canada, how long to stay in Canada and more!

Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Canada in May

May is one of the best times of the year to take advantage of the season prices and there is no shortage of amazing countries to visit, we have plenty of tour options to pick! From a guided city tour to day trips from a popular destination or a hiking adventure, our wide range of packages fits into every budget and style. If you’d prefer to plan your own way, talk to our travel experts to kick-start your trip to Canada in May.

To book your holidays, feel free to choose from our wide range of trips. Be it budget travel or luxury, solo tours or group and family tours, we have it all!

More information:
Top 10 places to visit in April