Where to Go for a Perfect May Getaway

Summer is coming, and it’s time for a balmy getaway to escape the daily grind and enjoy some sunshine. May is a good month for travelling, as you can enjoy warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Do you want to find out where is hot in May? We will guide you through the best holiday destinations in May for an early summer break!

Santorini, Greece

The Greek island Santorini is ideal for a May holiday, as the temperatures are consistently sunny and warm (highs of 22ºC) with little rainfall, but not quite as scorching as it gets in high summer. Situated around a caldera, or hollow formed after a volcanic eruption, Santorini is the largest island in an archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is full of picturesque little villages full of whitewashed houses, vineyards and blue-domed churches, and thanks to its volcanic origins, boasts beaches of silky black sand. Head to Kamari and Perissa for some sunbathing and watersports, or check out 9th-century ruins at nearby Thira for your history fix. Like much of Greece, the food on the island is exquisite, and you can while away the sunny afternoons at Santorini’s many tavernas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s temps in May are pushing 38ºC, so you won’t be chilly in this desert paradise! May is a great time to visit Dubai as the weather is still excellent, but you don’t get the crowds of the high season. Shop ‘til you drop in Dubai’s multitude of malls, take in some culture at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, go on a walking tour of old Dubai, or get an adrenaline rush by going ‘dune-bashing’, quad biking or skydiving. You can take trips out to the desert and ride on camels, try out sandboarding, and even stay out overnight, camping in style. Dubai is known for its luxurious resorts and spas, so take some time to pamper yourself too.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a super-popular holiday destination in May as the weather is sunny but doesn’t quite push the thirties until later in summer, and is a perfect blend of African, Arabic, and European cultures. Wander around the medina (old town) and pick up some exquisite souvenirs at the souks (open-air markets), and stop for lunch at the Café des Épices in Rahba Kedima Square. If you want to see some unique architecture, visit the lavish Bahia Palace with its stunning intricate woodwork (book tickets in advance to skip the queues). Don’t miss the vivid and stylish Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Featuring an on-site museum that shows off his collection of ceramics, jewellery and tribal costumes, this is a must-see.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island paradise that offers a perfect combination of culture, nature, and relaxation. May is the dry season in Bali and is a great time to visit, as the weather is sunny and hot but not too humid. Known as  ‘The Island of a Thousand Temples,’ Bali is home to literally thousands of Hindu temples, looking right out of Tomb Raider! Bali is home to a variety of beaches, ranging from the peaceful Uluwatu Beach which is broken up into several smaller beaches by the cliffs, Kutu Beach which is ideal for party animals, or Amed Beach which is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Waisak Day occurs on May 7th and is an important Buddhist festival – witness the many rituals that take place at Bali’s Buddhist temples on this day. You can also check out some amazing waterfalls around Wunduk, hike up a volcano, or visit the photogenic rice terraces at Tegallalang.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful and picturesque destinations, famous for its colourful houses, crystal-clear waters, and delicious cuisine. The weather in May is mild but comfortable with temperatures between 22ºC and 16ºC. The Amalfi Coast boasts some amazing fresh fish cuisine and of course, classic Italian fare. The coastline is home to the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello plus many gorgeous beaches, but you can also take in some culture and nature on your visit too. Visit the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or hike orchid-lined trails through lush forests.

Cape Town, South Africa

The vibrant city of Cape Town is located at the southern tip of Africa and is famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque vineyards, and fascinating history. May is a great time to visit Cape Town, as the weather is mild (around 20ºC) and the city’s many attractions are less crowded than during the high season. Thrillseekers can go swimming with sharks, take a ride on the world’s longest zipline at Mossel Bay, or dive off cliffs into freshwater rock pools in the Boland mountains. Or if that’s not your bag, take it easy on a wine tour of the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek estates. Nature lovers will be spoiled in Cape Town too – hike to the top of Table Mountain on the (surprisingly doable) Kloof Corner route, or check out the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Cape Town is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including traditional South African dishes such as biltong, bobotie, and malva pudding.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, a tropical paradise that attracts visitors from all over the world, thanks to its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. May is a great time to visit Phuket, just before the rainy season, but still offers balmy temps between 33ºC and 25ºC. Phuket is positively crammed with beaches, with the south coast being more crowded and the north more secluded. A lot of the beaches including Patong, Kata, Karon, Nai Han, Mai Kha, and Nai Yang offer diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. It’s not all beaches though – take a trip to Phuket’s Old Town, visit Phi Phi Island, or go to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park to see these gentle giants in an ethical setting. Phuket is also famous for its delicious cuisine, and you can taste some of the best Thai dishes in the island’s many restaurants and street stalls.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. May weather in Barcelona is comfortable but not too hot, with temperatures between 20ºC during the day and 12ºC at night. Admire the stunning architecture of Gaudi with an eclectic bike tour where you can take in La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Casa Vicens. Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise, with authentic Catalan cuisine and other Spanish delicacies on offer. For the best tapas in Barcelona, check out Bar Canete. If you are around on a Sunday, many museums offer free entry, such as the Picasso Museum and Natural History Museum. May is the beginning of the tourist season so it might be quieter than other months, but remember to book tickets to attractions in advance to avoid the queues – book ‘skip-the-line’ tickets online.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is a tropical paradise located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife. May is a great time to visit Cancun, as the weather is hot and balmy with temps between 33ºC and 23ºC, so pack your shorts and sunscreen. Cancun is Mexico’s party city, but it has so much more to offer – take a trip out to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, take a catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres, or go snorkelling and diving in the surrounding crystal-clear waters. Cancun is chock-full of beaches, from the family-friendly Playa Tortugas to the picturesque, soft sands of Playa Norte. Shopaholics can grab a bargain at the Mercado 28 flea market – remember to try some authentic Mexican street food too!

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the charming and historic capital of Portugal, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Visiting Lisbon in May is ideal because it’s not peak tourist season but you can enjoy daytime temps of 20-23ºC. This hilly city has so many miradouros (viewpoints) from which you can take in the whole city, and the old town of Alfama offers some enchanting cobbled streets, winding alleys and whitewashed buildings. If you like historic architecture, check out the Castelo de São Jorge, Belém Tower and Lisbon Cathedral – don’t forget the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jerónimos Monastery too. Lisbon isn’t just all historic sites – there is also a thriving contemporary art scene – famed street artists VHILS and Os Gêmeos are based in Lisbon – graffiti is a huge part of Lisbon’s culture. While you are in Lisbon, don’t forget to try the amazing local cuisine including seafood dishes, pastel de nata, and port wine.

We hope you enjoyed our list of some of the best hot countries in May to visit for an early summer trip – hopefully, you have some inspiration for your holiday!