The best places to visit in May
May is one of the best months of the year to travel. The weather is warm but not too hot, spring is in full bloom across Europe, and long days make it perfect for exploring. Whether you’re after beaches, road trips, or city breaks, May is the sweet spot between spring freshness and early-summer sunshine.
Here are some of the best places to visit in May
Albania
May is a wonderful time to visit Albania. The Riviera is warming up, but summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. You’ll get long, sunny days that are perfect for exploring beaches, mountain villages, and historic towns. The water is calm, the roads are quieter, and the prices are still low(ish) making it perfect for an early-summer escape.
Find out how we spent a week along the Albanian Riviera.
The Azores
In May, the Azores are lush, bright, and full of life. The islands are covered in wild hydrangeas, the weather is mild, and it’s one of the best months for hiking, whale watching, and exploring the volcanic lakes and viewpoints. You might get a bit of everything, weatherwise from sunshine to mist and the odd shower… but that’s all part of the islands’ wild charm.
Find out how we spent a holiday in the Azores here.
Barcelona
May is one of the best months to visit Barcelona. The weather’s hot enough for the beach but not too humid for sightseeing, and the summer rush hasn’t fully begun. You can wander Las Ramblas, enjoy tapas on sunny terraces, and explore Gaudí’s masterpieces in perfect spring sunshine.
Find out how we spent a week in Barcelona here.
Basque Country
The Basque Country in May feels fresh and vibrant. The days are warmer, pintxos bars are spilling out onto the streets, and the coast is perfect for scenic drives between San Sebastián and Bilbao. It’s also a brilliant time for hiking in the green hills before summer heat sets in, or hitting the beach if that’s more your vibe.
Here’s how we spent a week in Basque Country.
Berlin
May is when Berlin really comes to life. The parks are full of picnics, beer gardens are all open, and street festivals fill the weekends. The weather is reliably warm but not stifling, perfect for cycling between museums, flea markets, and the city’s many green spaces. And you can count on the nightlife all year round.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Berlin here.
Bratislava
May is a wonderful time to visit Bratislava. The city's squares and cafés spill outdoors, the castle grounds are green and full of life, and temperatures are ideal for exploring on foot. It's also a great month to combine Bratislava with nearby Vienna, as both cities can be enjoyed without the heat and crowds of summer.
Find out more about our day trip to Bratislava here.
Brazil
May is a great time to visit many parts of Brazil, particularly if you're looking for warm weather without peak-season crowds. Temperatures remain pleasant and popular attractions often feel much quieter than during the summer months.
Read about our time in Rio here.
Bruges
May is one of the best months to visit Bruges. The weather is usually mild, outdoor cafés fill the historic squares, and the city feels lively without being overcrowded. Long daylight hours also give you more time to explore the canals, churches, and medieval streets at a relaxed pace.
Find out how we spent a day in Bruges.
Budapest
Budapest comes alive in May. Outdoor cafés fill the streets, the Danube sparkles in the sunshine, and temperatures are perfect for sightseeing. It's warm enough to enjoy the city's famous thermal baths without the intense summer heat.
Find out about our trip to Budapest here.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia in May is magical. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and the skies are clear, making it an ideal for taking a famous sunrise hot-air balloon ride. The valleys are dotted with wildflowers, and the hiking trails through the rock formations are at their most beautiful. It’s one of the best months to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Cappadocia here.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen in May is stunning. The city finally feels like summer, with locals heading to outdoor cafes, parks, and canals. It’s a brilliant month to explore by bike, enjoy smørrebrød in the sunshine, and even take a dip at the harbour baths if you’re feeling brave.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Copenhagen here.
Croatia
We visited Croatia in May and thought it was the perfect time to go. The sea is warming up, beaches are quiet, and destinations like Dubrovnik and Hvar have plenty of atmosphere without the overwhelming summer crowds.
Find out about our week in Croatia here.
Dublin
Dublin in May is buzzing with life. The weather’s mild, festival season begins, and pub gardens are packed on sunny afternoons. It’s a great time to explore the city’s lively music scene, take a coastal walk to Howth, or enjoy a weekend of Guinness and good company.
Here’s how we spent a weekend in Dublin.
Edinburgh
May is one of the most beautiful months in Edinburgh. The days are long, the parks are green, and the city’s old stone buildings look stunning under bright spring skies. It’s perfect for climbing Arthur’s Seat, wandering the Royal Mile, or escaping to the Highlands for a day trip.
Here’s how we spent a long weekend in Edinburgh.
Ibiza
May is the best of both worlds in Ibiza. It’s warm, sunny, and relaxed. The beaches are open, the sea’s warm enough to swim, and the big summer crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. You can hike the coastal trails, enjoy long lunches by the water, and catch the island just as it starts to wake up for the season. But the clubs are just starting to open… So if you want to experience the nightlife at one of the quieter periods of peak season, May is a great time to go to Ibiza.
Read our Ibiza travel tips here.
Italy
Spring is one of the best times to visit Italy. Cities are warm but comfortable, countryside landscapes are green and colourful, and you'll avoid the intense heat and crowds that arrive later in summer.
Find out about our two weeks travelling around Italy here.
Japan
May is one of the most comfortable months to travel around Japan. The cherry blossoms have faded, but the weather is perfect. It’s dry, sunny, and warm but not too hot. It’s a great time for exploring the countryside, hiking in the Alps, or enjoying festivals like Tokyo’s Sanja Matsuri. Any later in the summer, and the heat in the cities becomes stifling.
Read our full Japan itinerary here.
Kefalonia
May in Kefalonia means warm seas, blooming flowers, and peaceful beaches. The island is coming back to life after winter, but it’s still fairly quiet. You’ll find perfect conditions for swimming, hiking, and lazy lunches by the water all without the mid-summer heat or crowds.
Read our Kefalonia travel guide here.
Lisbon
Lisbon in May is lovely. Blue skies, jacaranda trees in bloom, and a relaxed early-summer feel make Lisbon a perfect destination for this time of year. It’s warm enough for day trips to Sintra or Cascais, but still cool enough for exploring the city’s steep streets without breaking (too much of) a sweat.
Read our Lisbon itinerary here.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana feels particularly charming in May. The riverside cafés are busy, the parks are green, and the city's relaxed atmosphere is best enjoyed in mild spring weather.
Find out about our trip to Slovenia here.
Lofoten Islands
By May, the Midnight Sun season begins to approach in Lofoten. Days become incredibly long, snow remains on many mountain peaks, and hiking opportunities start to open up after winter.
Find out about our time in the Islands here.
Namibia
May marks the start of Namibia’s dry season, which means animals need to go to watering holes to get their water. This makes it the best time for wildlife spotting and taking in the stunning desert landscapes. The weather is warm but not too hot, and skies are clear for stargazing in the Namib Desert. It’s ideal for road trips, safaris, and photography adventures across one of Africa’s most striking countries.
Read our two week Namibia itinerary here.
Oslo
By May, Oslo is bright and full of energy. The fjords are thawing and locals head to the water. The weather is warm enough to spend most of the day outdoors, and it’s a great month for boat trips, forest hikes, and soaking up the Scandinavian spring before summer tourism kicks in.
Read our Oslo itinerary here.
Paris / Lille
May is the start of the best season in northern France. Paris is in bloom, café terraces are busy again, and it’s warm enough for evening walks along the Seine. Lille, just an hour away by train, is also great this time of year. The old town is lively, full of open-air markets, and perfect for a quick Eurostar weekend.
Read our itinerary for a weekend in Paris here.
Riga, Latvia
May brings long, sunny days to Riga. The parks are full of blossom, the outdoor markets reopen, and the city’s art nouveau streets look even more beautiful in the spring light. It’s a lovely time for sightseeing, river cruises, and soaking up Baltic charm before summer tourists arrive.
Find out how we spent three days in Riga here.
Santorini
Santorini in May is at its best. The weather is warm, the skies are clear, and while it’s busy, the island isn’t yet totally packed. You can walk the Fira-to-Oia trail, explore the beaches, and watch golden sunsets without melting in the mid-summer heat.
Find out how we spent a week in Santorini here.
Sicily
May is one of the best months to visit Sicily. The sea is warm enough for swimming and the weather is perfect for exploring churches, vineyards, and seaside towns. The food is seasonal (but it’s amazing all year round, of course), the landscapes are green, and everything feels alive again after winter. Visit Sicily in May to get the best of the island before the mid-summer rush.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Sicily here.
South Korea
May is a stunning time to visit South Korea. The cherry blossoms have passed, but the weather is warm and dry, and the parks are bursting with colour. It’s perfect for city sightseeing and countryside escapes: think hiking in Jeju Island, going to the beach in Busan, or strolling through Seoul’s palaces and markets.
Read our two week South Korea itinerary here.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn in May is a beautiful European getaway. The medieval old town is covered in flowers, the cobbled streets aren’t too busy yet, and the Baltic sun stays out late into the evening. It’s one of Europe’s most underrated spring destinations.
Read our full Tallinn itinerary here.
The UK & Channel Islands
May is one of the best months for a UK getaway. The days are long, the countryside is in bloom, and the weather can be surprisingly kind… Though sun isn’t guaranteed every day. Cornwall, Devon, and the Channel Islands are especially beautiful now, with wildflowers, coastal walks, and early-summer energy without the summer holiday crowds.
Discover our favourite spots in the UK and the Channel Islands here.
Vienna
May brings beautiful weather to Vienna, making it ideal for exploring the city's grand architecture and parks. Outdoor dining returns, gardens are in bloom, and cultural events begin to fill the calendar.
Find out more about our trip to Vienna
Warsaw
May in Warsaw means green parks, sunny squares, and warm evenings by the river. The city feels full of life again, with outdoor bars and open-air concerts popping up everywhere. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Warsaw’s creative energy before the heat of summer sets in.
Find out about our long weekend in Warsaw here.