The Top 20 Vacation Destinations to Visit in May
Get your summer started early with one of these gems
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Phew, you’ve made it. It’s May. For those in the northern hemisphere, winter is finally behind us, and summer is fast approaching. The days are getting longer, temperatures are getting warmer, and everywhere, life is blooming. It’s not yet the summer holidays, so Europe’s most popular destinations remain uncrowded, making it the perfect month for a getaway. We here at Plum Guide have been busy putting our expert heads together to curate this guide specifically for you - how else would you know exactly where to travel in May? So, without further ado, here is our list of the top destinations for your pre-summer trip.
1. Brighton, England, UK
Two sun loungers on the pebble beach in front of a long pier in Brighton, England, UK
Brighton is the UK’s coolest seaside destination. In fact, we might go so far as to say it’s the UK’s 'hippest' city. Visit in May, and you’ll know exactly what we mean. This month marks the start of summer, and that means festival season - the many venues in Brighton now house the Brighton Fringe, as well as the Brighton Festival. Find comedy shows, plays, concerts, and even drag and cabaret displays in the evenings, before shocking away your hangover with a (very) cold sea swim in the morning.
Maison Riveria, Plum Guide home in Brighton, East Sussex, UK
2. Botswana
An elephant standing in a lake in Botswana
Many people say that May is the best time to visit Botswana, and if you make a beeline for the Okavango Delta, you’ll quickly see why. By now, the dry season has arrived in the country, but the waters actually take six months to reach the delta - so you'll arrive at about the same time as them. Wildlife flocks here as the desert dries out, giving you the perfect excuse to go on a mokoro canoe trip - but please, please, don’t fall in. Who knows what might lurk beneath you.
3. Florence, Italy
A view of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore at sunset, Florence, Italy
Going on a European city break in spring is one of the very best things you can do. We love Florence at this time of year - the skies are blue, the weather is comfortable, and you can enjoy the outside dining that Italy is famous for. Don't be surprised if this puts an end to all the questions of where to travel in May. You'll catch the quieter beginning of tourist season, so you’ll avoid the sweating, heaving queues of the sweltering and busy summer months. However, we’d still recommend getting to the city’s famous galleries and churches early (or towards the end of the day) for the shortest lines.
A Portrait of Beauty, Plum Guide home in Florence, Italy
4. Cordoba, Spain
A narrow street with colourful doors and windows by green plants, Cordoba, Spain
Those that dismiss Córdoba may want to brush up on their travel knowledge. Córdoba is one of Andalucia’s most fascinating cities, and the best time to vacation there is undoubtedly May. This under-appreciated city is famed for the Mezquita, one of the world’s most remarkable Islamic buildings. But beyond this gem lies another reason to visit - the medieval city’s charming stone-paved lanes and hidden plazas. In May, it’s the battle of the patios, and homeowners compete to be crowned best in bloom. Visit these typically-private courtyards, and leave intoxicated by guitar music and perfumed flowers.
5. Madeira, Portugal
A tall mountain with a staircase and a hiking trail in spring, Madeira, Portugal
Repeatedly voted Europe’s (and even the world’s) top island destination, Madeira delivers on all its subtropical holiday promises. This tiny volcanic island has black sand beaches, towering rock cliffs, and a fantastic array of sea life. It’s a verdant green all year round - which is surprising, considering it doesn’t get an enormous amount of rain. But if you want to see this island at its most mouthwatering, head here in May. If you visit Funchal, you’ll even find a flower festival.
Banana Tree, Plum Guide home in Madeira, Portugal
6. Atlas Mountains, Morocco
A view of Atlas Mountains behind palm trees on a sunny day, Morocco
If you tend to get a bit of a sweat on when you hike, and don’t fancy turning a good old fashioned walk into an unbearable challenge, head out to the Atlas Mountains. Though cooler than the desert, the mountains are still hot in July and August, so it's worth visiting before the summer really hits its peak. By May, most of the snow will have melted, so you can start tackling Toubkal. Canyoning also happens at this time of year, as the rivers fill up - so there's more than enough for you to get stuck into.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
A narrow cobblestone street with terraced buildings and white flowers in Edinburgh, UK
May marks the end of Scottish winter, and the Scots don’t take this fact lightly. In fact, on the 1st of May, The Scottish Beltane Fire Festival takes place at Calton Hill, in the centre of Edinburgh. The spectacular fire, drumming, and debauch display is a revitalised celebration of Celtic culture. May is a great month to visit, as the weather is warmer, but the thick summer crowds have yet to descend.
Leafy Park Place, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh, Scotland
8. Jordan
An aerial view of a large sculpture in the side of a cliff in the desert in Jordan
If you’re looking for an incredibly diverse destination, Jordan is one of the best places for your May vacation. You can head from the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum to the beaches of the Dead Sea. As there’s more rainfall during spring, the landscape (including the desert) is strewn with wildflowers, making for quite the spectacle. By May though, the showers have all but sprinkled out, so you won't need to worry about packing that umbrella. Don’t miss a trip to Petra - a half-built, half-carved into the rocks, completely breathtaking city.
9.Istanbul, Turkey
A low-angle view of colourful houses on a steep road in Istanbul, Turkey
If you’re looking to take a European city break in May, why not make your way to Istanbul? May isn’t yet peak season, so crowds are still manageable, room rates won’t empty your pockets, and the temperatures are warm enough to relax outdoors. The city straddles two continents, making it a melting pot of Asian and European cultures - and subsequently an absolute haven for foodies. Try simit for breakfast, order succulent kebabs for lunch, and tuck into mezes for dinner. Wash it all down with peppermint tea and Turkish delight, and you're doing Istanbul right.
10. Dublin, Ireland
A tall spire next to the General Post Office in the city centre, Dublin, Ireland
Sure, visiting Dublin for St Patrick’s Day could be fun, but if you’re looking for an experience that’s a little more refined, then we recommend visiting in May. Dublin is a city of writers, so head here to tread the path of James Joyce, WB Yeats, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett - in May, you can even attend Dublin’s International Literature Festival. And if you’re a complete bookworm, why not keep the theme going by visiting one of the world’s most beautiful libraries at Trinity College. Finish the day off by crawling between your favourite writers’ watering holes.
Earl of Hanover, Plum Guide home in Dublin, Ireland
11. Bali, Indonesia
A view of the famous large, green island by the clear blue water and white sand at Kelingking Beach, Indonesia
It’s a happy coincidence that when Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and other northern locales are being bogged down by rain, Indonesia is experiencing its dry season. May in Bali is (very) hot, dry, and sunny - so don't forget the Factor 50. For the discerning traveller (you), this month is the perfect time to visit. While there are excellent diving opportunities and ideal mountain climbing conditions, the beaches haven’t yet been inundated by European visitors - enjoy getting far more bang for your buck.
12. Mexico City, Mexico
A view of colourful umbrellas as a canopy for a street in the city centre, Mexico City, Mexico
May is peak travel season in Mexico City, and for good reason - even if it means booking your plans well in advance, it’s worth it. The city’s most idyllic weather arrives in the spring, and by May, the weather is at its warmest. Our favourite neighbourhoods to kick back in are Condesa and Roma, with their chic boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and tree-lined streets. If you’re travelling in May, you cannot miss the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Puebla, just 2 hours from the city. It celebrates the victorious defeat of the Mexicans against the French army.
City Chic, Plum Guide home in Mexico City, Mexico
13. Bhutan
A view of a large temple on the side of a mountain along a hiking trail, Bhutan
Bhutan’s landscape is at its best during the Rhododendron season, which lasts from March until May. During this time, these colourful purple and pink blooms carpet the hillsides - adding an extra pop to your photo reel. Heat and humidity increase at this time of year, and the monsoon rains cloud the mountains from June. We recommend visiting earlier in May for the chance of clearer skies, fewer visitors, and lower prices - that the dream, right?
14. Croatia
An aerial view of people sunbathing at Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
Croatia is the sparkling jewel at the top of the Mediterranean’s crown. If you’re looking for clear sapphire waters, tiny islands, dramatic coastlines, and picturesque towns knitted together by cobbled streets, then you’ve found your spot. Unfortunately, many other people know about it too, so if you want the streets of Hvar or Dubrovnik relatively to yourself, travel before the summer crowds. It’s your best chance of avoiding the party people.
Waking Dream, Plum Guide home in Dubrovnik, Croatia
15. Namibia
A long gemsbok on the sand dunes at Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Are you still wondering where to travel in May? You can't go wrong with a trip to Namibia. It’s shoulder season - summer has drawn to a close, the rain has petered out, and winter is on its way. The nights aren’t yet considered “very cold,” though they can dip below 10C. May is the perfect time to explore the Kalahari and Skeleton Coast, as the desert slowly turns from green to a sandy orange - these vistas are best seen from a balloon safari. So suppress your vertigo and get into that clear blue sky.
16. Rhodes, Greece
Clear blue waves in the sea at Ialyssos Beach, Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest and most significant of the Dodecanese Islands - the isle is a firm favourite among history lovers. If you don’t fancy visiting the Acropolis of Lindos under a blistering sun, then May is a great time to visit. The temperatures at this time of year are slightly cooler, so you don’t have to hide under an AC - plus, the landscape is blooming. The sea is warm enough to swim in (if you’re brave), and you might even find you have a beach to yourself (well, part of it).
Catching Feelings, Plum Guide home in Rhodes, Greece
17. The Inca Trail, Peru
A view of Machu Picchu with the Huayna Picchu peak in the background, Peru
If you’re looking for a challenge, one of the best places to travel this May is Peru. Do the iconic 4-day Inca Trail hike, which winds its way from the Urubamba River, through cloud forests, before finally reaching Machu Picchu. This trail closes for renovation in February, the rains lift in April, and the weather is cooler and dry by May - perfect timing. Not only that, but you won’t be elbowing your way towards the finish line, with the larger crowds still back home merely looking forward to their vacation. You will still need to get your Inca Trail permits months in advance, however.
18. New Orleans, USA
A red tram driving past palm trees on a sunny day, New Orleans, USA
It’s all go in New Orleans in May. This month is filled with festivities, from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, to the unmissable Bayou Boogaloo. It's all about celebrating Louisiana’s music, food and culture, at this time of year, and due to the comfortable weather, you can eat your way through the city without breaking much of a sweat. It’s also one of the peak months for crawfish - grab a bowl and enjoy them boiled, sauteed, baked, or fried.
The Cool Breeze, Plum Guide home in New Orleans, USA
19. Gower, Wales, UK
A view of the golden sand at a beach by green hills in Gower, Wales, UK
Wales, in May? Well, yes. We think Gower is a top place to visit at this time of year. The dazzling coastline is often forgotten, but Gower is home to vast (and often empty) beaches. In late May, it’s usually sunny in the UK (don’t hold us to this), so while the sea might still be freezing, hiking and beach rambles won’t be. The beaches here are busy during peak summer, so make the most of them now.
20. The Hamptons, USA
A group of birds flying over beach houses at sunset, The Hamptons, USA
For New York’s elite, a weekend away in the country means the Hamptons. This spot is a summer getaway for society types chasing the white sand beaches and fishing villages at the tip of Long Island. Make your way out here to witness the unique charm of these seaside communities. You won’t be stuck in traffic, scrambling for restaurant reservations, or battling people for a spot on the beach in May either, so you're in for the trip of a lifetime.
Long Point, Plum Guide home in The Hamptons, USA
