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13 Best places to travel in May: Top destinations to explore
May is the perfect time to travel — great weather, fewer tourists, and no peak-season chaos. Whether it's beaches, national parks, or food tours, these top destinations make for an unforgettable May getaway!
May is a great time to travel — warm weather, fewer tourists, and the prices are yet to skyrocket for the summer.
Whether you want a beach holiday, a national park adventure, or a city break packed with delicious food and live music, May has something for every traveler.
Craving sunny, pleasantly warm weather? We’ve got you.
Want to go whale watching or island hopping? No problem.
Dreaming of fine dining with a side of ancient ruins? Say no more.
Our roundup of the best places to travel in May 2025 will make you want to start packing — like, right now.
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Best places to travel in May for beach lovers
So, what are the best places to travel in May to kick back on a beach? If warm weather, soft sands, and an ocean breeze sound like your kind of May getaway, these beach destinations are for you!
1. Greek Islands
Quick look:
- Wildflower blooms blanket landscapes
- Cultural immersion with local festivals
- Beaches are peaceful before summer crowds
- Lower prices for accommodations and tours
- Balanced weather for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in early May, why not kick off your beach holiday by joining in with Labor Day celebrations (May 1), or enjoy global flavors at the Athens Street Food Festival. Music and art lovers can also catch performances at the Aegean Sun International Festival.
Spend your days island hopping between Mykonos and Paros, horseback riding along Crete’s rugged coast, or taking a boat tour through hidden coves.
Love a challenge? Hike Samaria Gorge or conquer Mount Olympus.
And if you’re after a quiet escape, take in the blooming landscapes, explore ancient ruins, or sip wine with a stunning sunset view.
Just don’t forget the essentials—whether it’s sturdy hiking boots for those epic trails or breezy outfits for sun-drenched strolls, this packing list for Greece has you covered.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Quick look:
- Dry season perfection
- Ideal conditions for surfing, hiking, and diving
- Sunshine 9–10 hours daily with minimal rain (8–9 rainy days)
Bali in May is all about beaches, sunshine, and adventure. The dry season begins, bringing great weather for snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, surfing in Uluwatu, or lounging on Seminyak Beach.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat tour to Nusa Penida for stunning rock formations and hidden beaches. With its crystal-clear waters and warm days, it’s easy to see why May is one of the best times to visit Bali—just the right balance of sunshine and fewer crowds.
Into wellness? The Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud is packed with yoga, dance, and healing sessions. Whether you’re here for the waves, the culture, or a bit of both, this Bali travel guide will help you navigate every corner of the island like a pro.
3. Seychelles, East Africa
Quick look:
- Sea temperature is 28–29°C (82–84°F), perfect for swimming/snorkeling
- Blend sports, culture, and marine adventures in one trip
- Explore Praslin, La Digue, and Curieuse Island (giant tortoises)
Anse Lazio (Praslin) offers powdery white sand and turquoise waters, while Anse Source D’Argent (La Digue) is famous for its granite rock formations and shallow lagoons, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
Looking for adventure? Beau Vallon (Mahé) has jet-skiing, parasailing, and beachfront BBQs, while Grand Anse (La Digue) is a surfer’s paradise.
Beyond the beaches, May is when the Seychelles celebrates Creole art and cuisine at the Seychelles Arts Festival, and dives into vibrant marine life at the Underwater Photography Festival.
Don’t miss FetAfrik, a vibrant celebration of African culture with music, dance, and storytelling across Mahé and La Digue. And if you’re tempted to explore more of Africa’s rich history and landscapes, this Egypt travel guide has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
May is also ideal for island hopping to Curieuse Island (home to giant tortoises), hiking Copolia Trail (Mahé), or scuba diving in Sainte Anne Marine Park.
Best places to travel in May for city escapes
If you love vibrant streets, rich history, and incredible food, these cities belong on your international travel checklist. Let’s look at May vacation destinations for city lovers.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Quick look:
- 14–25°C (57–77°F) with 8–10 hours of sunshine — ideal for outdoor exploration
- Cultural festivals like Nit dels Museus (free museum night), Modernist Fair, and International New Rose Competition
Stroll through Park Güell’s colorful mosaics, soak up the sun at Barceloneta Beach, or take a boat tour along Costa Brava’s hidden coves.
May’s event lineup is packed. Experience Nit dels Museus with free late-night access to 70+ museums, vote for the best blooms at the International New Rose Competition, or catch the DocsBarcelona Film Festival.
Plus, FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou is finally reopened, holding up to 60,000 football fans for FC Barcelona’s games.
With Barcelona’s new “This is Barcelona” tourism rebrand, expect more curated experiences like Gaudí architecture trails, gastronomy tours, and even VR-enhanced Sagrada Família visits.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Quick look:
- 11–21°C (52–70°F) with 8–10 hours of daily sunshine and minimal rainfall (~9 cm total), mostly short showers
- Parks and streets burst with flowers like lilacs and tulips
- Major events like the Budapest Spring Festival and Beer Week
- Ideal for walking tours, river cruises, and thermal baths
Walk through the grandeur of the Parliament Building, cruise along the Danube at sunset, or unwind in Széchenyi Baths’ steaming outdoor thermal pools.
The city comes alive with world-class festivals. The Budapest Spring Festival transforms the city into a stage for opera, ballet, and open-air concerts.
Looking for the best places to travel at the end of May, and interested in great food and drink? At the Gourmet Festival, food lovers can sample traditional goulash, chimney cake, and local wines.
Craft beer fans can explore over 360 brews at Budapest Beer Week, while Tabán Festival delivers rock and blues concerts in a historic open-air venue.
For history and outdoor adventures, take a day trip to Szentendre, an artsy fishing village with cobblestone streets and local artisans, or hike to Visegrád’s medieval citadel for stunning views over the Danube Bend.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Quick look:
- Blend of historic landmarks, music, and art
- 14–21°C (57–70°F) with minimal rainfall
- Major events like the Prague Spring Festival and United Islands of Prague
The Prague Spring International Music Festival brings even more sound and music to Prague, with orchestral masterpieces by the likes of Brahms and Stravinsky.
Music lovers can also enjoy United Islands of Prague, a free festival featuring live performances on the Vltava River’s islands. For theater fans, the Prague Fringe Festival offers experimental plays in intimate venues.
Take a day trip to Karlštejn Castle or the bone-filled Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora. And with the city buzzing with performances, festivals, and historic charm, May might just be the best time to soak up all the things to do in Prague.
Runners take over the city during the Prague Marathon, while St. John’s Navalis brings boat regattas and fireworks over Charles Bridge. For foodies, Wine & Food on Střelecký Island offers global tastings with live music.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Quick look:
- Daytime: 19–24°C (66–75°F) | Nights: 12–15°C (54–59°F)
- Cultural festivals: Aoi Matsuri and Yabusame Shinji
- Floral blooms: Wisteria at temples like Byodo-in and Iris gardens at Kamigamo Shrine
May is the best time to walk through Fushimi Inari’s 10,000 torii gates at sunrise, admire the Golden Pavilion’s shimmering reflection, or take in a tea ceremony in a historic Machiya townhouse.
With Kyoto in full bloom and festival season in swing, the city is bursting with unforgettable experiences—whether it’s ancient traditions, scenic strolls, or cultural deep dives, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kyoto.
The Aoi Matsuri features a 500-person Heian-era parade from Kyoto Imperial Palace to ancient shrines. Before that, watch samurai-style horseback archery at Yabusame Shinji. Kyoto’s geisha culture shines with Kamogawa Odori, where Pontocho geishas perform seasonal dances.
Nature lovers can stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, follow the Philosopher’s Path when cherry blossoms linger into early May, or take a boat tour during the Mifune Matsuri, a reenactment of Heian-era river poetry gatherings.
Best places to visit in May for nature enthusiasts
If stunning views, outdoor adventures, and fewer crowds sound like your ideal May getaway, these destinations offer national parks, hiking trails, and wildlife experiences.
8. New Zealand
Quick look:
- North Island: 14–19°C (57–66°F) | South Island: 9–15°C (48–59°F)
- Vibrant fall foliage in Arrowtown, Central Otago, and Fiordland
- Whale watching in Kaikoura, seal colonies in Abel Tasman, and rare bird sightings (e.g., kiwi, tūī)
- Less crowded thermal pools in Rotorua and geothermal valleys
Fiordland National Park offers breathtaking cruises through Milford Sound, where waterfalls and dolphins steal the show, while heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier delivers epic views from above.
For unique landscapes, explore Rotorua’s geothermal valleys, hike Abel Tasman’s coastal trails, or kayak past fur seals and penguins.
In Arrowtown, autumn paints the town in golden hues, while Kaikoura’s whale-watching tours bring sightings of sperm whales and albatross.
May also brings festivals and cultural experiences. The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival (mid-May) fills the coast with live music, while Matariki Festival preparations (late May) offer stargazing, storytelling, and Māori traditions.
9. Banff National Park, Canada
Quick look:
- Daytime highs of 8–15°C (46–59°F); chilly nights near -3°C (27°F)
- Bears emerge from hibernation, and elk calves are born mid-May. Spot bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves in thawing valleys.
- Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles in May, offering car-free cycling and wildlife viewing
- Hike on trails like Johnston Canyon (icy early May, manageable later) and Sulphur Mountain (snowy but accessible)
May in Banff National Park marks the start of hiking season, with snow-capped peaks and wildlife emerging from hibernation.
Early-season trails like Johnston Canyon’s catwalks and Sulphur Mountain’s summit hike offer stunning views, while cycling the Bow Valley Parkway provides chances to spot bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Beyond the trails, the Banff Food and Cocktail Festival brings curated tasting menus and craft cocktails at top restaurants.
Families can enjoy the Banff Children’s Festival (mid-May), featuring storytelling, puppet shows, and interactive workshops. For something more active, the Banff to Calgary Road Race (mid-May) brings a lively atmosphere as runners cover 88 miles for charity.
For relaxation, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, take a day trip to a partially thawed Lake Louise, or explore the blooming spring flowers at Cascade Gardens.
10. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Quick look:
- Daytime highs of 8–15°C (46–59°F); minimal snow except at higher elevations
- 30th anniversary of Wolf Reintroduction (1995–2025): Celebrate thriving wolf populations in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley
- Spot bison calves in Lamar Valley and elk calves in Mammoth Hot Springs
- Most park roads open by late May, including Dunraven Pass (Canyon Village to Tower Fall)
May is one of the best times to visit Yellowstone, with active wildlife and wildflowers starting to bloom. Lamar Valley is prime for wolf-tracking tours celebrating the Wolf Reintroduction Anniversary, while grizzlies and elk roam through Hayden Valley.
Outdoor lovers can hit the trails as hiking season begins. Take Uncle Tom’s Trail for waterfall views at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or hike Fairy Falls (opens mid-May) to see the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.
Memorial Day weekend also marks the start of the fishing season at Fishing Bridge, where ospreys dive for trout.
The Underwater Photography Festival offers a unique way to capture Yellowstone’s geothermal features, while the Inspired by Yellowstone Artist Marketplace (mid-May) showcases local artists at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Ranger-led programs teach bear safety and explore geysers like Old Faithful and Steamboat Geyser.
Best places to go in May for budget travelers
May is a great time to stretch your travel budget. Shoulder-season prices, cheaper stays, and free outdoor activities make these destinations perfect for an affordable adventure.
11. Portugal
Quick look:
- Daytime temps: 19–24°C (66–75°F) with minimal rainfall
- Festival season, including Yard Festival, DnB Allstars Festival, and Indie Lisboa Film Festival
- Mid-range hotels in Lisbon and Porto cost $100–200 per night, while budget options start at $80. Trains between Lisbon and Porto are a bargain at $25–40, and casual dining costs $10–20 per meal.
The DnB Allstars Festival is perfect for electronic music lovers, while the Indie Lisboa Film Festival showcases independent films.
For a mix of culture and nightlife, Somersby Out Jazz (Sundays in May) offers free concerts in Lisbon’s parks. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning a deeper dive, this Portugal travel guide has everything you need to plan your trip.
For outdoor adventures, take a boat tour through Benagil Caves, taste wine in Douro Valley, or explore Porto and Lisbon on budget-friendly walking tours.
To cut costs further, book accommodations early for major events like Queima das Fitas, the Fátima Pilgrimage, or the Yard Festival.
Estimated costs for a 10-Day Trip, according to Redditors:
| Category | Budget range (Excluding flights) |
| Accommodation | $800–$1,500 (3–4 star hotels) |
| Food and drink | $600–$800 |
| Activities/tours | $300–$500 (e.g., Sintra day trips, wine tastings) |
| Local transport | $100–$200 (trains/buses) |
| Total | $1,800–$3,000 |
Reddit users report total trip costs (excluding flights) ranging from $3,000–$8,000 for 7–10 days, depending on lodging and dining preferences.
12. Vietnam
Quick look:
- Warm days (24–33°C / 75–91°F) with occasional showers
- Cuc Phuong National Park blooms with butterflies
- Major events like Hoi An Lantern Festival and Vesak
- Hostels start at just $3 per night, while private rooms cost $10–$20. Street food like phở and bánh mì costs $1–$3, and local beer (bia hơi) is as little as $0.50
The Hoi An Lantern Festival transforms the Ancient Town into a glowing wonderland, while the United Nations Vesak Festival brings Buddhist ceremonies, lantern releases, and cultural exhibitions.
In Hue, the Hue Festival (late May–June) features royal music, boat races, and Ao Dai fashion shows.
For nature and city escapes, take a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay, explore Marble Mountains in Da Nang, or relax on An Bang Beach in Hoi An.
Reddit-reported budgets (2024–2025 data):
| Travel style | Daily cost | Monthly total | Key inclusions |
| Shoestring | $20–$30 | $600–$900 | Hostels, street food, buses |
| Mid-range | $40–$60 | $1,200–$1,800 | Private rooms, tours, some dining |
| Comfort (with beer) | $70–$100 | $2,100–$3,000 | Hotels, craft beer, flights |
13. Egypt
Quick look:
- 24–33°C (75–91°F) in Cairo and northern regions; cooler evenings
- Lower accommodation and tour prices compared to peak winter months
- A 7-day budget trip can be made for $1,000 (excluding flights and accommodation), while a 9-day group tour (including a Nile cruise) costs $1,000–$1,600
Head to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast for water sports, live music, and seafood feasts. Labor Day (May 1) is widely observed with parades and family gatherings.
For historical and cultural experiences, visit the Pyramids of Giza early to avoid heat, stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar, or explore the Egyptian Museum’s treasures.
In Luxor, the Karnak Temple sound-and-light show brings history to life, while Aswan’s Nubian Villages offer a look into Egypt’s vibrant local culture.
Budget travel costs in Egypt, as per Reddit:
| Category | Details | Estimated cost |
| Daily spending | Budget travelers (food, transport, activities) | $30–65/day |
| Mid-range travelers (guided tours, upscale meals) | $100–150/day | |
| Sample itineraries | 7-day trip (excluding flights/accommodation) | ~$1,000 total |
| 9-day group tour (Nile cruise, hotels, meals, activities) | $1,000–$1,600 total | |
| Private guided day tours (e.g., pyramids, museums) | $50–75/person |
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
