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Where is it hot in Europe in May? Top holiday destinations
Mediterranean countries offer some of the best weather in Europe in May, with Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Italy highly favored by tourists.
There’s hardly a bad place to visit in Europe during May. Spring is in full swing, and everything is coming to life with pleasant weather throughout the continent. However, some destinations are hotter than others, with the Mediterranean countries offering the best weather for a beach holiday in Europe in May.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top holiday destinations to consider.
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Cyprus
- Average daytime temperatures: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 83°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10
Cyprus is one of the southernmost points in Europe, so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the hottest. May is one of the best times to visit the island, as it can get overwhelmingly hot during the summer season. Daily highs linger at around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 83°F) throughout the month, making it perfect both for the beach and exploring.
Nicosia is the capital city, but since it’s located in the center of the country rather than by the sea, it doesn’t get much tourist activity. Instead, Paphos and Ayia Napa are the main tourist hubs in Cyprus.
Ayia Napa is the party capital of the island, packed with seaside bars, restaurants, and clubs. Paphos is a touch calmer and family-oriented while also offering great beaches. Larnaca is another town worth visiting, with a beautiful old town, a historic port, and stunning beaches.
Formentera, Spain
- Average daytime temperatures: 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10
The Balearic Islands of Spain are best known for being home to Ibiza and Mallorca. However, they’re often far too packed with tourists for anyone’s liking. Formentera is a little gem just south of Ibiza that has all the natural beauty of any others in the archipelago, all while being a little more peaceful and quieter.
Expect average temperatures of around 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) during the day, which is just warm enough for the beach while still being comfortable for hiking or exploring the island. Enjoy rocky coves and sandy beaches with some of the clearest turquoise waters you’ll ever see.
Seville, Spain
- Average daytime temperatures: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 83°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10
There are so many things to do and places to visit in Spain that we might as well dedicate a separate article just for Southern Spain in May. And if exploring historic cities is your thing, there’s hardly a better place than Seville.
The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Cathedral of Seville, the Alcaraz, and the Archive of the Indies. Not to mention endless charming cobblestone streets, family-owned restaurants, and breathtaking architecture throughout the old town.
With daytime temperatures lingering around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 83°F) in May, Seville is the perfect city for enjoying pleasant temperatures and getting closer to the history and culture of Spain.
Naples, Italy
- Average daytime temperatures: 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10 hours 30 minutes
The weather in Italy in May can range from cold and even snow up in the Dolomites to hot and sunny further South. Naples is one of the most popular warm-weather destinations for late spring, offering pristine beaches, a historic city, and plenty of hiking trails. It’s pretty much what most would imagine when thinking of Southern Italy with their eyes closed.
The start of May can be a bit cooler and is perfect for exploring the charming streets of Naples or hiking in the surrounding mountains. That said, you might want to take a light jacket or sweater when packing your bags for Italy, as the temperature can drop to around 17°C (63°F) during the colder days.
The second half of the month is typically warm enough for the beach. The water may still be a little chilly, but it’s perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
No matter when you visit Naples, don’t forget to sample its cuisine. It’s most famous for Neapolitan pizza but also offers incredible seafood spaghetti, eggplant pasta, and Neapolitan ragù.
Antalya, Turkey
- Average daytime temperatures: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 83°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10 hours 30 minutes
Southern Turkey is a safe pick if you’re looking for the hottest place in Europe in May. Antalya is arguably the favorite amongst tourists visiting Southern Turkey, but Kemer, Alanya, Belek, or Dalaman can all offer a pretty similar experience.
Expect temperatures around 28°C (83°F) towards the end of the month, with water temperatures lingering around 21°C (70°F). This makes Turkey perfect for a beach holiday in May, as you’ll avoid the summer crowds while enjoying the sun and stunning scenery from the beach.
Beaches aren’t the only thing this part of Turkey has to offer. There are plenty of beautiful hikes to go on, fast-flowing rivers for rafting, and quaint villages to explore if you’re willing to take a short detour from the most touristy areas.
Lagos, Portugal
- Average daytime temperatures: 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10 hours 30 minutes
Lagos, located on the Atlantic coast, is one of Portugal’s most charming towns that’s home to some of the most scenic beaches in Europe. If laying down on sun-drenched beaches is your main goal, book your holiday for the second half of May, though the weather is typically pleasant throughout the month.
The town has some great examples of baroque architecture, while the wooden stairs that lead to the cove of Praia do Camilo is one of the most iconic images in Portugal. Lagos is a great place for a family holiday or solo explorers with a fantastic location, tranquil beauty, and pleasant weather throughout May.
Malta
- Average daytime temperatures: 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F).
- Hours of sunlight: 10 hours 30 minutes
Malta and the nearby island of Gozo are some of the best beach getaways in Europe during May. It’s located further South than even parts of Africa, so it’s hardly surprising that Malta gets some great weather throughout the year.
Malta does have some charming towns with cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, but beaches are usually the main reason for visiting the island. Daily highs can reach up to 28°C (83°F) in May, but it’s generally a bit cooler than in the summer.
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