Language 
No results found
Where is hot in May: 15 Hotspots for spring sunshine in 2026
From luxury shopping in Dubai to island hopping in Greece and Cyprus, find out where is hot in May to plan your next trip and stay connected with an eSIM
Did you know that the UK typically sees 11 days of rain during May? It’s no surprise Brits make 6 million trips abroad each May.
Half-term holidays, shoulder season prices, and alluring spring sunshine on the continent make May the perfect month for travel. And don’t forget the lack of summer holiday crowds!
Plus, with fewer crowds compared to summer, it’s the ideal time for a relaxed getaway and lower hotel prices.
In this guide, we take you through where is hot in May. We also show you how to stay connected during your trip, whether your travels centre on retail shopping, island hopping, or simply sipping a piña colada on the beach.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
1. Tunisia
- Daily sunshine: 6 to 8 hours
- Average temperature: 23 to 26°C
- Best for: Outdoor adventurers
- Flight time from the UK: 3 hours
May in Tunisia is an ideal time for budget-friendly outdoor activities. The country offers ancient Roman ruins, desert safaris in the Sahara, and days spent on the white-sand beaches along the Mediterranean coast at Djerba or Rafraf. With temperatures in the mid-twenties, you’re sure not to get too hot even in the midday sun.
May in Tunisia also brings with it blooming flowers and green scenery, especially in the northern region and close to the Atlas Mountains.
If you’re lucky, you may catch the Le Kef Rose Festival, celebrating the spring rose season with various activities and rose products worth buying. Or, journey to Djerba Island for the La Ghriba Festival – a Jewish pilgrimage hosted at the oldest synagogue in the world.
2. Spain (Costa del Sol, Balearics, Canaries)
- Daily sunshine: 9 to 10 hours
- Average temperature: 24 to 26°C
- Best for: Island hopping and festivals
- Flight time from the UK: 3:30 to 4 hours
If you don’t want to travel too far from the UK but still want to enjoy beautiful beaches, Spain is the ideal May destination, with warm spring weather and long days.
Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands, and the Balearics aren’t in full summer swing just yet, making it easier to enjoy the crystal water beaches with fewer crowds, while still finding lower prices in hotels, food, and shopping.
Venturing away from the coast? In Madrid, you’ll find the Fiestas de San Isidro, while Seville sees the final days of the Ferias de Abril. Both festivals feature flamenco, parades, and delicious Spanish food, including the famous tapas.
You can also visit Barcelona, one of the cheapest places to visit in May. Las Ramblas and Park Güell during spring are much more pleasant experiences than during the summer heatwaves.
3. Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon)
- Daily sunshine: 9 to 10 hours, up to 14 in southern regions
- Average temperature: 23 to 25°C
- Best for: Budget travellers and festival-seekers
- Flight time from the UK: 3:30 to 4 hours
Another budget-friendly option, Portugal is a great place to visit in May. As usual, the Algarve and Lisbon are top picks.
Lower prices and fewer crowds make the Algarve an ideal option for active and relaxing holidays. Join in the cycling during the Volta ao Algarve, or simply spend time sunbathing on the sandy beaches.
Lisbon is also worth visiting, with the Belém Tower, Miradouro da Graça, and the Church of St. Vincent de Fora among the must-visit places. The best part is not having to worry about the huge number of tourists.
Beyond Lisbon and the Algarve, consider the Douro Valley. Just a day trip from Porto, the lush landscapes are a perfect backdrop for the many vineyard tours available.
Or, venture out to Coimbra for the Queima das Fitas student festival, or head to Barcelos for May’s Festa da Cruzes.
4. Italy (Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia)
- Daily sunshine: 9 to 12 hours
- Average temperature: 25 to 27°C
- Best for: Hikers, festival-seekers, and water lovers
- Flight time from the UK: 4 hours
Visiting Italy, especially the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily, in May means avoiding the extreme summer heat.
It also offers the chance to enjoy local festivals and beautiful beaches without huge crowds and to plan outdoor activities without higher temperatures.
In Sardinia, the Girotonno Festival celebrates local culinary traditions and tuna, making it the perfect time for foodies to explore one of the world’s richest cuisines. In Sicily, the Infiorata di Noto and local patron saint festivals are ideal for learning more about the local culture.
What about the Amalfi Coast? Aside from the blooming scenery and fragrant lemon groves, it’s the perfect time to hike the Path of the Gods, as the warm temperatures with a cool coastal breeze will be your best ally.
Don’t forget to leave some space in your itinerary for beaches like La Pelosa or Cala Brandinchi, you’ll need it to enjoy the May sunshine.
5. Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini)
- Daily sunshine: 11 to 13 hours
- Average temperature: 24 to 26°C
- Best for: Photo lovers and explorers
- Flight time from the UK: 3:30 to 4 hours
Greece, specifically Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini, remains one of the best destinations to visit in May, with affordable prices before summer kicks in.
Each island has its own charm, with Crete perfect for hiking and staying at refreshing beaches, Santorini and Mykonos for iconic views and vivid nightlife, and Rhodes welcoming visitors to Lindos and the Old Town.
Rainfall isn’t common, so no need to worry about time limitations while at the beach or hiking, but keep in mind that meltemi winds (stronger northern winds) can cause ferry delays.
But the best part of all is being able to take that Instagram-worthy photo in Mykonos without the summer crowds!
6. Cyprus
- Daily sunshine: 11 to 13 hours
- Average temperature: 23 to 28°C
- Best for: Budget travellers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Flight time from the UK: 4 to 5 hours
Cyprus offers long days, so spots like Protaras, Ayia Napa, and Limassol beaches will be favourites during the trip. Turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, and not needing to worry about having a bad spot are key factors for May travellers.
Travelling over the May bank holiday? Cyprus celebrates Labour Day, so some stores might close. Still, the blossoming Troodos Mountains and ancient ruins of Paphos and Samalis are great alternatives for spending the day, especially before the intense July heat kicks in.
For nightlife, head over to Ayia Napa. It’s not peak summer party season yet, but bars and clubs will already be open.
7. Turkey (Antalya, Bodrum)
- Daily sunshine: 9 to 12 hours
- Average temperature: 25 to 27°C
- Best for: Explorers and beach lovers
- Flight time from the UK: 4 hours
Turkey is an all-inclusive destination, with excellent cuisine, warm beaches, ancient places, and festivals welcoming visitors in May.
If you’re looking for events in Turkey during your trip, check out the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. It’s a national holiday with patriotic events that bring a more vibrant, welcoming vibe across the country.
As for where to travel, Antalya and Bodrum are two of the best cities to visit in May. With the heat not at its peak, visit ancient ruins, take coastal cruises in the Aegean and Mediterranean, or simply relax on crystal-clear beaches.
Ankara and Istanbul are also ideal to visit in May, when fewer crowds and lower prices make it easier to explore two of the most important Turkish cities.
8. Morocco (Marrakech, Agadir)
- Daily sunshine: 9 to 11 hours
- Average temperature: 25 to 27°C
- Best for: Festival-seekers and hikers
- Flight time from the UK: 4 hours
Before the intense summer heat arrives, Morocco offers warm days and fresh nights, with temperatures reaching 15°C on some nights.
To take advantage of the weather, two of the most beautiful cities in Morocco are worth visiting: Marrakech and Agadir, where long sunshine hours allow visitors to explore spots like the Paradise Valley or Souk El Had without the summer bustle.
If you opt to visit Marrakech, the Rose Festival is a must-do: a 3-day celebration featuring traditional music, dancing, and parades, and the perfect time to buy rose-based products.
The Atlas Mountains are worth visiting in May, too, as the pleasant views with warmer weather welcome visitors to day-long hikes that can end with delicious Moroccan food.
9. Egypt (Cairo, Red Sea)
- Daily sunshine: 11 to 13 hours
- Average temperature: 28 to 33°C
- Best for: River cruises and outdoor explorers
- Flight time from the UK: 5 to 6 hours
If you want to raise the temperature a bit, Egypt is one of the hottest places to visit in May. Ideal conditions for outdoor activities are there, especially with long daily sunshine hours.
May is the month for sightseeing in Egypt, meaning visiting the Pyramids, the Valley of Kings, and outdoor markets, such as Khan el-Khalili, is easier compared to summer, and you won’t feel the heat that comes from larger crowds.
To get fresh air and beautiful views, you can book a cruise down the Nile River during sunset for breathtaking views. You could also visit the Red Sea coastal areas, where you’ll find plenty of water activities to enjoy.
Additionally, Egypt can be budget-friendly for travellers, so you can add Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan for longer stays, especially with prices dropping around 30% compared to the summer spike.
10. Dubai, UAE
- Daily sunshine: 11 hours
- Average temperature: 35 to 38°C
- Best for: Solo travel and luxury shopping
- Flight time from the UK: 7 hours from the UK
Visiting Dubai in May means you’ll find rising, close-to-summer temperatures, making it the ideal getaway for sun-seekers escaping the spring rains.
If Dubai is your go-to destination in May, consider this: Eid Al Adha falls in the last week of the month. This is the second most important Islamic festival, so act accordingly to respect locals, and expect attractions like Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden to be closed.
But don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty of places to visit, like the Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, and many luxury stores to run away from the heat, plan some day trips from Dubai, or simply relax at local beach clubs.
11. Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba)
- Daily sunshine: 8 to 10 hours
- Average temperature: 28 to 32°C
- Best for: Island hopping and beach rums
- Flight time from the UK: 8 to 10 hours
The Caribbean is one of the best places to visit in May, with Jamaica, Aruba, and Barbados among the preferred destinations because of lower prices and fewer crowds as the peak season ends.
Rainfall is low in May in these destinations, making them ideal for long stays at turquoise seas and golden-sand beaches like Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Visiting nearby islands is a must-do for visitors.
Depending on your destination, you’ll find different local holidays, such as the Barbados Celtic Festival and Labour Day, which are ideal for connecting with local culture.
If you have some spare time, plan a rum tour. Visiting Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, and Bodegas Papimento means learning about the cultural impact of rum and tasting a variety of delicious rums.
12. Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Daily sunshine: 7 to 9 hours
- Average temperature: 28 to 32°C
- Best for: Solo and family travel
- Flight time from the UK: 11 hours from the UK
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are year-round destinations, with May marking the start of the shoulder season, so expect lower prices and fewer crowds. May also marks the beginning of the wet season, so you can expect some rain during the afternoons.
Depending on when you’re travelling, you can enjoy the final days of the El Cedral Fair in Cozumel, visit the nearby beaches, and enjoy the El Cielo water sanctuary.
Weather permitting, book tours early in the morning so you can visit Tulum and Chichén Itzá without the afternoon rains.
It’s also ideal to visit cenotes in the morning or early afternoon, so you can respect the Mayan legends of the mystical guardians said to patrol them after 5 PM.
13. Maldives
- Daily sunshine: 7 to 9 hours
- Average temperature: 28 to 32°C
- Best for: Honeymoons and relaxing
- Flight time from the UK: 11 hours from the UK
May is a transitional month in the Maldives. Resort discounts, fewer crowds, and higher winds make it an ideal place to relax.
In May, the Maldives are ideal for water activities, especially surfing, due to stronger winds and waves, but plankton can make diving and snorkelling more challenging.
May also marks the beginning of the rainy season, so take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds to book a resort or villas close to beaches to maximise sunny days, but don’t forget to pack your rain jacket!
Travelling with your loved one on a honeymoon or simply planning to relax? You can avoid the heat by staying inside villas and resorts while enjoying drinks and indulging in spa treatments.
14. Bali, Indonesia
- Daily sunshine: 8 to 9 hours
- Average temperature: 23 to 28°C
- Best for: Culture and beach lovers
- Flight time from the UK: 15 to 17 hours, including a stopover
Yes, Bali is great year-round. So what makes May so special? With the dry season just beginning, you won’t find the summer crowds, prices, and temperature peaks of July and August. Plus, you’ll see nowhere near the levels of rainfall as in November to March.
Among the things to do in Bali, May is packed with local festivals, like Galungan and Kuningan, one of the most important religious festivals on the island, marked by penjor decorations in the streets.
Ubud is a must-visit while in Bali, and travelling in May means the chance to combine a visit to the rice terraces with the Ubud Food Festival, where visitors can try all kinds of Indonesian dishes.
But you can’t forget about the heat, so visiting beach clubs at Seminyak and Canggu are perfect getaways to enjoy the 9 hours of daily sunshine.
15. Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui)
- Daily sunshine: 6 to 8 hours
- Average temperature: 30 to 33°C
- Best for: Budget travellers and festival-seekers
- Flight time from the UK: 15 hours
Thailand is a year-round destination for many, but May means lower prices, fewer crowds, short afternoon rains, and the beginning of the fruit season.
With fewer crowds, destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket are easier to visit, and resort prices are considerably lower.
You can plan your trip based on: the west coast, Koh Samui, is a bit rainier, but still welcomes visitors, while the Gulf Coast, Phuket, has better weather, making it ideal for water activities.
Aside from these destinations, you can experience the Rocket Festival at Isan, or the candle processions during the Visakha Bucha Day, the most important Buddhist tradition.
No matter where you go, keep in mind: May is the fruit season in Thailand, so make sure to try fresh mangoes, durian, longan, and mangosteen.
Stay connected on your May getaway with Holafly
Holafly keeps you connected, wherever your search for May sunshine takes you.
Get a travel eSIM for any of the destinations above or beyond. Holafly covers over 200 destinations with unlimited data plans starting at £2.99.
Or, you can choose the Holafly monthly eSIM subscription to stay covered for the whole month! The package covers over 170 destinations and offers plans ranging from £38.95 to £50.95, including unlimited data, up to unlimited hotspot data, and a local phone number.
So, pick your flights, pack your luggage, and get your preferred Holafly eSIM to stay connected while travelling in May.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
