Wondering where is hot in May? From sunny islands to culture-packed cities, so many places come into their prime in May.
As May sits outside most school holiday periods, it tends to be less crowded and often cheaper too. Whether you’re looking for a beach break or a sunny weekend in Europe, here are 10 of my favourite hot places to visit in May.
Where is hot in May?
Filter below by price or temperature to find the best warm destination for you based on KAYAK data, or keep reading for more info on the best hot spots this month.
Where is hot in May in Europe
May is the perfect month to explore Europe, especially if you want sun without the crowds. Choose from relaxing beach getaways or embrace some local culture with a last-minute city break.
1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Average temperature in May: 18℃
Escape to Palma de Mallorca this May for a quintessential Mediterranean getaway. With pleasant temperatures averaging 18°C and highs reaching 22°C, the weather is ideal for exploring the charming Old Town, stunning cathedral, and pristine beaches without the intense summer heat.
Experience authentic Spanish culture through local markets, tapas bars, and waterfront dining while enjoying minimal rain. The island’s rich history, world-class restaurants, and accessible prices make Palma an excellent destination for some end of Spring sun.
2. Chania, Greece
Average temperature in May: 19℃
There’s no need to hold out til the summer for a Mediterranean beach break. Crete is one of the best holiday destinations in May for European sunshine. Plus hotel prices and flights tend to be cheaper than peak season, expect average hotel costs of around £102 and flights around £358 return.
I’d recommend basing yourself in the northwest city of Chania. This will give you access to various attractions, from blissful beaches to a historic Venetian harbour and intriguing museums. Chania also has biking routes, trails and plenty of good restaurants to enjoy after your activities.
Staying for a week or more? Hire a car and explore further. My top picks are the picture-perfect beaches of Balos and Falassarna on the island’s west coast.
3. Alicante, Spain
Average temperature in May: 18℃
Escape to Alicante this May for an ideal warm-weather getaway. With pleasant temperatures averaging 18°C and highs reaching 24°C, you’ll enjoy comfortable Mediterranean sunshine without the intense summer heat. The Costa Blanca’s golden beaches are perfect for swimming.
Explore the charming old town, visit the iconic Castle of Santa Barbara, or relax at beachfront chiringuitos. The coastal city is also famous for its nightlife. May offers the sweet spot between spring freshness and summer warmth, making it ideal for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. With flights averaging around £197 return, Alicante delivers great value for British travellers seeking Spanish coastal charm.
Where is hot in May: short-haul
If you’re willing to sit on a plane for just a little bit longer, you’ll be able to reach even more of the world’s hottest countries in May. Here’s a few top picks, from desert gems to culture-packed cities.
4. Cairo, Egypt
Average temperature in May: 25℃
If you’ve always wanted to glimpse the majestic Pyramids of Giza in real life, May might just be the month to do it. The weather is still very manageable for sightseeing in and around Cairo, with average temperatures sitting at around 25℃. Plus, there’s almost zero chance of rain ruining that perfect shot of the Great Sphinx.
A cruise along the River Nile is also a fantastic May activity, with options to even stay overnight in a traditional felucca boat. Cairo’s bazaars are also unmissable and the perfect places to barter for a few souvenirs.
If you looking for where’s hot in May and cheap, Egypt is a good option too, with average hotel prices of £49 per night.
Cheap flight deals from London this May.
Best long-haul holiday destinations in May for sun
You’ll still need to venture beyond Europe and the Middle East for really hot temperatures. Here are my favourite long-haul suggestions with temperatures in the high twenties.
5. Las Vegas, USA
Average temperature in May: 25℃
It’s no surprise that this desert city is hot in June. The month really can be a scorcher – with temperatures often reaching highs of 32°C. Don’t let the heat put you off, though. There’s heaps of ways to keep cool in Las Vegas, from trying your luck in air-conditioned casinos to regular swims in your hotel’s pool. You could also fly up to cooler temperatures during a hot air balloon ride over the desert.
One of the most popular things to do while in Vegas is visit the Grand Canyon. Book your visit first thing in the morning to avoid the most intense heat of the day and take plenty of water. In the evenings explore the city’s streets and attractions when the sun has gone down. My tip: the Fremont Street Experience is an epic after-dark activity featuring amazing street art, bright lights and endless entertainment options.
6. Orlando, USA
Average temperature in May: 25℃
Want to tick Disney World off your bucket list? Or maybe you’re more interested in Florida’s fantastic range of local wildlife? Either way, May is an ideal time of year for a trip to Orlando.
In May, the temperatures are usually in the mid-20s during the day, which is much more manageable than the summer months. There are many other benefits to visiting just outside of the high season, too. This includes spring-themed events like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival where you can admire incredible topiary and sample treats made from the local plant life.
While May is the start of the rainy season in the nearby Everglades National Park, the chance of showers is still fairly low, with average precipitation at just 84 millimetres. It’s also one of the quietest months to visit, meaning you’ll experience fewer boats cruising along the region’s waterways in search of crocodiles and leatherback turtles.
7. Denpasar, Indonesia
Average temperature in May: 27℃
Also known as the gateway to the honeymoon haven of Bali, Denpasar is one of the best holiday destinations in May for sun. Temperatures typically average out at around 27℃ during the day, with some days soaring to 30℃+. The month marks the very end of the dry season, so you shouldn’t experience too much rainfall (although a tropical shower is a spectacle in itself!),
While Denpasar is where you’ll fly into, there are countless locations to discover all across the island. Ubud is a staple for those seeking the serenity of Bali’s temples and rice paddy fields. You could also check out the surf on Uluwatu’s dramatic beaches or venture to the less-touristy north of the island for a quieter, more local experience.
8. Da Nang, Vietnam
Average temperature in May: 28℃
By late spring, the entire country of Vietnam has heated up – giving you plenty of options for a balmier getaway.
The coastal city of Da Nang is a great place to enjoy beach time and brilliant day trips including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You can book a hotel near the city’s vast golden beach for around £61 a night. A bargain for those after some much-needed heat after the long British winter.
Da Nang is also the nearest city to Hoi An, a must-visit historic port known for its impeccably preserved Ancient Town and gorgeous silk lanterns. You could easily visit for a day trip, but I’d recommend booking a few nights in the town to soak up its beauty and the surrounding scenery.
9. Hanoi, Vietnam
Average temperature in May: 27℃
May may mark the beginning of Vietnam’s rainy season – but that only means it’s much less busy. Hanoi in the north is a sublime spot to begin a tour of the country, with fabulous French-influenced architecture, delicious culinary offerings (think pho!) and amazing day trips to awesome natural beauty spots all on the cards.
Getting around the city is simple, too. I’d recommend downloading the Grab app (similar to Uber) so you can quickly book a taxi to get from A to B if the skies do decide to open. As well as ticking off key city sights like Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, you could also use Hanoi as a base to visit other nearby destinations.
The majestic Halong Bay is an obvious pick (and rightly so) but I’d also recommend heading south to the equally as enchanting Ninh Binh.
10. Manila, the Philippines
Average temperature in May: 29℃
If tropical islands vibes are more your bag, consider the Philippines. It’s one of the hottest countries to visit if you’re craving a beach getaway – with temperatures in the capital, Manila, often reaching upwards of 30°C.
While the city has many allures of its own – from the majestic Fort Santiago to the street art of Bonifacio Global City – Manila is mainly a jumping off point for the Philippines’ idyllic islands. The azure shorelines of Palawan are a popular pick. Or why not hop across to breathtaking Boracay where you’ll be greeted with white-sand coves and a great beach party scene?
May is one of the cheaper months to visit Philippines as it falls within the rainy season. Don’t let this put you off booking a hot escape there, though. Like most tropical locales, the rain showers rarely last all day and you’ll enjoy far quieter beaches when the sun does come out.
Manila hotels are on average a bargain £36 per night in May, so it’s worth factoring in a few days in the city before you head to your chosen island.
Where’s hot and cheap in May?
Antalya or Alicante are both good budget picks for a shor-haul holiday in May. Expect hotel prices of around £86 and £70 per night respectively. Rhodes is a brilliant option for a cheap European sun break in May. For something even warmer, check out Orlando where average hotel prices are £128 per night and the daily temperatures are 25℃.
FAQs about where is hot in May
If you’re chasing sunshine in May, you’ll be best off venturing to Greece, Egypt or Spain where the temperature are warm and there’s very little chance of rain.
More hot destinations to visit
Recommendation ranking of cities:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on the presented five factors: average flight prices, average hotel prices, average, high temperatures, average low temperatures, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, meaning the lower the better. All factors are equally weighted.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK and associated brands’ internal data from the search period ‘03/12/2025 to 03/03/2026’ for the travel period ‘03/05/2026 to 30/06/2026.’ Flight prices include Economy Class return trips for one traveller, and hotel prices represent the nightly rates for a standard double room for hotels with three stars or below. Price insights may vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Weather (monthly average, high and low temperatures, and average precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data are based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
