With warmer weather and two bank holidays, there are a bunch of great places to visit in May. Need some inspiration? Here’s my rundown of where to go on holiday in May based on personal experience and fun seasonal events.
Budget on your mind? Skip to KAYAK’s data-backed picks based on popularity, flight, and hotel prices. In the meantime, let’s jump straight in and see where the best places to visit in May are in 2024.
Best places to visit in Europe in May
May is one of my favourite months for a European holiday. Not only does it sit well outside the busy school holidays but it’s usually blissfully warm (yet not stifling). The only question now is: city break or island escape?
1. Hvar, Croatia
- Learn more: Hvar travel guide
- Why visit in May: A sunny island getaway without the crowds
If you’re wondering where to go on holiday in May for guaranteed sun, Croatia is hard to beat. Although there are many beautiful places to go, the island of Hvar is my top pick. Hvar is an incredible destination for tourism throughout the year but May is the best time of year to make the most of the weather without the crowds.
Prices will also be lower than in peak months making it a great option for a budget-friendly holiday. Hop on the ferry from Split or Dubrovnik and cruise across the beautiful Adriatic Sea. The island of Hvar has much to love, from stunning coves with crystal clear waters to incredible mountains and a breathtaking coastline.
Visit the dozens of smaller islets around the main island by hiring a boat for the day and being your own captain. Walk among the streets of Stari Grad: one of the oldest inhabited towns in Europe. Then at the end of the day, catch a sunset from the top of the fortress in Hvar’s main town. Bliss!
2. Madrid, Spain
- Learn more: Madrid travel guide
- Why visit in May: Experience the San Isidro Festival
Spain is one of the best countries to visit in May with Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca all featuring in KAYAK’s data-backed top places to visit in May. While Barcelona and Mallorca tend to be busy at this time of year though, Madrid is a little less popular and crowded.
Each May on the 15th of the month, Madrid also honours its patron saint: San Isidro. The San Isidro Festival in his honour features concerts, shows and activities for all ages. The locals dress up and dance in the streets, drinking the traditional Spanish beverage limonada – a wine-based drink with lemon, sugar and chopped apple.
If you’re in Madrid in May, you can also make the most of the warm weather, with average temperatures of 16℃. For those wanting to immerse themselves in more Spanish culture and art, I recommend booking a slot for a Flamenco performance at Tablao Flamenco 1911. Expect a night filled with passion, from the performance to the delicious food and wine.
3. Sicily, Italy
- Learn more: Catania travel guide
- Why visit in May: Admire the blooms at Infiorata di Noto (flower festival)
Sicily is one of the best places to visit in May in Italy – and not just for its balmy weather and irresistible cuisine. May also marks several different local festivals.
If you’re keen to hit the beach. venture to Mondello (not far from the capital, Palermo)for its annual watersports festival. Craft lovers among you might prefer to celebrate Buongiogno Ceramica. A countrywide ceramic festival, with events and open days, typically taking place across Sicily’s pottery centres.
Last but not least, there’s the Infiorata di Noto. This festival is hosted on the third Sunday of the month in Noto. It’s an unmissable sight, with the town’s historic streets blanketed in vibrant floral displays. The theme changes every year, with 2024’s displays set to reflect famous film scenes. It’s perfect for those who count spring among their favourite seasons.
4. Bucharest, Romania
- Learn more: Bucharest travel guide
- Why visit in May: Explore great museums and architecture in peace
Romania. One of the most stunning countries in Eastern Europe and one of the best places to visit in Europe in May. Fine weather and an absence of large crowds make it perfect for walking around the cobbles of the old town or visiting Herăstrau Park.
Bucharest has an incredible amount of history contained within its city limits, including the summer residence of the infamous Vlad The Impaler (also known as Dracula). Like many medieval cities in Europe, it boasts stunning architecture. Check out the Stavropoleos Monastery, the Romanian Parliament and the Ateneul Român concert hall.
One must-see museum is the grand Ceaușescu Mansion: the former family home of Romania’s former dictator and an eerie reminder of Romania’s troubled past.
The best places to visit in May: Long-haul
Europe may be hotting up but that doesn’t mean you should forget about the rest of the world. Some of the best countries to visit in May are located a little further afield, with options ideal for animal lovers and history buffs alike.
5. Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Learn more: Antananarivo travel guide
- Why visit in May: See amazing wildlife
Instead of cartoon animals running riot, the beautiful island of Madagascar has stunning landscapes, warm temperatures and, yes, incredible wildlife. The island’s capital, Antananarivo, is a bit of a hidden gem and an ideal stopover on your way to the country’s national parks.
While often missed by most tourists, the city offers numerous avenues for exploration. The Rova of Antananarivo, the island’s former royal palace, has stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. You could also go across the city to the beautiful Tsimbazaza Park. It’s home to the city’s zoo and is a good spot to see the exotic wildlife of Madagascar without having to venture out of the comforts of the city.
6. Boston, USA
- Learn more: Boston travel guide
- Why visit in May: Warmer climes to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions
If you’re looking for a contender for the best holiday destination in May, the US is definitely one of them – and what better way of exploring the States than a trip to Boston? The city is rich in history and home to many great historical figures, plenty of which can be discovered on the fantastic Freedom Trail. Stroll through hundreds of years of incredible history, learning about key figures from the birth of America like John Adams, John Hancock and more.
Wondering why May is a good time to visit? The simple answer is warm weather. It’s the perfect month for catching a baseball game at the iconic Fenway Park too. If you’re after more outdoor pursuits, why not take a cruise around Boston’s famous harbour or hop across to George Island? Don’t be afraid to go for a dip if the weather is nice as Boston has one of the cleanest harbours in the world.
Based on KAYAK data Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are two other great options for a US holiday in May, with warm temperatures and low popularity so you can avoid the crowds.
7. Quito, Ecuador
- Learn more: Quito travel guide
- Why visit in May: Enjoy the surrounding hiking trails
At 2,800m above sea level, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital city. It’s known as the City of Four Seasons, with weather that can change in a blink of an eye. However, if you’re lucky, the weather is typically very mild. Surrounded by mountains, Quito has more than enough panoramic views to provide inspiration for a hike to remember, including the Pichincha Volcano which is a short drive outside Quito.
If you want a good view of the mountains from the city, be sure to visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional – Quito’s gorgeous Catholic church. The views from the bell tower are among the best in the city. The basilica, although impressive, remains partially unfinished. In fact, according to local legend, should construction ever be completed, it will bring about the end of the world.
8. Darwin, Australia
- Learn more: Darwin travel guide
- Why visit in May: Enjoy the start of the dry season
Even though the seasons are changing Down Under, you can always rely on Darwin to have much better weather than the rest of Australia. As the northernmost city in Australia, Darwin has a tropical climate, with plenty of incredible rainforests, beaches and billabongs filled with amazing wildlife.
A trip to Darwin is a great opportunity for wildlife excursions as this is prime crocodile country. Why not take a thrilling riverboat cruise and get up close to these huge crocs in their natural habitat? If you’re thirsty for more adventure, take a trip out to Charles Darwin National Park. The Park features relics of the indigenous Larrakia people and recent remnants from Darwin’s involvement in World War Two – think concrete bunkers and other defence works. There’s also Lake Alexander and the stunning Casuarina Coastal Reserve which features miles of unspoilt sandy beaches.
9. Cappadocia, Turkey
- Learn more: Göreme travel guide
- Why visit in May: for the perfect hot-air ballooning conditions
If you’re wondering where to go on holiday in May for great photo ops, Turkey should be on your mind. At this time of the year, the wildflowers are in full bloom, the land is green, the light is perfect and, the sky is full of hot-air balloons. Sound like somewhere you want to fill your camera roll with? If so, book a flight to Cappadocia via Istanbul – where according to KAYAK data at this time of year the weather is mild and the hotel prices are low, at just £79 on average.
Not just perfect for solo travellers. this stunning region is also a thrilling place for a more unique family holiday in Turkey. Hot air balloons aside, Cappadocia is also a stone’s throw from the ancient Göreme National Park. The caves of Göreme were first occupied in 1800 BC and are used today for everything from hotels to churches. It’s a brilliant location to explore during the warm (but not too warm!) May sunshine.
10. Vancouver, Canada
- Learn more: Vancouver travel guide
- Why visit in May: Calmer sightseeing and early summer camping
If Canada has long been on your travel bucket list, make May the month you tick it off. The chilly winter temperatures are long gone yet it’s still too early for the area to be brimming with summer tourists.
As well as exploring the city and enjoying its top sights with fewer queues, you could also spend a few days exploring Vancouver Island. May is when the island completes its spring transformation, with its previously snow-covered landscapes now blanketed in vibrant wildflowers.
Fancy the ultimate outdoor adventure? Head to the island in late May for a few nights of camping, hiking and beach-going. The campsites are usually much less busy and the skies wonderfully clear for stargazing.
The best places to visit in May: UK & Ireland
Rather stay a little closer to home? You’re in luck. There are so many incredible places to visit in May in the UK and Ireland.
11. The Cotswolds, UK
- Learn more: Chipping Norton travel guide
- Why visit in May: The utterly unique Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling
Looking for the best places to visit on May’s Bank Holiday weekends? The charming Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has no shortage of chocolate-box villages, scenic walks, and other intriguing delights. This includes the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – an annual event that’s every bit as hilarious as it sounds. It takes place just outside Gloucester, on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, and sees locals rolling huge wheels of Double Gloucester cheese down a big hill.
For something more subdued and a little less bizarre, take a walk through the Slad Valley and follow in the footsteps of local poet, Laurie Lee. Or, take a trip back in time with a ride through gorgeous countryside on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. The bottom line? The Cotswolds is easily one of the best places to visit in the UK in May, with plenty of idyllic small towns to use as your base.
12. Dublin, Ireland
- Learn more: Dublin travel guide
- Why visit in May: Enjoy a range of cultural events
Okay, so there’s never really a bad time for a getaway to Dublin. Ireland’s lively capital has heaps of allures to tempt visitors. Come May, though, one of the biggest has to be the International Literature Festival. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and has numerous connections to famous authors, from James Joyce and William Yeats to, more recently, Sally Rooney.
According to KAYAK data, the weather or flight prices aren’t too bad either, with average temperatures of 11℃ and an average flight costing £107.
To delve deeper into Dublin’s literary heritage, plan your visit between the 17 and 26 May 2024. These are the dates of the International Literature Festival which typically features a mix of readings, debates, booking signings and other book-related events. And when you’re not celebrating literature, check out some of Dublin’s well-loved pubs or the Dublin Dance Festival (it’s also hosted at the end of May).
Data-backed picks from KAYAK
If seasonal events aren’t on your wish list, why not consider one of the below destinations? These destinations are based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, taking into account budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds). For personalised recommendations based on your location and chosen destination check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
| Destination | Country | Avg. flight price | Avg. hotel price | Avg. temp | Avg. precipitation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palma de Mallorca | ES | £275 | £84 | 18℃ | 30 mm | high |
| Lisbon | PT | £181 | £113 | 17℃ | 56 mm | high |
| Istanbul | TR | £199 | £79 | 16℃ | 30 mm | medium |
| London | GB | £116 | £160 | 12℃ | 50 mm | medium |
| San Diego | US | £540 | £216 | 18℃ | 3 mm | medium |
| Nice | FR | £202 | £141 | 17℃ | 45 mm | medium |
| Porto | PT | £177 | £113 | 15℃ | 98 mm | high |
| Brussels | BE | £138 | £121 | 12℃ | 70 mm | medium |
| Singapore | SG | £657 | £104 | 28℃ | 171 mm | low |
| Madrid | ES | £166 | £114 | 16℃ | 40 mm | medium |
| Barcelona | ES | £228 | £152 | 16℃ | 59 mm | high |
| Dubai | AE | £481 | £74 | 30℃ | 10 mm | low |
| Cardiff | GB | £253 | £194 | 13℃ | 60 mm | medium |
| Bangkok | TH | £674 | £40 | 30℃ | 190 mm | low |
| Orlando | US | £553 | £125 | 25℃ | 84 mm | low |
| Edinburgh | GB | £120 | £152 | 11℃ | 50 mm | medium |
| Gdansk | PL | £187 | £85 | 10℃ | 50 mm | medium |
| Fort Lauderdale | US | £536 | £170 | 26℃ | 122 mm | low |
| Dublin | IE | £107 | £196 | 11℃ | 60 mm | high |
The following information refers to the destinations listed in the table.
Recommendation ranking within table:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on average flight prices, average hotel prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, popularity, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, the less the better. Average temperature optimal values are taken as the median for the destination, and a difference is calculated for the month from this reference point. The smaller the difference the more desirable the city is to visit in this month. This temperature factor is weighed double as much as popularity and precipitation.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from search period ‘2023-11-01’ to ‘2024-01-15’ for travel period ‘2024-05’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3 stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Popularity:
Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This incorporates the latest historical insights from the past year collected on ‘2024-01-15’. For each destination, this popularity estimate is pulled for the particular month to gauge where it might not be too crowded.
Weather (average monthly temperature and precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data is 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.
Explore more holiday destinations
The world is a big place and there are plenty of more places to explore! As we move into June, when the weather will become even warmer, there are plenty more opportunities to travel.
Luckily, KAYAK has all the best information for flights, hotels, and travel guides to help you plan your next trip.
