May Leave List
Europe’s sweet spot.
Where to travel in May?
May is arguably one of the best months of the year to travel, particularly if you’re looking to explore Europe.
Spring is in full swing, temperatures are warm without being overwhelming, and the long summer holiday season is still ahead. It’s the sweet spot for city breaks, road trips, island escapes and outdoor adventures.
From the Greek islands and Croatian coast to the ancient Silk Road and the Andes, May is a month where you can comfortably explore more without battling extreme heat.
Best Places to Visit in May
European sunshine, cities & coastlines
Greece
Perfect for: Islands, beaches, food & ancient history
Average temperature: Around 20–27°C
Season: Late spring
May is one of the best times to experience Greece. The weather is warm enough for beach days, the sea is beginning to warm up and the islands are far more relaxed than they will be in the height of summer.
It’s also a great month for combining island time with Athens or mainland Greece, without having to choose between sightseeing and sunshine.
Best things to do: Explore Athens and the Acropolis, island-hop around the Cyclades, swim in the Aegean Sea, discover Santorini’s caldera or spend a few days exploring Crete.
Cyprus
Perfect for: Beaches, sunshine, history & hiking
Average temperature: Around 22–28°C
Season: Late spring / early summer
If you’re looking for reliable sunshine in May, Cyprus is a strong choice. Days are warm and sunny, the sea is becoming comfortable for swimming and the island offers much more than its beaches.
The warmer weather also makes it a great time to explore Cyprus’s ancient ruins, mountain villages and coastal landscapes before the peak summer heat arrives.
Best things to do: Explore Paphos, swim at the Blue Lagoon, visit ancient ruins, hike in the Troodos Mountains, discover traditional villages or explore the coastline around Ayia Napa.
Portugal
Perfect for: Road trips, beaches, food & cities
Average temperature: Around 18–25°C
Season: Spring
May is made for a Portuguese road trip. The weather is warm enough for exploring the coast but still comfortable for long days of sightseeing, while the countryside is beautifully green after the winter rains.
You can easily combine Lisbon, the Algarve and smaller coastal towns into one trip, with plenty of opportunities to stop for beaches, seafood and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Best things to do: Explore Lisbon, visit Sintra, road trip along the Algarve, discover Porto, hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or spend a few nights in the Douro Valley.
Spain
Perfect for: Culture, food, festivals & road trips
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C depending on the region
Season: Late spring
May is a fantastic time to explore Spain, particularly Andalusia. Days are warm and sunny, but the intense heat that can make summer sightseeing uncomfortable hasn’t fully arrived.
It’s an excellent month for combining Spain’s historic cities with food, festivals and time on the coast.
Best things to do: Explore Seville, visit the Alhambra in Granada, wander through Córdoba, discover Málaga or take a road trip through the white villages of Andalusia.
Italy
Perfect for: Food, culture, cities & countryside
Average temperature: Around 18–25°C
Season: Spring
Italy in May is all about long days, comfortable temperatures and landscapes at their best. It’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor cafés and coastal towns, while cities such as Rome and Florence are comfortable to explore on foot.
Beyond the famous cities, May is also a wonderful time to experience Italy’s countryside, lakes and vineyards.
Best things to do: Explore Rome and Florence, road trip through Tuscany, visit the Amalfi Coast, discover the Italian Lakes or spend a few days eating your way through Bologna.
Montains, road trips & adventure
Croatia
Perfect for: Coastlines, islands, history & sailing
Average temperature: Around 18–25°C
Season: Late spring
Croatia is particularly appealing in May, when the Adriatic coast is warming up and the country’s historic towns and islands are much easier to explore at a relaxed pace.
It’s an ideal month for combining Dubrovnik and Split with a few days on the islands or exploring Croatia’s spectacular national parks.
Best things to do: Walk Dubrovnik’s city walls, explore Split, sail between the islands, visit Hvar, hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park or discover the waterfalls of Krka.
Montenegro
Perfect for: Mountains, coastlines, road trips & adventure
Average temperature: Around 18–25°C
Season: Spring
Small but spectacular, Montenegro packs dramatic mountains, turquoise bays and historic towns into a surprisingly compact country. May brings warm days that are ideal for road trips and hiking without the intensity of midsummer.
The contrast between the rugged mountains and the Adriatic coastline is what makes Montenegro particularly special.
Best things to do: Explore Kotor and its bay, hike in Durmitor National Park, drive through the mountains, visit Perast or relax along the Adriatic coast.
Bolivia
Perfect for: Mountains, salt flats & adventure
Average temperature: Around 10–20°C depending on altitude
Season: Dry season begins
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Bolivia, bringing clearer skies and excellent conditions for exploring some of South America’s most extraordinary landscapes.
From the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni to high-altitude cities and dramatic Andean scenery, this is a destination for travellers looking for something far beyond a typical holiday.
Best things to do: Cross the Salar de Uyuni, watch the sunrise over the salt flats, explore La Paz, visit Lake Titicaca or discover the colourful landscapes of the Eduardo Avaroa reserve.
Epic landscapes & ancient cultures
Peru
Perfect for: Machu Picchu, mountains, history & adventure
Average temperature: Around 10–25°C depending on altitude
Season: Dry season begins
May is a fantastic time to explore Peru. The rainy season is coming to an end, leaving the landscapes around Cusco and Machu Picchu lush and green while the weather becomes increasingly favourable for trekking.
It’s also a great month to combine Peru’s ancient sites with dramatic mountain scenery and some of South America’s best food.
Best things to do: Explore Cusco, visit Machu Picchu, hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, discover the Sacred Valley or visit Lake Titicaca.
Uzbekistan
Perfect for: Silk Road history, architecture & adventure
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C
Season: Spring
Uzbekistan is one of those destinations that feels like a genuine adventure. May brings warm but manageable temperatures, making it an excellent time to explore the ancient cities of the Silk Road.
From spectacular Islamic architecture to bustling bazaars and vast desert landscapes, Uzbekistan offers a very different kind of European spring escape.
Best things to do: Explore the blue-tiled architecture of Samarkand, wander through the old city of Bukhara, visit Khiva, explore ancient Silk Road sites or spend a night in the desert.
Why travel in May ?
May is one of the best months for exploring Europe. The weather is warming up, landscapes are looking their best and many destinations are perfect for being outdoors.
You can:
- Explore Europe with warm weather and comfortable sightseeing conditions
- Enjoy the Mediterranean before the peak summer heat
- Hike and adventure in mountains and national parks
- Road trip through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes
- Discover cultural destinations before the hottest months arrive
May is the sweet spot for travellers who want to combine sunshine, sightseeing and adventure without the extremes of peak summer.