Starting just after Spring Break and right before summer, May is one of the best months of the year to visit for great prices, uncrowded destinations, and beautiful weather.
If you’re thinking of jetting off this May, you’ll love to know there are plenty of incredible destinations that offer lovely temperatures and incredible experiences this time of the year.
From the most dreamy islands in Africa that look as though they’re photoshopped to towns in the heart of the desert and paradise-like Caribbean beaches, these are some of the best places to visit in May.
Best Places to Visit in May
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago off the coast of the African continent that has slowly but surely become the ultimate tropical paradise in the past few years.
Snorkeling, lounging on beaches that look as though they’re photoshopped, exploring unique landscapes, and getting to see unique wildlife are all part of what makes a trip to Seychelles a once-in-lifetime experience, all with the bonus of getting to dive deep into an entirely different culture!
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to the Seychelles, you will find no shortage of incredible beaches and islands, like La Digue.
For an unforgettable stay, consider the Four Seasons or Six Senses Seychelles!
Average May temperature: High: 88°F / Low: 85°F
Caribbean Cruise
Can’t decide on just one destination? A Caribbean Cruise is a wonderful way to visit many places in one go, all while having time to relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities while you get from one place to the next.
Some of my favorite Caribbean cruise itineraries include: southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), eastern Caribbean (Puerto Rico) and western Caribbean (Cayman Islands).
Miami, Florida
Beaches, a mix of culture, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, a thriving arts scene, nature, and one of the best nightlife the United States has to offer are all part of what makes Miami a favorite destination year-round.
Whether you choose to spend days on end lounging on the beach, taking day trips out to nature spots, enjoying the city’s party scene, or strolling through Little Havana, a visit to Miami in May is guaranteed to please.
Here is my favorite Miami itinerary!
Average May temperature: High: 82°F / Low: 73°F
Mexico
Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and a place where you can find pretty much every landscape you could wish for. Dream-like beaches, jungles, deserts, snow-capped mountains, and impressive cities are all found here!
Tulum, Cancun, Sayulita, Mexico City, Los Cabos, Huatulco, Mahahual, Holbox, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca City, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, and Merida are just a few of the best places to visit in May in Mexico.
Average May temperature: High: 82 °F / Low: 86°F (it varies by region)
Maui, Hawaii
Whether you’re walking over the black sand beaches of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, driving the incredibly scenic Road to Hana, hiking to the top of Haleakalā volcano, snorkeling the Molokini Crater, or lounging at the island’s many beautiful beaches, a trip to Maui is something you’ll be guaranteed to remember.
Maui is a bit more laid back than Oahu but packs a punch for those who love nature. This guide to Maui will help you plan and have a memorable trip.
Average May temperature: High: 73°F / Low: 57°F
Key West, Florida
Located in the dreamy Florida Keys, Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States.
The island offers a smorgasbord of relaxation opportunities and beach fun as well as plenty of shopping and dining options.
Aside from that, you can also spend your days snorkeling and swimming amid striking coral reefs or choose to visit the varied array of historical attractions on offer.
One of the best ways to head to Key West is to do a road trip through the Keys!
Average May temperature: High: 86°F / Low: 77°F
Catalina Island, California
Catalina is the main island in Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago off the coast of California that is often nicknamed the “Galapagos of North America” due to its variety in wildlife and landscape.
A trip to this island is all about spotting endemic wildlife, going on hikes through volcanic terrain, swimming in deep blue waters, and gorging on delicious seafood.
Fun fact: this island is only an hour from Los Angeles and feels like a completely different place.
Average May temperature: High: 65°F / Low: 50°F
Alaska
Home to the highest mountains in the United States, impressive national parks where wildlife roams free, rugged Arctic coastlines, expansive glaciers, and a vast array of marine life, Alaska is the ultimate destination for nature lovers.
Not only is May peak season for plenty of species in the Frontier State, but the weather starts warming up at this time of the year, making it a great time to explore its striking landscapes.
One of the easiest ways to explore Alaska is by cruise. You can do an Inside Passage, Glacier Bay or even a one way up to Kenai Fjords. There are a lot of options and stops, paired with a variety of cruise lines.
Average May temperature: High: 62°F / Low: 46°F
Grand Cayman Island
World-class resorts, luxurious beach clubs, and stunning beaches are the staples of the Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean. Aside from that, other things that make it an incredible destination are its beautiful coral reefs, underwater seawalls, and numerous shipwrecks, making it a wonderful place to visit in May if beach goodness and unique snorkeling experiences are what you’re after.
Average May temperature: High: 88°F / Low: 75°F
Oahu, Hawaii
Known as the “Gathering Place” for its mix of cultures and landscapes, Oahu is home to the capital of Hawaii, a plethora of stunning beaches, and a wide array of beautiful nature spots.
Hiking to the top of volcanoes, exploring the vibrant lifestyle of Honolulu, going on scenic drives along the coast, eating like a local, joining a luau, and spending hours on end lounging on world-famous beaches like Waikiki Beach are just a few of the many things to add to your Oahu itinerary.
Average May temperature: High: 81°F / Low: 66°F
Barcelona, Spain
With an impressive arts scene, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and a killer food scene, the capital of Catalonia in Spain is one of the best places to visit in May.
Whether you decide to spend your vacation exploring museums like the Museu de Picasso, strolling through gorgeous avant-garde buildings, or lounging on beautiful beaches like the Barceloneta, Barcelona has plenty to offer no matter your travel style.
Average May temperature: High: 73°F / Low: 61°F
Kona, Hawaii
Kona is a charming coastal town on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This is one of the best places to visit in May if picturesque beaches, dreamy sunsets, incredible golf, coffee culture, striking waterfalls, and incredibly lush landscapes are what you’re looking for on your next vacation.
What’s best? Because Kona is pretty small, you’ll have everything just a stone’s throw away, making it a pretty easy trip to plan!
Make sure and check out the iconic Four Seasons Hualalai if you are planning a stay in the area!
Average May temperature: High: 79°F / Low: 73°F
Scottsdale, Arizona
Set in Arizona, Scottsdale is all about desert vibes, warm weather, up-and-coming art galleries, charming boutique hotels, and Southwestern hospitality.
Moreover, thanks to its location in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, you can also take up the chance to explore the many nature destinations nearby on day trips.
Average May temperature: High: 93°F / Low: 57°F
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches, but there’s a lot more to this enchanting Caribbean destination than meets the eye. Aside from its striking resorts and captivating shores, this island country is also a treat to visit if you love delicious food and outdoor adventures amid lush settings.
Nature, gorgeous beaches, natural sinkholes, and beautiful springs are all part of what makes the Dominican Republic a wonderful place to visit in May.
Average May temperature: High:88 °F / Low: 72°F
Venice, Italy
As one of the world’s oldest tourist and cultural centers, Venice is a must-visit destination on everyone’s bucket list, and May just happens to be a wonderful month to visit!
Home to winding canals, gorgeous bridges, and striking architecture, the Floating City is one of Italy’s major ports as well as one of the most picturesque cities in the entire world. A trip here is all about getting lost in centuries-old history, eating delicious food, and enjoying the beaches on the Adriatic Sea.
Bonus – May is right before high season!
Average May temperature: High: 72°F / Low: 55°F
Islamorada, Florida
Known for its scrumptious seafood, white sandy beaches, and incredible underwater experiences, Islamorada is an island off the coast of Florida that offers everything you could hope for a low-key vacation at the beach.
Sipping cocktails, admiring beautiful sunsets, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach are all that make a trip to Islamorada a treat.
Average May temperature: High: 84°F / Low: 77°F
Paris, France
World-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum, elegant squares, and incredibly picturesque boulevards and neighborhoods are all part of what makes Paris one of the most famous cities in the world. May means fewer crowds as well as great weather for exploring the city.
As a bonus, May brings in the annual “Nuit des Musee”, which is when museums stay open at night and you can experience them in a unique way!
Average May temperature: High: 66°F / Low: 50°F
Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
Located off the shores of Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, Barazuto Island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the entire world. Soft white sand, palm trees all over, and crystal-clear blue water are all part of what makes this island the epitome of paradise.
To top things off, the island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, which means there’s a vast array of marine life all around it. Snorkeling and diving are an absolute dream here.
Average May temperature: High: 87°F / Low: 26°F
Indonesia
Made up of over 18,000 islands, Indonesia is a place you could spend years on end exploring and still barely get to scratch the surface.
Diving deep into Hindi culture in Bali, chasing waterfalls and volcanoes in Java, trekking in search of orangutans in Sumatra, or seeing Komodo dragons on Komodo Island are just a few of the many adventures you can have in this alluring Southeast Asian country.
Average May temperature: High: 90°F / Low: 87°F
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is famed for its glitzy casinos and its nightlife, but even if that’s not exactly your jam, Sin City can also be one of the best places to visit in May for nature lovers.
You’ll find some of the coolest desert destinations in the United States just a short drive away from The Strip. Be it the Mars-like landscapes of Valley of Fire, the beauty of Lake Mead, or the expansive landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, a trip to Vegas is all about balance.
Pro tip – I have been to Vegas 20 times and always find new things to do and places to eat! The city really is remarkable – here are all my favorites.
Average May temperature: High: 89°F / Low: 53°F
Cyprus
Cyrpus may not be the first place that pops to mind when you think of a vacation, but this beautiful island country in Europe has plenty to offer, especially if you’re in the mood to explore somewhere outside of the usual menu.
Set in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers beautiful sunny weather, gorgeous beaches that are generally uncrowded, beautiful hills perfect for hiking, and an insanely unique history as old as time.
Average May temperature: High: 81°F / Low: 63°F
Thailand
The Land of Smiles is another wonderful destination to visit in May for great weather and incredible adventures. Home to hundreds of stunning beaches and islands, Thailand is a place where you can spend weeks on end lounging under the sun if you wish to, but you can also choose to explore its northern mountains, go swimming with elephants, explore ancient Buddhist temples, and lots more.
Average May temperature: High: 90°F / Low: 77°F
Tuscany, Italy
Located in northern Italy, Tuscany is one of Europe’s most iconic wine countries. The area that Tuscany encompasses stretches all the way from the Ligurian Coast through several other provinces like Emilia Romagna and Umbria.
All throughout, you’ll stumble across world-renowned vineyards as well as small, family-owned estates, all while also getting the chance to see beautiful castle ruins, farms, and charming little villages.
Average May temperature: High: 73°F / Low: 54°F
The Azores, Portugal
If a lesser-known place is what you’re looking for, The Azores in Portugal is a wonderful choice.
Made up of 9 islands on the Atlantic Coast, the Azores stands right between the European and American continents. Being here is all about enjoying beautiful rugged beaches, hiking over volcanic formations and unique geology, and going in search of incredibly interesting flora and fauna you may have never seen before.
Average May temperature: High: 66°F / Low: 55°F
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