Best places to travel in May – cities, weather, prices

May is an excellent time to explore new places. The weather is pleasant across much of the world. My top picks to travel in May are sunny Greece, cooler Norwegian destinations, and Caribbean tropical islands. In this post, I will show you what you can do there in May, and what other countries are good for traveling in the spring.

If you’re curious about where to travel in other months, check out my posts for April, June, and July.

Montenegro – warm weather

Montenegro in May is quite warm, even though the water is still cool in my opinion (we dared to swim a few times, but it was challenging). It’s the start of beach season. Beaches start getting crowded, but it is a fine season to watch the coast and mountains.

Montenegro May attractions

Montenegro has a lot of attractions:

• Budva Riviera: beaches and nightlife in the early bathing season.
• Kotor Bay: resembles a Mediterranean fjord with mountain views.
• Durmitor National Park: higher peaks of Durmitor may still have snow. Lower regions bloom with spring flowers. It looks very nice in photos.
• Lake Skadar National Park.
• Ostrog Monastery is a 17th-century architectural marvel built into a cliff face.

Activities

As a part of your itinerary, you can relax and sunbathe along the beaches of the Budva Riviera. Take a walk in the Old Town of Kotor (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and climb up to the San Giovanni Fortress to have a better view. In case you prefer mountains, travel to Durmitor National Park and Black Lake. Finally, have a boat tour of Lake Skadar or visit the cliffside Ostrog Monastery.

Ensure you have reliable mobile internet on your travels, especially if you plan to explore mountainous regions. In particular, you can get an eSIM that is installed online and connects to supported local networks in 120+ countries worldwide.

Greek Islands

The weather in the Greek Islands is warm but not too hot in May. You’ll enjoy sunshine and fewer crowds than in summer.

Greek Islands May attractions

Greece has three islands that tourists adore:

• Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings.
• Mykonos is known for its nightlife and beautiful beaches.
• Crete has a mix of history and culture, and it has some clean beaches too.

Activities

Relax on Elafonissi and Red Beach. Or explore ancient ruins and charming villages. I recommend you take a boat tour to discover hidden coves. Here, Lonely Planet talks about Greek island hopping, places, events, daily costs, and other helpful tips to know before a trip:

Tip: Book accommodations early for the best deals. I recommend using aggregators like Google Travel to find the cheapest price. Oh, and pack light layers for cooler evenings (18°C, after all).

Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean is warm and sunny, with lower humidity than in summer. The rainy season hasn’t fully started yet, so you’ll enjoy warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Plus, the islands are less crowded than during peak winter months.

Caribbean May attractions

• Aruba (white-sand beaches and calm waters).
• Barbados (local culture and beaches).
• Turks and Caicos (perfect for snorkeling and luxury resorts).
• Jamaica (visit the Bob Marley Museum).
• Bahamas (crystal-clear waters and pink sand beaches).
• Dominican Republic, where Zona Colonial/Ciudad Colonial (Colonial Zone) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to do

I’d advise you to snorkel/dive in coral reefs and then relax on popular beaches like Eagle Beach in Aruba. For a more active experience, explore historic sites in Puerto Rico. For extreme feelings, swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Don’t skip local markets and try local Caribbean cuisine.

Tip: Pack sunscreen and lightweight clothing. And most importantly, check for hurricane forecasts before booking.

Italy – coastal regions

Italy’s coastal regions are perfect for sightseeing. In May, they have up to 9 hours of daylight. Best of all, the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Which means it’s ideal for exploring without the hassle.

May attractions in Italy’s coastal regions

If you are into views, travel to the cliffside villages along the Amalfi Coast. Or visit Sorrento – a town with lemon groves and views of Mount Vesuvius.

Italy’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is Cinque Terre (rich in picturesque hiking trails).

There is also a glamorous fishing village, Portofino, with pastel-colored houses and luxury yachts. And of course, Sicily! The island offers a mix of ancient ruins and markets.

What to do

• First, take a walking tour of the historic towns of Positano or Ravello.
• Then hike the scenic trails of Cinque Terre for coastal views.
• Also, explore ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples in Sicily.
• And if you don’t get seasick, think of a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast to see hidden coves and grottos.

Morocco

Morocco’s weather in May is warm but comfortable. Days have 10 hours of daylight. It is thus ideal for exploring as many deserts and mountains as possible. And it’s not a hot season yet, so you’ll avoid the extreme summer heat.

Morocco attractions

Marrakech is the first must-see. Known for its bustling souks and historic medina. Then there is the Sahara Desert (I hope you aren’t afraid of camel treks and overnight desert camps). Another destination is Chefchaouen – a blue-painted mountain town with a relaxed vibe.

Activities

What you might want to do:

• Wander through the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
• Take a desert tour to experience the Sahara’s dunes.
• Take walking tours for a taste of the local culture and architecture.

Chile – winter sports

May is late autumn in Chile, and snow can start appearing in the Andes. It can work for mountain views and early snow. In late May, many skiing resorts open.

Chile’s attractions

• Valle Nevado. A top ski resort near Santiago with cool slopes.
• Then Chile offers Portillo – one more ski resort known for its challenging runs and après-ski scene.
• Finally, Patagonia. I’ve already written about these incredible glaciers (here).

If conditions allow, try snowboarding or snowshoeing in the Andes. Otherwise, May is still good for mountain tours near Santiago.

Norway – a cold destination

Norway offers good conditions for spring skiing. The days are long, with up to 16 hours of sunlight, and the weather is milder than peak winter.

Norway attractions

• Trysil – Norway’s largest ski resort with slopes for all levels.
• Hemsedal is known as the “Scandinavian Alps” for its terrain.
• Geilo – a family-friendly resort with fjord views.
• Narvik – a historic city that has mountain and fjord backdrops for skiing.

Activities

If you are reading this, you probably enjoy winter activities. And yes, Norway is the ideal place for skiing or snowboarding under the midnight sun. You can take a scenic snowshoeing tour through Norway’s fjords. Or relax in a cozy mountain lodge after a day on the slopes. Alternatively, try dog sledding for an Arctic activity.

Tips for end-of-season winter sports

I have some experience (both positive and negative), and my recommendations for you are as follows:

• Always check snow conditions – it can be unpredictable in May.
• Remember to wear layers to stay warm and dry.
• Book early. Resorts can start closing in late May; secure your accommodations and lift passes in advance.
• Spring skiing is perfect for beginners; don’t be afraid to try something new. I’d advise taking a lesson in snowshoeing.

Chelsea Flower Show – spring festival in London, UK

The Chelsea Flower Show is a well-known garden show that happens in late spring. In 2026, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 19 to 23 May. It is organized by the Royal Horticultural Society and features floral displays and garden designs.

Activities and tips

In addition to the festival, you can attend workshops to learn gardening tips from experts. Additionally, you can shop for plants, tools, and garden decor.

• The golden rule for all similar events is buying tickets early (they sell out quickly).
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the showground (there will be a lot of walking).
• Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to stay refreshed.

Tulip Wonderland (Netherlands) – spring blossom

May is a great time in the Netherlands with its lovely and mild climate, perfect for outdoor adventure. It is the perfect season to see the tulip fields in bloom and enjoy some spring festivities.

Netherlands tulip attractions

There are several locations to see tulip fields.

• Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse) or the “Garden of Europe,” is a world-renowned flower garden. It has millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. In 2026, Keukenhof is open from 19 March to 10 May, so May works best if you visit in the first part of the month.
• Lisse Tulip Fields (Bollenstreek), surrounding Keukenhof, this region has a lot of tulip fields. So I suggest you rent a bike (it’s the most bicycle-friendly country) to see as many colorful landscapes as possible.
• Kop van Noord-Holland is a less-crowded flower field with coastal views.
• Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum with windmills and handicraft shops, surrounded by meadows.
• Haarlem is a historic city with surrounding flower fields. Cycle through the bike paths and visit architectural sites like the Great Church.

Tip: Dress in layers as the temperature can fluctuate, and bring comfortable shoes for walking and cycling.

Turkey

May weather in Turkey is beautiful, particularly in the south, and best for sightseeing without the heat of summer. Besides, May is a good month to view orange blossoms in the citrus orchards, especially along the Mediterranean coast.

Spring Turkey attractions

• Lycian Way is a long-distance trail for hiking with coastal views, ancient ruins, and blossoming flora, including orange groves.
• Antalya has a mix of historical sites and natural beauty. So it’s best to explore Kaleiçi (Old Town) and visit Düden Waterfalls.
• Cappadocia has milder temperatures this time of the year, it’s best for a hot air balloon adventure, and for visiting underground cities and cave churches.
• Istanbul is less crowded in spring, so you can visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.

Activities

• Hiking sections of the Lycian Way to see the orange blossoms.
• Exploring ancient cities like Ephesus and wandering through Istanbul’s historical sites.
• Take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
• Relax on Antalya’s beaches.

Wildlife migrations in Africa

The end of spring is a good time to see wildlife migrations in Africa. The Great Migration in East Africa is especially spectacular. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals move across the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Attractions and activities

In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, you’ll see herds crossing the plains. The Masai Mara (Kenya) is a national reserve to watch river crossings filled with drama. In Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, you can spot wildlife in a volcanic landscape.

• A safari – an ideal place to see the migration up close.
• Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the herds.
• If you have time and want to learn about local culture, visit nearby Maasai villages.

Iceland, South Africa, and the Pacific Coast – whale watching

Many species, like humpbacks and gray whales, migrate during May. You can see them breaching and feeding in coastal waters. You can enjoy whale watching in Iceland, South Africa, and the Pacific Coast of the USA.

Places to watch whales

• In Iceland, it’s Húsavík. The town is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Europe,” so it’s the #1 place to travel.
• The next is Hermanus in South Africa. This is a seaside town that offers land-based and boat tours.
• For spotting humpbacks and orcas along the coast of North America, you should visit Monterey Bay (California). Here’s a sneak peek for you:

Activities

During this scenic sight, I’d recommend joining a boat excursion to see whales up close and take photos of whales breaching and tail slapping.

Also, it’s a great opportunity to learn about marine conservation efforts from local guides. So, don’t forget your camera.

May travel tips

The end of spring is a good time to visit different countries and explore the best places to travel in May. However, when choosing your May travel destination, you should not forget about the essentials like travel insurance and mobile internet with eSIMs.

Travel smart with eSIM

An eSIM is useful for international trips. It’s already built into many modern compatible phones, which means you don’t need to swap physical SIM cards or look for a SIM operator kiosk at the airport. You can get a suitable plan online and connect to the supported local networks in your destination country.

You can choose a package for one country or a Global plan for multiple destinations, which automatically switches between local networks when you cross borders or land in a new country.

Visa requirements and travel documents

• Always check visa requirements for your destination. Check with your embassy to see if this or that country offers visa-free entry or requires advance applications.
• Next, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. Keep digital and physical copies of your documents handy.

Travel insurance considerations

Travel insurance is a must. It covers unexpected events – this includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unwelcome circumstances.

By the way, if your trip plans involve adventure activities, ensure your policy includes coverage for sports or wildlife tours.

Thanks for reading the article

Here’s a 15% discount on your first travel eSIM

Use this discount code at checkout BLOG15

Explore eSIM plans

Article by Allison Reed

Editor in Chief at Ohayu

Allison's secret passion during the last 10+ years is travel journalism. She loves to pack up, leave the comfort zone and discover new destinations and cultures to later have good memories and share her adventures. She covers digital nomad trends, global mobility, and travel tips.

Read more travel tips for:

Turkey United Kingdom United States