This is part of our series on how to find the top holiday spots around the world by the calendar. These are the best holiday destinations for May. As with all our guides, we recommend you check all government travel warnings before you decide on a holiday destination.
No matter which continent or what type of travel you liked, there is something for everyone in May too. If you have further suggestions for travel destinations in May, we look forward of course to a comment.
Best holiday destinations for May: city breaks
Belfast
The Northern Irish capital Belfast is not only an excellent destination for fans of the popular series “Game of Thrones”. Many impressive locations can be found all around Belfast and generally in Northern Ireland. The Titanic Museum attracts many visitors every year. Because Belfast is the place where the Titanic was built as the then largest ship in the world.
Due to the many unrest Belfast was long considered a city that should be avoided by travelers. Meanwhile, that has changed. In Belfast, there are many Victorian-style pubs, live music and a lot to discover.
Belfast is also a mecca for street art fans. Here you can admire political statements on the walls.
In just a few days you can get a good feel for the city that had its “most glorious” days during the Industrial Revolution. If you also want to explore the surrounding countryside in Northern Ireland, Belfast has an excellent base.
The best holiday destinations for June
Amsterdam in May
Amsterdam could also be called the city of canals. Because they are available in large quantities in this beautiful city. Almost everywhere you will find inhabited houseboats. If you want to explore the channels, you can easily jump on one of the many canal boats. Or you can take one of the free ferries from the main train station, from where you can catch a glimpse of Amsterdam from the water.
Those who are not so viscous can do the same for the inhabitants of Amsterdam and cycle along the streets. In the canal belt you will find narrow streets with crooked houses. If the weather should not play, then there is a huge selection of different exhibitions and museums. Or how about a coffee variation in one of the many centuries-old bars like Café Pieper?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem – this is the holy city for the three world religions. Because it houses historical relics of Judaism, Islam and Christianity, which is why it has been fought over for thousands of years again and again. If you want to visit archaeological finds and religious sanctuaries and generally want to experience a mix of history and modernity up close, you should definitely visit Jerusalem, which is one of the best holiday destinations for May.
Also culinary you can try a lot here, which you will not forget so fast. Because the selection of dishes is due to countless immigrants of different origins very diverse. Moreover, the Dead Sea as well as other sacred cities like Nazareth and Bethlehem are not far away. It is therefore worth a day trip to the surrounding area of Jerusalem.
In May, the weather is also mild. If you are not flying to Jerusalem for Easter or any other religious holiday, you will catch a time without the big tourist crowds.
Vienna in May
In Vienna, there are plenty of interesting highlights that you should not miss out on a visit. These include, among others, the Hofburg with treasury, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Sissi Museum, the Spanish Riding School or also the Schönbrunn Palace. Those who need a break in between will find what they are looking for in the cozy Viennese coffee houses. You should definitely visit the Naschmarkt and the vineyards, which is one of the best holiday destinations for May.
Vienna is suitable for anyone who wants to take a short break in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, without having to fly very far away. May also offers mild temperatures, which can reach the 20 ° mark in a few showers. So exploring the city is not a sweaty affair. In addition, the Wiener Festwochen will begin in the middle of May with cultural contributions and performances from music, dance and acting.
Best holiday destinations for May: road trips
Poland to the Baltic
The weather is getting warmer but not too hot. Perfect to just get in the car and drive off. If you have not made it to the Baltic, then you’ve definitely missed something. The path leads you through Poland, where you can make a stopover in beautiful Wroclaw or the capital Warsaw. Those interested in history should consider an Auschwitz Day Trips from Krakow.
From Warsaw, you can also reach the Baltics across the border to Lithuania.
In Lithuania, the Curonian Spit, a peninsula on the Baltic Sea, is a real highlight. There you will find beautiful beaches where you can stretch your legs from the long journey. A “bathing” is definitely recommended. Along the coast of Lithuania you will reach Latvia. Especially the capital Riga surprised me very positively.
Further north follows Estonia, which in turn has much to offer for a road trip holiday in May. In addition to the beautiful capital of Tallinn, the resort of Haapsalu is worth seeing. Nearby there are also the ferry connections to the two largest Estonian islands Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. A real insider tip is Rummu Karjäär: A former mine with a prison, which now attracts many swimmers and divers as a ruin with artificial lake. However, there are rumors that this private property will soon be completely closed.
Best holiday destinations for May: Europe
Greek Islands: soak up the sun
If you want to avoid the big heat and still want to go to a mostly sunny area with swimming, you could find happiness on one of the many Greek islands in May. For a pure beach holiday, the water temperatures are still a bit fresh, but the weather plays all Aktivurlaubern in the cards. Of course, on the Greek islands, you can do more than just bathe and sizzle in the sun, making them one of the best holiday destinations for May.
Small towns of stone houses off the Aegean coast, ancient ruins, fishing villages and typical Mediterranean nature can be found on many Greek islands. One of the sunniest islands is Rhodes. On Kos party and Ausgehfreunde at many bars and restaurants will find. The beautiful volcanic island of Santorini in the Cyclades is known for its white houses with blue domed roofs and enchanting sunsets.
But there are over 3000 more Greek islands, all with their own charm. If you do not want to commit yourself to an island, then you can hop from island to island and find your favorite island.
May holidays in Scotland
Scotland is a must-see destination that many underestimate. In May, the Scottish Highlands come to life with blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons. The temperatures are still a bit fresh, but usually already much warmer than in the winter months. However, in Scotland you have to make friends with year-round changeable weather and be prepared for rain. In May, the mosquito season has not started yet. The Scottish “midgets” can be really mean.
If the changeable weather does not bother you, you can go on a tour of discovery in Scotland in May. In Inverness you can rent a bike and drive from Loch Ness and Loch Lochy to Fort William. Maybe you discover the Loch Ness monster along the way. Fort William offers an ascent of Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest mountain. But also the breathtaking Isle of Skye, charming cities like Edinburgh or the visit of one of the many whiskey stills are real highlights.
In addition, in Scotland real adventure trips to the wilderness are possible. Because here is Wildcampen (still) allowed. On the West Highland Way, you can hike from the Scottish Lowlands near Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands to Ben Nevis. This long distance trail is about 150 km long and can be mastered in a copious week. He was recommended to me by a Scotsman and is at the top of my travel list.
Best holiday destinations for May: Asia
In the footsteps of Marco Polo: the Silk Road in Uzbekistan
The month of May is also a month to commemorate the myth of the Silk Road of Central Asia in Uzbekistan. Because the temperatures have not yet reached their peak, even if they increasingly move towards 30 ° C. At the latest in July and August, the historic city tours turn into a particularly sweaty affair because of the heat.
The Orient Silk Road Express will take you along the legendary Silk Road and stop at major cities such as Tashkent, the Silk City of Samarkand, the oasis city of Bukhara and even Khiva. But be careful not to let the stories of the Thousand and One Nights really come to life. Ancient mosques, turquoise ornaments, traditional silk carpets, necropolis and dry desert landscapes await you, making the region one of the best holiday destinations for May.
Marco Polo traveled across the Silk Road to China in the 13th century. If you are interested in his travelogues on the way to China from a completely different time, then you should definitely read one of the many novels about his trip or watch one of the many films. Traveling and adventurousness pre-programmed! Not for nothing is there a complete guide series according to its name.
Explore Indonesia’s island world
Indonesia is considered the dream of many surfers, divers and adventurers. Each island has its own charm. On Java you can visit one of the biggest Buddhist temples (Borobudur). Real dragons can be found on Komodo. On Lombok there are still lonely dream beaches to discover. In Bali you will be enchanted by the mystical Hindu culture, the incredibly friendly people and the beautiful nature outside the main tourist areas.
On many Indonesian islands, the rainy season in May is over. Especially Bali and Lombok attract many beach lovers with summer, sun, beach and sea to their shores. The best thing is that in May and June there is still the tourist off season. Everything is a bit more relaxed and you can book the next accommodation on site. Due to the size of Indonesia, however, it may rain in May in Java, Sumatra and parts of Sulawesi.
Best holiday destinations for May: Africa
North Africa
If you have ever wanted to penetrate desert regions, then you could plan a trip to North Africa in May. Because the unbearable heat of the upcoming summer has not yet arrived. You can start such a tour eg from the oasis town Tozeur in Tunisia or from Marrakech in Morocco .
As of mid-May, many mountain passes in the Atlas Mountains open for trekking tours, which are often closed in winter due to snowfall. While it may be a bit too fresh for a classic beach holiday on the North African coast, May is generally a good month for a road trip or to visit historic cities in North Africa.
May holidays in Cape Verde
You dream of eternal summer? Then you can calmly plan a holiday in May on Cape Verde. Because the air and water temperatures are in the 20er range all year round. In addition to the white sandy beaches with azure blue water for all beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts who can not wait for summer, the inland of many islands has much to offer.
Narrow paths lead through the partly mountainous island world with beautiful views. Especially the islands of São Nicolau, Santo Antão and Fogo will make hikers into their hearts. On Fogo, the island of fire, the largest mountain in the Cape Verde Islands (2829 m) can be climbed with a mountain guide. As the name “Pico de Fogo” (German summit of the fire) suggests, this is an active volcano.
The variety of the Americas
Panama
You are in explorer mode and have always wanted to travel across the Atlantic to Central America? Very well. In Panama you can experience a versatile holiday in May that you will not forget so quickly. You will not only find interesting cities such as Panama City but also fantastic Caribbean beaches such as the paradise-like San Blas Islands .
In principle, Panama is one of those countries, which you can travel all year long. Katrin was in Panama at the end of April. There were tropical but pleasant temperatures around 30 ° C and there were relatively few tourists. The same applies to May. However, plan one or two short showers, since the rainy season starts in May. But you avoid the high season and can look forward to cheaper prices for flights and accommodation.
California
California is also a recommended destination for a holiday in May. True to the motto of The Mamas and the Papas is called California Dreamin ‘(necessarily now listen to YouTube). You can spend your Californian dreams in Yosemite National Park, cities like San Francisco or on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
In May, California is expected to have relatively mild temperatures with plenty of sunshine. However, it also depends on where you are exactly. Because California extends well over 1000 km from the north to the south. You expect arid desert and steppe climate in parts of the interior, subtropical climate in the south and Mediterranean climate along the coast to the north. Since this month is low season, there are fewer tourists and generally lower prices, this is one of the best holiday destinations for May. And you can find great deals on bus rental in San Francisco.
Holiday destinations: Australia
Australia’s west coast
Western Australia is a real highlight. No matter where you’re going, it’s beautiful! Best of all, it’s not as crowded as the East Coast. My highlights in Western Australia were very numerous. Whether the sunniest city in Australia Perth, the Karijini National Park with its red canyons, swimming with whale sharks or Broome with its kitschy-beautiful sunsets.
Also Margaret River and the Cape to Cape, Esperance and Cape le Grand National Park with Lucky Bay, Killer Whale Experience and my meeting on Orkas in Bremer Bay or the largest gold mine in the world in Kalgoorlie. Everything is fantastic!
The tropical north of Queensland
With the slow winter in the more southern areas of Australia, many will find it interesting to travel to the tropical north of Australia. Because that way you can avoid the cooler temperatures in the south of Australia, if you want that. The city of Cairns in Queensland is an ideal starting point for further activities. Only as a job-seeking backpacker could it be difficult in Cairns now, as it pulls out, according to experience, many there.
In Cairns you have the world-famous Great Barrier Reef right off your nose. With one of the many boat tours offered, you can explore the world beneath and over the water around the reef or visit islands such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island. In addition to diving and snorkelling, you can also take a trip to the rainforest of the Daintree National Park. In addition, there are countless other activities that are also suitable for families. You will not be bored that fast in the region around Cairns.
