Best Places to Travel in May: Our Top Picks for a May Vacation

The best places to travel in May at a glance

Before we dive into each destination, here’s a handy overview to get you started.

The table gives you a quick look at the trip length we recommend, the flight duration you can expect, and the general price range of each destination — so you can quickly figure out what fits your plans best.

* to Naples, from there it’s another 1–1.5 hours by car

May travel destinations in Germany

You don’t have to go far at all to have an amazing trip. Germany itself has plenty of wonderful places to visit in May. Here are two of our favorites.

Hamburg

• Type of trip: City trip
• Also a great time to visit: May through September
• Climate: 50–64°F, 8–10 rainy days

Hamburg is one of the coolest cities in Germany. Things you absolutely have to do: catch a musical, take in the view from the Elbphilharmonie, and go on a cruise through Hamburg’s harbor.

The harbor is one of Hamburg’s top attractions, and on the first weekend in May it celebrates its birthday with parades and all the fanfare. If you want to watch massive ships perform what feels like a choreographed routine, you really need to come to Hamburg in May.

But the city has so much more going for it: there are genuinely fascinating museums in Hamburg, you can catch a home game of HSV or St. Pauli, or party the nights away on the Reeperbahn.

Our hotel pick: Henri Hotel – centrally located boutique hotel with sauna and gym

Allgäu

• Type of trip: Active and nature vacation, relaxation getaway
• Also a great time to visit: June through October and December through March
• Climate: 45–64°F, 10–12 rainy days

The Allgäu is one of Germany’s most beautiful nature destinations and a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re into hiking, mountain biking, or climbing — the mountains here are basically one giant playground.

In May, the Allgäu is particularly stunning: everything is in bloom, the meadows are a deep green, and the temperatures are just right for hiking. The snow is retreating at higher elevations, which means more trails are opening up and more mountain huts are back in business.

Prefer a more relaxed pace? No problem — the region is also famous for its excellent wellness hotels where you can truly unwind.

Our hotel pick: Hotel Gams – boutique hotel in Oberstdorf with mountain views

May travel destinations in Europe

Looking for a destination a bit further afield? All across Europe there are incredible places just waiting to be explored. Here’s a look at which European spots are especially worth visiting in May.

Florence

• Type of trip: Cultural and city trip
• Also a great time to visit: June and late August through October
• Climate: 54–75°F, 5–7 rainy days

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the very embodiment of the Italian dolce vita! This is a city where people truly savor every moment — over an espresso on the piazza or strolling through cobblestone lanes.

Like Rome, Florence is packed with extraordinary architecture. Absolute highlights include the Florence Cathedral, the Piazza della Signoria, and the Boboli Gardens. And a visit to the Uffizi — one of the most important art museums in the world — is definitely not to be missed!

May is part of the best time to visit Florence. It’s not blazing hot yet, so you won’t be melting in line at the sights. The mild climate is also perfect for day trips to other beautiful spots in Tuscany.

Our hotel pick: Relais Condotta – central, stylish, and still relatively affordable

Amalfi Coast

• Type of trip: Road trip, beach vacation, nature and active trip
• Also a great time to visit: April and October
• Climate: 64–77°F, 2–7 rainy days

The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is at its absolute best in May. The weather is wonderfully warm but not yet too hot — and on top of that it’s nowhere near as crowded as in summer.

It’s perfect for a road trip through charming villages like Positano and Ravello, with their narrow alleyways, colorful houses, and seriously breathtaking views of the sea.

Beach weather has already arrived by this point. Make sure to plan a few relaxed hours at one of the turquoise coves.

And if you enjoy hiking, you absolutely have to try the “Sentiero degli Dei” (Path of the Gods). It runs high along the coastline with spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Our hotel pick: Amalfi Luxury House – bed & breakfast with excellent value for money in the village of Amalfi

Dubrovnik

• Type of trip: Cultural and city trip, beach vacation, nature trip
• Also a great time to visit: June through October
• Climate: 59–70°F, 5–7 rainy days

Dubrovnik is the perfect May destination if you want a city trip and some sunshine at the same time.

Ever since Dubrovnik served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, this small city on the Adriatic has been hugely popular. But even before the show, Dubrovnik’s old town was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and you can feel why the moment you step through its gates.

The city has a uniquely medieval atmosphere. Be sure to walk the old city walls, visit the Lovrijenac Fortress, and explore the Minčeta Fortress. Around Dubrovnik you’ll also find beautiful beaches and great day-trip options, like the island of Lokrum.

Our hotel pick: Guest House Tomasi – small hotel with a great location in the center

Sicily

• Type of trip: Road trip, beach vacation, active and nature trip
• Also a great time to visit: March through April and September through November
• Climate: 68–77°F, 3–5 rainy days

Sicily combines two of the best things in life: authentic Italian food and beautiful beaches. Across the island you’ll find spots like Cefalù, Syracuse, and San Vito Lo Capo that are perfect for a beach vacation.

By May it’s already warm enough for that — summer is essentially beginning in Sicily. At the same time, it’s still cool enough for hiking and sightseeing without breaking a sweat.

One of Sicily’s top attractions is Mount Etna — did you know it’s the highest active volcano in Europe? You could also spend time in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, with its archaeological sites, museums, and a charming historic center to wander through.

Best of all: May is still the shoulder season, and accommodation prices are significantly lower than in June through August.

Our hotel pick: UNA HOTELS Capotaormina – cozy hotel in a dream location

Lisbon

• Type of trip: City and cultural trip
• Also a great time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 59–73°F, 5–7 rainy days

In May, summer begins in Lisbon — the perfect time for a city trip to the Portuguese capital!

Lisbon is modern, full of energy, and has this one-of-a-kind feeling you only get by the sea. For us, it’s the cool neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém, trendy food markets like the Time Out Market, and the street art around every corner that make this city so special.

If you’re more into the classic sights in Lisbon, put the Elevador de Santa Justa viewpoint, Castelo de São Jorge, and a ride on the yellow Tram 28E on your list.

Staying longer than a weekend in Lisbon? Day trips to the surrounding area are really worth it — for example to Sintra or Cascais. The mild May temperatures are just perfect for that.

Our hotel pick: The Felix 10 – family-friendly boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace

Iceland

• Type of trip: Road trip, active and nature vacation
• Also a great time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 36–52°F, 9–12 rainy days

May is a fantastic time to travel to Iceland. The days are already getting longer, giving you plenty of daylight to explore the island.

The weather is milder, many roads — including those leading into the highlands — are open again, and the chances of whale watching are good. At the same time, it’s not yet as crowded as in summer. Perfect for a road trip!

One of the most popular routes is the Golden Circle. It takes you through Thingvellir National Park, past hot springs, bubbling geysers, and one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls — Gullfoss.

And beyond the extraordinary natural wonders, there’s also plenty of adventure on offer. You can hike through ice caves, dive between tectonic plates, ride Icelandic horses, or soak in hot springs.

Long-haul destinations in May

Planning a long-haul trip in May? Here are our top picks.

US West Coast

• Type of trip: Road trip, active and nature vacation
• Also a great time to visit: April, June, and September
• Climate: 59–86°F (depending on region), 3–5 rainy days

For a truly diverse long-haul destination in May, a road trip along the American West Coast is hard to beat. You get an amazing mix of cities and nature.

Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, surfing in Malibu near Los Angeles, and playing poker in Las Vegas are on many a bucket list!

In the national parks, you’ll encounter the most diverse landscapes imaginable: from the salt flats of Death Valley to the vast canyon of the Grand Canyon and the massive rock walls of Yosemite National Park.

May is honestly the ideal time for this road trip. In winter, some national park roads are still closed due to snow, and at the height of summer the heat can be brutal — but in May, the temperatures are simply ideal.

Singapore

• Type of trip: Cultural and city trip
• Also a great time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 79–90°F, 18–20 rainy days

Singapore is simply a fantastic destination in May! The weather is pleasantly warm but not too oppressive, so you can explore the city at a completely relaxed pace.

An absolute standout in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay — a futuristic garden right in the heart of the city, with giant “Supertrees” that look like they’ve been lifted straight out of a science fiction film. Seriously cool!

A visit to the observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands hotel is of course also a must. The view over the city’s skyline is absolutely mind-blowing.

For truly great food in Singapore, you have to stop by one of the hawker centers. There you’ll find everything from traditional satay to Hainanese chicken rice. And if you’re there in May, you might even catch the Singapore Food Festival and discover even more delicious dishes.

Our hotel pick: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – great views and excellent value for money

Bali

• Type of trip: Road trip, beach vacation, active and nature trip
• Also a great time to visit: March and April, June through November
• Climate: 73–88°F, 4–8 rainy days

Bali is one of the best places to travel in May if you’re heading to Asia — a true natural paradise! From lush green rice fields and jungle forests to dream beaches and volcanoes like Mount Batur, it has pretty much everything.

Interested in traditional Balinese culture? Head to the village of Ubud with its many temples and markets. The towns of Canggu and Seminyak, on the other hand, have a totally modern vibe, which makes them popular spots among digital nomads.

May is a great time to visit Bali — that’s when the island’s dry season begins. It’s beautifully warm and you can swim in the ocean and relax on Bali’s most stunning beaches. Or grab a surfboard and hit the waves!

Bolivia

• Type of trip: Road trip, active and nature vacation, cultural trip
• Also a great time to visit: April and June through October
• Climate: 59–77°F (depending on region), 4–7 rainy days

Last but not least, here’s an extraordinary May destination that might not be on your radar yet: Bolivia!

May is a really great time for a road trip through Bolivia. The dry season is just beginning, and in the lowlands you’ll have warm but pleasant temperatures around 77°F. In the highlands, be prepared for significantly cooler conditions.

A true highlight that’s especially rewarding in May is the salt flat Salar de Uyuni. It’s already mostly dry by then and stretches out endlessly — perfect for one-of-a-kind travel photos! La Paz — the highest-elevation capital city in the world — is also easy to explore in May. The air is crisp, but not bitterly cold.

And if you’re after an adrenaline rush: the legendary Death Road offers ideal conditions in May for a thrilling mountain bike ride.

Frequently asked questions about a May vacation