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Best places to travel in May? For much of the Northern Hemisphere, the month of May marks the transition from spring into summer, while in the Southern Hemisphere, autumn hasn’t quite given way to winter. As a result, the combination of mild, settled weather and shoulder-season pricing makes it a fantastic time to travel.
From intrepid hiking adventures to island-hopping escapes, if you’re thinking about a May holiday, we might just have the inspiration you need:
Cherry blossom in South Korea
Korea’s Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) is a national celebration in honour of Buddha’s birthday. Like Easter, the festival date is linked to the lunar calendar, and although the date varies from year to year, it typically falls in early to mid-May. Cities like Seoul come to life with festive parades in which thousands of participants carry elaborate lanterns through the streets, accompanied by musicians and dancers.
The mild spring temperatures make May an excellent time to go hiking in South Korea’s stunning national parks and mountain ranges. You could tackle an iconic peak like Bukhansan, or opt for exploring the scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park. It’s also a wonderful time for exploring South Korea’s stunning coastal regions, from the bustle of Busan’s Haeundae Beach to the quiet beauty of Sokcho.
Crete, Grece
May is an excellent time to go island hopping in Greece, as ferry services become more frequent but the islands are not yet overcrowded with tourists. From the world-famous party atmosphere of Mykonos to the tranquillity of Milos, there’s a Greek Island option to suit every type of holiday.
Summer is not yet in full swing in Greece, which means you can explore its many archaeological sites, hiking trails and beaches without the sweltering heat and busy crowds. Visit iconic sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient ruins of Delphi and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, where you can marvel at the remnants of millennia-old civilizations in relative peace.
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
Even in an island nation that’s overflowing with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Bora Bora is a destination that stands out from the crowd. After an hour-long flight from the French Polynesian capital of Papeete, you’ll find yourself on the edge of an immense lagoon, overlooked by the craggy peak of Mount Otemanu, waiting for a speed boat to whisk you to one of the many world-class resorts that adorn the surrounding atolls.
With its luxury overwater bungalows, gourmet dining experiences and indulgent spa facilities, it’s no wonder that Bora Bora is considered one of the most romantic places on Earth. May is the beginning of the dry season in the South Pacific – ideal conditions for exploring underwater coral gardens, swimming with sharks and stingrays or marvelling at the luminous blue water.
Spotting wildlife in Iceland
By early May, there are almost seventeen hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset in Iceland, marking the beginning of the season of the Midnight Sun. Although you’re not likely to see the Northern Lights at this time of year, Iceland’s wide-open landscapes stage their own colourful show, cloaked in vibrant spring wildflowers. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are popular springtime activities, best concluded with a relaxing soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a secret natural pool.
May is a wonderful time to visit if you’re hoping for memorable wildlife encounters, as puffins, arctic terns and other migratory seabirds arrive to nest, feed and breed over the summer months. The surrounding waters are teeming with humpback whales, minke whales and orcas, with numerous tour operators offering whale watching excursions from Reykjavik.
Boat tour, Amalfi Coast
In May, high season has not yet begun on Italy’s alluring Amalfi Coast, but the weather is just right for exploring the region’s coastal walks and visiting its many beautiful small towns. The steep hillsides are adorned with flowering bougainvillea, wisteria and citrus trees in shades that complement the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
Soak up the stunning coastal views along the famous Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), pausing to enjoy an al fresco meal in Positano or Amalfi. Calm seas and sunny weather mean sublime conditions for a leisurely boat tour – you can explore the many hidden coves and sea caves that dot the coast or take a day trip to the offshore islands of Capri and Ischia.
Sardinia, Italy
It’s a good idea to extend your Mediterranean escape by hopping on a ferry from nearby Naples and sailing to the island of Sardinia, where you’ll be treated to an idyllic combination of beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and rich culture. Whether you’re sunbathing on the white sands of La Pelosa Beach, snorkelling in the turquoise waters of Cala Goloritzé cove, or hiking through the rugged mountains of Gennargentu National Park, May is an excellent time to experience Sardinia at its most authentic.
The annual Sant’Efisio Parade takes place on 1st of May each year in honour of the island’s patron saint, Saint Efisio. It begins with a parade in which a statue of the beloved saint is carried through the streets of Cagliari, accompanied by locals dressed in intricately adorned, traditional attire. Aside from its religious significance, the festival is a unique showcase of Sardinian culture and heritage, music and dance, food and folklore.
Inca Trail, Peru
Walking this ancient pathway, which was built by the Incas over 500 years ago, is a chance to follow in the footsteps of an ancient civilization while experiencing the rich history and culture of the local people. It’s a test of stamina, endurance and determination that involves several days of steep climbs and descents in rugged terrain, but you will be rewarded with incredible views of lush cloud forest, high mountain passes and picturesque Andean valleys.
The trail concludes at Machu Picchu: an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage listed site that is recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. May falls within the Andean region’s dry season, which means you can expect minimal rainfall and clear skies to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
Hiking in Nepal
Whether you’re tackling the challenging terrain of Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, or embarking on a shorter expedition to pristine Phoksundo Lake, May is one of the best months for trekking in the high regions of Nepal. With clear skies, mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, you can expect epic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and remote villages. The rhododendron forests are in peak flower during May, complementing the deep blue of the sky and the brilliant white of the Himalayan peaks with accents of pink, white and red.
The trails and tea houses are a lot less crowded than during the peak trekking months. This rustic but comfortable style of accommodation provides a welcome haven after each challenging day of hiking, providing hot meals, warm Nepalese hospitality and a chance to swap stories with fellow trekkers.
Swimming with the pigs, Bahamas
Viewed from the air, the islands of the Bahamas lie scattered across the Caribbean like gleaming green gemstones on a sea of blue velvet. Once you’re on the ground, other colours emerge: the sparkling white sands of Cable Beach, the unique pink sand of Harbour Island, the candy hued buildings of Nassau’s Old Town, as well as a vibrant underwater world of tropical fish and coral gardens.
Although May is technically the beginning of the rainy season in the Bahamas, the consistently balmy temperatures are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. It’s also the tail-end of the whale-watching season, so you may be lucky enough to spot migrating humpback whales while island-hopping between the nation’s 700 islands and 2,400 cays.
Our favourite places to visit in May are a sensational assortment of experiences that combine colour and culture with adventure and enrichment. Our ideas are just the starting point – to plan your memorable May holiday experience, talk to one of our personal travel managers.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
