The 15 Most Incredible Destinations Around The World To Visit In May

May is a traveler’s dream come true. It’s that golden month when the weather is ideal, the crowds are light, and the beauty of spring is in full bloom. From vibrant gardens to serene coastlines, the world seems to come alive with color and warmth, all while avoiding the chaos of peak summer.

Whether you’re looking to explore picturesque European towns, hike through lush landscapes, or simply soak in the sunshine, May offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. And with less congestion, you’ll be able to truly connect with each destination.

Join me as we dive into the best places to visit in May—where perfect weather and unforgettable experiences await!

1. Kyoto, Japan – Serenity in Spring

Walking through Kyoto in May feels like stepping into a living painting. The cherry blossoms might have faded, but the city transforms into a lush green paradise with fewer tourists than April brings.

I love visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early morning when sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating magical light patterns. The weather hovers around a comfortable 70°F, perfect for exploring ancient temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari without summer’s humidity.

Don’t miss the Aoi Matsuri festival on May 15th, one of Kyoto’s oldest celebrations featuring a spectacular procession in Heian period costumes. Evening strolls along the Philosopher’s Path offer peaceful moments that capture Japan’s timeless beauty.

2. Santorini, Greece – Stunning Views

May unveils Santorini’s true charm, before the summer madness begins. The iconic white buildings with blue domes pop against clear skies while temperatures hover around a pleasant 75°F – warm enough for swimming but cool enough for hiking the caldera trail.

This month brings wildflowers cascading down volcanic cliffs, adding splashes of color to the dramatic landscape. I recommend catching sunset in Oia without fighting through July’s crowds – you might actually get that perfect photo without a hundred strangers in the frame!

Ferry schedules increase in May, making island-hopping easier. Beaches like Red Beach and Perissa still offer peaceful spots to relax, and local tavernas welcome visitors with fresh seafood caught that morning without the long summer wait times.

3. Bali, Indonesia – Tranquil Beaches

Visiting Bali in May means experiencing this island paradise at its most authentic. The rainy season has just ended, leaving behind lush, vibrant landscapes without the intense humidity that summer brings.

Mornings in Ubud reveal mist hanging over emerald rice terraces – a photographer’s dream that disappears by June when dust settles over the fields. Water temples like Ulun Danu Beratan stand majestically against clear skies, their reflections perfectly mirrored in calm waters.

Beach lovers rejoice! Kuta and Seminyak shores remain relatively uncrowded, with plenty of space to spread out your towel. Prices for accommodations drop significantly compared to peak season, meaning you might score that private villa with infinity pool at half the usual rate. Even popular spots like the Sacred Monkey Forest feel more magical without the crushing crowds.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy – Coastal Beauty

If heaven had a coastline, it would look exactly like Amalfi in May. The Mediterranean sparkles under spring sunshine while pastel-colored villages cling dramatically to cliffs above azure waters – all without summer’s suffocating crowds.

Hiking the Path of the Gods reveals breathtaking vistas now framed by blooming wildflowers and lemon groves heavy with fruit. The scent of citrus follows you everywhere! Water temperatures reach a refreshing 68°F, perfect for quick dips between exploring cliffside towns.

Did you know local restaurants serve the freshest seafood this month? Fishermen bring in abundant catches that become the stars of seasonal menus. Evening aperitivos in Positano’s piazzas feel exclusively yours, with sunset views that summer visitors pay triple to experience. May also brings perfect driving conditions along the famously winding coastal road – another advantage before tour buses dominate.

5. Marrakech, Morocco – Cultural Escape

Marrakech in May offers the perfect temperature sweet spot – warm, sunny days around 80°F without the scorching summer heat that can make exploring uncomfortable. The ancient medina buzzes with energy as locals go about their business, yet tourist numbers remain manageable.

Wandering through Jardin Majorelle reveals an explosion of cobalt blue buildings against exotic plants and cacti. The garden’s colors appear most vibrant under May’s clear skies. Markets overflow with seasonal produce, particularly strawberries and cherries that vendors practically give away.

Hotel prices drop significantly from April’s peak, making luxury riads with private courtyards surprisingly affordable. Evening temperatures cool enough to enjoy mint tea on rooftop terraces while watching the sunset paint the Atlas Mountains pink. The desert sits just hours away, with overnight camping trips offering star-gazing experiences beneath crystal-clear skies before summer sandstorms begin.

6. Cinque Terre, Italy – Picturesque Villages

Hidden along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre’s five villages shine brightest in May. Trails connecting these colorful fishing communities burst with wildflowers while grapevines begin their summer growth on ancient terraces.

Hiking between villages feels magical now – the famous Blue Trail offers spectacular views without July’s oppressive heat or crowds. I stumbled upon entire sections where I walked alone, something unheard of just weeks later. Vernazza’s small harbor glows with pastel buildings reflected in crystal waters, perfect for that Instagram moment.

Local fishermen bring in fresh anchovies, a regional specialty served simply with lemon and olive oil. Many restaurants reopen after winter closures, eager to welcome early visitors with genuine hospitality. Train service between villages runs regularly but without summer’s packed cars. May visitors experience these centuries-old communities much as they’ve always been – authentic working villages rather than tourist attractions.

7. Banff National Park, Canada – Mountain Majesty

When May arrives in Banff, this alpine wonderland awakens from winter slumber. Snow still caps magnificent Rocky Mountain peaks while lower elevations burst into vibrant green, creating a photographer’s paradise of contrasts.

Lake Louise begins its famous thaw, revealing patches of that iconic turquoise water against remaining ice – a unique sight summer visitors never witness. Wildlife emerges hungry from winter dens; I spotted three grizzlies, numerous elk, and a shy wolf pack during my May visit last year.

Hiking trails around Johnston Canyon open with fraction of summer crowds, letting you hear the thundering waterfalls without competing conversations. Nighttime temperatures still drop enough for cozy evenings by lodge fireplaces after days exploring. The real secret? May brings dramatically lower prices for luxury accommodations that would cost triple by July, with even the iconic Fairmont properties offering surprising deals.

8. Barcelona, Spain – Urban Vibes

Barcelona in May pulses with energy as locals reclaim their city before summer tourists flood in. Temperatures hover around perfect 70°F days, ideal for exploring Gaudí’s architectural wonders without melting under July’s heat.

The magic happens after dark when neighborhood festivals pop up across the city. I stumbled upon an impromptu concert in Gràcia where locals danced in streets strung with lights while sharing homemade vermouth. Park Güell’s famous mosaic benches offer plenty of space to sit and absorb panoramic city views all the way to the Mediterranean.

Beach season officially begins, but Barcelona’s beaches remain blissfully uncrowded midweek. Seafood paella tastes better when enjoyed at beachfront restaurants without reservation stress. Did you know May brings the spectacular Girona Flower Festival just an hour away? Day-tripping there means wandering medieval streets transformed into living floral art installations – something summer visitors completely miss.

9. Peru – Machu Picchu Adventure

May marks the beginning of Peru’s dry season – perfect timing to experience Machu Picchu without the rain ponchos and foggy views that plague earlier months. The ancient Incan citadel stands dramatically against impossibly blue skies, with tourist numbers still manageable before June’s rush.

Hiking the Inca Trail this month means encountering wildflowers that carpet mountain passes with purple, yellow and red blooms. Morning mist rises mysteriously from the Sacred Valley, creating ethereal scenes that disappear as the sun strengthens.

Cusco’s restaurants and markets overflow with fresh produce, especially corn varieties you’ve never imagined existed. Accommodation prices remain reasonable, often 30% lower than peak season. The real secret? May’s full moon rises directly over Machu Picchu’s sacred peaks – a spectacle few get to witness as nighttime access requires special permission that’s easier to secure during shoulder season.

10. Tulum, Mexico – Beach Paradise

Tulum in May offers that perfect sweet spot – the winter crowds have vanished while summer’s humidity hasn’t yet descended. The powdery white beaches stretch nearly empty before you, with the Caribbean Sea displaying impossible shades of turquoise under clear skies.

Cenotes – those magical limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater – remain refreshingly cool but without the long entry lines of high season. Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins perched dramatically on coastal cliffs becomes a peaceful experience rather than a battle for photos without strangers in the frame.

Restaurants along the beach zone offer tables right on the sand without reservations needed. Sea turtles begin nesting on Tulum’s protected beaches in May, giving lucky early-morning walkers chances to spot these magnificent creatures. Accommodation prices drop dramatically from winter rates – I found beachfront cabanas at half-price, with the gentle sound of waves lulling me to sleep each night.

11. Cape Town, South Africa – Perfect Weather

Cape Town in May delivers postcard-perfect days as autumn settles over this stunning coastal city. The notorious summer winds disappear completely, leaving Table Mountain’s iconic flat top clearly visible against brilliant blue skies instead of hidden behind its famous “tablecloth” cloud.

Wine country transforms into a painter’s palette with vineyards turning gold, crimson and amber across Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys. Temperatures hover around a pleasant 65°F – ideal for hiking Lion’s Head without summer’s scorching heat or winter’s unpredictable rains.

Marine wildlife viewing peaks as southern right whales begin arriving in nearby Hermanus Bay. The breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive offers heart-stopping ocean views without summer traffic jams. Local markets buzz with harvest bounty, especially the incredible Cape fruits. Evening brings spectacular sunsets over Camps Bay beach, where you’ll find plenty of space to spread out on golden sands that become impossibly crowded just months earlier.

12. The Azores, Portugal – Hidden Gem

The Azores in May reveal their true magic as winter storms retreat, leaving these volcanic islands lush and vibrant. Fields transform into carpets of hydrangeas and azaleas that cascade down hillsides in blues, purples and pinks rarely seen elsewhere in Europe.

Hiking trails around São Miguel’s twin crater lakes offer solitude even at famous viewpoints like Vista do Rei. The impossibly blue and green lakes reflect perfect skies as you stand alone at spots that summer visitors queue for hours to photograph. Hot springs and thermal pools maintain their steamy allure, but without winter’s chilly air when exiting.

Whale watching reaches its peak as 25 different species migrate through these nutrient-rich waters. I spotted sperm whales, dolphins and even the rare blue whale during a single morning excursion! Local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught that morning, with prices that would be impossible on mainland Europe. The islands’ famous volcanic wines taste even better when sampled at uncrowded vineyards with Atlantic views.

13. Napa Valley, USA – Wine Country Charm

Napa Valley in May showcases California wine country at its absolute finest. Endless rows of grapevines unfurl their bright green leaves across rolling hillsides that remained brown all winter. The mustard flowers that carpeted the valley in March have given way to wildflower meadows dotted with poppies and lupines.

Wineries operate at relaxed paces before summer tourism hits full swing. Tasting room staff actually have time for conversations about wine-making processes instead of rushing between customers. Many vineyards release their new white and rosé vintages this month – I tasted several directly from tanks before official bottling!

Morning hot air balloon rides drift over misty valleys that summer’s heat haze will soon obscure. Michelin-starred restaurants offer tables without month-long waiting lists. The Napa Valley Wine Train chugs through verdant landscapes with plenty of window seats available. Evening temperatures cool perfectly for outdoor dining among the vines – an experience that becomes uncomfortably hot by July.

14. Botswana, Africa – Safari Season

Botswana in May delivers the ultimate safari experience as the green season ends but before peak dry season crowds arrive. The Okavango Delta begins its annual flooding, creating a maze of waterways that attract wildlife in spectacular concentrations.

Morning game drives reveal elephants gathered around shrinking water sources, their massive forms silhouetted against golden sunrise light. Lions grow more active as temperatures cool, often spotted lounging on warm rocks during crisp mornings. I witnessed three separate leopard sightings in a single day – a rarity even guides were excited about!

Mokoro canoe excursions glide silently through crystal-clear channels lined with papyrus and water lilies. Bird-watching reaches extraordinary levels with over 400 species active, including the spectacular lilac-breasted roller displaying iridescent colors. Night skies reveal the Milky Way with clarity impossible in more developed regions. Luxury safari camps offer significant discounts this month despite it being arguably the best time for wildlife viewing.

15. The Maldives – Ultimate Luxury

The Maldives in May offers a secret window into paradise that savvy travelers treasure. This month falls just before monsoon season officially begins, bringing slightly higher chances of brief afternoon showers in exchange for dramatically lower prices at luxury resorts.

Water visibility reaches its annual peak – I spotted eagle rays, reef sharks, and even a whale shark while snorkeling directly from my overwater bungalow. The occasional rain clouds create spectacular sunsets that paint the entire sky in impossible pinks and oranges, reflecting perfectly on mirror-calm lagoons.

Water temperatures hover around a perfect 84°F, ideal for extended snorkeling sessions without getting chilled. Many resorts offer “shoulder season” packages that include free upgrades to premium villas that would cost thousands more just weeks earlier. Underwater restaurants and spas operate without reservation battles.