Where to Travel in May 2025Beat the crowds to the Greek Islands
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2024
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Adults (18+)
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Where to go on holiday in May
As the mercury rises in the Northern Hemisphere, much of Europe becomes an ideal destination—head to Italy before the crowds of summer arrive. The Mediterranean is pleasantly warm, with the cruising season in Greece, Croatia, and Turkey starting, and much of the Far East is looking beautiful. The further north you go, the more hours of sunlight you can enjoy during the day, and although there are no more Northern Lights, Iceland is looking beautiful.
There are a number of unique experiences to be had in May, chief among them the bi-annual migration of the Berbers in Morocco. To help you decide where to go in May 2025, we've put together some of the best destinations and experiences to be found at this time of year, as well as our choice of the top beach and wildlife destinations for May.
Top Destinations and Experiences in May
Microflight over Victoria Falls
After the wet season, the Zambezi River is swollen with water and cascades over the Victoria Falls to create an impressive display of nature's power. With so much water, the spray can often block views from the ground, so this is the ideal time to take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the Falls, witnessing it in all its glory on a microflight above the river canyon. Temperatures aren't unbearably hot yet either, so it's a good month for safari.
Find the Lost City
May marks the start of the dry season in Peru, which kicks off the high season for visiting Machu Picchu. The lack of rainfall makes hiking the famed citadel more visible and accessible, and the Inca Trail is open to those looking to explore on foot. Inca Trail a much more pleasant experience. Yet as the rains have only just stopped, the landscapes are still lush with green. And as an additional bonus, the crowds are thinner than in the peak month of June.
Explore the Greek Islands
If you prefer to explore ancient ruins and lounge on sun-kissed beaches without a crowd, May is an ideal month to visit Greece. It's when the Mediterranean sun really starts heating up, yet temperatures remain comfortable enough for sightseeing and sun-lounging. Prices are also still a bit cheaper than the high-season months of June to August, when holiday makers descend.
Best City Breaks in May
New York
New York, USA, in May offers a perfect blend of mild weather and vibrant city life. Central Park blossoms with colourful flowers, making it ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls. The city's numerous outdoor events, such as Fleet Week, provide unique cultural experiences. Plus, the pleasant temperatures make exploring iconic attractions, such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, enjoyable without the sweltering summer heat.
Lima
Marking the start of the dry season in Peru, May is a fantastic month for visiting the capital of Lima. This city is the place to go if looking to hit the surf, thanks to its position on the Pacific coast, or to experience the lively Peruvian nightlife. As the unofficial gastronomical capital of South America, it’s also a destination for the foodies, with world-renowned chefs and plenty of traditional cuisine on offer.
Amman
The capital of Jordan is a great option for a city break in May. Home to a number of historical sites such as the historic Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre, you can happily explore Amman in the warm, springtime temperatures. The city also offers the National Archaeological Museum and a hubbub of souqs, mosques, and coffeehouses, providing a fantastic insight into Jordanian life and Middle Eastern culture.
Florence
We've highlighted Florence, but in reality, May is a great time to visit all of Italy's cities. From Venice to Palermo and Milan to Naples, temperatures are warming up, but the summer hordes of European tourists haven't yet arrived. This means attractions such as Florence's Uffizi Gallery are quieter, and you should find hotel and flight prices are cheaper too. As well as a city break, May is a great time to book one of our Italy tours if you'd like to see even more of the country!
Best Festivals and Events in May
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. In the city of Puebla, the day is celebrated with re-enactments, traditional dance and music, and plenty of food. Across the border, Cinco de Mayo has become a big event in America and now represents a celebration of all things Mexican.
Migration of the Berbers
Twice a year, the nomadic Berber tribes journey across the Atlas Mountains from the edge of the Sahara in search of greener pastures for their herds of livestock. Travelling with goats, sheep, camels, and donkeys, as well as all their belongings, the tribes take a scenic route that takes a few weeks, camping en route. It's a unique adventure for intrepid travellers and a great time to visit Morocco.
Bergen International Festival
Founded in 1953, Bergen's largest arts festival brings together prominent artists from around the world. Over 200 music, ballet, opera, theatre, dance, literary and performing arts events are held during the two weeks and it's the most important festival of its kind in Norway. Performances are held in a variety of venues, including theatres, churches and villas
Best Beach Destinations in May
Spring is in full swing across the Mediterranean come May, with the mercury starting to creep up and the tourist season kicking off. The wet season is slowly creeping up on Southeast Asia, which means the weather can be a mixed bag with the odd shower likely wherever you go. There's plenty of coastal areas that will experience near-perfect weather. Cancun and the Caribbean Coast are drawing to the end of the dry season.
Best Wildlife Destinations in May
May is the second month of the main rains across equatorial East Africa, so Kenya and Tanzania are not ideal at this time of year, with the watered vegetation providing cover for the animal residents, making safaris more challenging. However, further south, the dry season has begun, so game viewing is better. Across the Galapagos, it's business as usual, as endemic species court, breed, and nest as they do throughout much of the year.
Recommended Tours in May
If you're struggling to decide where to travel in May, then why not browse our recommended tours for the month? From the Greek islands to the towering sand dunes of Namibia, there's sure to be the perfect trip for you in here somewhere!
