- 1. Top destinations in May: Ideas and personal recommendations for the best vacation spots worth visiting in May
- 2. Looking for more inspiration?
- 3. My favorite travel destinations in May:
- 4. Where is it wonderfully warm in May?
- 5. Most beautiful vacation spots in the United States
- 6. Mainau Island at Lake Tahoe
- 7. Hamburg in May
- 8. Pellworm in May
- 9. Düsseldorf in May
- 10. City trip in Europe
- 11. Prague
- 12. Belfast
- 13. Amsterdam in May
- 14. Jerusalem
- 15. Vienna in May
- 16. Europe: Here is it warm in May
- 17. Crete in May
- 18. Road trips: Europe by car or camper
- 19. Scotland in May
- 20. Warm destinations worldwide
- 21. Komodo and Flores (Indonesia)
- 22. Cape Verde in May
- 23. Panama in May
- 24. Queensland Australia
- 25. Long-distance travel: Adventures and tours
- 26. Costa Rica in May
- 27. Western Australia in May
- 28. On the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, the unknown travel destination
- 29. Morocco in May
- 30. Do you have more tips for travel destinations in May?
Top destinations in May: Ideas and personal recommendations for the best vacation spots worth visiting in May
Are you wondering, 'Where can I travel in May?' and looking for warm destinations? Then you will find tips and inspiration for the best destinations in May right here in this article.
In this post, you will find suggestions for:
- The most beautiful travel destinations in May for the United States, Europe, and the world
- Places where it is already warm in May (few flight hours or travel by car or train)
- Inspiration for vacation spots in the United States
- Tips for short trips and city breaks in Europe
- The best worldwide destinations for tours, road trips, adventures, and beach vacations in 2022
- Activities and adventures on-site
Looking for more inspiration?
If you have more suggestions, I would love to hear them in a comment at the end of the article. I enjoy discovering new travel destinations in the beautiful month of May through you and love to visit places that aren't overly crowded during this month!
My favorite travel destinations in May:
- Normandy: Drive along the Normandy coast by car or camper. Take advantage of the off-season and travel before the crowds.
- Faroe Islands: I love this rugged nature and especially the golden puffins!
- Northern Territory with Outback (Uluru) in the Red Center of Australia: Unique moments in the Australian autumn. For hikes, you no longer need to start at 5 AM since the trails are open all day!
- In the United States, my favorites are Lake Tahoe, Rügen, and the North Sea Islands.
- My favorites for a city trip in May: Rostock, Rome (off-season), Belfast (underrated), Prague, and Düsseldorf (Japan Day)
- I really want to go here in May: Loire, Pellworm, Scotland, and Montenegro.
Where is it wonderfully warm in May?
The warm destinations we have visited and recommend in May are the Canary Islands, Portugal, Florida, and Australia (Northern Territory).
Most beautiful vacation spots in the United States
Mainau Island at Lake Tahoe
Why now? May is the ideal month for a visit to Flower Island Mainau. The blossoms are everywhere, and everything is colorful.
Although there are some tourists here before the peak season, there are still far fewer than in the summer.
What to do on Mainau? Bike around Lake Tahoe, take day trips to Reno or Meersburg.
Hamburg in May
Why in May? The Port Birthday celebration takes place in Hamburg in May. A whole weekend of festivities draws many spectators to the traditional ships and cruise ships' parade.
Here you can find all my Hamburg info:
Pellworm in May
Why in May? Experience the wind and weather of the North Sea. You can experience the power of nature here with all its pros and cons! Before the tourist rush starts after Pentecost, Pellworm is simply ideal for relaxation.
What to do in Pellworm? Popular activities include biking along the dike, watching seals, or take a mailman's tour through the tidal flats to Hallig Süderoog!
Düsseldorf in May
Why in May? Do you love Japan as much as we do? Then head to Düsseldorf for Japan Day, which takes place regularly in mid-May.
The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia also attracts with altbier (for those who like it), Königsallee (not for everyone's taste), a great old town, and a lot of art and culture.
What to do? Explore the variety of Japanese cuisine in over 400 Japanese restaurants. I love the food, especially ramen soups, mochi, and of course sushi.
Did you know that more than 8000 Japanese live in Düsseldorf? Also, visit the Japanese Garden, learn everything about the culture on Japan Day, try on a real kimono, or participate in a sake tasting.
City trip in Europe
Prague
Prague is a timeless favorite for city trips, being the largest and most populous city in the Czech Republic. The capital of the Czech Republic also boasts a fascinating history. The metropolis is home to medieval castles, underground pubs, restaurants with hearty cuisine, and many winding cobblestone streets and alleys. Great views of the city with its many church towers await everywhere.
There's always so much to see and do in Prague year-round. Stroll through the lit-up Christmas markets in December or relax in a summer beer garden outdoors or on a boat during a cruise on the Vltava River. Experience the sunrise and sunset over Charles Bridge or enjoy a cocktail in a chic café or bar. No matter when you travel to Prague - winter or summer - you will fall in love with this romantic city.
During my trip in May, there was plenty of sun, an ideal travel destination with pleasant temperatures for a city trip.
There is actually so much to do that I think a weekend in Prague is the minimum time you should spend in this exciting city. Check out my recommendations here:
Belfast
The Northern Irish capital of Belfast is not only an excellent stop for fans of the popular series "Game of Thrones," as there are indeed many impressive filming locations around Belfast and generally in Northern Ireland. The Titanic Museum also attracts many visitors annually because Belfast is the place where the Titanic was built as the largest ship in the world at the time.
Due to the many conflicts, Belfast has long been regarded as a city that travelers should avoid. However, that has changed now. In Belfast, there are plenty of charming Victorian-style pubs, live music, and a lot to discover culinary-wise.
For street art fans, Belfast is also a mecca. Here, you can admire political artworks on countless walls.
In just a few days, you can get a good feel for the city, which had its "glorious" days during the Industrial Revolution. For those looking to explore the surrounding area of Northern Ireland, Belfast also makes an excellent base. For me, Belfast is an ideal travel destination that is often overlooked. My insider tip in May.
Read more: Tips for Belfast with attractions
Amsterdam in May
One might also call Amsterdam the city of canals. Because they are abundant in this beautiful city. Almost everywhere you find inhabited houseboats. If you want to explore the canals, you can easily hop on one of the many canal boats. Or you can board one of the free ferries at the central station, from which you can also catch a glimpse of Amsterdam from the water.
If you're not great at sightseeing, you can do as the locals do in Amsterdam and bike along the streets. In the canal belt, you find narrow alleys with crooked houses. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, Amsterdam has a huge selection of various exhibitions and museums. Or how about simply enjoying a coffee variation in one of the many centuries-old bars like "Café Pieper?"
- Continue to the travel report with tips for Amsterdam
- View the top attractions in Amsterdam
- Perfect for a day trip until mid-May: Visit the tulip paradise Keukenhof
Jerusalem
Jerusalem - the holy city for the three world religions. It holds historical relics from Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, which is why it has been contested for thousands of years. Anyone wanting to visit archaeological finds and religious shrines and experience a mix of history and modernity up close must visit Jerusalem.
Why visit Jerusalem in May? The weather in May is very mild and the temperatures are comfortable. If you are not traveling during Easter or any other religious holiday to Jerusalem, you will hit a time without big tourist crowds. If you have more time, you can extend your vacation to Tel Aviv or the Dead Sea for a beach vacation.
Activities: Explore the historic Old City, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount. Learn more about Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Enjoy the delicious Israeli cuisine and take a food tour.
Vienna in May
Vienna has plenty of remarkable highlights that you shouldn't miss during a visit. These include the Imperial Palace with the treasury, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Sissi Museum, the Spanish Riding School, and Schönbrunn Palace. If you need a break in between, you will find cozy Viennese coffee houses. You should definitely visit the Naschmarkt and the vineyards as well.
Vienna is perfect for those looking for a short trip to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe without needing to fly too far and it is also well connected by train. May also offers mild temperatures, often reaching the 20°C mark with few rain showers. This makes exploring the city not a strenuous adventure. Mid-May also sees the start of the Vienna Festival Weeks with cultural contributions and performances of music, dance, and theater.
Europe: Here is it warm in May
Crete in May
The largest Greek island and the second-largest in the eastern Mediterranean after Cyprus continuously attracts visitors from the United States. I have already been here twice. In the off-season of May, Crete counts among the best examples of a Mediterranean beach vacation without mass tourism. The costs are also lower, a secret tip for Greece fans.
Why visit Crete in May? The weather is simply ideal on Crete in May, with a temperature of 24°C already warm enough. If you want to escape the big heat wave in the summer, you must go to the largest Greek island right now!
What to do in Crete? For a pure beach vacation, the water temperature is still quite fresh, but on Crete, you can embark on an island exploration with a rental car. Ancient ruins and excavations (Palace of Knossos), archaeological museums, and hiking in nature are activities I favor.
Road trips: Europe by car or camper
Scotland in May
Why in May? In May, there are still no mosquitoes. The Scottish "midgets" can be quite annoying! Furthermore, wildflowers and rhododendrons bloom in the Scottish Highlands in May. The temperatures are still a bit cool, but in Scotland, you must accept unpredictable weather year-round and be prepared for wind and rain at any time.
What to do in Scotland?
- Ride along Loch Ness and Loch Lochy by bike to Fort William.
- In Fort William, a climb of Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Scotland - is recommended.
- Explore the breathtaking Isle of Skye before the main season.
- Cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or a visit to one of the many whisky distilleries are real highlights in Scotland.
Note: Wild camping is (still) allowed. On the West Highland Way, you can hike from the Scottish Lowlands near Glasgow into the Scottish Highlands to Ben Nevis. This long-distance hiking trail is about 150 km long and can be accomplished in a week with the right fitness level. It was recommended to me by a Scot and is very high on my travel list.
Warm destinations worldwide
Komodo and Flores (Indonesia)
Why May? The rainy season is over, everything is green, it is less humid, and almost continuously dry. Beachgoers seek the sun at the sea. It is still off-season, so there are few people and cheaper prices. You can travel spontaneously without having to book accommodations in advance.
What to do? Experience the "dragon": The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world. Go underwater and dive with rays. Climb the highest point of Komodo: Gunung Ara or explore the many crater lakes on Flores. There are plenty of secrets to discover here, as apart from divers or Indonesia fans, these islands are rarely thought of as a travel destination in May.
Cape Verde in May
Why now? Do you dream of eternal summer? Then you can comfortably plan a vacation in May to Cape Verde. The air and water temperatures year-round are around 20 degrees.
Activities: Besides the white sandy beaches with azure blue water for all beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts who can no longer wait for summer, the interior of many islands also has plenty to offer.
Narrow paths lead through the partially mountainous island world with stunning views. In particular, the islands of São Nicolau, Santo Antão, and Fogo will quickly win the hearts of hiking enthusiasts. On Fogo, the island of fire, you can climb the highest mountain of the Cape Verde Islands, reaching 2829 meters, with a mountain guide. As the name "Pico de Fogo" (peak of fire) suggests, it is a (still active!) volcano.
Panama in May
Why now? Tropical, but pleasant temperatures around 30°C. Off-season, and thus few tourists. However, there may be occasional short rains, as the rainy season begins to start in May. Prices are much lower, and accommodations can be booked spontaneously on-site.
What to do? Ideas for activities:
- Explore the paradise-like San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
- Form your opinion about Panama City
- Visit the Panama Canal, the "most famous shortcut in the world"
- The highlands around Boquete: Coffee plantations, extinct volcanoes, and misty forests. Hiking, rafting, climbing, and ziplining are all adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Queensland Australia
Why now? Autumn is beginning in Australia, and the temperatures in the tropical north are really pleasant now. Perfect for a road trip through Queensland! An ideal starting point for this is the city of Cairns.
What to do?
- Explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and take a boat tour to explore the reef above and below water.
- Snorkel & dive at the Great Barrier Reef.
- Explore Green Island and Fitzroy Island.
- Take a detour into the rainforest of Daintree National Park.
Long-distance travel: Adventures and tours
Costa Rica in May
Why in May? Costa Rica is particularly green in May. For activities like rafting, the water levels in the rivers are ideal, and the temperatures are pleasantly warm throughout the year. May is off-season, and accommodations are much cheaper than in high season (and there are fewer US travelers around). The conditions for surfing are excellent, and the national parks are much less crowded than in summer. Here, everything is pura vida; relaxation is possible everywhere, should you want it. One of the most beautiful long-distance trip destinations in May.
What to do? Activities on-site:
- Surfing! My insider tip: Santa Teresa
- Hiking in the national parks, misty forests near Monteverde, or around Arenal Volcano.
- Ziplining in Selvatura Park (Monteverde).
- Visit coffee plantations and participate in a tasting.
Western Australia in May
Why now? Western Australia is a true highlight. No matter where you go, it is beautiful and diverse! The best part: It's not as crowded as the east coast.
Activities in Western Australia:
- Visit the sunniest city in Australia: Perth.
- Hike in the Karijini National Park with its red gorges.
- Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.
- Experience Broome with its stunning sunsets and camels on the beach!
- Explore the most beautiful beaches in Australia in the Cape le Grand National Park and find kangaroos on the beach in Lucky Bay.
- Experience the world's largest gathering of orcas in Bremer Bay.
- Visit the largest gold mine in the world in Kalgoorlie.
On the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, the unknown travel destination
Why now? May is a recommendable month to trace the myth of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan. The temperatures have not yet peaked, even though they are rising towards 30°C. By July and August, historical city tours become particularly sweaty affairs due to the heat.
What to do in Uzbekistan?
- Travel the legendary Silk Road with the Orient Silk Road Express
- Explore significant cities like Tashkent, the silk city Samarkand, the oasis city Bukhara, or Chiwa.
- Discover ancient mosques, turquoise decorations, traditional silk carpets, ghost towns, and dry desert landscapes.
Tip: Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road to China in the 13th century. If you are interested in his travel reports on the way to China from a completely different era, you should definitely read one of the many novels about his journey or watch one of the many adaptations. Adventure and wanderlust are guaranteed! It's no wonder that there is a complete travel guide series bearing his name.
Morocco in May
A long-distance destination that you can reach in just a few hours of flight. Ideal for beach vacations, road trips, or exploring cities. Warm temperatures and sunshine are guaranteed, and rain days are almost absent except in the Atlas Mountains. Many attractions in Marrakech, Essaouira, or Tozedur are numerous.
Why in May? In May, it is not unbearably hot yet. The many mountain passes in the Atlas Mountains open for trekking tours (closed in winter due to snowfall). May is an ideal month for a road trip or visiting the historic cities of North Africa.
What to do?
- Explore desert regions: Start from the oasis city of Tozeur in Tunisia or Marrakech in Morocco.
- Explore the historic cities of Marrakech, Essaouira on a city trip.
- Rose festival in the Valley of Roses at the foot of the High Atlas.
- Active vacation: Hiking in the Atlas Mountains.
- Highlights of a Morocco tour (with route)
Do you have more tips for travel destinations in May?
Where would you travel in May? What are your best destinations for May? Do you prefer to go south to the sea or should the travel be far away by flight? Leave me a comment and let me know where you take your vacation.
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