“Where’s hot in May?” It’s a question sure to be on your mind as the sun starts to poke out from behind the thick fortress of cloud and you start to plan for the sunnier days ahead. And if you’re anything like us and you want to get a jumpstart on the summer season then you’ll be happy to hear that (much of) the world is your oyster: southern Europe enjoys warm, sunny days before the peak of the summer season; sunny South Africa is alive with migrating animals; and much of South America is wonderfully vibrant with lively locals soaking in the last of the summer heat. So sit back, relax and let us whisk you off on an adventure during May Half Term.
- Beach-Hopping in the Balkans: Albania and Turkey
- Coastal Culture in the Caribbean: Mexico and Jamaica
- Luxury in Southeast Asia: Indonesia and Singapore
- Sun and Fun in South America: Colombia and Brazil
- Safari Under the African Sun: Southern Africa
Beach-Hopping in the Balkans: Albania and Turkey
Lows of 15°C; highs of 28°C
The weather throughout southern Europe tends to be very pleasant in May, with the generous golden sun growing warmer and warmer as spring turns into summer. But for some serious coastal heat, the beautiful Balkans are hard to beat. The ‘Albanian Riviera’ (stretching south of Saranda) is beautiful at this time, with popular beaches like Ksamil and Jale offering warm, sunny days and far fewer crowds than the months to come. Further east, the ‘Turquoise Coast’ of southern Turkey (Antalya to Bodrum) is even warmer but equally crowd-free, making it the perfect time to enjoy some of our favourite coastal activities. Sail from cove to cove on a traditional wooden sailing boat, admire the phenomenon of endangered sea turtles hatching (May-June is the perfect time) and enjoy guided hikes to ancient ruins tucked in the emerald hillside.
Coastal Culture in the Caribbean: Mexico and Jamaica
Lows of 25°C; highs of 30°C
Sitting neatly between the end of the “winter” season (we wouldn’t quite class lows of 20°C as a real winter) and the start of the rainy season, May is one of the best times to visit the unimaginably picturesque Caribbean Coast. The east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is at its absolute finest, with temperatures hovering around a toasty 28°C. Kick-back with a margarita on the white-sand beaches of the Mayan Riviera, explore the ancient temple of Chichen Itza with one of our knowledgeable local guides and enjoy plenty of wildlife watching on the eco-friendly Holbox Island. The iconic nearby island of Jamaica is another sure bet. Here, we can arrange for you enjoy a classic Jamaican picnic in among the primary rainforest of a coffee plantation, a deep-sea fishing expedition in the clear, marine-rich waters and a guided music-themed tour of Kingston to learn all about the roots of reggae and, of course, the life of musical legend Bob Marley.
Luxury in Southeast Asia: Indonesia and Singapore
Lows of 25°C; highs of 34°C
Southeast Asia is next to perfect during May: the weather is dry and sunny, and the peak of the tourist season is still a good couple of months away, making it the perfect time to soak in some serious coastal luxury in peace and quiet. Bali is the undisputed capital of all things luxurious in Indonesia, whether that’s holing up in oceanside wellness retreat on the west coast, tucking into a tasting menu in Ubud or enjoying a local experience like a private cookery class with a Balinese family. When you’re ready to the answer the call of the wild, we can organise cycle rides out to volcanoes, diving trips to Menjangan Island and guided hikes through lush bamboo groves to hidden waterfalls. For a more cosmopolitan feel, head to luxurious Singapore to soak in all the glitz and glamour of the region’s wealthiest nation. Take a high-end foodie tour in the city’s best neighbourhoods, catch the light show at the wildly futuristic Gardens by the Bay and enjoy a glass of bubbly at the rooftop bar of Singapore’s most iconic hotel: the Marina Bay Sands.
Sun and Fun in South America: Colombia and Brazil
Lows of 22°C; highs of 32°C
With mild temperatures and plenty of sun, May is a great time to soak in the many picturesque gems of South America – be that the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in Peru, the glistening Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia or the Mars-like Atacama Desert in Chile. But for the hottest days, head to Colombia and Brazil. In the former you’ll want to land your feet on the pristine northern coast where you can soak in the iconic colonial architecture of upscale Cartagena, sunbathe on the white-sand shores of the Rosary Archipelago and enjoy a guided hike through the coastal jungle of Tayrona National Park. As for Brazil, you’ll find plenty of heat everywhere from Rio de Janeiro up to Sao Luís (the further up you go, the hotter it gets). Our team of experts can help tailor a getaway to great-big Brazil to suit your desires whether you want to bask on the beautifully-bohemian beaches of the Rio coastline, soak in the colourful Portuguese architecture of Salvador or dune-bash out to tranquil lagoons in the wonderfully white Jericoacoara National Park.
Safari Under the African Sun: Southern Africa
Lows of 15°C; highs of 25°C
The month of May marks the beginning of the long, dry season in southern Africa, making it the perfect time to tick-off that bucket-list safari you’ve always dreamt of. South Africa’s crown jewel of safari destinations – Kruger National Park – is beautiful at this time: the skies are blue and the wildlife viewing is at its best. The dry season is also considered one of the best times to explore the wild and wonderful parks of Botswana. Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta are particularly great at this time due to their abundance of wildlife and we can arrange for you can track the well-heeled paths of the bush in search of the infamous the Big Five (lions, leopards, black rhinos, African bush elephants, and African buffalos) and other curious creatures alongside our talented local guides. If you have your eye on the coast, then we can also tailor your adventure to include a getaway to some of the region’s hottest (both in temperature and stylishness) coastlines from the pristine beaches of northern Madagascar and the culturally-vibrant ‘Spice Islands’ of Tanzania to the wild western coast of Mozambique.
Header image: Paloma Saint Léger