Published 1st Dec. 2024
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As the sun teases us with the first few drops of summer, the same question is on all our lips – where's hot in May? Well, it’s good news. Much of the world is your sunny oyster in May, with spots across the globe flaunting gorgeous Goldilocks conditions (not too hot, not too cold and free from the summer tourist rush). From superb safari conditions in South Africa to beaches galore in Greece, read on for our pick of the best places to soak up the sun in May.
1
Average May temperature: 20°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 30 minutes (to Johannesburg)
South Africa is our first answer to where’s hot in May. Summer has just subsided, and scorching temperatures are replaced by pleasantly warm weather, perfect for exploring. In Kruger National Park (South Africa’s safari crown jewel), May’s sparse vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot, offering superb conditions for close-up encounters. It’s also an ideal time for beach holidays along the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal due to the low humidity levels, calmer seas, fewer tourists and tip-top tanning weather.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to South Africa.
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Image by Olivier Romano.
2
Average May temperature: 28°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: 17 hours (to Denpasar in Bali)
As Indonesia is located near the equator, its tropical climate is split into two distinct seasons: wet and dry. May marks the start of the dry season across most of its islands, making it a great time to explore before the summer crowds arrive. Explore Bali’s lazy beaches and lush rice fields, hike through wild landscapes in Lombok, visit Java’s jungles and temples and say hello to Komodo dragons in Flores. If you’re seeking a slightly more secluded escape, consider trying out the superb diving spots in North Sulawesi.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Indonesia.
3
Average May temperature: 19°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: two hours and 30 minutes (to Rome)
Craving pre-summer sun, sea and la dolce vita? Italy is your answer for a May holiday. The countryside is thriving with flowers and fruits, the sea is warm and the Mediterranean sun is already heating up for its summer performance. And, aside from the toasty temperatures, there’s a type of trip for everyone: head to Rome, Florence or Naples for a sunny city escape, visit the Alps for scenic hikes or hang your hat in Umbria for vineyard tours. Cool off in Sicily or Sardinia, two fantastic coastal spots perfect for a quieter getaway before the summer crowds arrive.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Italy.
4
Average May temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: ten hours
Flight time from the UK: three hours and 30 minutes
With summer just around the corner, May is an ideal time to visit Morocco. Spring brings sunny skies and a gentle breeze along the Atlantic coast, so spots like Essaouira are perfect for beach lazing and water activities. The bustling streets and souqs of Marrakech are a little more bearable without summer’s heat, and treks in the Atlas Mountains are complemented by blooming landscapes – think poppies, orchids and pretty pink blossoms.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Morocco.
Image by Brigit Sfat.
5
Average May temperature: 20°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: 12 hours (to Tokyo)
Next up on our list of May hot holiday options is Japan. Not only is the weather warming up, but the heat is pleasantly dry (goodbye sticky, humid air). Despite the cherry blossom season ending everywhere but the northern parts of Hokkaido, there are still plenty of other flowers to enjoy – visit the Ashikaga Flower Park for a spectacular showcase of 160-year-old wisteria trees. If you’re visiting on the third weekend of May, dive into Japanese culture at Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s largest festivals featuring parades, music and elaborate mikoshi (mini portable shrines).
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Japan.
Image by Pia Riverola.
6
Average May temperature: 19°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: 15 hours (to Lima)
If you’re looking for sun in May, take a trip to Peru. The rainy season has ended, revealing lush green landscapes and warm, sunny days. This dry weather creates brilliant conditions for hiking in the Andes, making trips to Machu Picchu and Cusco both beautiful and enjoyable. Temperatures in Lima also cool down in May to a wonderfully warm average of 20°C, ideal for exploring the capital. For a taste of more humid weather, head into the Amazon rainforest for exotic wildlife spotting along the riverbanks.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Peru.
Image by Jerome Galland.
7
Average May temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: ten hours
Flight time from the UK: three hours and 30 minutes (to Athens)
Soak up some early summer sun with a gorgeous Greek getaway in May. What makes this month so perfect? The country’s incredible landscapes, from ancient ruins in Athens to Epirus’ marvellous flower-carpeted mountains, are even more enjoyable without the summer crowds or stifling heat. For a sunny island escape, consider laying your towel on the sands of the Dodecanese archipelago, where it should be warm enough for sunbathing and swimming.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Greece.
Image by Olivier Romano.
Written by Evie Buller | Header image by Paloma Saint Léger.
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