Best Destinations To Visit In The Month Of May

The best destinations to visit in May include Japan, Italy, Croatia, Peru, Turkey and Canada. These destinations offer ideal weather, fewer crowds and unique seasonal experiences, making May one of the most rewarding months for international travel.

There's a window in May, after the cherry blossom crowds leave Japan and before European summer begins, when the world's great destinations are at their most themselves. Wisteria fills the gardens of Kyoto and Ashikaga, the Amalfi Coast road is driveable, Machu Picchu is clear-skied and quiet, and Canada's Rockies are waking up. The best places to go in May are the same places everyone else books for July, just without the wait.

Here are our expert picks across six standout destinations, the right May journey for every travel style, and everything you need to find the best places to travel in May.

Why May is one of the best months to travel

Across many destinations, May falls into a sweet spot between spring and peak summer. In Europe and parts of Asia, that often means comfortable sightseeing weather, more tour availability and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than the busiest mid-year months. 

Travel in May, and you’ll benefit from:

• Mild temperatures in many major destinations

• Fewer crowds than peak summer

• Better value on flights and touring in some markets

• Seasonal highlights such as late spring blooms, festivals and wildlife activity

The best destinations to travel in May span every region, from Japan and Vietnam in Asia to Italy and Croatia in Europe, Peru in South America, and South Africa.

May at a glance: top destinations compared

Here’s a quick reference guide to conditions across the six top May destinations covered in this article. These are broad planning estimates and may vary by region, elevation and public holiday periods, so always double check when planning your May holiday.

 

 

Japan in May: spring landscapes and cultural festivals

Japan is one of the best destinations to visit in May, especially once Golden Week has passed. Late spring brings mild weather, fresh greenery and floral highlights that stretch beyond cherry blossom season, from wisteria displays to azalea gardens. 

Season

Late spring across all regions, with Kyushu and Kansai warm through the whole month and Hokkaido in its own cherry blossom season in early May, a full month after Tokyo's peak. The rainy season begins in mid-June, placing May firmly in the dry spring window.

Typical temperature

• Tokyo and Kyoto: 18–23°C (64–73°F) 

• Osaka: 19–24°C (66–75°F)

• Hokkaido: 12–18°C (54–64°F)

Conditions are warm enough for light layers during the day, with cooler evenings in northern regions and at higher elevations.

Where to stay

Tokyo's Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa are the most convenient central bases, while Kyoto's Higashiyama district offers proximity to Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Philosopher's Path.

What to do

• Visit Ashikaga Flower Park for its celebrated wisteria displays, which typically run from late April into May, or seek out Tokyo’s azalea gardens for a quieter spring alternative to cherry blossom season. In northern Japan and Hokkaido, some late cherry blossoms can linger into early May.

• Take the Shinkansen north to Hirosaki Castle in Aomori for late-season cherry blossoms, one of the last sakura displays in the country each year.

• Spend time in Nara’s Todai-ji Temple complex and deer park in the quiet after Golden Week, when visitor numbers drop, and the grounds are at their most peaceful.

Browse our Japan tours for itineraries timed to the wisteria and azalea season, from classic Tokyo and Kyoto journeys to small-group tours that include Golden Week festivals and Hokkaido in spring. For first-time visitors, our first timer's guide to Japan covers everything you need to plan the trip.

 

Italy in May: ideal weather before the summer crowds

Italy ranks among the best places to go in May for history, food, and scenery at their most enjoyable. Temperatures of 18–24°C (64–75°F) are ideal for walking Rome's ancient streets and Tuscany's hilltop villages. Summer crowds have not yet arrived, meaning the Colosseum, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the clifftop villages of Cinque Terre are all accessible without the hour-long queues of July and August.

The Amalfi Coast road, gridlocked in August, is a pleasure to drive in May, with the cliffside towns of Positano and Ravello in full bloom and the lemon groves above them at their most fragrant. In Tuscany, the Val d’Orcia is carpeted in wildflowers before the summer heat turns the fields gold, and the region’s trattorias are serving the season’s best produce.

Season

Late spring across the country, with Sicily and Puglia approaching summer warmth at 22–27°C (72–81°F) by mid-May and northern Italy in comfortable spring conditions with occasional afternoon showers.

Typical temperature

• Rome: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

• Florence: 17–22°C (63–72°F)

• Amalfi Coast: 19–25°C (66–77°F)

• Venice: 17–22°C (63–72°F)

• Milan: 16–22°C (61–72°F)

• Sicily: 20–27°C (68–81°F)

Evenings are fresh in the north and mild in the south.

Where to stay

In Rome, Trastevere and Monti offer a more local base than the Colosseum corridor. In Tuscany, Siena and Montalcino sit within the Chianti and Brunello wine regions and work well for Val d’Orcia day trips. On the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is quieter and more atmospheric than Positano.

What to do

• Book timed-entry tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome well in advance, even in May.

• Take the ferry from Sorrento to Capri for a day on the island before the summer crowds arrive.

• In May, Cinque Terre is especially rewarding for coastal walks, but trail access can change by section, so it’s worth checking current conditions before you set out.

• Attend the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence’s prestigious classical music and opera festival, which runs through May and June across venues in the city.

Explore our full range of Italy tours, from classic small-group journeys through Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast to comprehensive itineraries covering Rome, Florence, and the northern lakes. For broader European inspiration, browse all Europe tours.

Croatia in May: coastal beauty without peak season prices

Croatia shines in May, when the Adriatic coast feels open, relaxed and easier to enjoy than in the height of summer. Historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split are still lively, but with more room to explore, while national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka are lush from the spring season.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is at maximum water flow in May, its turquoise and emerald colours at peak intensity, with a fraction of its July and August visitor numbers. The park's sixteen terraced lakes and ninety-plus waterfalls are fed by snowmelt through May, making the falls louder and the colours more saturated than at any other point in the year.

Season

Late spring. The Dalmatian coast has warm sunny days, the Adriatic reaches 18–20°C (64–68°F) by late May, and island ferries to Hvar, Brač, and Korčula are running full schedules.

Typical temperature

• Dubrovnik: 18–23°C (64–73°F)

• Split: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

• Hvar: 19–24°C (66–75°F)

• Zagreb: 16–21°C (61–70°F)

• Plitvice Lakes: 13–19°C (55–66°F)

Evenings along the coast are pleasant and warm; inland areas are cooler after dark.

Where to stay

In Dubrovnik, the Lapad and Babin Kuk areas outside the old town walls reduce cost and avoid cruise ship congestion. In Split, Diocletian’s Palace area is the obvious base. On Hvar, Stari Grad offers a quieter, more local alternative to Hvar Town.

What to do

• Walk Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, then take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views over the Adriatic.

• Walk the Plitvice Lakes boardwalks on an early morning departure before the midday coach groups arrive, when the turquoise water and the waterfalls are at their most vivid.

• Take the ferry from Split to Hvar for the lavender fields and the Renaissance architecture of Hvar Town’s main square, one of the finest piazzas on the Adriatic.

• Explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split at dusk, when the tour groups thin and the ancient stone glows in the early evening light.

Browse our Croatia tours for itineraries covering the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands.

 

Peru in May: perfect conditions for Machu Picchu and the Andes

Peru in May sits at the start of the dry season across the highlands, making it a popular time for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Skies are often clearer than in the wet season, the landscapes are still green, and the Inca Trail has reopened after its annual February closure, so booking ahead remains important.

The Sacred Valley opens up under clear skies in May, with Pisac and Ollantaytambo accessible and the hills still vivid from the wet season, and Lima’s Miraflores neighbourhood is worth a day for the food alone.

Season

The transition from wet to dry season across the Andean highlands. May offers the freshest post-rain landscapes before the vegetation dries out through July and August. Lima is mild and overcast year-round.

Typical temperature

• Cusco: 7–19°C (45–66°F), with cool nights at 3,400m elevation requiring warm layers after dark. 

• Sacred Valley: 8–20°C (46–68°F), slightly warmer than Cusco. 

• Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes): 14–24°C (57–75°F), warm and humid at 2,430m.

• Lima: 16–19°C (61–66°F), overcast but mild. 

Travellers should plan for altitude: Cusco sits at 3,400m, and acclimatisation before ascending further is strongly recommended. Explore more in our first timer’s guide to Peru.

Where to stay

Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco neighbourhoods provide the best city base. In Cusco, San Blas sits above the Plaza de Armas with cobbled streets and artisan workshops. Lodge options in the Sacred Valley at Urubamba and Pisac provide better acclimatisation conditions than Cusco itself.

What to do

• Book Machu Picchu timed-entry slots well in advance via the official portal, as the citadel, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain routes all require separate bookings.

• Trek the Inca Trail from Kilometre 82 to the Sun Gate, which reopens after its February to March maintenance closure and is at its best in May with clear skies and green hillsides.

• Visit the Sunday market at Pisac in the Sacred Valley for Andean textiles, ceramics, and fresh highland produce from the surrounding farming communities.

• Take the PeruRail Vistadome train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes for glass-roof panoramic views of the Urubamba River gorge as an alternative to the Inca Trail approach.

Explore our full range of Peru tours, from classic Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley itineraries to small-group journeys covering Lima, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.

 

Turkey in May: mild weather and cultural exploration

Turkey is one of the best places to visit in the month of May for comfortable exploration of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean coast before the summer heat arrives. Istanbul averages 20–23°C (68–73°F) in May, the Aegean coast towns of Ephesus, Bodrum, and Çeşme are warm and uncrowded, and Cappadocia is best explored in the mild conditions of late spring.

Istanbul in May is one of the city’s finest months. The last weeks of the tulip season give way to warming days ideal for exploring the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus cruise at a walking pace, with the evening light lasting past 8pm.

Cappadocia’s cool May mornings, around 10–14°C (50–57°F) at dawn, are ideal for hot-air balloon flights over the fairy chimneys, and the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are far less pressured than in peak summer.

Season

Late spring across the country, with the Aegean coast warming toward summer and Istanbul and Cappadocia in their most comfortable sightseeing conditions of the year.

Typical temperature

• Istanbul: 15–22°C (59–72°F)

• Cappadocia (Göreme): 10–22°C (50–72°F), with cold mornings perfect for balloon flights. 

• Ephesus/İzmir: 18–25°C (64–77°F)

• Bodrum: 19–25°C (66–77°F)

• Antalya: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

Conditions are comfortable for walking and sightseeing across all regions. Explore our guide, when is the best time to visit Turkey for more tips.

Where to stay

Istanbul’s Karaköy and Beyoğlu districts offer a more contemporary experience than Sultanahmet, with the Pera Museum, Istiklal Avenue, and the city’s best meyhane restaurants nearby. In Cappadocia, cave hotels in Göreme and Üçhisar provide both atmosphere and direct access to the fairy chimney landscape.

What to do

• Book a sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia at least four to six weeks ahead, as May departures are in high demand and weather cancellations can reduce available spots further.

• Visit Ephesus in the morning before the cruise ship groups arrive from Kuşadası, when the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre are at their quietest and the light is best.

• Take the Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü and cross to Istanbul’s Asian side for the Kadıköy food market, one of the city’s most rewarding half-day experiences.

• Descend into the Derinkuyu underground city in Cappadocia, an eight-level Byzantine-era tunnel complex that sheltered tens of thousands of inhabitants during periods of invasion.

Browse our Turkey tours for a full range of itineraries from classic Istanbul and Cappadocia escapes to comprehensive journeys covering the Aegean coast, Antalya, and the eastern regions.

 

Canada in May: nature, wildlife and scenic landscapes

Canada in May is coming alive. The Rockies are thawing, waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt, and wildlife is emerging across Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and the national parks of British Columbia.

Banff National Park attracts over four million visitors annually, with the overwhelming majority arriving in summer. In May, the same extraordinary Rockies landscape is accessible with a fraction of that pressure, the waterfalls at Johnston Canyon are at their most powerful from the snowmelt, and Lake Louise reflects the Victoria Glacier in near-perfect morning stillness. It’s a rewarding time for travellers who don’t mind mixed mountain conditions in exchange for quieter national park experiences.

Bears emerge from hibernation from late March and are commonly sighted across Banff and Jasper through May and June, while elk calving and migratory bird activity make the valley floors exceptionally productive for wildlife watching.

Season

Spring across Canada, with British Columbia mild and green, the Rockies’ valley floors accessible from early May, and Toronto and Montréal in full spring at 12–21°C (54–70°F) with outdoor dining beginning in earnest.

Typical temperature

• Vancouver: 12–18°C (54–64°F), mild and green. 

• Victoria: 11–17°C (52–63°F)

• Banff/Lake Louise: 5–15°C (41–59°F), with colder conditions above 2,000m. 

• Jasper: 5–17°C (41–63°F)

• Toronto: 12–20°C (54–68°F) 

• Montreal: 12–21°C (54–70°F)

Travellers to the Rockies should carry layers and waterproofs, as mountain weather changes quickly.

Where to stay

Banff Town is the most convenient Rockies base, with Canmore 25km east offering lower prices and a more local feel. For the Icefields Parkway, an overnight stop at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on Bow Lake gives early morning access to its finest viewpoints. In Vancouver, Yaletown and Gastown are best placed for the waterfront and Stanley Park.

What to do

• Drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper over two days, stopping at Peyto Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield for some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America.

• Take a guided wildlife safari in the Bow Valley corridor for bear and elk sightings, with May morning drives producing the most reliable wildlife activity of the year.

• Walk the Lake Louise lakeshore trail before the day visitors arrive, when the turquoise water and the Victoria Glacier above it are reflected in near-perfect stillness.

• Visit Maligne Lake in Jasper by canoe or guided boat for views of Spirit Island, one of the most reproduced landscape photographs in Canadian history.

Browse our full range of Canada tours, from classic Canadian Rockies itineraries to comprehensive journeys covering Vancouver, Banff, and the national parks of British Columbia. Our Canada travel guide covers seasonal timing, visa requirements, and what to pack in detail.

 

Other good places to travel in May

Beyond the headline destinations, May opens up a wide range of rewarding travel experiences across the globe. If you need more inspiration, why not explore:

• Greece: Warm spring weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore the islands, ancient sites, and experience Orthodox Easter traditions when they fall in May.

• Spain: Andalusia comes alive with festivals like Seville’s Feria de Abril, alongside comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring historic cities.

• Vietnam: Central regions such as Hoi An and Da Nang offer dry, sunny conditions, while the north’s rice terraces begin to turn a vibrant green.

• Egypt: Early summer warmth makes it a good window for exploring ancient sites and enjoying Nile cruises before peak heat arrives.

• South Africa: The shoulder season brings excellent safari conditions as wildlife gathers around water sources, along with harvest season in the Cape Winelands.

 

Greece

Greece in May sits at 20–25°C (68–77°F) with the Acropolis, Delphi, and the Cyclades accessible without summer queues, and Orthodox Easter, when it falls in May, brings one of the most profound cultural experiences in the country. 

Spain

La Feria de Abril in Seville runs across late April and early May, one of Spain’s most spectacular festivals of flamenco, horses, and traditional dress, and temperatures across Andalusia settle at 22–27°C (72–81°F) before the summer heat arrives. 

Vietnam

Hoi An’s ancient trading port and Da Nang’s coastline are at their driest and clearest in May, and the rice terraces of Sapa in the north are freshly green from the spring planting. 

Egypt

May averages 32–35°C (90–95°F) across Luxor and Aswan, manageable with early morning visits before the June heat peak makes the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and the Pyramids demanding. The Nile is at a comfortable level for river cruise itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. 

South Africa

Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are deep in harvest season through May, with cellar-door tastings and estate restaurants at their seasonal best. In Kruger, the vegetation is thinning and wildlife is concentrating around water sources, making game drives increasingly productive as May progresses. 

Which May destination suits your travel style?

The best place to travel in May depends on what matters most to you: spring scenery, cultural festivals, quieter sightseeing, wildlife or trekking conditions. Here’s a simple way to choose.

• Japan: the standout for late spring natural beauty, with wisteria, azaleas, and the Golden Week festival calendar after the cherry blossom peak has passed.

• Italy: the best choice for art, history, and food without peak-season crowds, with Rome, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast at their most accessible.

• Croatia: the strongest case for Adriatic coastal travel at value prices, covering Dubrovnik's city walls and Plitvice's waterfalls without July's pressure.

• Peru: leads for once-in-a-lifetime trekking and archaeology, with the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu at the beginning of the dry season under clear highland skies.

• Turkey: exceptional for Islamic heritage, ancient history, and Aegean coastline, with Istanbul and Cappadocia both at their comfortable best before summer heat.

• Canada: the strongest choice for wildlife and national park scenery, with spring bears and elk in the Rockies and the Icefields Parkway before the August queues build.

The shoulder-season pricing advantage applies across all six destinations; the stronger question is often not where to go, but how far ahead to book, as popular May departures fill from February onwards. For travellers still deciding, this guide covers the best places to visit in the month of May across every travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to go in May for good weather?

The best places to visit in May for good weather include Italy, Japan, Croatia, Turkey and Greece, offering mild temperatures, low rainfall and ideal sightseeing conditions.

May offers reliable warmth across a wide range of destinations. The best places to go in May for good weather are:

• Turkey's Aegean coast: 22–27°C (72–81°F), warm, dry, and uncrowded before summer peak

• Vietnam's central coast (Hoi An, Da Nẵng): 28–32°C (82–90°F), driest and clearest month of the year

• Spain's Andalusia: 22–27°C (72–81°F), ideal for sightseeing Seville, Granada, and Córdoba

• Greece: 20–25°C (68–77°F), islands and mainland both at their most accessible

• Italy's south (Amalfi Coast, Sicily): 20–26°C (68–79°F), warm without the July heat

• Croatia's Dalmatian coast: 20–24°C (68–75°F), pleasant Adriatic swimming by late May

• Japan: 18–23°C (64–73°F), mild and clear, ideal for city and garden exploration

Are there good places to travel in May that avoid crowds?

Dubrovnik’s old town walls and Plitvice Lakes’ boardwalks are genuinely navigable in May, before cruise ships and summer volumes arrive. Japan after Golden Week, Peru’s Machu Picchu below its daily cap, and Canada’s Banff and Jasper national parks are all significantly less pressured than in July and August. May is consistently the most crowd-efficient month for European travel.

Which European destinations are best in May?

Italy, Croatia, Turkey, and Greece are all outstanding in May, with Rome’s ancient sites, Dubrovnik’s walls, Istanbul, and the Greek islands accessible without summer queues. Spain’s Seville Feria in late April and early May is one of Europe’s most spectacular festivals. Portugal offers 20–23°C (68–73°F) in Lisbon and the Algarve with the Douro Valley in vine-flowering season.

Is May a good month for international travel?

May sits outside Australian school holidays, removing the Easter and June holiday pricing premiums. Shoulder-season rates apply across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and conditions across Japan, Italy, Peru, Croatia, Turkey, and Canada are at or near their annual best. It is consistently one of the highest-value months for long-haul travel from Australia.

Plan your May journey with Inspiring Vacations

If May feels like your kind of travel month, this is a great time to start planning. From Japan in late spring to the Andes at the start of the dry season, our curated tours make it easier to see more, travel well and enjoy the season at its best.

Browse all Inspiring Vacations tours by month to start planning your May journey today. If you’re planning around the shoulder season more broadly, our guide to the best destinations to visit in April covers the month before with the same depth.