If travel had a secret season, May would be it. Spring is in full bloom across much of the Northern Hemisphere, summer crowds haven’t fully arrived, and prices—while rising—often remain reasonable. It’s the month when cities feel lighter, landscapes look greener, and destinations reveal their best selves without the peak-season frenzy.
For travellers who crave comfortable temperatures, cultural festivals, scenic beauty, and fewer queues at major attractions, this guide to the best places to visit in May is designed with you in mind. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a European piazza, cruising along a tropical coastline, or hiking through flower-covered valleys, May offers an irresistible balance of beauty and breathing space.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of destinations, complete with average temperatures in May, what each place is famous for, and why this month is ideal to visit them.
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Quick Comparison: Best Places to Visit in May
| Destination | Avg. Temperature in May | Famous For | Why Visit in May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | 11–20°C | Eiffel Tower, museums, cafés | Spring blooms, fewer crowds |
| Rome, Italy | 13–24°C | Colosseum, Vatican, history | Warm but not scorching |
| Kyoto, Japan | 15–25°C | Temples, gardens, culture | Fresh greenery, festivals |
| Santorini, Greece | 18–24°C | White villages, sunsets | Pleasant weather, calm seas |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 10–18°C | Canals, museums, cycling | Late tulips, mild spring |
| Istanbul, Turkey | 13–23°C | Hagia Sophia, bazaars | Ideal sightseeing climate |
| Bali, Indonesia | 24–30°C | Beaches, temples, rice terraces | Dry season begins |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 12–22°C | Table Mountain, wine regions | Fewer tourists, great views |
| New York City, USA | 13–23°C | Broadway, Central Park | Parks in bloom, outdoor events |
| Prague, Czech Republic | 10–20°C | Old Town, castles, bridges | Romantic spring atmosphere |
1. Paris, France
Paris in May feels like a living painting. Chestnut trees line the boulevards, café terraces spill onto sidewalks, and the Seine reflects soft spring light. With average temperatures between 11°C and 20°C, sightseeing is comfortable, and long walks become a pleasure rather than a chore.
Famous for: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, café culture, and fashion.
Why May is perfect: Gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries are in full bloom, and the city hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. It’s no surprise Paris often tops lists of the best places to visit in May for couples and culture lovers.
Also Read – 9 Romantic Places in Paris: Stunning, Timeless Spots Every Couple Will Love
2. Rome, Italy
Rome is an open-air museum, but in peak summer the heat can be relentless. In May, with temperatures around 13°C to 24°C, exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican becomes genuinely enjoyable.
Famous for: Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, ancient ruins, Italian cuisine.
Why May is perfect: You get long daylight hours, manageable crowds, and ideal conditions for walking tours. For history enthusiasts, Rome easily ranks among the best places to visit in May.
Also Read – Best Time to Visit Rome in 2026: When the City Feels Most Alive
3. Kyoto, Japan
While cherry blossom season peaks earlier, May in Kyoto brings fresh green landscapes and comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. The city’s temples and gardens look serene, framed by vibrant foliage.
Famous for: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), geisha districts, traditional tea houses.
Why May is perfect: Fewer crowds than April, beautiful weather, and cultural festivals make Kyoto one of Asia’s best places to visit in May.
Also Read – Solo Trip to Japan: A Journey of Freedom, Culture, and Self-Discovery
4. Santorini, Greece
Santorini in May feels like the island at its most graceful, just before the energy of summer takes over. With daytime temperatures typically ranging between 18°C and 24°C, the weather is ideal for unhurried coastal walks, scenic boat excursions, and lingering evenings spent watching the sun melt into the sea from Oia’s cliffs.
Famous For: The island is celebrated for its whitewashed villages, dramatic caldera views, legendary sunsets, and distinctive volcanic beaches, all of which are easier to enjoy without peak-season crowds.
Why May is perfect: As the sea gradually warms and accommodation prices remain more reasonable than in high summer, visitors can explore, relax, and dine with a sense of space and calm that makes the experience especially rewarding.
Also Read – 12 Amazing Things To Do In Santorini Greece
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Although peak tulip season is April, May still offers colorful gardens and mild weather between 10°C and 18°C. The canals sparkle in spring light, and cycling around the city is a joy.
Famous for: Canals, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, cycling culture.
Why May is perfect: Comfortable weather, fewer tourists than summer, and lively outdoor cafés place Amsterdam firmly among the best places to visit in May in Europe.
6. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, and in May it does so under pleasantly warm skies, with temperatures around 13°C to 23°C. The city’s mosques, palaces, and bazaars are best explored on foot this time of year.
Famous for: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruises.
Why May is perfect: Spring weather makes sightseeing comfortable, and the city buzzes with cultural life—another strong contender among the best places to visit in May.
Also Read – The Best Istanbul Hotels – Where to Stay for Style, Luxury, and Local Charm
7. Bali, Indonesia
May marks the beginning of Bali’s dry season, with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Beaches are sunny, humidity is manageable, and the island’s landscapes are lush after the rainy months.
Famous for: Beaches, temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats, surfing.
Why May is perfect: Great weather without peak-season crowds makes Bali one of the most attractive tropical best places to visit in May.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Famous for:
Cape Town is renowned for the dramatic presence of Table Mountain rising above the city, the scenic beauty of the Cape Winelands with their world-class vineyards, and a spectacular coastline that stretches from Camps Bay to Cape Point. The region is also famous for its rich wildlife experiences, including penguin colonies at Boulders Beach and whale watching along the coast, as well as its vibrant food scene and blend of cultures that give the city a distinctive, cosmopolitan character.
Why May is perfect:
May brings a calmer, more relaxed rhythm to Cape Town as the peak tourist season fades, meaning fewer crowds at major attractions and more attractive hotel rates. The cooler, mild temperatures are ideal for sightseeing, hiking on Table Mountain, and exploring coastal routes without the summer heat. It is also a wonderful time to visit the wine regions, where tastings are more intimate and the landscapes take on warm autumn colours.
9. New York City, USA
New York in May feels alive. Central Park bursts into green, outdoor events return, and temperatures stay pleasant between 13°C and 23°C.
Famous for: Broadway, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, skyline, museums.
Why May is perfect: Walking the city is comfortable, rooftop bars reopen, and the cultural calendar is full—making NYC one of the most dynamic best places to visit in May.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in May is romantic and colourful, with average temperatures of 10°C to 20°C. The city’s medieval architecture looks especially enchanting under spring skies.
Famous for: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, historic beer halls.
Why May is perfect: Spring festivals, mild weather, and fewer crowds than summer turn Prague into one of Europe’s most charming best places to visit in May.
Why May Beats Peak Season?
Choosing the best destinations to travel in May isn’t just about weather—it’s about experience. May offers:
- Better temperatures for walking, hiking, and sightseeing
- Fewer crowds compared to June–August
- Better value on flights and hotels in many regions
- Seasonal beauty—flowers, greenery, and fresh landscapes
It’s the month where destinations breathe, and travelers get space to truly enjoy them.
Final Thoughts: Where Will May Take You?
From the romantic streets of Paris and the ancient wonders of Rome to the tropical calm of Bali and the cultural richness of Kyoto, the best places to visit in May offer something for every type of traveller. This is the month where comfort meets beauty, and adventure meets ease.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a cultural escape, a solo journey, or a family holiday, May rewards you with balanced weather, vivid scenery, and memorable experiences—without the stress of peak season travel.
