10 Best Places to Travel in May 2025
May is one of the most underrated times of the year to travel. It’s the sweet spot between spring’s bloom and summer’s bustle—offering mild weather, fewer crowds, and shoulder-season prices across many parts of the world. Whether you’re drawn to cultural festivals, nature in full swing, or coastal destinations just warming up, May offers the perfect window to explore before peak season hits.
Here are 10 of the best places to travel in May 2025, ideal for early summer planners seeking memorable experiences without the masses.
1. Seville, Spain – Flamenco and Festivals in Full Swing
May is one of the most festive months in Seville, thanks to the city’s famous Feria de Abril (which often stretches into May). The streets come alive with music, flamenco dancing, colorful dresses, and traditional food served in decorated casetas (tents).
Beyond the fairgrounds, Seville dazzles with its Moorish architecture, orange blossom-scented streets, and romantic plazas. With daytime temperatures in the mid-70s°F, it’s the perfect weather to wander through the Alcázar, visit the Seville Cathedral, or relax along the Guadalquivir River.
2. Kyoto, Japan – Peaceful Temples and Fresh Greenery
While cherry blossom season may have passed, May in Kyoto is quieter and just as beautiful. The gardens and temples burst with fresh greenery, and colorful irises and azaleas begin to bloom. It’s a serene time to explore the Philosopher’s Path, the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, or the historic district of Gion without heavy tourist traffic.
Temperatures are warm but not hot, and local ryokan stays offer a restful way to enjoy the city’s traditional charm. Plus, the month hosts smaller cultural festivals that give visitors an intimate view of local life.
3. Vancouver, Canada – A City in Full Bloom
Vancouver in May offers a stunning mix of mountain views, ocean air, and parks bursting with color. The city comes alive with outdoor events and fresh energy as locals embrace the warming weather.
Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and VanDusen Botanical Garden are particularly beautiful this time of year. It’s also a great month for hiking nearby trails, biking along the seawall, or heading to Whistler before summer crowds roll in.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy – La Dolce Vita Without the Heat
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic summer destinations, but visiting in May means beating the crowds and heat. Coastal towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are just beginning to buzz with activity, and hotel prices are still relatively moderate.
Bougainvillea spills over cliffsides, lemon groves are in full fragrance, and the Mediterranean sparkles with early-season clarity. Ferries run regularly between towns, and hiking trails like the Path of the Gods offer stunning sea views in comfortable weather.
5. New Orleans, USA – Music, Food, and Festivities
After the chaos of Mardi Gras, New Orleans settles into a more relaxed but equally vibrant rhythm by May. It’s still festival season, with events like Bayou Boogaloo and the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience taking center stage.
Daytime highs hover in the 80s°F, perfect for exploring the French Quarter, sampling Creole cuisine, or taking a jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. With fewer tourists than in winter, it’s a great time to experience the city’s authentic charm.
6. Algarve, Portugal – Sunny Shores and Coastal Calm
The Algarve’s dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns are at their best in May. Before the full summer influx, the region feels laid-back and accessible—with plenty of sunshine, uncrowded beaches, and welcoming locals.
You can explore towns like Lagos and Tavira, dine on fresh seafood, or take a boat tour to sea caves like Benagil. The Atlantic is warming up, and outdoor cafés are in full swing without the peak-season price tag.
7. South Island, New Zealand – Autumn Color and Outdoor Adventure
While it’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere, May is autumn in New Zealand—and one of the most scenic months to visit the South Island. The changing foliage paints the landscape in fiery reds and golds, especially around Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Lake Tekapo.
Fewer tourists mean more affordable lodging and less crowded trails, and the crisp air is perfect for hiking, wine tasting, or soaking in natural hot springs. It’s also shoulder season for adventure sports, offering great deals on skydiving, bungee jumping, and jet boating.
8. Provence, France – Lavender Fields and Village Markets
May in Provence offers blooming fields, lively village markets, and warm days perfect for countryside drives. While the peak lavender bloom comes in June, the region begins to wake up from its off-season slumber in May with flowers, vineyards, and festivals.
Stroll through towns like Gordes and Roussillon, browse antiques in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or enjoy rosé and fresh baguettes on a sun-dappled terrace. It’s one of the best months to soak up the region’s signature charm without the heavy summer tourism.
9. Bali, Indonesia – Dry Season Begins
May marks the beginning of Bali’s dry season, bringing sunny skies, low humidity, and ideal beach weather. It’s the perfect time to visit before summer holiday crowds arrive, offering a balance of tranquility and activity.
Explore Ubud’s lush rice terraces, surf the waves in Canggu, or unwind in a cliffside resort in Uluwatu. With cultural ceremonies, vibrant markets, and spa retreats, Bali is a deeply immersive and relaxing destination for May travelers.
10. Athens, Greece – Ancient Wonders in Spring Sunshine
Athens in May is a smart pick for travelers interested in history and sunshine without the summer heat. The city’s ancient ruins, like the Acropolis and the Temple of Hephaestus, are easier to enjoy before temperatures spike and crowds grow.
Sidewalk cafés and rooftop bars come to life, and the city’s modern neighborhoods offer vibrant nightlife and art scenes. From Athens, you can also take a day trip to nearby islands or archaeological sites like Delphi for a deeper dive into Greek culture.
