Top Places to Visit in May
Planning a trip in May? Here are the top locations with ideal weather and manageable crowds for a successful getaway.

May is an ideal time for travel because many popular destinations experience mild weather before the intense summer heat and peak tourist crowds arrive. You can find better prices and shorter queues in places like Europe and South Africa during this transition month.
- 1Eiffel Tower, FrancePeople interested in historical engineering and city views.
- 2Golden Gate Bridge, United StatesOutdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy walking tours.
- 3Millau Viaduct, FranceRoad trippers and fans of modern architecture.
- 4Cathedral of Brasília, BrazilArchitecture students and history buffs.
- 5Isle of Skye, United KingdomHikers and those seeking quiet, rugged landscapes.
- 6Prague, Czech RepublicHistory lovers and architecture fans.
- 7Lake Bled, SloveniaNature lovers and those looking for a quiet lake retreat.
- 8Edinburgh, United KingdomCity explorers and history enthusiasts.
- 9Bora Bora, French PolynesiaTravelers looking for a tropical beach experience.
- 10Kruger National Park, South AfricaWildlife photographers and safari goers.
This list focuses on locations where May offers the best balance of climate and accessibility. I chose these spots based on historical weather patterns and seasonal visitor data to help you avoid the worst of the summer rush.
Paris in the Spring
The Eiffel Tower sits on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It was built between 1887 and 1889 for the World's Fair. Visiting in May allows you to avoid the peak humidity and crushing crowds of July. The gardens around the tower are green and well maintained at this time of year. It remains one of the most recognizable structures globally. You can see the iron lattice work clearly in the spring light.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The San Francisco Icon
This suspension bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County across the strait. It carries both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. May is a good month to visit because the fog that often covers the bay is less persistent than in the summer months. You get clearer views of the structure and the water below. It is a functional piece of infrastructure that serves as a major commuter route. Many people walk or cycle across the span to see the design up close.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Engineering in the Tarn Valley
The Millau Viaduct is a tall cable-stayed bridge in Southern France. It spans the gorge valley of the Tarn near Millau. Visiting in May means you avoid the summer holiday traffic that clogs the A75 autoroute. The surrounding landscape in the Occitanie region is particularly green during this month. It was completed in 2004 and held the record for the tallest bridge for many years. The structure is 343 metres high at its peak.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Modern Religious Architecture
This Roman Catholic cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1970. May falls within the dry season for this part of Brazil. You will experience clear skies and lower humidity, which makes walking around the plaza comfortable. Inside, the structure is known for its light and open design. It serves as a central point for the city.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Scottish Highlands
Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is known for a mountainous hub called the Cuillin. May is one of the best months to visit because the weather is relatively stable. You also beat the arrival of the midges that plague hikers later in the summer. The island has a long history of occupation dating back to the late Upper Palaeolithic period. You can explore rocky slopes and coastal paths.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Bohemian Capital
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and sits on the Vltava River. It is famous for its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. May offers pleasant temperatures for walking through the old city streets. You can explore the various historical districts before the heavy summer tour groups arrive. It was the residence of several Holy Roman Emperors like Charles IV. The city remains a significant cultural center in the European Union.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Alpine Slovenia
Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia. It is a popular destination for those heading into the mountains. In May, the surrounding mountains often still have light snow on the peaks while the valley is warm. The water is calm and suitable for boat trips. The lake is about 35 kilometers from the airport in Ljubljana. It provides easy access to the Alpine region.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Scotland's Capital
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, bounded by the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills. It has served as the capital since the 15th century. May is a great time to visit because the city has not yet reached the peak capacity of the festival season. You can walk the Royal Mile without the extreme overcrowding found in August. The city is the seat of the Scottish Government and home to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is a dense, walkable city with a lot of steep streets.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
South Pacific Island
Bora Bora is an island group in French Polynesia. It features a central extinct volcano surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef. May is the start of the dry season in the South Pacific. You will get plenty of sunshine and less rainfall than in the winter months. The island is small, with a land area of about 30 square kilometers. Most visitors stay in bungalows built over the water.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
South African Wildlife
Kruger National Park covers a massive area in the northeast of South Africa. It was the country's first national park, established in 1926. May is the start of the dry season, which makes it easier to spot wildlife. Animals gather around water holes, and the vegetation is thinner, improving visibility. The park extends over 360 kilometers from north to south. It is home to a wide variety of animals and ecosystems.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.
Choosing the right month changes the experience of a trip significantly. Use these details to pick a destination that aligns with your tolerance for weather and crowds.
Questions people ask
Is it better to travel in May or June?
May is generally quieter and less expensive than June. By June, many schools finish for the summer, leading to larger crowds at most tourist sites.
What should I pack for a trip in May?
Pack layers. May weather is unpredictable in many parts of the world, so a light jacket and a waterproof layer are essential for most northern destinations.
Are flights cheaper in May?
Flights are often cheaper in May compared to the peak summer months of July and August. You can save money by booking mid-week flights during this period.
Will everything be open in May?
Yes, most major tourist attractions are open in May. Some seasonal activities in high mountain areas might still be closed if snow persists, but urban sites are fully operational.
Is May a good time for a safari?
Yes, May is excellent for a safari in places like Kruger National Park. The dry season begins, making it easier to see animals as they visit water sources.
Hotel search by Trip.com. If you book through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Been there?
If you have been to any of these, say what it was really like. What you write helps the next person more than anything we can write.





