Where to Go in May
Half term holidays, European peak season begins, and beach weather arrives
May is when Europe truly comes alive. The continent has shaken off spring chill, Mediterranean seas are warming to swimmable temperatures, and the long days make every destination feel more generous. Late May half term creates a spike in demand, but the early part of the month offers exceptional value with summer weather.
May Half Term Options
Late May half term (usually the last week) coincides with warm weather across Europe but before peak summer prices. Its a sweet spot for families.
Europe Peak Season Begins
May marks the unofficial start of European summer. Attractions extend hours, outdoor restaurants fill terrace seating, and the entire continent seems to exhale.
Spain (2-2.5 hours)
Spain in May is near-perfect. Temperatures reach 25-28C in the south, beaches are swimmable, and youre ahead of the July-August crush.
- Costa Brava - Catalonias rugged coast with hidden coves. Combine beach time with Barcelona day trips.
- Balearic Islands - Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza without peak crowds. Seas reach 20C by late May.
- Andalucia - Seville, Granada, Cordoba at ideal temperatures. The heat of summer hasnt arrived yet.
- Costa del Sol - Classic beach holiday territory with reliable sunshine and family infrastructure.
- San Sebastian - Basque Country perfection with pintxos, beaches, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Hidden Gem
Menorca is quieter and more family-oriented than Majorca or Ibiza. Beautiful beaches, prehistoric sites, and the Cami de Cavalls coastal path.
Italy (2-3 hours)
May is arguably the best month for Italy. Summer warmth without summer heat, and you can visit popular destinations before they become overwhelming.
- Amalfi Coast - Lemon season, perfect hiking weather, and iconic views. Book boats to Capri.
- Cinque Terre - Hiking between the five villages is glorious. Warm enough to swim in sheltered spots.
- Tuscany - Rolling hills at their greenest, wine tours, and Florence day trips.
- Sicily - Beach weather arrives with 25C temperatures. Taormina and Syracuse are stunning.
- Lake Como - Gardens in full bloom, boat trips between villages, celebrity spotting optional.
Warning
The Amalfi Coast road becomes congested in summer. May offers the weather without the worst traffic, but booking accommodation and restaurants is still essential.
Greece (3-3.5 hours)
May in Greece offers 25C temperatures, wildflowers still blooming on hillsides, and seas warm enough for swimming. Island hopping is at its best.
- Santorini - Perfect weather, all businesses open, but without July crowds. Sunset in Oia is magical.
- Mykonos - Beach clubs opening, party scene building, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Crete - Diverse enough for a full week - gorges, beaches, ancient Knossos, mountain villages.
- Naxos - Family-friendly with long sandy beaches, less developed than nearby islands.
- Zakynthos - Shipwreck Beach, sea turtles, and dramatic blue caves.
Beach Season Begins
May marks the start of proper beach season across southern Europe and beyond. Sea temperatures reach comfortable levels, and beach infrastructure opens for summer.
Portugal (2.5-3 hours)
- Algarve - Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and 24C temperatures. Sea still refreshing but swimmable.
- Lisbon - City beaches like Cascais easy to reach. Perfect weather for urban exploring.
- Madeira - Flower Festival (early May) turns the island into a botanical garden. Hiking paradise.
- Azores - Whale watching season, crater lakes, hydrangeas blooming. Unique destination.
Tip
The Algarve east of Faro (Tavira, Cacela Velha) is less developed with beautiful beaches and a more Portuguese feel than the western resorts.
Croatia (2.5 hours)
May in Croatia brings warm weather (24C) and the Adriatic reaches swimmable temperatures. Island hopping is excellent before peak season.
- Dubrovnik - Warm enough for swimming, old town beautiful, cruise ships increasing but manageable.
- Split - Base for island hopping to Hvar, Brac, and Vis. Palace complex at its most pleasant.
- Hvar - Lavender not yet blooming but beaches are, yacht scene building momentum.
- Vis - Most remote major island with authentic character. Stiniva beach is spectacular.
- Rovinj - Istrian gem with Italian influence, truffle season, and stunning old town.
City Breaks
May offers perfect conditions for European cities - warm but not hot, long daylight hours, and outdoor life in full swing.
- Paris (1.5 hours) - Gardens at peak beauty, Seine-side picnics, French Open tennis if dates align.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - Beach weather arrives, rooftop bars open, La Boqueria buzzing.
- Prague (2 hours) - Perfect walking weather (22C), beer gardens thriving, Czech beer season.
- Copenhagen (1.5 hours) - Long Scandinavian days, Tivoli Gardens open, cycling weather.
- Edinburgh (1 hour) - Before festival crowds, castle in spring bloom, excellent daylight.
Tip
Copenhagen embraces outdoor dining in May. The long daylight (17+ hours) makes evenings magical, and cafe culture moves outdoors.
Adventure Destinations
May opens up excellent outdoor adventure possibilities as conditions warm globally.
- Swiss Alps (1.5 hours) - Lower altitude hiking opens, wildflower meadows, dramatic peaks still snow-capped.
- Scottish Highlands (1.5 hours) - Long days, midges not yet terrible, NC500 at its best.
- Dolomites (2 hours) - Lower trails accessible, rifugios opening, stunning photography conditions.
- Norway Fjords (2 hours) - Waterfalls at full flow from snowmelt, dramatic scenery, long daylight.
- Iceland (3 hours) - Midnight sun begins, puffins arrive, Ring Road fully accessible.
Tip
Iceland in May offers increasing daylight (up to 20 hours by month end) but before full midnight sun. A good balance of light and slightly lower prices than peak summer.
Family-Friendly Picks
May half term offers warm weather family options across Europe. Book early as popular destinations fill quickly.
- Majorca (2.5 hours) - Family resort excellence with beaches, waterparks, and caves to explore.
- Costa Dorada (2 hours) - PortAventura theme park plus beach holiday. Great for active families.
- Cyprus (4.5 hours) - Hot enough for beach days (27C), waterparks in full swing, ancient history.
- Lake Garda (2 hours) - Gardaland theme park, water sports, charming towns, gelato everywhere.
- Malta (3 hours) - Beaches, boat trips, and unique history. Popeye Village delights younger kids.
Money-Saving Tip
Half term dates vary by region in the UK. Check your council dates and book the quieter week if you have flexibility.
Long Haul Options
If you are looking further afield, May offers excellent conditions in several destinations.
- Japan (12 hours) - Golden Week crowds pass mid-month, pleasant temperatures, green landscapes.
- USA (New England) (7 hours) - Spring arriving, Boston to Maine coastal beauty.
- Bali (16 hours) - Dry season begins, perfect beach and temple weather.
- South Africa (11 hours) - Autumn with excellent safari conditions and Cape winelands harvest.
- Canada (British Columbia) (9 hours) - Warming but not hot, whale watching season, stunning scenery.
Weather Comparison
Average May temperatures and conditions:
- Spain (Barcelona) - 22C, 8 hours sunshine, ideal
- Italy (Rome) - 24C, 9 hours sunshine, warm
- Greece (Athens) - 25C, 10 hours sunshine, summer arriving
- Portugal (Algarve) - 22C, 10 hours sunshine, sea still cool
- Croatia (Split) - 24C, 9 hours sunshine, beach ready
- Iceland - 10C, 17+ hours daylight, cool but bright
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week (flights and accommodation for two adults). Half term week commands 30-40% premium.
- Spain (Balearics) - 500-1000 GBP per person
- Italy (Amalfi) - 700-1400 GBP per person (premium destination)
- Greece (islands) - 550-1100 GBP per person
- Portugal (Algarve) - 450-900 GBP per person
- Croatia - 500-950 GBP per person
- European city breaks - 400-750 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
Early May (before half term) offers summer weather at shoulder season prices. This two-week window is one of the best value periods of the year for European travel.
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