May is the last month before peak season arrives in Europe, meaning it is one of the best months to visit countries like Spain, Greece, France and Italy, with temperatures warming up but the crowds still a few weeks away. It’s Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, celebrating the Mexican victory over France in 1862. It’s also one of the few months where you can explore all of Vietnam, from north to south, whilst avoiding the worst of the weather. In this article, we’ll show you some of the best ideas for where to go on vacation in May, and will suggest some of the top hotels to help you plan your stay.
Italy
Temperatures are edging up in Italy by May, but the scorching summer hasn’t yet arrived, and most of the tourist hotspots are still relatively quiet. Average temperatures across the country range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), perfect for hiking the Path of the Gods at the Amalfi Coast. The elegant coastal towns of Ravello, Positano and Amalfi are much more relaxed at this time of year, but you’re still all but guaranteed some sunshine.
If you are next to Naples, visit the beautiful poetic island of Capri. It takes 45 minutes by ferry, and you can spend a whole day walking around the island. There are many nice historical villas and places to visit: from the iconic hotel Grand Hotel Quisisana, the red villa, where Soviet writer Maxim Gorky met Lenin and developed the quasi-religious God-Building movement, Villa Lysis, built by French homosexual poet Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen in 1905, the secret beach at Torre Saracena Spiaggia Ristorante Bar and more to visit. May is also a great month to explore the rolling vineyards and medieval towns of Tuscany. There are the historic city walls of Siena and the UNESCO-listed site of Val d’Orcia to explore, to name a couple.
Recommended hotel at the Amalfi Coast: Eden Roc Hotel (4-star), Capri: Grand Hotel Quisisana.
Recommended hotel in Tuscany: Calidario Terme Etrusche Hotel (3-star)
Vietnam
It’s difficult to find a month where you can expect good weather in both north and south Vietnam. But in May, you have the best chance. It’s coming to the end of the rainy season in the north, making it a great time to explore the Ha Giang Loop or embark on a junk boat cruise at Halong Bay, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32°C (75°F to 90°F).
In central and south Vietnam the dry season is coming to an end, and rainfall is starting to increase, but you can still expect plenty of dry, sunny weather and scorching temperatures of 30 to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) in Ho Chi Minh City, though be prepared to expect some days of 40°C (104°F) or higher. The high season is coming to a close, so prices in Vietnam should be a lot cheaper than they were in April.
Recommended hotel at Halong Bay: Paradise Trend Hotel (4-star). More luxury retreats: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An and more affordable option Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô.
Recommended hotel in Ho Chi Minh City: Au Lac Charner Hotel (4-star)
USA
If you’re wondering where to travel in May, then it’s a great month for exploring the national parks of the Mountain States, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. As the winter snows melt, rivers and streams swell with snowmelt, and species like bears have woken up from their hibernation. Bison and elk are giving birth to adorable calves and greenery is starting to bloom for summer. Temperatures average 10°C to 15°C (51°F to 60°F). Best of all, the peak summer crowds are still a month or two away, offering a more serene hiking experience, improving your chance of seeing wildlife undisturbed and keeping the costs of your vacation down.
Recommended hotel in Grand Teton National Park: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa (4-star)
Recommended hotel in Yellowstone National Park: Rusty Parrot Lodge And Spa (4-star)
Mexico
Mexico is gripped by celebrations in May, as the country celebrates Cinco de Mayo. Puebla is the place to visit, as this is where the Mexicans defeated France in battle in1862 – expect to see elaborate parades and costumes, as well as public feasts. Summer has almost arrived in the country too, with temperatures averaging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). This means May is a great month for relaxing at the Riviera Maya, home to pristine beaches, clear ocean and interesting cultural sites such as the ruins of Tulum or Coba.
Recommended hotel in Puebla: Banyan Tree Puebla (5-star)
Recommended hotel at the Riviera Maya: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (5-star)
You are spoiled for choice for where to go in May, with much of the northern hemisphere approaching summer, but not yet seeing the crowds of July and August. Spain, Greece, France, Croatia and Turkey are all excellent in May, as are cities in the Middle East like Dubai, and Central American destinations including Mexico and Cuba. Start planning your May vacation today!
