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Where to Travel in May
Our Top Travel Destinations for May
The best travel destinations in May include Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, where you’ll find warm temperatures before the summer tourists descend. In May we also love exploring the relatively quiet trails of the Azores and Mustang, Nepal, and searching for wildlife in Chobe National Park, Botswana. Adventure in some of these amazing places before the crowds and rising temperatures of summer take over.
Botswana
The best game-viewing period in Botswana is during the “dry” season, which runs from late March to October, making May a wonderful time to visit. Savannas turn golden brown and game viewing is easier as animals concentrate around major water sources. The Okavango Delta’s water level also starts to rise at this time.
Raja Ampat
Thanks to its equatorial location, Raja Ampat has a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures in the low 80s°F and occasional rain showers. Water temperatures range from 78-84°F, and May usually sees fewer boats than the summer months, so you’ll feel like you have this wondrous archipelago all to yourself.
Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and May welcomes warmer weather, with temperatures in the 70s°F. We love to explore during this time when there are fewer crowds in the lovely cities of Ljubljana, Rovinj, and Trogir.
Montenegro
Set out on an inspiring adventure before the summer crowds and rising temperatures hit Montenegro. May’s weather includes pleasant temperatures, cool breezes, and occasional rain. Biodgraska National Park is abloom with wildflowers, and the temperature is perfect for hiking.
Mustang, Nepal
Mustang is a dry, high-altitude realm, and the weather is normally quite comfortable, with blue skies, but nights can be very cold. At high altitudes, the weather is always unpredictable, so bring your spirit of adventure. We’ve timed our May journeys here to experience the colorful Tiji Festival, with its chanting monks, clanging cymbals, and leaping masked dancers.
Azores
The Azores have a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. In the month of May, the days are longer, the rain and wind have calmed, and the sun is shining! Because of its unique location and our explorations in its various climates, clouds and rain are always a possibility.
Spain
We timed our Spain adventures, especially our Pilgrim’s Way journey, in May when the days are warm but not too hot, the fields are green, the birds are active, and wildflowers carpet the countryside. You can expect mostly sunshine, though in Galicia’s rugged verdant landscape, showers can appear any day.
Italy
May in Italy is a glorious time to experience la dolce vita—the sweet life. Tuscany and northern Italy burst to life with red poppy blooms, Amalfi and Capri enjoy breezy days, and southern Italy is blessed with warm, dry weather. Our trips this month tend to miss the summer humidity, making hiking conditions very comfortable.
Greece
Greece is blessed with a delightful Mediterranean climate, and May is one of the best times to visit when the isles are still green, wildflowers are in full bloom, and northern Greece experiences full-flowing rivers. The daytime is warm but not too humid, perfect for hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Countries like Croatia, Italy, and Spain have the best weather in May. You’ll find warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s (before the heat and humidity of the Mediterranean summer) along with typically clear skies.
May is a great month for hiking in places like the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago with breathtaking coastal trails with mild temperatures and typically clear skies in May. It’s also our favorite month to head to Nepal’s Mustang region for once-in-a-lifetime hiking along peaceful Himalayan trails.
To avoid crowds in May, travel to Raja Ampat for some of the world’s best snorkeling—the Indonesian archipelago sees fewer boats in May than the summer. Montenegro is also great for avoiding crowds in May, as you’ll be rewarded with warm temperatures and spring landscapes bursting to life.
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