As an avid traveller, I love nothing more than looking at the best places to go on holiday in different seasons. I have worked out where I should travel almost every month, but for this post, we are focusing on May. I am sure everyone will have different tastes in terms of where people want to travel to, so take these with a ping of salt. Each destination has been chosen for a specific reason but most especially as they are of interest to me.
May is the perfect time to go abroad for warm weather and sunshine. You’ll benefit from the shoulder season’s predictable temperatures and sparser crowds, letting you focus on enjoying yourself at the beach or in the city without overheating. This guide breaks down the top destinations for your May getaway in 2025, from North Africa to Latin America.
*Collaborative post
Egypt
May holidays in Egypt are ideal for exploring attractions like the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings without the severe heat of summer. You’ll be comfortable enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities like a peaceful cruise down the Nile River.
Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, is well-suited for history buffs. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a must-see, built between 1832 and 1857, overlooking the city. It’s unusual for its entirely Ottoman and European-influenced style, unlike the traditional Cairene architecture that preceded it.
The interior of its prayer hall is lit by a spectacular chandelier and an array of bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The courtyard (sahn) of the mosque features an ornate clock tower gifted by the French by King Louis Philippe I in 1846 in exchange for the obelisk of Luxor.
If you’re interested in snorkelling among vibrant coral reads, visit Sharm El Sheikh’s Ras Mohammed National Park to spot protected marine life. Hurghada is another good option with easy access to shallow waters, especially in Makadi Bay, making it appropriate for all snorkelling abilities.
Mexico
Mexico boasts a rich cultural heritage, with 68 Indigenous cultures and pine-cloaked mountains, tropical beaches, jungles, and bustling cities. Its high-altitude capital is North America’s largest city and is home to a thriving arts scene and Art Deco architecture. Treat yourself to esquites (creamy corn) from street vendors before visiting Templo Mayor, the ruins of an Aztec pyramid behind the city’s 16th-century cathedral.
On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Tulum has quickly developed from a fishing village into a tropical paradise with a bohemian vibe. Its white sand beaches are lined with luxury hotels offering spa treatments that are within a few minutes’ drive of the Mayan Chichen Itza. You should also visit the cenotes, which are natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water.
Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco is a feel-good destination that was a major filming location for Stanley Kramer’s 1970s thriller The Domino Principal. Today, its narrow streets and craft tequila bars give it the feel of a cosmopolitan town, with fishing villages only a 30-minute water taxi ride away.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands’ mild climate, average daily temperatures of 20°C in May, and diverse landscapes make them popular hiking destinations. Climb up Roque de los Muchachos to test your walking boots and forge your way through quickly changing altitudes, fauna, and flora.
On the 3rd of May, attend the Día de la Cruz, or Day of the Cross, a festival with a storied history in the archipelago. The towns are decked out with floral crosses arranged along streets, boulevards, and doorways, making for excellent photo opportunities. You and your partner can also enjoy the dancing of the fiestas and romerías.
In May, the Lotus hillebrandii plant, endemic to the Canary Islands, blossoms in small yellow clusters. Look for them in the pine forest of La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
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