The UK has a reputation for being a little chilly in springtime, so it's likely the sunshine of distant shores will start calling your name.
So, if you're wondering where's hot in May for your next escape, don't worry - there are plenty of sunnier destinations where you can enjoy a few weeks of warm weather, both in Europe and further afield, including:
- Greece (21°C)
- Turkey (22°C)
- Cyprus (22°C)
- France (16°C)
- The Caribbean (24°C)
- California (24°C)
- Fiji (31°C)
- The Maldives (28°C)
- French Polynesia (29°C)
- Florida (25°C)
- Oman (34°C)
Where's Hot in May in Europe?
So, you’ve got your sights set on a May holiday, but you don’t fancy going too far from home?
For the best chance at getting your fill of the sunshine, you’ll want to head to Europe. With temperatures starting to rise, May is the perfect time to visit a number of sunny European countries. Head to Turkey for an escape into the glittering Aegean waters, Greece for a sandy beach escape and some island-hopping, or Cyprus for a little history, culture and exploration.
Each of these destinations boast toasty average temperatures, plenty of sunshine and overall excellent weather for a luxury spring getaway.
1. Peace & quiet in Greece
May temperature: 21°C
Considered a top-tier sunny holiday destination, the Greek islands are perfect for a May getaway. While temperatures are getting balmy, the islands are still peaceful, so you can soak up the sleepy Greek atmosphere.
Why not beat the summer crowds and head to Mykonos? This island has everything from sandy beaches to relax on, to vibrant and cosmopolitan nightlife.
Or, another popular holiday destination in Greece for a May holiday, is Corfu - a perfect spot for both a family holiday and a couples retreat. On the north-western end of the island, you’ll find Ikos Dassia, a luxury all-inclusive set along a Blue Flag-awarded beach. If you’d rather be out and about, the hotel offers every guest a MINI Drive adventure, providing complimentary car hire for the day so you can explore the island at your own pace.
If you're set on finding the warmest area in the Mediterranean, head to Crete, which is the hottest destination in the Mediterranean in May. Similarly to Corfu, Crete has plenty to offer, from its beaches to tavernas, making it perfect for a spring holiday.
For more ideas for were to go in Greece this May, see our ultimate guide to the Greek Islands.
2. Beach days in Turkey
May temperature: 22°C
It takes only four hours to get to Turkey from the UK and, if you travel in May, you’ll be right at the early end of the summer season - perfect if you want a holiday with fewer crowds.
The best way to experience Turkey is along its beautiful coastline at the likes of Bodrum and Fethiye, where you'll find the most exclusive beach retreats.
If you want to see the bigger picture, head out onto the Aegean Sea on a private yacht or a gulet. The water is home to hundreds of coves and bays where you can swim and snorkel. It’s also home to some fantastic diving sites, where you’ll be delighted with the chance to dip in the sea.
Stay at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Bodrum, where you can unwind across its three private beaches, dine on sumptuous sustainable mezze sourced from the hotel's own organic farm, and take day trips to some of the best diving locations on the Turkish coast. Plus, wellness lovers won't want to miss the 10,000m2 spa.
Are Greece and Turkey hot enough in May?
The easy answer to this question is yes! The eastern end of Europe is much warmer than the west, making it ideal for a spring holiday. May is the early season for both Greece and Turkey, so the sea will just be starting to warm up, bars and restaurants will begin to re-open for the season and it will undoubtedly be warm enough to have a splash in the pools.
3. Explore Cyprus
May temperature: 22°C
Cyprus’ charming towns and coastal cities are lovely for enjoying the warm May sunshine.
Head out on a day trip from Limassol to see some of the ancient towns and ruins, medieval streets and historical sites that rest alongside the turquoise water. For a more relaxing experience, spend some time on Paphos’ Mediterranean coastline and palm tree-lined beaches, a perfect spot for unwinding.
Cyprus is truly a country that keeps you intrigued; you might spend one day hiking through the Troodos Mountains, followed by a day exploring the quaint villages on the island, before spending your third day taking it easy on the beach.
Stay at one of the fabulous five-star hotels on the coast, such as AMARA - a contemporary hotel with gorgeous sea views, a perfect base from which to strike out across the island.
"AMARA is a wonderful hotel for a relaxing May holiday. Treat yourself to an exclusive spa treatment suite, complete with refreshments and your own private sauna and plunge pool. For something extra special, opt for a Rooftop Duplex Suite with rooftop pool and unparalleled views of Limassol." - Alice Tetlow, Product Manager
4. Get some fresh air in France
May temperature: 16°C
After the April sun has melted the snow in the French Alps, you can enjoy the warm May sun in the mountains. You'll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of blossoming spring colours, with patches of white high on the landscape where the last touches of winter linger.
This is the perfect May escape if you love the great outdoors. With some of the most scenic backdrops and beautiful trails, you can hike, cycle, or drive along the hills to experience the true beauty of the French Alps. If it's particularly warm, you can even enjoy watersports on the scenic lakes.
Evian Resort – Hotel Royal and Hotel Ermitage has plenty to offer for a spring escape; on the shores of Lake Geneva, enjoy golfing in the sun at the Evian Golf Club, get a wellness boost at the spa and indoor and outdoor pools, and partake in family activities from tennis to kayaking and fishing. And with ski slopes of Thollon-Les-Memises, Bernex and the Portes du Soleil, you'll have plenty of ground to cover on sunny hiking trips.
Where is Hot in May? - Long Haul Destinations
If you’re willing to take a more extended trip, there are plenty of long-haul sunny holiday options during May. From a beautiful beach escape in the idyllic Caribbean to an isolated atoll in the Indian Ocean, you can easily migrate to warmer climes.
5. Relax in The Caribbean
May temperature: 24°C
In the Caribbean, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
What's more, the sun shines across the Caribbean year-round, making it one of the best places to grab your slice of warm weather; if you visit in May, you’ll be staying just before the start of the low season, so rain, or 'liquid sunshine', shouldn’t impact your trip too much.
From the turquoise waters of Jamaica to the white sands of Antigua, the region offers an array of gorgeous options for beach holidays. If you’re looking for something quieter than the bigger islands, try a smaller Caribbean gem like the British Virgin Islands or St Kitts and Nevis - both come highly recommended by our Travel Specialists for a romantic retreat.
Head here for a break and you could be enjoying a swim in the water with turtles or enjoying a more active holiday on one of the surf beaches - try your hand at kite-surfing or paddleboarding.
Whatever takes your fancy, the islands have warm hospitality and you’ll often be greeted with a glass of Champagne or punch and fresh tropical fruits. St Kitts’s Park Hyatt Resort, located in the stunning Banana Bay, is just one fabulous option for enjoying these beautiful surroundings in total luxury.
Not sure which island is best for you? See our guide to the best Caribbean islands to visit.
6. Cruise through California
May temperature: 24°C
The Golden State shines all the brighter in May, with lots of sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures.
Whether you opt for a city break or fly-drive, there’s plenty of essential sights to pack into your American getaway. Start out in the beloved San Francisco, California’s northern city by the sea and home of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Make the most of the warmth and saunter down iconic Lombard Street, heading to Alamo Square, Lombard Street and Chinatown for the full experience.
Just beyond the city you’ll find Napa Valley and Sonoma County. These are the state’s sweeping winelands, where you'll be able to enjoy vineyard tours, Michelin-starred restaurants and stunning scenery. Place yourself in the heart of this beautiful region with a stay at Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley, which offers access to Elusa Winery along with bespoke tasting experiences.
See our guide to the best driving routes in California for more ideas.
7. Dive into Fiji (31°C)
May temperature: 31°C
Basking under plenty of sunshine, Fiji’s 333 islands are beautiful in May, which is the start of the dry season. Throughout the month, temperatures climb up the high 20s, with the humidity of the rainy season loosening.
While here, you can admire the lush colours of the jungle, the waterfalls and the vibrant coral reefs. It’s a favoured spot for diving, especially during the spring and summer months; jump into the crystalline waters to discover a whole host of marine life as you venture into the deep. Up to 1,500 different species of fish are believed to inhabit Fiji’s pristine coral reefs, so you’re bound to find a scaly creature you’ve not met before!
Beach lovers can embrace the heat by kicking back on a sun lounger, or by travelling horseback across the velvety sands. For those feeling more adventurous, take on the hiking trails of Mount Tomanivi, and cool off under the heavy flow of Vanuatu’s 165ft waterfall. Stay at COMO Laucala Island or Likuliku Lagoon Resort to get involved in some high-speed watersports, too, including water skiing and kayaking!
See the reasons why Fiji's nature is known for having the feel good-factor.
8. Soothe stress in the Maldives
May temperature: 28°C
At around 14 hours flight time, you could find yourself in a sunny paradise, surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the world - we're talking about the unparalleled Maldives islands.
In May, you can enjoy the last of the dry season - so, while there might be a few more showers than the peak months of December - March, the thinning crowds mean you can enjoy it to yourself.
Each resort in the Maldives is exquisite, with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, plenty of delicious food choices, and a relaxing atmosphere that will immediately put all your cares behind you. Stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru for a blissful experience in stunning surroundings.
For a more adventurous experience in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi offers the chance to dive into the pristine waters on the exclusive island of South Ari Atoll. Enjoy all-inclusive daily group snorkelling tours and private boat excursions in the vibrant Indian Ocean, and don’t miss out on the incredible scuba diving in the Indian Ocean's most desired spots, just 30 minutes from the resort. Of an evening, sample the magnificent wine list, with 125 labels from around the world, perfect for combining with ocean views and moon-lit romantic dinners.
"The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is one of my personal favourite hotels. There’s amazing food, extensive activities for children at the kids’ club and stunning overwater spa treatment rooms. Be sure to head down to the Marine Discovery Centre for diving lessons, to learn about the turtle rehabilitation and grow your own piece of coral!" - Holly, Sales Manager
9. Natural beauty in French Polynesia
May temperature: 29°C
French Polynesia brings moderate heat in May; it's hot enough for sun lovers, but no deterrent from getting out onto the streets and exploring.
You’ll also beat the crowds at this time of year. Bora Bora and Tetiaroa - the latter being home to paradise private island The Brando - offer peace and tranquil beauty, perfect for romance, while Tahiti’s capital of Pape’ete is a hive of activity. Explore the national museums, markets and the wide range of eateries offering local delicacies, including freshly cooked fish from the lagoon.
Put your scuba diving skills to the test in the South Pacific, or keep take an adventure with a sailing excursion into the sunset, or a mesmerising helicopter ride over the islands.
Make the most of French Polynesia with our South Pacific Island-Hopping holiday idea.
10. Twin-Centre Trip to Florida
May temperature: 25°C
There are plenty of reasons to take the nine-hour flight to visit Florida in May:
- It’s a major spot for visiting some of the world's best theme parks in Orlando, but it’s also fantastic for a beach holiday in places such as Key West, Miami and the Gulf Coast, where you can stay at the new St Regis Longboat Key Resort.
- There are fewer crowds during May, as spring break and the school holidays are over.
- The May weather is lovely with long hours of sunshine; the average daily highs are around 25°C.
Families will love the bustle of the Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios Orlando ™ and Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. New for 2025 is Universal's Epic Universe, a brand new world packed with movie and game themed rides and attractions.
A twin-centre holiday is an excellent choice in Florida; spend a week staying at the amusement parks and then transfer to a beach holiday on the coast for a second week. Stay somewhere like the brilliant Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, close to Miami, which is bathed in plenty of sunshine during May.
11. Retreat to Oman
May temperature: 34°C
Perhaps you’re looking for something a bit different out of your May holiday?
In around seven hours, you could be on the southern coast of the Middle East in Oman. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, golden waterfronts and impressive dunes, the scenery here is simply stunning.
Oman can hit very high temperatures in the summertime, so it’s best to visit in spring when it’s cooler. In May, you can expect average temperatures of around 34°C, so while still hot, it's not as searing as the 40°C heat of summer.
While here, you can spot the turtles who visit the beaches, take an intrepid search through Oman’s beautiful forts and head to the dunes at the Wahiba Sands. There are plenty of luxury spots across Oman, including beachfront resorts and hidden mountain retreats. Find a bit of both at Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa; with 21 restaurants and a myriad of activities spread across the three resorts, there’ll never be a dull moment.
Discover the best things to do in Oman.
Looking for more May holiday ideas?
Speak to one of our Travel Specialists for more hot May holiday destination ideas.
Or, if you're ready to start planning, they'd be delighted to start tailoring your bespoke escape.
