The month of May introduces warmer temperatures and less rainfall as we continue our global travels. May is the perfect time for outdoor activities, exploration, and adventure. It’s a month full of film festivals, sporting events, and other spring celebrations across the globe.
Barcelona, Spain
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 73°F high; 60°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
May is one of the top months to visit Barcelona. The weather is pleasant, the excitement of summer is palpable, and the event calendar is packed. Barcelona in May is a great time to visit because it’s warm without being overly hot; you may even be able to spend a few days at the beach.
Key Events:
Formula One Spanish Grand Prix: Formula One motor racing event; one of the oldest in the world still contested
Feria de Abril de Catalunya (April Fair of Catalonia): annual event held in Barcelona over the last week of April and first week of May to welcome the spring
DocsBarcelona International Documentary Film Festival: festival specializing in the documentary film genre, consisting of competitive international sections, non-competitive sections, and master classes
Feria BioCultura: air of ecological products and responsible consumption
Where to Stay:
Botswana, Africa
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 52°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Botswana. It’s one of the best months out of the year for visiting Botswana with excellent game viewing, mild and dry weather, and relatively quiet campsites and parks (which get much busier later in the season). The Savuti region is a particularly excellent region to view herds of zebra and buffalo during this time of year.
Key Events:
TjiLenje Cultural Festival: festival in Nlapkhwane with traditional dances, ancestral games, and typical food and drink of the region
Botswana Resources Infrastructure Energy Forum (BRIEF): investment forum
Prosperity Africa Conference: conference honoring Africa’s small businesses
Where to Stay:
Brighton, UK
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 58°F high; 49°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Weather warms up considerably in Brighton during the month of May. At this time, the rainy season slows however sudden showers may still occur. Though not quite beach weather at this time, it’s still a perfect time to be outdoors.
Key Events:
Brighton Festival: large annual curated multi-arts festival with music, theater, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events
Brighton Fringe Festival: open-access arts festival held annually; the largest annual arts festival in England and one of the largest fringe festivals in the world
The Great Escape Festival: three-day music festival held every year showcasing new music from a variety of genres
Where to Stay:
Cappadocia, Turkey
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 44°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May is a lovely time to visit Cappadocia. The weather is warm during the day and cooler at night. During this time of year, you can expect beautiful blue sky mornings, which is ideal for hot air balloon rides. Historically, hot air balloons ride most days of the month of May in Cappadocia, which is a must-do in this destination.
Key Events:
Milyonfest Kapadokya: music festival
Where to Stay:
Carlsbad, California
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 66°F high; 56°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
In May, cloud cover decreases for more blue sky weather. In May, bats start to return from Mexico for the warmer weather in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you visit the first week of May, you’ll still be able to catch the vibrant Carlsbad Flower Fields before they close for the season.
Key Events:
California Wine Festival: California wine tasting, gourmet food sampling, and live music
Carlsbad 5000: annual 5K road running event that takes place every spring in Carlsbad
Live from La Costa: summer concert series
Where to Stay:
Croatia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 77°F high; 60°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
Croatia is warm in the month of May, but not the hottest time of the year. Tourist season starts to ramp up at this time, especially for travelers who prefer cooler temperatures to sunny summer days. Swimming in the Adriatic may be possible starting this month, in the mid to late timeframe. The summer ferry schedule is announced the last weekend of May, so prior to that, you’ll need to be flexible in getting to and from the islands.
Kevin Events:
Sudamja: concerts, poetry readings, exhibitions, and a rowing event to celebrate the patron saint, St. Domnius
Cest is d’Best: street festival in Zagreb with 200+ international performers
Days of Asparagus: food festival in Istria where restaurants incorporate wild Istrian asparagus into regional dishes
Lighthouse Festival: Underground electronic music festival in Poreč
Where to Stay:
Cusco, Peru
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 68°F high; 37°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
May is the last month of autumn in Cusco, Peru. At this time, there’s little rain and the mountains are green from the passing showers. May is the first month of the busy season since it’s part of the dry season, however the following months through October are arguably more popular than May, making this month a better time to visit in terms of level of tourism.
Key Events:
Fiesta de las Cruces: religious festivity with a procession, food, drink, and local music
Q’oyoriti: festival of music, dance, costumes, symbolism, pilgrimage, and fireworks which varies year to year according to the moon cycle
Where to Stay:
Denver, Colorado
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 73°F high; 45°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May is Denver’s shoulder season, meaning temperatures are quite comfortable, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are lower compared to those in the summer months. There are a TON of festivals to experience in Denver this time of year.
Key Events:
Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival: one of the largest and longest running cultural events in Colorado; festival and parade with special attractions, musical arts, Folklorico dancers, Mariachis, and Mexican cuisine
Colfax Marathon: 2-day annual marathon foot-race
Denver Arts Festival: arts festival featuring over 150 Colorado and national artists
Denver Day of Rock: one-day free music festival benefitting the work of Amp the Cause
TheBigWonderful: Denver’s most original urban festival that celebrates Colorado’s eclectic culture to the fullest
Five Points JazzFest: free annual festival celebrating the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood
Where to Stay:
Florence, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 54°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May is one of Florence’s best months to visit in terms of weather. It is busier and more expensive this time of year but the warm weather offers the perfect time to experience art and music festivals, open-air dining and the leisurely outdoor Italian lifestyle.
Key Events:
MIDA: International Handicraft Exhibition in Florence in April through early May
Trofeo Marzocco: historical reenactment of competing groups of flag-waving
Magnalonga: two gourmet trails (11km and 21km) based on tastings of typical products from the areas of the Mugello and the Sieve Valley
Fiera di Maggio: traditional 3-day fair that celebrates rural life in Dicomano
Cantar Maggio: “May Day”; popular festival celebrated with a flowering ritual and song
Festa di san Zanobi: celebration of the Patron Saint, with religious events like a pilgrimage and historical parade
DeeJay Ten Marathon: foot-race marathon
In/Canto E Banchi: spring event with a market of handicrafts and antiques and performances by buskers, illusionists, and stand-up comedians
Fiorita Commemoration: commemoration of the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola
Festa del Grillo: festival featuring a variety of stalls selling lucky singing crickets in cages, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century
Infiorata: flower carpet festival celebrated in late May or early June around the Corpus Domini feast
Where to Stay:
French Riviera
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 71°F high; 55°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
The French Riviera is a joy to visit anytime of the year, May is ideal for a classic resort experience. It’s the most popular time to visit this destination due to its excellent weather and exciting calendar of sporting events and cultural festivals. If you don’t like crowds, steer clear of the major events during this month.
Key Events:
Cannes Film Festival: one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world
Monaco Grand Prix: famous Formula One motor racing event
Where to Stay:
Greek Islands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 75°F high; 55°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
The Greek Islands are a delightful place to visit in May with ideal sightseeing, sunny weather, and little rain. It’s the start of the swimming season and the spring flowers are in full bloom.
Key Events
Panigiria: feasts, processions, and festivities with music and dancing
International Workers Day (May Day): important Greek holiday on the 1st where many businesses close; Crete holds a flower show to celebrate
Where to Stay:
Oaxaca, Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 90°F high; 75°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Oaxaca (located in southern Mexico) is a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain range. As a result, May is a rather hot time to visit. (April and May are the hottest months of the year.) Due to this, tourism and accommodation prices are lower than in the summer months. You’ll definitely want some pool and beach days on this trip!
Key Events:
Surf Open Puerto Escondido: surfing event
Where to Stay:
Israel
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 63°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
Religious pilgrimages are popular in the month of April in Israel, so for those who would like to visit outside of those events, May is a good time for tourists. Weather conditions are favorable and accommodation prices are considered reasonable though Israel in general is not considered an affordable destination in comparison to others.
Key Events:
Yom Haatzmaut: falls in April or May, celebrates the formal establishment of the State of Israel
Where to Stay:
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 63°F high; 31°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
For non-skiers, May is a great time to visit Jackson Hole, when some of the main park roads re-open from the colder months. This is not peak time for tourists so you’ll more easily be able to explore the national parks at your leisure this time of year. The weather is not 100% reliable in May however the accommodations will be more affordable this time of year as a result.
Key Events:
Elkfest: celebration of Wapiti and wilderness in Jackson Hole
Old West Days: annual event celebrating the local history and culture of Jackson, Wyoming’s early days as an Old Western town
Where to Stay:
Louisville, Kentucky
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 78°F high; 56°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Since May can be a rainy month in Louisville, you’ll enjoy more affordable accommodations than in the following summer months. In the springtime, Louisville sees about 5 days a month of significant rainfall. The biggest event that draws tourists to Louisville this month is the Kentucky Derby.
Key Events:
Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront: waterfront jam concert series with national talent, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides, and more
Zoeller Pump Co. Pegasus Parade: parade of marching bands, equestrian units, inflatable characters, and colorful floats
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair: over 200 artists, food, drinks, music, and an evening street party
Derby Diversity Week & Festival: week long event with a daytime speaker series and night time festival schedule
Great Steamboat Race: annual steamboat race taking place three days before the Kentucky Derby
Derby Week: a series of events and celebrations leading up to and following the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby: annual horse race, almost always on the first Saturday in May
Norton Commons Arts Festival: over 75 artisan vendors, mixed media artists, woodworkers, and more
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: free public performances each spring and summer of Shakespeare plays
Abbey Road on the River: five-day, multi-staged music festival which was initially created to honor the music and spirit of the Beatles
Forecastle Festival: three-day music, art, and activism festival held annually
Where to Stay:
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 61°F high; 41°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Mackinac Island is a unique island in Michigan that is only accessible by ferry and has zero cars. Instead, horse-drawn carriage rides are a popular way to get around. During the month of May, horses arrive and businesses begin opening back up. By Memorial Day, the island is up and running. Because the town will be starting back up again in May, you can expect fewer tourists during this time.
Key Events:
Fort 2 Fort 5-Mile Challenge: run/walk course highlighting 7 historic landmarks on the island
Where to Stay:
Malta
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 75°F high; 59°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Malta experiences near-perfect weather in May - it’s not too hot from the sun and the breezes are not too cool. Rainfall is not common. May is slightly before peak season, meaning you’ll have fewer tourists and lower prices.
Key Events:
Medieval Mdina: two-day historical reenactment of medieval Maltese history
Village Festi: series of “village feasts” to celebrate patron saints
Valletta Green Festival: weekend festival with a floral carpet and family-friendly activities
Where to Stay:
Mauritius
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 78°F high; 69°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May in Mauritius is the start of cooler temperatures for this destination. At this time, flight and accommodation prices will become more competitive.
Key Events:
Royal Raid: mountain running race
Where to Stay:
The Cape Area in Massachusetts
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 60°F high; 46°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
May is a great time to visit the Cape, however extra planning will be needed if you want to visit over Memorial Weekend. At this time, ferries are typically booked up and traffic gets bad. Outside of this weekend, May is a shoulder season, meaning that lodging will be less and traffic will be more manageable. May is a beautiful time to see blooming flowers and daffodil festivals in the Cape.
Key Events:
Nantucket Wine & Food Festival: epicurean celebration of distinguished winemakers and chefs
Brewster in Bloom Festival: three-day fine arts and crafts show
Figawi Race Weekend: sailing race
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival: film festival
Vineyard Artisans Memorial Day Festival: show featuring all-island artisans who create furniture, sculpture, clothing, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, and more
Where to Stay:
Svalbard, Norway
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 60°F high; 44°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
May marks the start of the summer months in Svalbard, which is considered the best time to visit as it’s the warmest season of the month and most suitable for outdoor activities like snowmobile tours, skiing, dog sledding, hiking, and boat tours. It’s also the best season to see polar bears in the wild. The melting ice at this time of year allows smaller expedition ships to get better visibility of polar bears hunting in the wild. This is also the start of the Midnight Sun phenomenon when there is constant daylight.
Where to Stay:
Sicily, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 67°F high; 53°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
May is a wonderful time to visit Sicily. The weather is great for outdoor activities and crowds have not quite reached their peak.
Key Events:
Gustissimo and the Manifestazioni Garibaldine: three days celebrating traditional Sicily street food
Giro d’Italia: annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy
Infiorata & Baroque Spring Festival: flower art festival
Buongiorno Ceramica!: celebration of Italian ceramics
Where to Stay:
Stockholm, Sweden
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 62°F high; 45°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in May:
Stockholm is pleasant in the month of May with little rainfall, sunshine, and mild temperatures. May is the warmest of the spring months. It’s a beautiful time to see flowers and cherry blossoms bloom.
Key Events:
Elitloppet Weekend: richest harness racing event in the world
Archipelago Fair: folk festival with food, drink, entertainment, and exhibitors
OST Festivalen: Swedish cheese festival
Stockholm International Antiques Fair (Antikmässan): top Nordics antiques fair
Outdoor Festival STHLM: 3-day outdoor camp festival
Stockholm Burger Fest: Sweden’s first and only burger festival
Where to Stay:
Nashville, Tennessee
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 57°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Nashville, and that includes the month of May. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer. Room rates are not the lowest but more affordable than in the summer.
Key Events:
Tennessee Craft Fair: annual arts and crafts fair
Sevier Park Fest: celebration of artists, makers, and musicians
Iroquois Steeplechase: American Grade I NSA sanctioned steeplechase horse race run each spring at Percy Warner Park
Tour de Nash: Nashville’s largest urban annual bike ride
TN Whiskey Trail Experience: celebration of International TN Whiskey Day on May 21st
Music City Blitz: adult flag football tournament benefiting Special Olympics TN
Where to Stay:
Victoria and Vancouver Island, Canada
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 63°F high; 49°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in May:
Vancouver Island is known for its wild, untamed beaches. There are opportunities to hike, surf, camp, paddleboard and more. Summer is the most popular season to visit, so by visiting in May, you’ll experience comfortable temperatures and lower prices. You’ll also have the chance to see whale sightings during this time of year.
Key Events:
Luxton Spring Fair: exhibits, demonstrations, and a midway
Victoria Day Parade: largest parade of the year in Victoria
Victoria Tartan Parade: Celtic parade, part of the Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival: one of the longest running cultural events in North America
Where to Stay:
Perth, Western Australia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 71°F high; 54°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in May:
Though spring is a beautiful time to visit, Perth in the fall is also worthwhile. The temperatures are less extreme and you’ll have the opportunity to encounter wildlife, like humpback and blue whales. (Western Australia is one of the world’s best whale watching destinations.)