Where’s Hot in May? - 12 Top Sunny Destinations for Your Spring Getaway

The best hot places in May are the perfect spring getaways to chase a bit of early summer sun. With longer days and lovely warm weather rolling in, you don’t have to wait for peak summer to enjoy a brilliant holiday.

Whether you’re eyeing a quick hop to Europe or dreaming of somewhere far-flung, May 2025 has plenty of hot destinations waiting for you. So pack light (a carry-on CabinZero backpack is your best mate for stress-free travel) and get ready to explore. In this post, we’ll cover our top picks for May escapes.

Europe’s Hottest Picks for May Getaways

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)

Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Tenerife. Photo credit: Susan S

• Average Temperature: ~23°C (expect daytime highs around 24°C with plenty of sun)

If you’re craving a dose of sun, sea, summit, and adventure, Tenerife ticks all the boxes. Bask on the golden sands of Playa de las Américas, then cool off with a swim in the Atlantic. The next day, hike Teide National Park, where Spain’s highest peak (Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano) towers above you, or wander in the lush laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park for a totally different scene.

You’ll likely find good deals on flights and accommodation since it’s a shoulder month. It’s also festival time – across the Canaries, May 30th is Canary Islands Day, so you might catch local celebrations, music, and cuisine.

Travel Light Tip

 

Heading off on a short-haul escape means you can often get away with just hand luggage. Check out CabinZero’s lightweight carry-on backpacks – they’re perfectly sized for airline cabin allowances and will save you from baggage queues. Zip in your essentials and you’re good to go, whether it’s a weekend in Lisbon or a week in the Canaries. No heavy suitcases = more freedom.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

This is your most memorable hot holiday in Europe yet. IG:@zkleczek

• Average Temperature: ~22°C (comfortably warm days and cooler nights)

Lisbon is a fantastic hot place in May for a city break. Prices for hotels are often a bit gentler than in July/August, and you’ll have no trouble snagging a table at that famous fado music tavern. Every corner is a delight: from the historic yellow trams clattering up steep streets to the tiled façades of Alfama. And if you fancy a break from city wandering, you’re just a short train ride from Sintra or the sandy beaches of Cascais – talk about a varied escape!

3. Santorini, Greece

A great hot place to visit in May to soak up the romance at your own pace. Photo by Lucian Bolca - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~21°C (days are pleasantly warm around 23–24°C)

This is the shoulder season in Santorini. The cruise ship crowds haven’t fully arrived yet, so you can wander those Insta-famous blue-and-white streets in a more relaxed way. During the month, Santorini is warming up nicely: sunbathing on the black sand beaches at Perissa or Kamari is comfortable, and the sea is just about warm enough for a refreshing dip if you’re feeling brave. The island’s vineyards are coming to life too – how about a wine tasting with a view?

How Hot Is Greece In May?

Any Greek islands will be a good place to visit in May. Average daytime temperatures range from 19°C in northern regions like Psarádes to 28°C in southern areas such as Loútsa. Coastal cities like Athens typically experience highs around 26°C, while islands like Crete and Rhodes enjoy temperatures between 23°C and 28°C.

Top Hot Countries To Visit In May In Africa

4. Marrakesh, Morocco

This red-city gem is a feast for the senses. Photo by Maurizio De Mattei - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~29°C (with daytime highs near 30°C)

In May, the days are sunny and warm without the intense summer scorch, making it ideal for exploring souks and palaces. It’s just before the peak heat and tourist wave of summer, so you’ll find fewer crowds and better rates on riads (traditional guesthouses).

There are plenty of things to do: wander the historic Jemaa el-Fnaa square by day and enjoy open-air dining by night under starry desert skies. Make sure to plan a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or a sunset camel ride in the Agafay desert to get away from the hustle and bustle for something more relaxed.

5. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

A hot place in May with the kind of heat we can definitely get behind. Photo by master1305 - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~25°C-35°C

A trusted escape from European winter. This Red Sea resort town in Egypt turns up the heat in May with clear skies and warm seas made for snorkelling, swimming and floating your cares away. Fancy doing nothing? Sharm’s five-star resorts have got you. You will love Four Seasons Resort Sharm el-Sheikh’s mile-long private beach. But if you’ve got energy to burn, head out into the Sinai Desert on a 4x4 safari or explore Ras Mohammed National Park – one of the best diving spots in the world.

6. Mauritius

Ready to bring the sunshine forward a few months with this hot place to visit in May. Photo courtesy of wojciech.sobon

• Average Temperature: ~26°C

When the UK’s just warming up and summer still feels a bit far off, Mauritius is already serving up the full tropical treatment. Although this is the start of winter, it doesn’t quite feel like it. Plus, you’ll get all the golden weather (warm days, cooler evenings, low humidity) without the summer holiday crowds. The sea remains sunny and generous, and you'll have more space for yourself. That said, it’s best to pack a long-sleeve top or two for the chilly nights.

Asia’s Best Sunny Escapes in May

7. Kyoto, Japan

Flights to Japan in May can be more affordable than the cherry blossom season. IG:@lmj.mejos

• Average Temperature: ~19°C (pleasant warm days and cool nights)

Japan is the most popular hot place to visit in May. The cherry blossom crowds have departed (along with the inflated prices of sakura season), and what’s left is comfortable weather and relative tranquillity before the hot, humid summer.

Start your day early with a peaceful stroll through the towering bamboo groves of Arashiyama, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and wander through the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha (yes, it’s as magical as it looks in photos!).

There’s one thing to look out for, though. Early May does include the Golden Week holiday in Japan (late April to May 5th, when domestic travel peaks), so plan your trip for after that – mid to late May offers far fewer tourists.

8. Bali, Indonesia

Thailand is also hot and cheap in May, but Bali has a special mood to it. Photo by jordi - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~28°C (tropical warmth with moderate humidity)

May is dry season in Bali – expect lots of sunshine and just a small chance of rain. It’s just before the peak tourist season (June-August), so you get the best of both worlds: great weather and fewer crowds.

This Indonesian island paradise has a way of capturing your heart, whether you’re a surfer, a yogi, a foodie, or a digital nomad at heart. One moment you're chasing the turquoise waves of Uluwatu, and the next, you're riding a scooter beneath swaying coconut palms, no plan in sight except finding the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

9. Ha Noi, Vietnam

A hot holiday destination to visit with lush, green energy. Photo by ducvien - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: 25°C to 35°C

May is a transitional period in many Asian countries. The weather is pleasant and mild, without any intense heat. Just like anywhere else, the further South you go, the hotter it is. So it’s better to travel somewhere in the North of Vietnam, like the capital city, Hanoi.

A mix of sunshine and the first hints of summer rain – just enough to cool things off and make those Old Quarter streets shine. It’s the perfect time to sip iced coffee in shady courtyards, wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, or get lost in markets stacked high with everything from silk scarves to street food delights.

Where to Find Warmth in the Americas This May

10. Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (Cancún And Tulum)

Fly into Cancún and you’ve got a whole coastline of possibilities. Photo by SCStock - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~27°C (hot days in the low 30s °C and balmy nights)

For Caribbean-blue waters and a mix of relaxation and adventure, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a top choice. May in Mexico is just after the spring break/Easter rush, so the crowds thin out a bit, and it’s before the more humid, rainy summer months and hurricane season. 

The beaches here are sugar-white and the sea is warm – perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, or just floating without a care. Culturally, you could catch Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5th – while it’s not a massive festival in the Yucatán compared to other parts of Mexico, you’ll still find some vibrant parties and parades, especially in downtown Cancún.

11. Machu Picchu, Peru

This is adventure with a capital A. Photo by tan4ikk - stock.adobe.com

• Average Temperature: ~18°C (comfortable during the day, cooler at night at altitude)

Why is this a great hot place to visit in May? Two words: dry season. May marks the beginning of the dry winter season in the Peruvian Andes, which means far less chance of rain interfering with your plans to hike or sightsee. Another perk: the landscape is freshly green from the tail end of the rains in April, so the valleys and hillsides are verdant and the flowers are blooming – your photos will pop with colour.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica in May is all about pure vida. Photo credit: @kefds

• Average Temperature: ~23°C-34°C

Looking for a hot holiday destination in May with a focus on outdoor activities and hiking? Costa Rica fits the bill. It’s the start of the green season, which means sunny mornings, short afternoon showers, and everything – and we mean everything – bursting with life.

Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys, grab a board and, then cool off under a waterfall in La Fortuna. May is perfect for chasing adventure: zip-lining through the cloud forests of Monteverde or surfing Pacific waves in spots like Tamarindo or Santa Teresa. Remember to toss your swimsuit, hiking shoes, and something light in your carry-on.

Hot Destinations To Visit In May

From short-haul beach bliss to long-haul adventures of a lifetime, May 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing time to travel. The world is warming up and opening its doors – and with fewer fellow tourists underfoot, you can savour these destinations to the fullest.

Wherever you choose to go, remember that the best way to travel is light and free. So if you’re feeling inspired, check out CabinZero’s travel backpacks to find your perfect lightweight companion, and get packing. With the right backpack and an open mind, you’ll be all set to embrace a spontaneous May getaway.