In May, spring has finally arrived everywhere and in some parts of Europe it is already summery warm. We present the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe in May with hot weather.
Table of contents
Why should you go on holiday in May?
Advantages of a holiday in May
- Public holidays save you days off
- School holidays in some countries
- Bathing destinations are only a few hours’ flight away
- It’s still low season, which means it’s cheaper and less crowded
- Good weather for city breaks
Disadvantages of a holiday in May
- In Europe, the water temperature is still cool
- Popular long-haul destinations are in the rainy season
Where is the best place for sun in May in Europe?
- Greece
- Andalusia
- Canary Islands
- Balearic Islands
- Sicily
- Sardinia
- Turkey
- Croatia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Madeira
- Algarve
- Azores
- Southern France
- Cyprus
Where is the sea warm in May in Europe?
The Mediterranean is still almost too cool for a bathing holiday in May. Only the eastern Mediterranean coastline, with destinations such as Cyprus, the Turkish Riviera, Israel and some Greek islands, can already boast water temperatures close to the 20-degree mark. The Atlantic sea around the Canary Islands and Morocco is already getting warmer, but is still quite fresh. The Red Sea in Egypt offers really pleasant bathing temperatures. The water here is already 26 degrees warm.
Best holiday destinations in May in Europe
Greek islands: Is Greece warm in May?
In May, it is nice and sunny and pleasantly warm in Greece. The sea is almost 20 degrees “warm”. If it’s still too cool for swimming, the Greek islands are one of the best destinations in May for an active holiday, e.g. hiking in Corfu or visiting ancient ruins. On your holiday in May, you can expect average temperatures of 23 to 25 degrees during the day. Kos and Corfu are statistically a little warmer than Rhodes and Crete.
Flight time from Central Europe to Kos: approx. 4 h
Average temperature in May on Kos:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 25 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 16 degrees
- Water temperature: 19 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 3
Fantastic hotels in Greece
Is Turkey hot in May?
Turkey is an excellent destination in May. The warm weather is ideal for city trips in Istanbul and active holidays in the Taurus Mountains. On the Mediterranean coast around Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya, the bathing season starts and it can get quite hot. The warmest weather in May is on the coast around Side. In May, it is not only cheaper to take an all-inclusive holiday on the Turkish Riviera or the Turkish Aegean. In contrast to summer, highlights like Pamukkale or Ephesus can be visited without melting in the sun and having crowds of people on holiday photos. On top of that, there are thermal springs, stunning beaches, hamam visits, unbelievably delicious Turkish food….
A holiday in Turkey in May gives you the chance to discover the diversity of this beautiful country at pleasant temperatures and reasonable prices. Thumbs up!
Flight duration from UK to Antalya: approx. 4 h
Average temperature in Side in May:
- Daytime high: 26 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 14 degrees
- Water temperature: 20 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 5
Holidays in Turkey
Canary Islands – pleasant weather all year round
In spring, one would not immediately think of the Canary Islands as a travel destination. However, the popular islands are just as suitable for a holiday in May as at other times of the year due to their climatic conditions. May is fortunately low season in the Canary Islands, which means fewer tourists and cheaper travel prices.
It can get quite windy in May, so it’s just right for surfers and kitesurfers. Daily sunshine is guaranteed anyway and if you want to do something other than sunbathing or surfing, the mountainous islands are great for hiking. Tenerife is a perfect hiking destination, whereas Fuerteventura attracts divers and surfers with its turquoise waters and surf beaches. The water temperatures of the Atlantic can compete with the Mediterranean in May.
Flight time from UK to Tenerife: approx. 4 to 5 h
Average temperature in May in Tenerife South:
- Daytime maximum temperature: 24° Celsius
- Night temperature: 17 °C
- Water temperature: 19 °C
- Number of rainy days: 1
Matching hotels in the Canary Islands
Andalusia: One of the hottest travel destinations in May in Europe
Andalusia simply has everything that travel destinations in Europe should have in May: Plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, endless white sands on the Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol and cultural highlights in cities like Seville, Granada, Ronda or Cadiz. The south of Spain is one of the warmest regions in Europe. Although the Mediterranean and Atlantic are still cool, the warm sunshine kisses the skin and the relaxed way of life in Andalusia make for a holiday feeling in May.
Flight time from Central Europe to Jerez de la Frontera: approx. 3 h
Average temperature in May on the Costa del Sol:
- Daytime high: 28 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 18 °C
- Water temperature: 17 °C
- Number of rainy days: 3
Hotels by the Costa de la Luz
Popular destinations in May: Balearic Islands
Because it’s so beautiful, we’re staying in Spain. We all love the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. Holidays in May on the Balearic Islands mean that you share Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca with fewer holidaymakers than in high season. It’s excellent weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or sightseeing, but not too hot. The landscape is still beautifully green and not as parched as in summer. By the way: Ibiza is the warmest Balearic island in May!
Flight time from UK to Mallorca: approx. 2.5 h
Average temperature in May on Mallorca:
- Daytime maximum temperature: 23° Celsius
- Night temperature: 12 °C
- Water temperature: 17 °C
- Number of rainy days: 5
Austria: Hiking in Tyrol & co.
The summer season in the Austrian Alps begins slowly in May. At higher altitudes, snowfields form a photogenic contrast to flowering alpine meadows. The special attraction of hiking in May is the world of mountains awakening from hibernation. You almost have the hiking trails to yourself. Of course, you can be unlucky with the weather on a holiday in May. But holiday resorts in Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Styria offer plenty of bad-weather alternatives.
In May, you can find real bargains in Austria. It’s best to choose a hotel with a wellness area. After a day of hiking, you will really appreciate the sauna! When choosing your holiday destination, check which regions offer special discounts with guest cards, summer cards and the like. For me, the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, which you get for free with your overnight stay, e.g. at the TUI BLUE Schladming, is unbeatable when it comes to the range of included admissions, cable cars etc.
Hiking in Austria
Sardinia: perfect time to visit in May
The Caribbean of the Mediterranean – that’s what the Italian island of Sardinia is also called. The famous Costa Smeralda with its turquoise waters is just one of the many beautiful stretches of coastline on the Italian island. A holiday in May on Sardinia offers – unlike in the very hot summers – the possibility to actively explore the island and that at mild temperatures. Cities such as Cagliari or Alghero attract visitors with historical buildings and Mediterranean flair as travel destinations in May. Inland, numerous hiking trails criss-cross the Gennargentu Mountains, for example. On the way, you will come across rustic trattorias where “Mamma” serves solid Sardinian home cooking. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a sailing trip around the archipelago “Maddalena National Park” and enjoy the crystal-clear sea in breathtaking bays.
Flight time from UK to Olbia/Sardinia: approx. 3 h
Average temperature in May in Sardinia:
- Daytime maximum temperature: 23° Celsius
- Night temperature: 14°C
- Water temperature: 18°C
- Number of rainy days: 4
Book your holiday in Sardinia
Cyprus: Hot temperatures in May
Due to its location in the eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is always a little warmer than other Mediterranean islands. For a holiday in May, Cyprus is already a real summer destination: 28 degrees during the day and 11 hours of daily sunshine. The sea has already warmed up to 22 degrees. The fact that there is a lot to see on the divided island apart from beautiful sandy beaches is a great bonus and makes Cyprus one of the best holiday destinations in Europe in May. The pleasant weather, quaint villages, mythical springs, high mountains and a Greek oriental flair, in between picturesque bays and lively towns. What more could you want?
Flight time from UK to Cyprus: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours
Average temperature in May in the south of Cyprus:
- Daytime high: 28 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 16 °C
- Water temperature: 22 °C
- Number of rainy days: 2
Algarve: Is Portugal hot in May?
The Algarve spoils you with 10 hours of sunshine a day during your holiday in May. With an air temperature of 22°C, hiking in the rocky Algarve with cliffs up to 50 metres high is great fun. The sandy Algarve, on the other hand, is worthwhile for endless walks. Since it is always windy on the Atlantic coast, May is the perfect time to learn to surf in the Algarve. The water is still quite fresh at 17 degrees! On the other hand, the Algarve is less crowded in May than in summer. Just sit in the sun, nibble a Pastel de Nata and enjoy life!
Flight time from UK to Faro: approx. 2.5 h
Average temperature in May in the Algarve:
- Daytime high: 22 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 13 °C
- Water temperature: 17 °C
- Number of rainy days: 4
Montenegro
The small Balkan country is still considered an insider tip in Western Europe. Yet the Adriatic coast of Montenegro is well developed for tourism. Places like Kotor (with the famous bay), Herceg Novi and Budva have a lot of flair, and there are even really sophisticated holiday resorts. Don’t miss the breathtaking mountain world of the Durmitor National Park on a holiday in May. Montenegro is an ideal travel destination in May for a rafting adventure in the Tara Gorge and already boasts warm weather. Fun Fact: The official currency in Montenegro is the euro.
Flight time from UK to Montenegro: approx. 2.5 h
Average temperature in Budva in May:
- Daytime high temperature: 22° Celsius
- Night temperature: 12°C
- Water temperature: 19 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 7
Madeira: Alternative destination in May
The Canary Islands are too “mainstream” for you and you want good weather for an active holiday? The island of Madeira is perfect for a holiday in May with hiking, mountains and blooming landscapes. It never gets too hot on the Portuguese Atlantic island and the favourable climate ensures an eternal spring. One of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe in May that you wouldn’t have thought of spontaneously. But it’s worth it!
Flight time from UK to Madeira: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours
Average temperature in May on Madeira:
- Daytime high: 22° Celsius
- Night temperature: 15°C
- Water temperature: 18°C
- Number of rainy days: 3
Malta: British-Mediterranean flair and pleasant temperatures
On the island of Malta, between Tunisia and Sicily, it is already pleasantly warm this month. There are many ways to spend your holiday in Malta in May: Stroll through the interersting architecture of the old town of the capital Valetta, take a detour to the sleepy neighbouring island of Gozo or simply enjoy a typical British pub crawl. The fascinating mix of Mediterranean, Arabic and British influences is what lends Malta its special flair. And you can get along wonderfully here with English. One of the most inconspicuous destinations in Europe in May, but great for those who like culture.
Flight time from Central Europe to Malta: approx. 3 h
Average temperature in May in Malta:
- Daytime high temperature: 21° Celsius
- Night temperature: 15°C
- Water temperature: 19°C
- Number of rainy days: 2
Croatia: Active holidays in May
From May onwards, the summer weather starts on the Dalmatian coast. The further south towards Dubrovnik, the warmer it gets. Croatia is also a suitable destination in May because the weather is just right for sightseeing and active sports. Whether you try rafting or marvel at the view of the coast while hiking – a holiday in May is definitely worthwhile on the Adriatic coast. My favourite for an unforgettable holiday is the Makarska Riviera.
Flight time from UK to Split: approx. 2.5 h
Average temperature in May on the Makarska Riviera:
- Daytime maximum temperature: 22° Celsius
- Night temperature: 15 °C
- Water temperature: 19 °C
- Number of rainy days: 7
Morocco: The bathing season begins
Before it gets so hot in the summer that you melt in the sun, you should spend your Moroccan holiday in May. A visit to the souks in Marrakech can get sweaty at 30 degrees, but at higher altitudes in the Atlas Mountains it is perfect hiking weather. One of the highlights in May is the Valley of Roses between the Sahara and the Atlas. You wouldn’t expect such a blooming landscape in Morocco. The traditional Rose Festival is celebrated on the second weekend in May and is perfect for a day trip.
The bathing season is just beginning on the Atlantic beaches and the main bathing resort of Agadir. As a destination for a bathing holiday in May, it may still be a little too cool, but those who go swimming in the Canary Islands will not find the Atlantic near Agadir too chilly.
Flight time from UK to Agadir: approx. 3.5 h
Average temperature in Agadir in May:
- Daytime high temperature: 24° Celsius
- Night temperature: 14°C
- Water temperature: 19°C
- Number of rainy days: 5
Book a holiday in Morocco
Egypt: hottest destination in May only a few hours away
The best destination in May with high summer temperatures, many hours of daily sunshine and a short flight time is definitely Egypt. It is already over 30 degrees, which offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving. For a beach holiday in May, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam are just right. For visits to the historical sites along the Nile, it is better to switch to cooler seasons.
Flight time from UK to Hurghada: approx. 5.5 h
Average temperature in May in Hurghada/Egypt:
- Daytime high: 32 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 20 degrees
- Water temperature: 26 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 0
All-inclusive Hotels in Egypt
Tunisia: The further south the warmer
This month marks the beginning of the bathing season in Tunisia. Djerba is best suited for a holiday in May because the island is sunnier and warmer than the area around Hammamet and Sousse. A desert trip as a destination in May, on the other hand, can already suffer from the high temperatures in the Sahara.
Flight time from UK to Djerba: approx. 3.5 hours
Average temperature in May on Djerba:
- Daytime high: 27 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 17 degrees
- Water temperature: 19 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 5
City breaks in May – these are the most popular cities
- Marrakech
- Venice
- Barcelona
- Istanbul
- Paris
- London
Where is hot in May: Longhaul destinations
In many regions of the world, May is the rainy season. Nevertheless, there are a few seaside destinations that have ideal weather for a holiday in May. These include the popular island of Bali, the gorgeous Seychelles and Mauritius. One of the best destinations in May for long-distance travel is central Vietnam. It is hot and dry – ideal for a round trip with a beach holiday.
If you’ve always wanted to go to the South Pacific and don’t mind the long flight, you’ll find good weather in May in French Polynesia, for example.
In the Caribbean, however, the rainy season begins while the winter months are the best time to visit. The driest places are the Caribbean islands Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Cape Verde has the shortest travel time for a long-distance trip with good weather.
Conclusion of the best hot holiday destinations in May
In the southern and eastern Mediterranean, you will find holiday destinations in May that are already suitable for a beach holiday. Pleasant bathing is possible on Cyprus or only a little further away in the Red Sea. On the other hand, with early summer temperatures in many regions of southern Europe, May is perfect for an active holiday.
Which Greek island is warmest in May?
The warmest Greek island in May is Kos with daytime temperatures of 25 degrees.
Where is it warmest in Italy in May?
In Italy, Sicily and Tuscany are the warmest in May, with daytime temperatures of 24 to 25 degrees.
Which is the hottest Canary Island in May?
With 24 degrees air temperature during the day, Tenerife, El Hierro and Lanzarote are considered the warmest Canary Islands in May.
Where is it warmest in Europe in May?
The warmest place in Europe in May is Cyprus. On the south coast the thermometer climbs up to 28 degrees.
Hottest place in mediterranean in May?
With a water temperature of 22 degrees, the Mediterranean Sea around Cyprus is the warmest in May.