There may be a number of reasons why you are considering a holiday abroad in May. It could be that it is the only time you can take your annual leave, or maybe the children have time off from school or college then. Or maybe you are tempted by the lower prices of flights and accommodation before the start of the summer season.
Whatever the reasons are, you will be glad to know that there are some great travel
destinations that have a lot to offer in May. Without further ado, here are our top
choices for a holiday abroad in May:
Crete or Athens, Greece
If you like warm weather, but not too warm, you don’t want to be travelling to Greece
in the peak of summer, with August temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Incidentally,
the summer months inevitably mean crowds of tourists, tightly-packed beaches, and
the potential for inflated prices. Visiting in May, just before the start of the busy
season, means that you can enjoy temperatures of 24-25°C in the southern parts
such as Crete and Athens. Rain will be very unlikely here at this time of the year, and
you will enjoy 14 hours of daylight every day. Greece has something to offer to
anyone – outstanding paradise beaches, high-quality accommodation with swimming
pools, delicious local cuisine, and endless opportunities for sightseeing and
experiencing the country’s long and rich history and traditions.
Hokkaido, Japan
If you are thinking about venturing further afield for your holiday abroad, Hokkaido in
Japan might be a good bet. You might be thinking that the best time to visit Japan is
April, when the famous cherry trees blossom, however, it is a little-known fact that
they blossom a month later in Hokkaido. There are several parks in Hokkaido where
you can observe the cherry-blossom trees. For example, Sapporo’s Moerenuma
The park has about 1,900 trees. Alternatively, you can visit Hakodate Park, where you
can see the trees with the sea in the background. Hokkaido is one of the best places
to experience the Japanese tradition of beholding the beauty of flowers known as
Hanami. Temperatures in Hokkaido in May are between 14-18°C, and light rain is
possible but should not affect your time there too much.
Paris, France
While there is no need to point out everything you can do in Paris, it is important to
mention that traveling there in May is a really good idea. By this time, the weather
has turned mild and temperate, with threes and gardens blossoming everywhere.
The Musical Gardens and the Great Musical Waters at the Palace of Versailles are
in full swing, and you can expect temperatures of up to 20°C. You might see some
rain, but with so many indoor activities to choose from that should not affect your trip
negatively. The busy season in Paris is in July and August, so the attractions will be
less crowded and queues will go faster.
Malta
Malta does not always spring to mind when considering a holiday abroad, however
the country has a lot to offer. The island has a rich history and a number of
sightseeing attractions. The cuisine will not fall short of what you would expect from
the Mediterranean, and if you like seafood you will not be disappointed. Shopping in
Malta can also be a great experience, with a number of designer brands having
made their way into the country in recent years. And, of course, be sure to pack your
beach-going gear – while the average temperatures in May are between 19-24°C,
highs of 28°C are not uncommon and are perfect for lazing around the pool or
visiting the country’s gorgeous beaches.
Seychelles
If you are in the market for a romantic getaway, an anniversary trip, or a holiday
abroad for your honeymoon, you should definitely consider the Seychelles. It is a
magical place sporting pristine white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. There are
115 islands offering a range of activities besides beach-going. More adventurous
travellers will want to go on hikes across the many rich national parks, and the
foodies will enjoy tasting the unique local cuisine (warning – could be spicy!). For
May, you can expect average temperatures of 28°C, however these can go up to
31°C. The great thing about the Seychelles is that the place stays warm overnight,
with temperatures of 25°C. Don’t worry, your sleep won’t be affected by excessive
heat as the majority of accommodation comes with air conditioning as standard. As
the high season in the Seychelles is in July, August, December, and January, you
can expect less crowds on the beaches and more affordable flights and
accommodation. Some rain is possible, but the rain spells usually last for a short
period of time. All in all, a great place to visit in May!