Where's hot in May?
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Whether you’re chasing spring sunshine or seeking tropical heat in hotspots where summer has already begun, use our guide to where’s hot in May to find the best destinations for your next holiday.
With not one but two May bank holidays giving a boost to many people’s annual leave, as well a school half term holiday falling later in the month, you may have more time than usual to travel.
Spring is in full bloom in the UK in May, which also means temperatures are hotting up across Europe, making dreams of a short-haul beach holiday a reality. Explore our guide to the hottest short-haul destinations from beach days beside ancient ruins in Paphos, to the pink sand beaches of Crete, or the reliable sun and arty vibe of Malaga.
Or, if you’re looking for something over 30⁰C, try the jungle-fringed shores of Phuket, the Caribbean white sands of Punta Cana, or bask in the clear waters of Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Hurghada.
To help with your planning, we’ve rounded up where’s hot in May with detailed destination guides, travel advice and top booking tips to secure the best price.
Europe is beginning to heat up in May, with many resort destinations around the Mediterranean opening for the season.
Though temperatures are still in the low 20⁰Cs, you might find it’s hot enough to linger in or by the pool, especially later in the month. It’s also still cool enough for more active breaks from hiking to biking.
However, if you’ve a little more time on your hands and the priority is spending hot, lazy days on the sun-lounger, long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Egypt or the Dominican Republic offer significantly higher temperatures.
| Destination | Temp | Sunshine | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paphos, Cyprus | 21°C | 10 hours | 4h 40m |
| Crete, Greece | 23°C | 10 hours | 4h 0m |
| Faro, Algarve | 22°C | 10 hours | 3h 0m |
| Malaga, Costa del Sol | 23°C | 9 hours | 3h 0m |
| Phuket, Thailand | 32°C | 6 hours | 12h 30m |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 30°C | 8 hours | 9h 20m |
| Bali, Indonesia | 30°C | 10 hours | 18h 30m |
| Hurghada, Egypt | 31°C | 11 hours | 5h 20m |
*Average temperature and sunshine in May
May is the golden 'Shoulder Season' in the Med. In the Algarve and Crete, you get summer sun without the crowds, but the sea is still fresh-look for shallow, sheltered coves for warmer swims. For Thailand, pack a lightweight poncho; afternoon showers are common but usually clear up in 20 minutes.
Short-haul vs long-haul May holiday destinations
While both the May bank holidays and half term mean that you may have more time for a break, the increase in demand can result in an increase in prices. And top European destinations can get busy during this period.
However, some longer-haul spots are entering their low seasons in May – due to either a spike in temperature, the start of rainy seasons or both – meaning if long-haul is an option, you may be able to find some better deals.
Top European destinations in May for hot weather
If you’re wondering where’s hot in May travelling short-haul, several sunny Mediterranean destinations offer warm temperatures without a long flight. Places like Paphos (Cyprus), Crete (Greece), Faro (Algarve) and Malaga (Costa del Sol) enjoy plenty of sunshine, pleasant sea breezes and daytime highs of up to 23⁰C, ideal for both beach time and exploring. An easy escape from the UK, they’re a short-haul option for an early taste of summer.
Paphos
Average maximum temperature in May - 24⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 10 hrs
It’s sunny most days in Cyprus, making Paphos a fabulous year-round destination. And while July and August can reach highs of over 30⁰C, summer is also peak season when prices are higher and visitor numbers are at a maximum.
In May, things are a little cooler with an average maximum daytime temperature of 24°C. That’s still plenty hot enough to while away a day at one of Paphos’ 27 main beaches, but you’ll find hotels and flights are a little cheaper excluding late May’s half term break.
With lows at around 15⁰C, this late spring period is also ideal if you’re looking for a more active break, with scenic cycling and hiking routes – both coastal and mountainous – to explore nearby.
Crete
Average maximum temperature in May - 23⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 10 hrs
Famous for its pink-sand beaches and picturesque coastline, holidaymakers head to Crete year-round for a relaxing Mediterranean break. Following lows of 14⁰C in the winter season, May sees the first glimpses of real warmth with comfortable daily highs of around 23⁰C. May’s a shoulder season too, where you’ll still see the sun but swerve the crowds of mid-summer.
Capital Heraklion is an easy base from which to explore and make the most of the sunshine, offering a mix of family-friendly resorts and plenty of local history and culture for those looking for activities away from the beach.
Walk the Venetian harbour of historic Chania, the island’s second largest city. It’s also a foodie hub with top seafood restaurants and authentic Cretan cuisine. Grab a table at a traditional taverna for the best seafood from the day’s catch or relax by the sea. Chania also has several beaches, with the main beach just minutes on foot from the harbour. For the pink sands, take a trip to Elafonisi Beach.
Faro
Average maximum temperature in May - 22⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May – 10 hrs
Faro isn’t just the gateway to the Algarve, it’s a destination in itself. Many holidaymakers travelling to this southerly region of Portugal – famed for its sandy Atlantic beaches, golden cliffs and over 300 days of sunshine – arrive via the city’s international airport before travelling on.
Yet the city itself has beautifully-preserved historic streets, sandy beaches and a dramatic coastline. Luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels and self-catering apartments line its shore. There’s safe shallow water for snorkelling and plenty of spots to sunbathe, either by the pool or the waves.
Wander around the museums, galleries and churches of the harbour town with its mix of Medieval, Moorish and Roman-inspired architecture. Explore the nearby Ria Formosa nature reserve, too, a protected wilderness of tidal flatlands, islands and tidal lagoons.
Temperatures hit an average daily maximum of 22⁰C in May, before the peaks of 29⁰C in July and August bring a marked increase in visitor numbers.
Malaga
Average maximum temperature in May - 23⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 9 hrs
Sunny, arty and packed with great seafood and lively nightlife, Malaga is far more than just the gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Famous for being the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso, it’s still an arts hub. Paris’ modern art hub the Pompidou Centre opened an outpost here in 2015. You can’t miss it, it’s housed in a stained-glass cube.
Walk the lanes of the old town, stopping to people watch at shaded tapas bars. History buffs won’t be able to resist a visit to the Alcazaba fortress. Or leave the city behind and immerse yourself in nature in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city’s sandy beaches are lined with bars and seafood restaurants, so when you’re done with the sun, round off the day with freshly-caught delicacies. May’s half term holidays are a peak for the city, so expect higher prices during this time.
Top long-haul hot weather destinations in May
If you’re searching for the top long-haul hot weather destinations in May, there are plenty of great options. Bali (Indonesia) and Hurghada (Egypt) offer year-round heat. While Phuket (Thailand) and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) are the places to go for tropical beaches and warm seas. With the latter entering their low seasons in May, you’ll find prices are more affordable.
Phuket
Average maximum temperature in May - 32⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 6 hrs
Rest and reset in the shade of a palm tree, then cool off in the bright blue Andaman Sea. Warm clear ocean, wild jungle, white sands and palm-fringed beaches are what holiday dreams are made of. And Phuket has them all.
With accommodation to suit all budgets – from backpacker hostels on a budget to luxury retreats – it’s no wonder this island off southwest Thailand is one of the country’s biggest resort destinations.
May is a particularly affordable time to visit. Weather-wise that does mean some potential compromises. April and May are the hottest times to visit with high humidity and average maximum temperatures of 33⁰C. May also marks the beginning of monsoon season, which runs through to November. The average number of days with some rain jumps from 11 in April to 21 in May. If that’s not a deal breaker, you could find yourself a bargain.
Punta Cana
Average maximum temperature in May - 30⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 8 hrs
Punta Cana on the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast is a sun seekers’ playground. This is the spot where luxurious, budget and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts serve up mean rum punches to guests soaking up the sun beneath swaying palms. Around 30 miles (48km) of white-sand beaches are lined with resorts, particularly along the popular stretch of Bavaro Beach.
While temperatures rarely dip below the late 20⁰Cs, the average maximum for May is 30⁰C. Outside of the resorts and their kids’ clubs, keep children busy with horse riding, kitesurfing, white-water rafting and endless snorkelling opportunities. Or head out of town to the National Parks of Cotubanamá with its more than 400 caves, and the mangrove-filled Los Haitises.
May does mark the start of the off-peak or wet season meaning prices are lower. However, with an average of 13 days with some rain, it shouldn’t disrupt you too much.
Bali
Average maximum temperature in May - 30⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 10 hrs
Lush landscapes, palm-fringed beaches and photogenic rice terraces, Bali is a picture-postcard tropical island destination. It’s not hard to see why visitors flock to its beach hotels, tree-house style accommodation in the jungle and love its infinity pools overlooking rice paddies.
You can expect year-round warmth here, with temperatures sitting consistently a few degrees above or below 30⁰C. That said, there are wet and dry seasons to consider. The dry season runs from May to October, with the peak season in July and August, and December until the first week of January. As such, May is a great time to go, before prices and visitor numbers soar.
In May, the weather is slightly less humid, making it ideal for more active breaks involving surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking and visiting the island’s many temples.
Hurghada
Average maximum temperature in May - 31⁰C
Average hours of sunlight in May - 11 hrs
Once just a fishing village, Hurghada now boasts a 20-mile (32km) stretch of resorts along its glittering waterfront with all-inclusive hotels, family friendly resorts and luxury properties offering both pools and immediate beach access.
Temperatures here remain over 30⁰C from May to October, so somewhere to cool off is much needed. May itself sees an average maximum temperature of 31⁰C, so if you’re seeking heat, you’ve found it.
It’s this consistent warmth – temperatures rarely dip below 20⁰C in winter – combined with the area’s world-class diving, that draws visitors to Egypt’s Red Sea year after year. Dive to bountiful coral reefs, snorkel by the shoreline or just bask by the pool and sample the lively local nightlife. Peak season runs from October to April, so May is a great time to visit as prices begin to fall.
May weather around the world
May is a transitional season around the world meaning that price-wise, this can be a great time to travel. Destinations including the Caribbean, parts of Mexico and Thailand leave the dry season in April, with May marking the start of the wetter, more humid months. In Europe, things are starting to warm-up ahead of the peak July and August months, meaning you can still get some sun but it will be less reliable than in mid-summer.
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May sun: Your questions answered
FAQs
Where is the warmest place for a beach holiday in May?
Long-haul countries such as Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands are some of the best places to visit in May for sun. Temperatures are consistently above 30⁰C. Be aware that the start of wet seasons in the Caribbean and Thailand can mean showers and increased humidity.
Is the Mediterranean Sea warm enough to swim in during May?
Yes, but you may not want to linger. The Mediterranean Sea is still cold in May, as it hasn’t had the chance to warm up over the summer yet. Temperatures range from a brisk 17⁰C to 20⁰C, depending on the spring weather. For warmer waters, parts of the Med reach 28-30⁰C in August and September.
Which Greek islands are the hottest in May?
Which short-haul destinations have the lowest hotel prices in May?
Research from TravelSupermarket in March 2026* showed that the lowest average hotel-only seven-night package holiday price for May was to Spain’s Costa Brava with prices averaging £458pp. Kefalonia prices averaged £529pp, Menorca £533pp and Sardinia £543pp. Now is also a great time to take advantage of lower prices for Santorini following last year’s earthquakes, with seven-night deals averaging £546pp.
*Please note: Price data is based on clicked prices from 1 January - 10 March 2026 for travel in May 2026. Prices show the average package holiday price for May 2026.
Where can I find guaranteed 25°C weather in May?
For guaranteed heat in May, your best bet is long-haul destinations including Egypt, Malaysia, Thailand, Morocco and the Caribbean. All have average May temperatures around 30⁰C or above. Though short-haul destinations such as the Canary Islands are heating up, average spring temperatures still sit in the low 20⁰Cs.
Is it hot enough for sunbathing in Turkey during May?
Yes. It is generally hot enough for sunbathing in Turkey in May, particularly along the southern Mediterranean (Antalya) and Aegean coasts, where daytime temperatures often reach between 23-28⁰C. Expect daytime maximum temperatures of 25°C in Dalaman. Holiday favourites such as Bodrum are also around 25°C, on average, at this time of year.
Which long-haul countries enter 'dry season' in May?
In May, several long-haul destinations enter their dry, sunny season, offering ideal weather for travel. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, key locations include Indonesia (especially Bali), Mauritius, Hawaii and other South Pacific islands including Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Closer to home, the dry season for the southern Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia) starts in June.
Is it worth flying long-haul for heat in May?
Yes. If you just want it to be warm enough for t-shirts and relaxing in the sun, European destinations with temperatures in their early 20⁰Cs will be perfect. However, if you’re looking for temperatures closer to 30⁰C for sustained sunbathing, sea swimming and more, longer-haul destinations are your best bet. Morocco and Egypt are your closest destinations for this heat.
Which destinations under a four-hour flight away are hot in May?
Destinations in the southern Mediterranean tend to be the hottest at this time of year, and are under or around a four-hour flight from the UK. Islands such as Crete and Malta have average daily maximums around 23⁰C. Kos and Rhodes are a little hotter at around 24⁰C.
Which destinations enter their "rainy season" in May?
Destinations such as the Caribbean and Thailand enter their rainy seasons in May, lasting until October. Temperatures remain high (over 30⁰C), but increased daily showers can mean things are more humid. It’s a great time to travel if you’re looking for a better deal; prices are markedly lower than the peak December to April period during this time.
What should I pack for a Mediterranean holiday in May?
What you should pack in May for a Mediterranean holiday depends on what your plans are. Though May is generally warm enough for a beach break, it’s always best to take layers, especially for evenings. If your break is more active, such as hiking or cycling, a mixture of light layers means you can always add or remove them as required.
Are water parks and beach clubs fully open in May?
Many water parks and beach clubs begin to open or are fully operational in May, particularly in popular European destinations such as Spain, Turkey and Greece where temperatures tend to be a little warmer. Always check local listings before booking to confirm.
Which destinations are best for avoiding the May half-term crowds?
If you’re looking for a break that avoids families taking a holiday over May half-term, city breaks might be your best option. Though cities will also be busy, they’re less geared-up to accommodate families looking for a relaxing escape than more popular beach destinations.
