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You’ve done the research and found out where’s hot in May, now it’s time to find a deal, whether you’re chasing spring sunshine in Europe or tropical heat further afield.
Explore the hottest short-haul destinations, from beach days and history in Paphos, and fresh seafood and sandy stretches in Crete, to the reliable sun and art galleries of Malaga. An easy escape from the UK, they’re ideal for an early taste of summer.
Or, if you’re looking for temperatures over 30⁰C, try the palm-fringed beaches of Phuket, the outdoor adventures and white sands of Punta Cana, or bask next to the glittering waters of Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Hurghada.
We’ve collated the best May holiday deals from the UK’s top travel companies so you can compare thousands of cheap May holidays in one place. Plus, all of the package holidays on TravelSupermarket are ATOL-protected, so you can book your escape with complete confidence.
Use the filters below to compare deals by budget, board basis and flight time.
Popular countries for beach holidays in May
- The "Shoulder-Season" sweet spot
In 2026, the Early May Bank Holiday (May 4th) and the Spring Bank Holiday (May 25th) create two distinct pricing surges. For the best value, aim for the "forgotten fortnight" between May 11th and May 22nd. During this window, you avoid the half-term price hike while benefiting from settled 20°C+ temperatures in Faro and Paphos. It is the "Goldilocks" zone: warm enough for the beach, cool enough for exploring the Algarve’s cliffs or Cyprus’s ruins, and significantly cheaper than the June rush.
- The "Whit Week" pivot
If you are tied to the May Half-Term (May 25th–29th), avoid the sky-high prices of the Western Mediterranean by pivoting to the Red Sea or Bali. While short-haul costs to Malaga peak during this week, Hurghada offers guaranteed 30°C heat and luxury all-inclusive value that often offsets the longer flight. Alternatively, skip the "Green Season" rains of Phuket and head to Bali; May marks the start of their dry season, offering perfect tropical weather and "shoulder-season" rates before the global summer crowd arrives in July.
People want to know...
FAQs
Why is May considered the best month for a cheap luxury holiday?
In many destinations, May is a shoulder month bridging the gap between the best weather and the highest prices, and colder, wetter months. Across the Mediterranean, luxury resorts will be at their busiest in July and August, so get there before temperatures and prices hot up. In the Caribbean, May marks the start of the rainy season.
Where are the best value-for-money destinations in May?
May sits just outside of the peak season in long-haul destinations including Egypt, Mexico and the Caribbean meaning you’ll find prices drop considerably from their December to April peak. Closer to home, look for destinations such as Crete and the Algarve. Visiting in May at the start of the season is a much more affordable option than peak summer.
Which budget-friendly destinations are hot in May?
Popular European destinations are heating up in May, but prices are significantly below their July and August peaks. Take a look at deals to Spain’s Costa Brava, Menorca, the Canary Islands, or Italy’s Sardinia . Daily maximums for all sit in the low 20⁰Cs. Longer haul, destinations such as Thailand are entering their wet season from May, when prices fall.
More holiday deals by month
Whether you’re just starting to make your holiday plans, or are looking for the best deals for a specific location, being flexible with your travel month may result in lower prices. Plan ahead and browse for the best holiday deals by month.
