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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 2027, the Early May Bank Holiday (3rd May) and the Spring Bank Holiday (31st May) create two clear peaks in demand and pricing. For better value, aim for the quieter period between 10th and 23rd May. During this window, you avoid both bank holiday rushes while still enjoying settled temperatures of 20°C+ in destinations like Faro and Paphos. It’s the sweet spot — warm enough for the beach, comfortable for exploring, and often cheaper than travelling later in the season when summer demand starts to build.
- The "Whit Week" pivot
If you're tied to the May Half-Term break (31st May–4th June in many parts of the UK), consider looking beyond the Western Mediterranean, where demand and prices typically peak during this period. Destinations like Hurghada can offer guaranteed 30°C+ temperatures and strong all-inclusive value, often helping to offset the cost of the longer flight.
For long-haul options, Bali is also worth considering. May and early June fall within its dry season, bringing warm, sunny weather and generally better value before peak summer demand arrives later in July and August. While destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece remain popular, looking further afield during half-term can often deliver better weather, better availability and more for your money.
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.
