Where to go by month

Where to go in May

May is warm but not yet crowded around the Mediterranean and in the Balkans, and a good month for the Andes and southern Africa as their dry season begins.

122 countries and territories are in their best season in May, based on each guide’s best time to visit. Temperatures are monthly averages for the capital or main city, so coasts and mountains will differ.

Top picks for May

Western EuropeFranceFrom Paris cafés to Provence villagesParis 14°C avgabout US$200/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctSouthern EuropeSpainTapas hours and late-night plazasMadrid 18°C avgabout US$160/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctNorth AmericaUSARoad trips that go on for daysWashington D.C. 18°C avgabout US$250/dayBest: May-SepSouthern EuropeItalyEvery town has a masterpieceRome 18°C avgabout US$200/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctMiddle EastTurkeyTwo continents, one long breakfastAnkara 15°C avgabout US$160/dayBest: Apr-OctWestern EuropeGermanyFrom Bavarian castles to Berlin nightsBerlin 15°C avgabout US$177/dayBest: May-SepNorthern EuropeUnited KingdomCastles, pubs and green hillsLondon 13°C avgabout US$235/dayBest: May-SepEast AsiaJapanQuiet shrines, glowing streetsTokyo 19°C avgabout US$133/dayBest: Mar – May / Oct – NovSouthern EuropeGreeceWhitewashed islands and ancient stonesAthens 19°C avgabout US$177/dayBest: May – OctSoutheast AsiaMalaysiaStreet food capital of the tropicsKuala Lumpur 28°C avgabout US$75/dayBest: Mar-OctWestern EuropeNetherlandsLife happens on a bicycleAmsterdam 14°C avgabout US$183/dayBest: Apr-SepEastern EuropePolandOld squares with stories to tellWarsaw 16°C avgabout US$107/dayBest: May-Sep

Everywhere in season in May

By region, with the average temperature in the capital or main city.

Europe 42

Asia 16

The Americas 7

Africa 13

The Middle East 7

The Pacific & Indian Ocean 25

The Caribbean 12

Plan by month

Seasons vary within large countries, and weather is never guaranteed. Check each guide’s “Best time to visit” section and current travel advice before you book.