Posted by 
Wondering where is hot in May? From sunny islands to culture-packed cities, so many places come into their prime in May.
Just like September, October, and April, May is a great month for a warm holiday – before things get too busy. As May sits outside most school holiday periods, tend to be cheaper too. Whether you’re looking for a beach break or a sunny weekend in Europe, here are 10 of my favourite hot places to visit in May.
Where is hot in May?
Filter below by price or temperature to find the best warm destination for you based on KAYAK data, or keep reading for more info on the best hot spots this month.
Where is hot in May in Europe
May is the perfect month to explore Europe, especially if you want sun without the crowds. Choose from relaxing beach getaways or embrace some local culture with a last-minute city break.
1. Rhodes, Greece
Average temperature in May: 21℃
If you’ve always wanted to wander among the legendary sites of Rhodes, May couldn’t be a better month to visit. This gorgeous Greek island offers lovely temperatures at this time of year, with averages sitting around 21℃.
These are the perfect conditions for sightseeing – and there are so many treasures to take in! Must-sees include the island’s Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Archaeological Site of Kamiros and the monumental Lindos Acropolis.
Plus, with some days soaring to as high as 24℃, there’s plenty of scope for a lazy beach day or two. My favourite picks are on the island’s east side, including the dreamy Anthony Quinn Bay.
Planning a visit in late spring will also be cheaper than the peak summer months, with hotel prices, according to KAYAK data, sitting at around £47 per night. Visit mid-week for even fewer crowds at the city’s major attractions.
2. Chania, Greece
Average temperature in May: 19℃
There’s no need to hold out til the summer for a Mediterranean beach break. Crete is another Greek Island that’s one of the best holiday destinations in May for European sunshine. Plus hotel prices and flights tend to be cheaper than peak season, expect average hotel costs of around £87 and flights around £349 return.
I’d recommend basing yourself in the northwest city of Chania. This will give you access to various attractions, from blissful beaches to a historic Venetian harbour and intriguing museums. Chania also has biking routes, trails and plenty of good restaurants to enjoy after your activities.
Staying for a week or more? Hire a car and explore further. My top picks are the picture-perfect beaches of Balos and Falassarna on the island’s west coast.
Where is hot in May: short-haul
If you’re willing to sit on a plane for just a little bit longer, you’ll be able to reach even more of the world’s hottest countries in May. Here’s a few top picks, from desert gems to culture-packed cities.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Average temperature in May: 25℃
If you’ve always wanted to glimpse the majestic Pyramids of Giza in real life, May might just be the month to do it. The weather is still very manageable for sightseeing in and around Cairo, with average temperatures sitting at around 25℃. Plus, there’s almost zero chance of rain ruining that perfect shot of the Great Sphinx.
A cruise along the River Nile is also a fantastic May activity, with options to even stay overnight in a traditional felucca boat. Cairo’s bazaars are also unmissable and the perfect places to barter for a few souvenirs.
If you looking for where’s hot in May and cheap, Egypt is a good option too, with average hotel prices of £53 per night.
4. Dubai, UAE
Average temperature in May: 30℃
If a desert adventure calls your name, put Dubai on your radar. It’s a popular spot for heat all year round. However, planning your trip in May is a sensible idea if you want to avoid the unbelievably hot summer temperatures and keep costs low.
May sits within Dubai’s low season for tourism, meaning you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with at major attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Kite Beach. Dubai hotels usually average out at around £76 a night (cheaper than many European destinations).
Daytime temperatures will start approaching the high 30s by the end of the month. Don’t let that put you off, though. There are many ways to cool off, from swimming at water parks and beaches to seeking refuge in one of Dubai’s air-conditioned mega malls. You could also plan an evening desert safari or even an overnight camping experience; temperatures typically plummet after sunset in the dunes.
Best long-haul holiday destinations in May for sun
You’ll still need to venture beyond Europe and the Middle East for really hot temperatures. Here are my favourite long-haul suggestions with temperatures in the high twenties.
5. Cancun, Mexico
Average temperature in May: 29℃
Cancun is a great option if you’re searching for a good old-fashioned beach getaway. The Mexican resort is a great place to visit for a little vitamin D in May (and plenty of cocktails in the sun).
At this time of year, temperatures sit comfortably in the high 20s, and humidity levels are still pretty low. While the occasional rain shower is possible, it rarely pours for over an hour. This gives you plenty of hours in the day for lazing around on one of the city’s white sand beaches. Cancun is also a jumping-off point for visits to various Mayan treasures, including Chichen Itza and Tulum.
Another thing worth noting about a late spring escape in Cancun is the price. According to KAYAK data, May is one of the cheapest times to visit outside of hurricane season (typically June to November), with average flight prices sitting at just over £700.
6. Orlando, USA
Average temperature in May: 25℃
Want to tick Disney World off your bucket list? Or maybe you’re more interested in Florida’s fantastic range of local wildlife? Either way, May is an ideal time of year for a trip to Orlando.
In May, the temperatures are usually in the mid-20s during the day, which is much more manageable than the summer months. There are many other benefits to visiting just outside of the high season, too. This includes spring-themed events like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival where you can admire incredible topiary and sample treats made from the local plant life.
While May is the start of the rainy season in the nearby Everglades National Park, the chance of showers is still fairly low, with average precipitation at just 84 millimetres. It’s also one of the quietest months to visit, meaning you’ll experience fewer boats cruising along the region’s waterways in search of crocodiles and leatherback turtles.
7. Denpasar, Indonesia
Average temperature in May: 27℃
Also known as the gateway to the honeymoon haven of Bali, Denpasar is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations in May for sun. Temperatures typically average out at around 27℃ during the day, with some days soaring to 30℃+. The month marks the very end of the dry season, so you shouldn’t experience too much rainfall (although a tropical shower is a spectacle in itself!),
While Denpasar is where you’ll fly into, there are countless locations to discover all across the island. Ubud is a staple for those seeking the serenity of Bali’s temples and rice paddy fields. You could also check out the surf on Uluwatu’s dramatic beaches or venture to the less-touristy north of the island for a quieter, more local experience.
8. Da Nang, Vietnam
Average temperature in May: 28℃
Not sure where’s hot in May in Vietnam? The answer is everywhere! By late spring, the entire country has heated up – giving you plenty of options for a balmier getaway.
The coastal city of Da Nang is a great place to enjoy beach time and brilliant day trips including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You can book a hotel near the city’s vast golden beach for under £50 a night. A bargain for those after some much-needed heat after the long British winter.
Da Nang is also the nearest city to Hoi An, a must-visit historic port known for its impeccably preserved Ancient Town and gorgeous silk lanterns. You could easily visit for a day trip, but I’d recommend booking a few nights in the town to soak up its beauty and surrounding scenery.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average temperature in May: 28℃
Iconic skyscrapers and sensational street food are all on offer in Malaysia’s capital. May is a brilliant time to visit as rainfall is relatively moderate (typically just the odd tropical shower) and temperatures are a little lower than the previous high season months – making Kuala Lumpur much more pleasant for sightseeing.
Speaking of which, there’s plenty to keep you busy! Tick of key sights like the Menara Kuala Lumpur and the Petronoas Twin Towers. At the latter, you can even walk across its sky bridge, which sits 558 feet above the ground. Foodies will also be in heaven, with street food meccas like Lot 10 Hutong and Petaling Street bursting with hawker stalls serving all manner of delicious dishes.
Kuala Lumpur is also home to plenty of green spaces if you want to enjoy that balmy May weather. Check out KLCC Park for its epic fountain displays or admire the flora and fauna at the Perdana Botanical Garden.
10. New Orleans, USA
Average temperature in May: 24℃
Visit the buzzing city of New Orleans in May to avoid the Mardi Gras crowds and inflated prices of April. The weather in the Louisiana capital has started to heat up a bit more, too, with average temperatures sitting at a lovely 24℃.
New Orleans is a joy to visit in late spring – and not just for its wonderfully warm weather that’s perfect for alfresco dining and listening to street jazz. There’s plenty going in in every corner of the city, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the very start of the month.
Your trip may also coincide with Cinco de Mayo which is celebrated by Spanish communities across New Orleans. The biggest event happens in Fat City Park where you can expect lively music performance, taco eating contests and a party atmosphere.
Where’s hot and cheap in May?
With accommodation sitting at around £47 a night and average temperatures at 21℃, Rhodes is a brilliant option for a cheap European sun break in May. For something even warmer, check out Orlando where average hotel prices are £125 per night and the daily temperatures are 25℃.
FAQs about where is hot in May
If you’re chasing sunshine in May, you’ll be best off venturing to Greece, Egypt, Spain or Dubai where the temperature are warm and there’s very little chance of rain.
More hot destinations to visit
Recommendation ranking of cities:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on the presented five factors: average flight prices, average hotel prices, average, high temperatures, average low temperatures, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, meaning the lower the better. All factors are equally weighted.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK and associated brands’ internal data from the search period ‘03/12/2024 to 03/03/2025’ for the travel period ‘03/05/2025 to 30/06/2025.’ Flight prices include Economy Class return trips for one traveller, and hotel prices represent the nightly rates for a standard double room for hotels with three stars or below. Price insights may vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Weather (monthly average, high and low temperatures, and average precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data are based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
The post Where is hot in May for a pre-summer getaway? appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
