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Once spring approaches, many people plan for their summer vacations and travels. Most will try to find the best places to visit at the best prices during the summer months, but we think that May is often overlooked as one of the best times to travel.
The weather is warming up, but it’s not too hot or humid, and you can enjoy the outdoors. The summer season hasn’t begun, so the crowds are thinner, and the airline and hotel prices are usually cheaper.
The 10 Best Places to Visit in May
If it’s a little on the rainy side, or you’re ready to get a start on summer or looking to beat the summer crowds, the heat, and the high traveling prices, get inspired by our list of the best places to visit in May. Let us be your guide!
1. The Grand Canyon
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL, SOUTH RIM VIEWPOINTS, GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES – MAY 27, 2015: A group of tourists are riding horses on the canyon/Roman Khomlyak/Shutterstock
The Grand Canyon is a spectacular place to visit. Located in northwestern Arizona, this national park is about 280 miles of mountain peaks and valleys and connects to the end of the Colorado River.
It is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Take pictures and enjoy the limestone rock created by erosion and rain, the multi-colored configurations, the wildlife, and the birds swooping low and flying high.
With millions of visitors a year, the Grand Canyon is considered one of the wonders of the world, and unless you love the snow and snow-capped mountains, one of the best times to visit is in May. The park is in the Arizona desert, where it can get hot during the summer.
Expectations
May is one of the best times to visit the Grand Canyon since it can get crowded with tourists during the summer, where you’ll end up waiting in long lines for bus tours in the heat.
If you prefer to drive to the park, there is a long road (about 20 miles) to get to the Grand Canyon, which is best to travel during May when the temperatures are not as hot.
2. Yellowstone National Park
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Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is the first national park in America. It’s famous for its wildlife and geological features, specifically the Old Faithful Geyser.
The park is filled with beautiful mountain peaks, pristine lakes and hot springs, spectacular forests, and just about everything an outdoor lover would enjoy. It’s more than 3,000 square miles of mountains, waterfalls, geysers, and canyons.
Enjoy looking at nature’s beauty, and look up toward the sky and notice the tall pine and juniper trees. You’ll encounter various wildlife, including buffalo, deer, and elk, but beware of the grizzly bears too.
Expectations
Be sure to visit the Hot Springs and the West Thumb Geyser Basin, walk the trails and catch a glimpse of wildlife at the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors annually.
Since the park is huge, you won’t fight crowds unless you visit Old Faithful, which most people do on their visit. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is in May.
It’s not too hot and not much chance of rain. The crowds are fewer, and the weather is nice, and you can find some good travel deals since it’s outside the busy summer season.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Yellowstone in 2023
3. Iceland
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Although you still may want to pack for cold weather, just in case, the best time to visit Iceland is in May when the summer season begins and the days are longer than the nights. You’ll also enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
Not only is the weather heating up, which is ideal for Iceland, but it’s also the cheapest time of year to travel to this remote country. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. You’ll enjoy hiking and discovering everything the country offers.
Another reason May is the best time to visit Iceland is the wildlife comes alive during the spring. The beautiful puffin bird flies back to Iceland in April, so they will be on display for you to see in May.
Expectations
The whales are also out and about while the sun is out, so whale-watching tours are frequent during May. Another delight you’ll find traveling to Iceland in May is a horseback ride through the beautiful landscape.
The only downside to traveling to Iceland in May is you’ll miss the Northern Lights, but you’ll enjoy everything else, plus the cheaper prices.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Iceland in 2023
4. The Azores
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Take a trip down to Portugal and visit the Azores in May. Surrounded by volcanic mountains, this is a place of wonder and mystery. Enjoy a mystical adventure on these nine islands located about 1,000 miles off the coast of the mainland.
The locals will be happy to tell you intriguing stories or rumors about the area and the volcanos that erupted hundreds of years ago.
In May, the cold climate gives way to the beauty of springtime. The trees are blossoming, the vegetation is sprouting, the lakes are warm, and the landscape is full of tropical spring colors.
Expectations
You can dive into the water and discover a spectacular display of ocean creatures. Since the weather is nice, you can take a trip to Furnas Valley on Sao Miguel island.
Here, you can dip into one of the thermal pools known for their natural cure for several ailments. Take in all of this wonder before the summer season and brings in a flood of tourists.
5. Turkey
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There is no better time to visit the land of Turkey than in May. The rainy season is over, and the weather is nice. The temperatures are warming up, and the sun begins to shine brightly.
Enjoy what the rain has produced, a magnificent display of nature in the area. Enjoy the ancient ruins located in Ephesus, Colossae, and Psidian Antioch.
If you plan to visit Cappadocia, bring a coat, it’s still pretty cool there, about 65 degrees. By the end of May, cities located inland start to heat up because of the humidity.
Expectations
There are fewer crowds in May compared to the summer. Many tours take place in Turkey during the summer months, so travel rates will increase by the end of May.
Read Next: Is Turkey Safe to Visit in 2023?
6. Israel
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Similar to Turkey, one of the best places to visit in May is the land of Israel. The land of the Bible is a small country that has much to offer. Like Turkey, the rainy season has ended, and spring is blossoming.
The spring colors across the landscape are breathtaking. Flowers and palm trees are blooming, and the lakes are pristine. Take a trip to the Dead Sea and float in the water.
The levels of salt in the sea are the highest of any body of water — extremely high, so even if you can’t swim, you won’t drown. Make sure you visit the springs of En Gedi and watch the wildlife frolic around the land.
Expectations
May is one of the best times to visit Israel because the weather is nice, in the 70s and maybe 80s. Once the summer rolls around, the weather is hot until about October. May is also the cheaper time to visit Israel since the country gets a lot of tourism in the summer and fall months.
7. Petra
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Petra is a wonder! It’s one of the best places to visit in May when the crowds are light and the weather is nice. Like most of the Middle East, the winter rains have ceased and brought a beautiful spring scenery.
The flowers are popping, and the landscape is rejuvenated.
It’s not too hot in May, but wait a couple months, and you’ll feel the heat. Visiting one of the wonders of the world at one of the best times of the year means there will be crowds of tourists from around the world.
Expectations
If you’re planning to visit Petra in May, be sure to book early not only to find the best deals but to avoid the crowds. While traveling to Petra, take a float in the Dead Sea, located in the southern portion of Israel.
8. Greece
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One of the best places to visit in May is Greece. Springtime in Greece is something to see. There is very little rain, the temperatures are warmer, and there are long hours of sunshine.
Temperatures at the beginning of the month are around 75 degrees, and by the end of the month, they creep up a couple of degrees, at the most 80 degrees, so the whole month is a great time to visit the country.
Although the days are nice and long, the nights can be on the chilly side, so dress appropriately. The Mediterranean Sea is also pleasant in May, with temps hovering around the low 70s.
You can take a nice swim in the sea without freezing. If you love the sunshine, you’ll love Greece in May. The sun is in full force, so rub the sunscreen all over your body.
Expectations
The tourism season in Greece is between June and September, so if you can visit in May, you’re missing the crowds in the streets, the crowds in the cities, and the crowds at the beach. You can also find some great prices on hotels, rentals, and airlines visiting in May.
Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Greece in 2023
9. The Galapagos
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What a treat the Galapagos Island is! Put this extraordinary island on your bucket list of places to visit anytime. But if you want to visit when the weather is pleasant, and the deep blue waters of the Pacific are flourishing with sea life, then May is the best time to visit.
The Galapagos is a worthwhile trip. The list of wildlife and sealife on land and in the water you will encounter is incredible — nothing compares. March is its warm season which means more rain, beautiful vegetation, outstanding sunsets, and warmer temperatures.
Expectations
January through June are the warmest and sunniest days, with rain showers here and there. May sees the rain slows down a bit, but the vegetation, sunsets, and warm temperatures remain. You don’t have to wait for a particular season to watch the wildlife, they’re out in full force year-round.
10. Jackson Hole
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Looking for an outdoor adventure? Visit Jackson Hole in Canada. Even though many people visit the ski resort, Mont-Tremblant offers a lot during the warmer months, especially in May.
If you visit in May, you’ll avoid the ski crowds and enjoy the other outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and go-carts.
Expectations
With the weather warming up, you can stroll through the village and shop at the many boutiques and shops, taste some of the delicious sweets from the various bakeries, and enjoy the outstanding art in the art galleries. Jackson hole has become known as the hidden gem located in the mountains.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Jackson Hole in 2023
Things to Consider
If you’re planning to travel in May, there are some things to consider:
- Compare airline, hotel, and car rentals
- Find out if drive-sharing options are available like Uber, Lyft
- Find out the cost of attractions and if there are discounts available
- Find out the hours of operation for attractions
- Find out if you can take pets
- Research parking and find out what that costs
- Teach children about the animals they may encounter
- See if there are children-friendly activities
- Bring sunscreen
- Bring snacks and water
- Bring a stroller and backpacks (especially if you have small children)
- Plan for breaks and rest times
- Enjoy yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in May:
What’s the best place to visit in May?
That would depend on several factors. Are you looking to avoid crowds? Are you looking to visit when the weather gets better? Are you looking to visit less-traveled places? It all depends on you.
What’s one thing I should not forget when traveling abroad?
There are two things. Don’t forget to let your bank know you’re traveling abroad. If you don’t, they may pause or decline charges made abroad.
Second, check to see if you can text or make calls without incurring additional charges. You’ll be shocked to find out how much international rates are.
Are some countries safer to travel to than others?
Every country or city has safety issues. Most places are safe to travel to. However, we would recommend staying away from places not friendly toward your country or involved in military conflicts.
How do you pack luggage?
The best way to pack is to roll your clothes tightly. Pack items in separate containers or bags. Make sure liquids are safe and under three ounces are the airlines will not let you take them on the plane.
What if I’m stranded at the airport?
Relax. It can happen. The airlines will usually give you vouchers or free upgrades on your next trip, which is a nice compliment for the inconvenience.
So, What Are the Best Places to Visit in May?
The best places to visit in May will depend upon you and what you’re looking for. However, we recommend the Middle East, Greece, Galapagos, and Ireland. The weather is nice.
You beat the crowded tourism season, the landscape is beautiful, and you can catch some great deals. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!