Where’s hot in May
Wondering where’s hot in May? Luckily, there’s a wide range of luxury holiday destinations around the world where you can enjoy warm weather and long sunny days. This month is a transitional weather period for many parts of the world, with regions moving between wet and dry seasons, which means it tends to be an excellent shoulder-season option, perfect for great deals and fewer tourists.
Thailand – for a far-flung hot holiday in May
Thailand is hot pretty much all year round, with May marking the transition from the hottest season to the wettest season. Expect temperatures of around 34°C, with occasional showers in the afternoons. It’s usually a bit cooler on the coast compared to the cities, making this a great time to relax at one of the country’s beachside resorts. Koh Samui, the country’s second-largest island, is home to rich rainforests, an iconic, 12-metre tall Buddha statue, vibrant marine life and plenty of excellent luxury resorts. One of our favourites is The Sarann Koh Samui, a boutique resort nestled between lush jungle and the sparkling Chaweng Noi beach. Cool off by the poolside bar, take in sea views from the nearby golf course, or make the thirty-minute trip into town for shopping, bars and restaurants.
Mauritius – for exploring and family getaways
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Mauritius, with pleasant temperatures of around 29°C. You might still see a few rainy days, and it’s a good idea to pack some light layers as the temperatures drop to the high teens in the evenings. Coming after some of the hottest months of the year, the water will still be quite warm, perfect for swimming and snorkelling the island’s incredible marine life. As a relatively mild time of year, Mauritius in May is perfect for travellers who want to get out and explore the island.
Visit Port Louis for local markets, or head to Black River Gorges National Park to hike through over 6,000 hectares of lush forest, roughly 25 minutes from Bel Ombre. Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort in Bel Ombre is one of the best resorts on the island for families, with a fun Coral Kids Club and indulgent treatments available at the Navasana Spa – perfect for some R&R after exploring the island’s wildlife.
The Maldives – for island hopping and all-inclusive resorts
The Maldives sees temperatures around 30°C year-round, with average highs of 31°C in May. As it’s the beginning of the region’s wet season, there is a chance for rainy days and possible storms. Because of this, however, you may also find better deals on flights and resorts, along with slightly fewer tourists. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, island hopping across the atolls or visiting nearby villages. Cocogiri Island Resort Maldives is one of the country’s best luxury resorts with picturesque over-water villas (https://bluebaytravel.co.uk/holidays/the-maldives/vaavu-atoll/water-villas-at-cocogiri-island-resort-maldives), all-inclusive dining and fun water activities.
Cyprus – for somewhere where it’s hot in May, but not too hot
Cyprus is one of the best May holiday destinations for travellers who want sunshine, but not too much heat. As the country moves into summer, temperatures average around 27°C, perfect for some pleasant sunshine while you relax on the beach. Visiting before the heat really ramps up in summer is perfect for travellers who want to get out and do some sightseeing. The island is filled with fascinating cultural sights like the Kykkos Monastery in Tsakistra, founded in the 11th century, and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque in Larnaca, built in the 18th and 19th centuries on the site of an ancient tomb. Paphos, home to the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, is one of the island’s best resort areas, situated on the southwest part of the island. For accommodation, we love the five-star Olympic Lagoon Resort, a family-friendly retreat with lagoon-style swimming pools and a separate adults-only area.
Barbados – for romance and rum
Averaging 31°C during May, Barbados makes for a great getaway before the rainy season gets into full swing. Book Sandals Royal Barbados for a romantic couples’ retreat, with swim-up suites and ocean views available. Head out on a glass-bottom boat ride or get up close with Barbados’ marine life by snorkelling along the coast. Head into nearby Saint Lawrence Gap, a lively neighbourhood with vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants and stunning beaches. Be sure to visit local bars like The Rum Shop, where you can enjoy tasty rum cocktails in the country that first started distilling it back in the early 18th century.
Dominican Republic – for diving and dining
With average temperatures of 31°C, the Dominican Republic is one of the best destinations for a hot holiday in May. From the ever-popular Punta Cana on its eastern tip to La Romana on the southern coast, this Caribbean country is packed with luxury resorts for every holidaymaker. Resorts in Punta Cana like Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa offer indulgent experiences close to the action of the city, with plenty of fun open-air markets, neon-lit nightlife, and fascinating museums to explore. With three different restaurants and seven different bars, you can easily make the most of your all-inclusive package. The southern coast is well-known for its pristine sands and clear waters, with fascinating diving sites like the Atlantic Princess shipwreck. One of our favourite resorts for diving is the Dreams Dominicus La Romana with a PADI-certified diving centre and plenty of other water activities available.
Plan your May getaway today
May is a great time for travel, with many of the best luxury holiday destinations in the world experiencing hot, sunny conditions with only occasional bouts of rain. If you need any extra advice on the best destination or resort for your dream May holiday, give one of our expert travel agents a call today.
FAQs
Which countries are best for a holiday in May?
After Easter and before the summer holiday rush, May is an ideal time to visit many popular holiday destinations with fewer crowds. Enjoy Caribbean getaways like the Dominican Republic and Barbados, and Indian Ocean retreats like the Maldives and Mauritius.
What country is best for a holiday in May?
If you’re looking for culture and sightseeing, consider Cyprus or Mauritius. For that picture-perfect over-water holiday, consider the Maldives. Caribbean destinations offer a great blend of beach days and local flavour, while Thailand is perfect for those looking to enjoy island-hopping holidays on far-flung shores.
Where is best to go in May for sun?
You can find long, sunny days all over the world during May. Barbados and the Dominican Republic see sunny days with temperatures averaging around 31°C, while Cyprus offers sun without the extra heat, averaging roughly 25°C. Thailand is one of the hottest and sunniest destinations, with average temperatures of about 34°C.
