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Are you searching for the best places to visit in May? May is often the “Goldilocks Zone” of travel destinations. It typically has mild temperatures, more affordable rates, and smaller crowds.
A May vacation is also the perfect time to hike through national parks, check out blooming flowers and thriving greenery, or take part in fun festivals.
Whether you’re hoping to spend time out in nature or explore a big city, here are 15 of the best places to vacation in May.
Places to Visit in May in the US
Here are some of the best places to vacation in May in the United States
The United States has its fair share of fantastic places to vacation in May – from beachside towns to mountain-filled national parks.
While there are of course amazing places like Florida and Savannah that you’ll visit without a doubt, here are some other gems we think you should add to your list.
1. Grand Rapids + Holland, Michigan
Since many of O. Christine’s recommended things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan revolve around the outdoors, the temperature needs to be relatively warm.
But you still want to avoid the crowds as you visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, paddle down the Grand River, and pop by the annual Tulip Time Festival in the neighboring town of Holland. Simply put, May is the perfect time to visit!
2. Nashville, Tennessee
May in Nashville is a prime example of the “Goldilocks Zone” concept. The temperature is ideal, the prices are more affordable, and the crowds aren’t quite as large.
It’s a great time to see all of Nashville’s most popular attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
3. Yellowstone National Park
May also happens to be the best time to explore Yellowstone National Park. It’s right when the weather starts to warm up but before the crowds arrive, and when the entire park finally becomes fully accessible.
Be sure to check out Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs while there, and get those binoculars ready for wildlife spotting!
4. Cape Cod + Nantucket, Massachusetts
Cape Cod and Nantucket are two beautiful islands in Massachusetts that are fantastic places to vacation in May.
Though it is still slightly chilly during that time of year, both have quiet, beachy vibes that are great for a weekend getaway. Visit Cape Cod National Seashore, suntan at Madaket Beach, and grab a beer from Cisco Brewers.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular national parks in California. By the time summer rolls around, it’s just too hot to do all of the best activities in the park, like hiking through the Cholla Cactus Garden and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. So May is really your last chance to visit in comfort!
6. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
April in Chesapeake Bay is too chilly and June is too busy, but May is a lovely little sweet spot. Plus, it also happens to be a great weekend trip from Philadelphia. You can sail, kayak, swim, or suntan to your heart’s content at this beachside town.
7. The Mighty 5 National Parks, Utah
May is the ideal time to road trip Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks. With fantastic weather and manageable crowds, you’ll be able to see all of the best sites.
Check out the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Inspiration Point at Bryce Canyon National Park, and Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park. We have a full guide to the big five parks here (free map and itinerary included).
Best Countries to visit in May
Here are top places to visit around the world in the month of May
If you’d like to travel a little further from home and explore another country, there are loads of incredible international destinations for a May getaway as well.
8. Machu Picchu, Peru
May in Machu Picchu is right on the cusp of the dry season. This means that you’ll get to avoid most of the rain and get ahead of most of the chilly weather during your hike to this Incan world wonder.
While there, make some time to soak in hot springs, explore Cusco, get great photo opps with alpacas, and challenge yourself with a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu.
9. Japan
Late May in Japan is very underrated. Nestled between the blooming cherry blossoms of March and April and the crowds of summer, late May in Japan has minimal visitors and thriving greenery. While there, you can hike Mount Fuji, check out the Ashikaga Flower Park, and watch the May Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
10. Florence, Italy
It’s always a perfect time to visit Florence in our book, but by visiting Florence Italy in May, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat!
You’ll easily be able to walk to and from all of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Plus — Tuscan wine tasting! Check out our Florence tips here.
11. Munich, Germany
Fruhlingsfest, also known as the Spring Festival, is a wonderful German event that takes place every year in April and May. It’s essentially a lesser-known version of Oktoberfest that’s geared more towards Munich locals.
Want to get a more authentic taste of a German festival? This is an awesome place to experience it!
12. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to cenotes, which means you’ll likely spend a lot of time in the water. For that, you’ll want warm weather while still avoiding hurricane season, which means May is the best month to visit.
While there, head to Akumal for snorkeling with sea turtles, Playa del Carmen for great dining (at a cheaper price than Tulum, TBH), and visit Tulum’s many beautiful art installations.
13. Cairo, Giza + Alexandria, Egypt
Egypt is undoubtedly one of the best places to vacation in May. You’ll manage to avoid the cold temperatures of winter and the blazing temperatures of summer in most areas.
You’ll have an amazing time visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel, and the famous Valley of the Kings.
Note, May has some sandstorms and can get hot in the south, so we recommend sticking to the north and the coast like Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria.
14. The Scottish Highlands
If you’re hoping to do a Scottish bucket list road trip, May is a fantastic time to do so.
As you make your way through Edinburgh, north to the Scottish Highlands, and looping over to Glasgow, you’ll be able to enjoy the slightly warm(er) weather and the minimal crowds compared to summer.
Visit the many castles along the lochs, explore the Isle of Skye, and grab a pint in a local pub! Just be sure to plan accordingly with ferry schedules up in the highlands. And pack for rain, just in case!
15. A Safari in Botswana
May is widely regarded as one of the best times to visit Botswana. Not only is it the start of the dry season, it also happens to be the best time for a safari! The plants are at their greenest, the malaria rates are at their lowest, and the animals are at their most active. It’s also one of our recommended bucket list vacations for couples.)
Where Do You Think Are the Best Places to Visit in May?
Of course, these travel recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg. Athens, Greece; Tucson, Arizona; Louisville, Kentucky; and the Netherlands are all wonderful places to vacation in May.
There are so many fantastic spots for you to explore – now the question is, which one will you choose first? Be sure to review my tips on finding good flight deals and planning your trip with ease.
Enjoy!
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