Where to travel in May

As the year moves towards summer across the Northern Hemisphere, May opens a window where wildlife viewing sharpens, mountain skies clear and Mediterranean villages hum back to life. Dry season conditions are settling across parts of southern Africa and the Andes, making safari drives and high altitude exploration far more rewarding.

In southern Europe, spring warmth lingers without the intensity of peak summer, while in the Indian Ocean, calmer waters create inviting coastal conditions. If you’re wondering where to travel in May, this is a month that balances adventure with ease.

From Botswana’s emerging dry season to Peru’s crisper Andean mornings, alongside Italy and Greece in shoulder season and Mauritius at its most tranquil, you’ll find some of the best places to visit in May spanning wildlife, culture and coastline in equal measure.

Botswana in May: Clear skies and concentrated wildlife

May marks the start of Botswana’s dry season. As rainfall eases and grasses begin to thin, wildlife becomes easier to spot, particularly around permanent water sources in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

Cooler mornings and lower humidity make early wildlife drives more comfortable, while clear skies often create excellent conditions for photos. You can hope to see large elephant herds, hippos gathering in lagoons and predators moving more visibly across open terrain.

If you’re considering where to go on holiday in May for memorable safari experiences, Botswana is a wonderful choice.

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Peru in May: Andean trekking in clearer conditions

May signals the beginning of the dry season in Peru’s highlands. You can expect reduced rainfall and brighter skies around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, which improve visibility across mountain landscapes.

It’s an excellent time to explore Machu Picchu, walk sections of the Inca Trail or visit archaeological sites without peak season crowds. Mornings can be cool at altitude, but days are often comfortably warm for hiking.

If you’re weighing up where to visit in May for culture paired with outdoor adventure, Peru stands out for its balance of history and scenery.

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Italy in May: Spring colour and unhurried exploration

Italy settles into late spring in May. Cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice feel lively but not overwhelming, giving you space to explore galleries, piazzas and historic landmarks at a relaxed pace.

Countryside regions including Tuscany and Umbria are green and in bloom, making vineyard visits and scenic drives especially appealing. Along parts of the Amalfi Coast and Italian Lakes, conditions are warm enough for boat trips and waterfront dining.

If you’re looking for one of the best May destinations for art, cuisine and atmosphere before peak summer, Italy is hard to overlook.

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Greece in May: Islands before the high season

May is firmly within Greece’s shoulder season. Across the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese, you’ll find sunny days and moderate temperatures that suit both sightseeing and coastal walks.

Archaeological sites are more enjoyable without intense heat, and hiking trails reveal spring wildflowers across hillsides. While sea temperatures are still warming, boat trips and waterfront lunches feel especially inviting. Tavernas begin to fill as the season builds, yet the pace remains unhurried.

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in May for Mediterranean views without peak summer crowds, Greece is a natural contender.

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Mauritius in May: Calm lagoons and coastal ease

May falls within Mauritius’ cooler, drier period, bringing comfortable daytime temperatures and calmer lagoon conditions along the west and north coasts. You can snorkel over coral reefs in clearer water, take catamaran cruises or simply spend time on long stretches of sand without heavy humidity.

Inland trails in Black River Gorges National Park are easier to explore thanks to lower humidity and cooler daytime temperatures. Trade winds are typically lighter than in later months, which adds to the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

If you’re deciding where to travel in May for Indian Ocean scenery with space to unwind, Mauritius is a refined option.

Discover more about travelling to Mauritius.

For more inspiration on travelling in May, contact your Travel Counsellor.

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