20 Best Places to Travel in May

May is your last chance to enjoy shoulder season’s lower prices, pleasant weather, and smaller crowds before the arrival of summer travelers. This month could be the right time to head to a national park, a sunny beach in the Caribbean, or one of the many festivals celebrating food, wine, music, and flowers happening in the U.S. and around the world.

Here are the best places to travel in May. 

Memphis, Tennessee 

With temperatures reaching 80 degrees, cool nights, and even cooler music, Memphis is a great May getaway. Live music on Beale Street, The Blues Hall of Fame, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and Sun Studio are all popular options where you can dive deeper into the city’s famed music scene and history. The city also takes pride in its cuisine, and barbecue fans may want to schedule a visit around the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 14-12). Runners may want to time their trip with the Great American River Run (with a half marathon, 10k, and 5k run) on May 24. Ride the country’s tallest free-standing elevator in Big Cypress Lodge, inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, for views of downtown and the Mississippi River.

Where to Stay: The Memphian Hotel, located in the Overton Square Entertainment District, features a rooftop cocktail bar, or book a stay at the art-filled boutique Central Station Hotel.

Eastern Long Island, New York

May is prime shoulder season on eastern Long Island; the weather is warming up (don’t forget your sweater, though), wineries are welcoming visitors, and restaurants are not yet filled to capacity. It’s the ideal time to stroll on the beach, browse the farmers markets, take a bike ride, or visit Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest in New York. It may not be swimming weather yet, but the beaches are still lovely, and after a few hours of wine tastings on the North Fork, you can cook up your market finds or treat yourself to dinner at one of the outstanding restaurants. 

Where to Stay: In the heart of Montauk, stay at luxury boutique hotel, Marram. In East Hampton, there’s waterfront EHP Resort & Marina as well as Journey, featuring a heated saltwater pool. The Roundtree and The Reform Club are great options in Amagansett. For a wellness-focused stay, consider Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill.

Ozark Mountains, Missouri

The Ozark Mountains start in central Missouri and extend to northern Arkansas, with portions in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois. Missouri’s Springfield Plateau is home to caves, springs, sinkholes, and the city of Springfield, where the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and massive Bass Pro Outdoor World store are located. Spring weather in the pleasant 70s and 80s—with lower humidity than in summer—makes May a great time for boating and fishing in Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake or hiking among the flowering trees in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Golf fans have their choice of five courses at Big Cedar Lodge. I played the Payne’s Valley Course in November, a great experience with a 19th hole that leads uphill past rock formations and waterfalls to the clubhouse and stunning views. 

Where to Stay: Big Cedar Lodge offers a variety of accommodations from guest rooms to cabins, campgrounds, and lakeside cottages. Activities there include stargazing, golf, sunset bonfires, and wellness experiences. The Ozarker is located in nearby Branson.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston once again claimed the top spot as best city in the U.S.—for the 12th straight year—in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. May weather in the high 70s to low 80s makes it an excellent time to visit, and several events add to the fun. The annual performing arts festival, Spoleto, runs from May 23 to June 8. Before that, the North Charleston Arts Fest (April 30-May 4) highlights dance, music, theater, visual arts, and literature. Even if you don’t visit for a festival, Charleston offers lots to do, from history and museums to golf and beaches.

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Charleston hotels in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, and Wentworth Mansion topped the list for the second year.

Palm Springs, California

Desert temperatures rise into the mid 90s, placing May at the beginning of Palm Springs’ low season, when snowbirds fly home and prices begin to drop. It’s the perfect time to relax by a pool, indulge in spa treatments, or stay at one of the area’s best hotels, from retro-style boutiques to modern resorts. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, shop on Palm Canyon Drive, explore the area’s well-known mid-century design with Modernism Architecture Tours, or enjoy the art installations of Desert X, returning for its fifth anniversary from March 8 to May 11. There’s plenty to do, and warm desert evenings might be the best part of May visits. 

Where to Stay: There are several great resorts in the area, some just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs. Families will love the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, with a water park, multi-bedroom villas, and Chef Angela Sosa’s restaurants. The Thompson Palm Springs, in the heart of downtown, features two pools, mountain views, and mezze-style dining at Lola Rose. Stay at historic Casa Cody for a luxe, vintage Palm Springs atmosphere. La Quinta Resort & Club offers golf, spa, and a variety of accommodations.

Virginia

From Virginia Beach to the state’s historic capital in Richmond to charming Appalachian mountain towns, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Virginia. Weekend getaways in wine country or Shenandoah National Park are great ways to get to know the state’s natural beauty. Springtime happenings include Historic Garden Week (April 26-May 3) when visitors see public gardens in gorgeous bloom and the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival (April 25-May 4) with cider and wine tastings, art fairs, and entertainment. Wildflowers are in bloom too, making May an ideal time for a road trip along Virginia’s stunning Skyline Drive.

Where to Stay: Depending on your plans, you can consider Keswick near Charlottesville, Fort Lewis Lodge in Bath County, or Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Corpus Christi, Texas

This coastal city in south Texas is known for beautiful beaches, seafood, and its location as the gateway to Padre Island National Seashore, one of the world’s longest undeveloped barrier islands. May offers warm weather and fewer crowds before the arrival of summer’s visitors, and festivals make it a perfect time to visit. Buc Days (May 1-11) bring Rodeo Corpus Christi, concerts, carnival rides, parades, and more. Mural Fest in downtown Corpus Christi is set for May 31-June 7, with art events, entertainment, food trucks, and street art tours. The annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon on May 31 attracts international elite runners on a course that takes them along scenic Shoreline Drive before ending at McCaughan Park.

Where to Stay: Places to stay range from RV parks and campsites to hotels and beachfront vacation rentals.

Maui, Hawaii

May is considered Maui’s shoulder season, when pleasant weather, little rain, and calm seas coincide with the last weeks of humpback whale watching season. Summer vacationers haven’t arrived yet, so prices may be more attractive and restaurant reservations easier to secure. Concerns about the effects of Maui’s wildfires have kept visitors away, but tourists are welcome in most areas. Snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying Maui’s beaches can be combined with adventures like climbing Mt. Haleakalā for sunrise, driving the famed Road to Hana, hiking among waterfalls, or stargazing Maui’s dark skies. 

Where to Stay: Five Maui hotels were voted among T+L readers’ favorites in the 2024 World’s Best Awards: Hotel Wailea, Montage Kapalua Bay, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, and Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui. 

Catalina Island, California

An hour-long boat ride or a quick helicopter flight from the coast, Catalina Island is often called Southern California’s best-kept secret. It’s a weekend escape for locals or a perfect addition to a California vacation for visitors. Rugged landscapes, crystal-clear water, the seaside village of Avalon, and the art deco Catalina Casino offer plenty to do from hiking and swimming to exploring historic sites. William Wrigley Jr. (of Wrigley chewing gum fame) developed the island in the early 1900s, and the casino was built in 1929. Saturday visitors can tour El Rancho Escondido to see Wrigley’s Arabian horse ranch. Adventure travelers can visit the island on a Sea Doo excursion, zipping along the coast with pods of dolphins swimming along.

Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up nine of the best places to stay on Catalina Island, including plush Mt. Ada, Wrigley’s former residence.

Fort Myers, Florida

The greater Fort Myers area on the southwest coast of Florida is known for beaches, and the nearby islands of Sanibel and Captiva are famed for their abundant seashells. Golf at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon, sunset cruises, and touring the historic homes and gardens of the Edison and Ford winter estates are among the top things to do in the area (when you’re not enjoying the beach, of course). The weather in May is in the warm 80s, and the rainy season begins later in the month, but showers are usually brief. 

Where to Stay: In nearby Naples, Perry Hotel Naples and the Ritz-Carlton Naples are excellent options. In Bonita Springs, stay at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.

Rome, Italy

May is a lovely time to visit Rome thanks to mild weather, and in most years, fewer visitors than in summer months. 2025 is a Jubilee Year, also known as Holy Year; the religious event only happens every 25 years, and it’s predicted that Rome will welcome 32 million visitors. Booking tours, flights, and hotel rooms as soon as possible is a must if you plan to visit Rome this year. According to Lorenzo Vivalda, Sina Bernini Bristol’s general manager, “Rome is a city that thrives on its history, culture, and spirituality, and the Jubilee is a special time to experience this on a deeper level. The key to enjoying Rome during such an event is balancing the iconic landmarks with lesser-known treasures. Embrace the crowds, but also take time to explore the quieter, more intimate sides of the city.” Vivalda also points out “walking is often the best way to experience the city’s charm and avoid the crowds on public transport.”

Where to Stay:T+L readers voted for their five favorite Rome hotels in the 2023 World’s Best Awards; Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel was ranked in the top spot. Sina Bernini Bristol and Six Senses Rome are also great options, both with rooftop cocktail lounges for stunning views of the city. 

Balearic Islands, Spain

Located in the western Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Islands offer a mild climate year-round, and May is a wonderful time to enjoy warm weather ahead of summer’s crowds. From May 8 to 10, Mallorca will be the site of the Ironman 70.3 Alcudia-Mallorca, with a race route through charming villages on the island. The island of Ibiza is lively in summer, but the atmosphere is quieter in May, ideal for exploring markets, beaches, and small towns. Formentera is the smallest of the inhabited islands, and Menorca offers beaches, port cities, and walking trails. Whether your ideal vacation means nightlife, water sports, quaint towns, or a tranquil escape, you can find what you’re looking for in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Where to Stay: Ibiza Gran Hotel boasts Michelin-starred dining, and luxury Zafiro Palace Andratx in Mallorca offers golf and suites with private plunge pools. Jumeirah Mallorca is perched atop scenic cliffs on the island’s UNESCO-recognized Tramuntana Mountains.

Belize

Made up of a mainland area and 450 islands in the Caribbean Sea, Belize offers diverse landscapes including rainforests, mountains, beaches, and rivers. May’s warm, dry shoulder-season weather makes this an ideal time for diving in the famous Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is also home to tropical fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles, making for an exciting place to snorkel among the marine life. Belize is known for producing high-quality chocolate, and the annual Chocolate Festival (May 16-18) in the country’s southernmost district of Toledo celebrates their traditional cacao farms.

Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Belize for a worry-free tropical getaway, including Turneffe Island Resort, a private island resort.

Bermuda

Bermuda was voted one of T+L readers’ favorite islands in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. May begins high season when the air and ocean temperatures warm into the 70s, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island. It’s still less crowded with lower humidity than summer, so May is a sweet spot for an island getaway, and there’s a lot happening during the month. Bermuda Day, May 23, is celebrated with parades, music, a half-marathon, and all-day festivities. On May 3, the 38th Annual Convex End-to-End takes place, when visitors and residents walk the full 24.1-mile length of the island. Whether you head to the beach or to the closest bar for a rum cocktail, you’ll enjoy your visit to this beautiful island in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up the best resorts in Bermuda, including The St. Regis Bermuda, Rosewood Bermuda, and the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.  

St. Lucia

Dry weather in the 80s and shoulder-season prices make May a great time to visit St. Lucia. Music fans will want to time their visit with the annual St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (May 4-11) to enjoy some tunes along with the island vibes. Visitors can zipline across the forest canopy, swim in hot springs, lounge on gorgeous palm-lined beaches, and sample the delicious local cuisine. Adventure travelers can tackle the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing each of the beautiful Pitons with a guide, while others can admire the volcanic mountains from their beachfront or poolside lounge chair. 

Where to Stay: St. Lucia’s best all-inclusive resorts, including Jade Mountain and wellness-focused Body Holiday, make vacation planning easy.

Dublin, Ireland

Shoulder-season prices, dry weather with temperatures in the 50s, and longer days make May a great time to visit Dublin. Just pack some warm layers, and you’ll be comfortable strolling through St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park. Don’t miss the fun and friendly atmosphere of Dublin’s pubs, and learn to pour a proper pint at the Guinness Storehouse before you enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the Gravity Bar. May events include The International Dublin Gay Theater Festival (May 5-19), the International Literature Festival Dublin (May 16-25), and the Dublin Dance Festival (May 13-24). 

Where to Stay: I loved my stay last year at The Shelbourne during the hotel’s 200th anniversary. The Leinster, located on Merrion Square, has a Jean-Georges rooftop restaurant.

South Africa

It’s autumn in South Africa, and May offers one of the best opportunities to see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo as animals gather around water sources. It’s also the start of wildlife mating season, making animal sightings more frequent and dramatic. Wine lovers will enjoy South Africa’s Winelands, mainly located in the Western Cape. Whether you visit for a safari, a winery tour, or to explore Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park, you’ll find much to enjoy in South Africa. If you want to do it all, take a look at the itinerary prepared by T+L Travel Advisory Board Member, Mark Lakin. 

Where to Stay: Jumeirah Thanda Safari, located in South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal province, offers a range of luxury accommodations. Few & Far’s new safari eco-lodge, Few & Far Luvhondo, is located in Limpopo and features an aerial cable car experience.

Hvar, Croatia

Known for its history, nightlife, and beautiful beaches, Hvar offers mild spring weather during the May shoulder season before the peak summer crowds arrive. It’s the best time to stroll along historic cobblestone streets, hike, or bike along the island’s trails. Stargazers will be glad to know that the northern coast town of Jelsa has been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association. Tasting local Hvar wines is another favorite pastime, with many convenient tours available. Starting May 2, United Airlines resumes its seasonal flight service from Newark to Dubrovnik. From there, it’s a four-hour ferry ride to Hvar. 

Where to Stay: Five-star Palace Elizabeth was once the home of an Austrian empress; now it offers luxe rooms with gorgeous views. 

Bali

Like many other destinations on this list, May is also shoulder season in Bali; it’s the start of the dry season, so any rain showers are short and the weather is warm, with temperatures in the 80s. It’s a great time to enjoy Bali’s beaches for swimming, diving, surfing, and snorkeling, and the weather is mild enough for active outdoor adventures, like a sunrise trek on Mount Batur or a hike to Sekumpul Waterfall through the jungle. In Ubud, there’s shopping, beautiful terraced rice fields, spas, and restaurants. Visitors are fascinated by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where more than a thousand macaques live in their natural habitat. The monkeys are entertaining, but visitors are advised to hang onto their belongings to avoid tempting the mischievous creatures.

Where to Stay: The Regent Bali Canggu features all suites and villas, and Jumeirah Bali is another all-suite resort. Four Seasons Bali at Sayan and Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay are more luxury options. 

Todos Santos, Mexico

About an hour’s drive from the resorts of Los Cabos, this former fishing village is a more rustic destination for surfers and visitors who love its laid-back style, delicious cuisine, and charm. I first heard of Todos Santos from a couple who live in Cabo San Lucas. They described the town as their getaway when they need to wind down from their busy jobs and just chill on a quiet beach or stroll along the historic streets in town. Art galleries, boutiques, and markets offering handmade local crafts are there for browsing and shopping. This Baja California Sur town combines desert, mountains, and ocean, so there’s plenty to do whether you’re looking for an active vacation or a warm place to relax.

Where to Stay: Newly renovated Villa Santa Cruz offers a range of accommodation options set on 20 beachfront acres. Rancho Pescadero was honored for its eco-conscious design in T+L’s 2023 Global Vision Awards.